The Best Running Socks Will Keep Your Feet Comfy and Blister-free

Ask a runner about their favorite socks, and chances are you’ll hear about Balega. The brand is a perennial contender in best socks lists, and runners on Reddit rave about the company’s running socks. The Hidden Comfort model offers a well-cushioned feel, and it’s made with Drynamix recycled polyester fabric for excellent ventilation and moisture wicking. A touch of elastane in the fabric gives these socks a snug fit, and the seamless design prevents uncomfortable rubbing and irritation while running. If you want to upgrade to a premium pair of running socks, you can’t go wrong with these.

Not everybody likes a thick, cushioned sock. For those who prefer a more minimalist foot covering, Balega offers its Hidden Dry model. It’s made with the same Drynamix material as the Hidden Comfort, so you get excellent breathability, but the fabric blend is thinner and less bulky. It’s designed to hug the arch and ankle for a supportive, secure fit, and the seamless toe ensures a chafe-free running experience for your feet.

Want to fill your sock drawer with just one purchase? Grab a set of these quarter-length socks from esteemed running brand Saucony. Sold in packs of six or twelve pairs, they’re an excellent value, and they provide all the performance features you need. The polyester-spandex fabric wicks moisture to keep your feet cool and comfy, and they’re designed with compression zones around the arch for added support and a close fit. They’re also available in a shorter no show version, too.

Darn Tough is another highly recommended brand on Reddit, and I wear its made-in-Vermont socks almost daily. The company has a deep lineup for runners, but the Element Micro Crew is a standout. It’s made from merino wool blended with nylon and spandex, so you get all of the performance benefits of merino—excellent temperature regulation and moisture wicking—with plenty of durability and a foot-hugging fit. I really like the length of these socks: They’re tall enough to offer protection from brush and scrapes on the trail, but not so tall they look dorky when worn with sneakers. Better yet, Darn Tough guarantees all of its socks for life, so if yours wear out, the company will replace them for free. 

A good fit is essential for compression socks to work properly, and with the Pro Compression Marathon, it’s easy to get a sock that matches your legs: In addition to normal sizes, there are dedicated options for people with wide calves (consult the brand’s size guide to see which version is best for you). Like any good compression sock, the Marathon offers graduated compression, where the sock wraps tighter at the ankles and looser higher up your legs to promote proper blood flow. The polyester-nylon-spandex blend offers good breathability, and there are a wide range of muted and lively colorways to choose from.

Yes, they might look bizarre, but these Injinji toe socks serve an important purpose for runners: The individual toe pockets help prevent irritation and blisters caused by your toes rubbing together while running. The unique design also allows your toes to move independently and splay out within your shoes, which can help you feel more stable on your feet. This model features a lean, seamless design, and the Coolmax polyester-nylon-elastane fabric offers superb breathability, too.

Tracksmith’s merino tube socks combine throwback vibes with serious performance. Although they look like something your grandpa might’ve worn during his prep school track days, they’re made from a modern blend of merino wool, polyester, and elastane, so you can expect excellent temperature regulation and a soft, comfortable feel against your feet. Plus, their ribbed texture and double stripe colorways give them an heirloom appearance—a major upgrade from the typical black and gray fare you usually get with athletic socks.

Wrightsock, a family-run company based in North Carolina, has been producing double-layer socks since 1990, and the Coolmesh II is its bestselling model. The double-layer construction, essentially a sock within a sock, prevents blisters and irritation on your feet: The two layers slide against each other as you run, absorbing shearing forces that would otherwise be transferred to your skin. The polyester-nylon-elastane fabric breathes well, and despite the beefed-up construction, these socks are notably light.

The Aspire Zero Tab sock features a unique fabric blend of olefin, nylon, and elastane. Olefin is the key ingredient: This synthetic fiber repels moisture, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. These properties give the Aspire superior breathability, and combined with its minimal cushioning, the sock serves up a lightweight, breezy feel on the foot. The Aspire is also designed with firm compression, so it creates a supportive wrap around your foot that can help reduce fatigue while running.