Best running socks for comfort and performance in 2025

We put so much time, effort and money into purchasing the best running shoes, yet often seem to ignore the value of picking the best running socks for our feet.

Running socks can have a huge impact on the comfort and support that our feet are subjected to. So with that in mind, we’ve pulled together a list of the best running socks on the market right now.

Underneath all of these reviews, you’ll also find our guide to how we tested and also our advice on what to look for when buying running socks.

Best socks for running in 2025

1. Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Ankle

That sounds like a lot for a pair of socks, and it is, but these are some of the most comfortable run socks I’ve ever run in.

The material is a mix of merino wool, nylon, recycled nylon and elastane, but it feels luxuriously soft against the skin.

The toe seams are also virtually unnoticeable, while the dedicated cushioning on the ball and heel of the foot helps provide a comfortable ride without adding much bulk.

The fit is decent and supportive, too, and I experienced zero bunching during our test runs.

Moisture management is also pretty good, but not quite on par with some thinner socks on test.

Given their slightly thicker nature, they may also get a bit warm at the height of summer. Other lengths are also available. RS

2. Sealskinz Holverstone

Price	$57.50 / £35
Materials	Nylon outer, bamboo inner
Sizing	S, M, L, XL (unisex)
Waterproof	Yes

These waterproof Sealskinz Holverstone run socks are an absolute lifesaver when running on flooded winter trails. 

A waterproof inner membrane combines with a nylon outer and soft bamboo inner to create a comfortable, water-tight and effective seal. 

They may be overkill in summer, but time will tell.

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3. Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultra-Lightweight Run Sock

Vermont-based sock brand Darn Tough make a bold promise about their socks – if they’re not the longest-lasting you’ve owned, you can return them for another pair.

Which is a good job, because these merino run socks have been on a constant wash-and-wear cycle in my house since they arrived a couple of months ago.

Yes, they’re that comfortable I’ve found myself reaching for them on non-running days too thanks to the soft, breathable fabric and perfect fit which is designed not to slip or bunch.

Added marks for the funky retro design, though this style come in other colours too.

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4. Stance Run Crew Sock

Quick specs
Price	£16.99 (UK and EU only)
Materials	73% nylon, 18% polyester, 5% cotton
Sizing	S, M, L (men’s and women’s)
Waterproof	No

The Stance Run Crew Socks have been reliable throughout a damp winter and spring test period.

They stay in place well, utilise lightweight cushioning to enhance comfort and are supportive, too.

I liked the subtle style and they dealt with sweat rather well, though they’re not exactly thin or lightweight, so may be a bit warm in the height of summer.

If you get caught in a heavy downpour, like I did, they do soak up quite a bit of water, too, which isn’t the case with thinner options. RS

5. On Running Logo Socks

Price	$25 / £22
Materials	59% cotton, 37% recycled nylon, 4% elastane
Sizing	XS-L (unisex)

Available in 10 colour-fade options (shown here in doe/moss) these longer On Running Logo Socks tick the hipster box and are the perfect choice if you’re the kind of person who worries about your socks matching your kit.

But did they perform? Well, they certainly feel good quality with a nicely-padded area around the toes and under the heels, which made them super comfortable.

The seams are well knitted in, too, which meant there was no annoying rubbing on longer runs.

The middle of the sock is lighter, which kept them less sweaty, though they are sold for cold weather and were warmer than others here.

They’re expensive, but the fabric is mostly organic cotton and recycled polyamide, with a touch of elastane, so good from an eco point of view. HW

6. Inov-8 TrailFly Sock Mid (2-pack)

Price	$24 / £24
Materials	68% recycled polyamide /29% polyamide /3% Lycra
Sizing	S, M, L

Coming in a twin-pack (the other pair in purple) these are already good value for this test, coming in at $12 / £12 a pair. Plus, whoever only needs only one pair of running socks?!

I liked the mid cut, too, which sat just above the top of my trainers and prevented the socks slipping under the shoe’s collar, but didn’t come up too high, so kept things cool.

Padding under the toes and heel was good, while the mesh construction on the socks’ larger panels felt cool and comfortable and very breathable over longer runs.

With slightly plusher construction in key contact areas (the darker areas on the soles) I also felt these socks would have good longevity.

Fabrics are polyamide with 3% Lycra for stretch, 68% of which is made up of recycled materials. HW

7. Asics Cushion Quarter Sock (2-pack)

Price	$24 / £15 (twin pack)
Materials	98% polyamide, 2% elastane
Sizing	S-XL

These twin-pack socks work out at as an absolute bargain.

Okay, so they might look a little basic, and white wouldn’t be my first choice for socks as someone who does a lot of muddy trail running, but that’s a minor quibble – and they’re also available in black!

You get a little padding on the toes and heel here, but they’re not in the same league as the Ons or Inov-8s.

The thin, breathable mesh on the midfoot and upper is comfortable and cool, though, and these would be a good choice if you’re a runner who doesn’t like thick running socks or who has slightly snug shoes.

Fabrics are a mix of cotton and polyamide/elastane with no mention of recycled fabrics being used in the mix. HW

8. Darn Tough Grit Micro Crew Ultra-Light

Price	$25 / £25 (each)
Materials	49% Merino Wool / 47% Nylon / 4% Lycra Spandex
Sizing	M-XL (men’s), S-L (women’s)

One of the first things you notice after pulling these socks on is just how much support is on offer.

There are multiple ‘zones’ and a particularly close fit, which is great for reducing the risk of blisters.

They’re also breathable and deal with moisture well, but aren’t quite as comfortable as, say, the Smartwool socks on test.

That’s not to say that they’re uncomfortable, but they just don’t feel as plush against the skin or as nice around the toes.

There isn’t any dedicated cushioning, either, which may or may not be a negative depending on your preferences.

Durability has proved good so far and, judging by my past experiences (and the lifetime guarantee), I see no reason why this wouldn’t continue. Ankle and quarter-length are also available. RS

9. Adidas Terrex Heat.Rdy Trail Running Agravic Crew

Price	$34 / £24
Materials	74% polyester, 21% polyamide, 5% elastane
Sizing	XS-XL unsiex

These trail-running socks from Adidas Terrex look and feel great when on.

The material, which is made out of recycled polyester, recycled nylon and elastane, is comfortable and wicks moisture well, while sections of lightweight mesh help with the ventilation.

However, due to that lack of weight, we did wonder how durable the mesh would prove in the long run.

Support is also decent thanks to dedicated arch support, but the socks’ overall fit isn’t quite as tight as I would like, with a bit of movement in the fabric on the heel.

Adidas Terrex says there’s also padding in all the right places and, while it felt fairly limited, I appreciated it all the same. Also available in white/orange colourway. RS

10. Runderwear Anti-Blister Socks

Price	£16 (US pricing N/A)
Materials	47% recycled polyamide
Sizing	S-XL unisex

This offering from Runderwear is designed specifically with the task of reducing the risk of blisters and, in my experience, it does that with aplomb.

This is due to the two-layer construction, which reduces friction forces on your foot.

It works well, though pulling these socks on did require a little more care and attention to ensure no bunching of the inner layer, which could add unwanted seconds to your transition time.

Once on and correctly in place, the socks were really comfortable. There’s a decent amount of cushioning and the result is a plush running experience.

Due to the double layered nature of these socks, they do run a little warm and moisture wicking isn’t quite as efficient as other socks in this test.

However, I didn’t find that an issue on my shorter training runs. RS

11. Under Armour Dry Run Crew Socks

Price	$30 / £23 3-pack
Materials	94% Polyester/ 5% Elastane / 1% Nylon
Sizing	S-XL unisex

These running socks from Under Armour are unlike many on test here in that they have a high ankle cuff.

This is great if you’re running on trails, as it offers protection against nettles and brambles, as well as dirt finding its way into your sock.

That being said, the white colourway we have on test here doesn’t stay clean for long (luckily, there’s also a blue and black).

Under Armour says these are their fastest drying socks and, while I can’t verify that, I can say that they managed moisture very well.

They’re also well ventilated thanks to mesh panels on the top and bottom of the foot, though the higher ankle is slightly warmer than no-show socks.

I found them to be comfortable, with a secure fit ensuring no bunching of the fabric.

There’s slightly less cushioning than the likes of the Darn Tough and Runderwear socks on test, but I didn’t find this detrimental to comfort. Meanwhile, there’s arch support to help with foot fatigue. RS

12. Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks

Price	$24 / £23 each
Materials	55% Merino Wool, 13% Nylon, 29% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane
Sizing	S-XXL unisex

The Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks (and breathe!) are super comfortable, look good and offer additional warmth compared to standard run socks, which is ideal for the winter months.

The mix of Merino wool and nylon deliver strong thermal properties even when wet, and they’ve proved durable and supportive so far, too, but they’re not cheap!

They’re available in blue and black. RS

13. Enertor Energy Socks

Price	$16 / £13.99 each
Materials	100% polyester
Sizing	S-XL unisex

These ankle-high running socks from Enertor are super lightweight and deliver a close, secure fit.

Despite their thin nature and minimal cushioning they proved comfortable and I had no issues with blisters or rubbing. They ventilate and breathe well, too, but I’m wary over their long-term durability.

Enertor says they also use an advanced Nilit Innergy energy return fibre to increase performance and endurance, though I’ve not personally seen any major breakthroughs in this regard. RS

14. DexShell Running Lite Waterproof Socks

Price	$50 / £36.99 each
Materials	80% Polyamide, 12% Polyester, 5% Elastane, 3% Cotton
Sizing	S-L unisex

Waterproof running socks can be a good option in harsh winter conditions, keeping your feet warm and dry, and DexShell are one of the industry leaders in this regard. On test here is the brand’s Running Lite Waterproof Socks.

As with all waterproof socks I’ve tried, comfort levels aren’t quite as high as standard socks, but these were certainly not uncomfortable, and I had no issues with wearing them.

There was ample cushioning and good arch support, but the fit isn’t quite as close as standard socks.

Weather protection is good, as expected, but unless it’s particularly cold, you should expect to end up with sweaty feet, which is what happened on our test runs. Based on this, I’d recommend saving these for properly miserable weather days.

There were no issues with durability and I liked the added visibility on offer thanks to the colourful band at the top of the ankle cuff. RS

15. Smartwool Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks

Price	$21 / £17.99 each
Materials	56% Wool, 41% Polyamid Oder Nylon, 3% Elastane
Sizing	S-L women’s, M-XL men’s

Made of a mix of Merino wool, nylon and elastane, these socks are designed to offer excellent durability and performance. In testing, I saw nothing that suggested otherwise.

Thanks to the targeted cushioning on the ball and heel of the foot, mesh ventilation zones and a ‘Virtually Seamless’ toe, these socks were extremely comfortable.

With Merino wool making up part of the construction, they remained odour-free and stayed warm when wet.

There was a great deal of support on offer, while the close fit meant there was no issue with dirt or debris sneaking into the sock.

Thankfully, they’re also quick to slide on, making them a reasonable option for race day. RS

16. 2XU Vectr Light Cushion No Show Socks

Price	$19.99 / £15 each
Materials	88% Nylon, 12% Lycra
Sizing	S-XL unisex

The Vectr socks utilise 2XU’s X-Lock technology in order to help protect against injury and offer ankle and arch stability.

While I can’t comment on the injury protection claim, I will say they felt supportive and offered good stability.

A wide toe box allowed for toe splay, though the socks do fit quite tightly, which admittedly helps keep them in place.

I had zero issues with blisters, while a Polygiene treatment and multiple ventilation zones helped keep the socks fresh.

They’re not the most cushioned, but unless you’re running in harsh running shoes, I found there was plenty to help stave off foot fatigue. RS

How we tested

The running socks featured here have been tested by 220 Triathlon‘s editor, Helen Webster, and the magazine’s former content editor, Rob Slade.

Both have over 10 years of gear testing experience and have been running for even longer.

All of these socks have been tested over multiple runs, including varying distances and intensities.

We’ve also endeavoured to run in them in different weather conditions.

Our testing criteria included comfort, fit, moisture wicking, speed of pulling them on and breathability, but you can find out more on what we look for in running socks by scrolling to the next section of this article.

Anything that scores over 90% is among the best running socks on the market. Meanwhile, 80-90% represents a fantastic product, while 70-80% is still an option that will do the job well.

If an item scores below 70%, it means there are some quite significant flaws with the product.

Features to look out for in running socks

Length

As with most products, a lot comes down to personal preference. For example, running socks that venture above the ankle can be beneficial if your runs incorporate trails with long grass, brambles/nettles or loose terrain underfoot, helping fend off any debris getting into your socks and protecting your skin.

Fit

The best running socks need to fit well too, which means no movement between the material and your skin, as this can lead to blisters.

Heel tab

Many no-show or ankle socks also have a cushioned heel tab that helps keep them in place, eliminating the risk of them sliding down into your shoe.

Ventilation

Ventilation is also key, particularly in summer. You want your socks to breath, wick moisture away and dump heat well to keep your feet as dry and comfortable as possible.

Comfort

And then we come to comfort. Depending on the terrain and the running shoes you wear, you may want varying levels of cushioning. Key locations for cushioning include the heel and ball of your foot, as this is where most of the impact is.

What socks are best for running?

The best socks for running are those that keep your feet dry, blister-free, and comfortable, mile after mile. That means opting for technical running socks made from synthetic blends like nylon, polyester, spandex, or a natural merino knit, to hit the right balance between lightweight, cushioned, and breathable.

Look for features like arch compression for support and targeted cushioning at high impact points like at the heel and forefoot. Style and length are largely personal choice, with ankle socks for a more minimal coverage, to crew and quarter-length options for more protection against off-road debris.

Is it better to run in cotton or polyester socks?

While you may be a fan of your soft, cotton socks for everyday use, it is not recommended to wear 100% cotton material for running. This is because cotton is highly absorbent, leading to soggy, sweaty socks that bunch and rub while running. Instead, opt for more performance-ready and breathable blends, like a mix of polyester, nylon, or even merino.

Is it better to run in long or short socks?

Sock choice, especially length, really depends on the terrain and climate of where you’re running, as well as personal preference.

Short socks around ankle length are great for road running or hot weather, giving you that minimalist feel and maximum ventilation.

But if you’re trail running, dealing with dense undergrowth or ticks, or want a bit more compression, crew or even quarter-length socks offer more protection.