How to pick the very best Socks for Running

Saucony Socks are the way to go for me. They have the best fit and support and feel snug. They also have a slight cushion on the bottom the makes it easier on the bottom of the foot.

Try Injinji No-show running toe socks. i’ve been running in them for almost a year, love em.

QD: Gold toe powersox. BUT, I’m getting tired of no shows. Grit around my ankles…

I used to swear by Pro Compression. I still like them but I really like my Injinji and Stance socks so I am thinking about getting some calf sleeves so I can get compression with the socks of my choice.

You get blisters from your toe nails rubbing against your other toes��

Darn tough Smart wool nothing beats merino wool in my opinion!  Year round for any activity and every day wear.  For synthetic socks I like Wright sock for running or cycling.

INJINJI TOE SOCKS. They are a hassle to fold, and slow to put on. but they are cheap and high quality with a great cut.
love feeling my toes splay out in my altra wide toe box. they are made for toe shoes but i wear them in normal shoes. Never had real regular running socks

I think the MD on those compression socks is for medium, not medical:D

I generally use Nike Elite cuschioned no-show/ Nike elite lightweight no-show especially in summer, sometimes nike elite quarter

Great Video Content Jeff. It makes sense for me to invest in running socks that leave my feet dry and comfortable after walk/run and prevent blisters that have prevented me from enjoying brisk walk/runs in past. I just invested in some new minimalist sneakers for first time so needed socks and your video popped up! Thanks keep Up the Good Work!! Miss Identity

Haven’t tried very many different brands but so far Feetures are my favorite.

I’m still trying to find a sock for this summer. I wore hilly twin skin in the cold months and for my marathon but with a marathon coming up in August I need something thinner I feel, yet still supportive. I’m trialing hilly mono skin and stance currently. I’ll check out Sockmine also

QD: Injinji toe socks are my favorite! On the longer runs my toe nails on the smaller toes would begin to rub against each other & bleed. And those socks have helped prevent that ����

Really, really helpful. I just got my first pair of running shoes and it became obvious to me that socks would be a very important part of the system. I don’t even want to hit the pavement without the right socks. Now I don’t have to waste money (and skin) on trial and error. Thanks for listing the brands in the description!

Only run between 55-65miles/week, but I just wear any random pair socks from a pack of 5 for £5 and have never had issues

Why have the best running shooes in the univer when you are running with bastard socks!!!

I love Lurbel socks for running and trail running. Bmax technology is awesome. Lurbel is a spanish brand

Ive switched to running with 98% Bamboo socks, so comfortable and no issies afterwards, seem to help regulate temps better also in very cold weather.

Aaah.. socks. Where to begin.. many socks will be awesome for the first few washes. But good socks are ones that feel great after loads of washes. Many get stiff and horrid. And… I am now completely against the anatomic ones with L and R.. when they were first introduced years ago, I thought.. cool. But now it is hassle. And I don’t think it is necessary. So I am another smartwool fan. Great after multiple washes and no L R specific (no more rummaging around in laundry trying to find the right match!). As for cushioning? I use smartwool light cushioning for easy or long days for extra comfort and ultra light for fast paced days

Imo socks are important as are shoes. Team work is key, you wear lousy socks you won’t get that ‘feel’ to run/perform, unless for some who runs bare footed. I’m a novice marathon runner and play a lot of diiferent sports too, soccer, rugby, golf…I’ve used plenty of socks for my runs, my favourite at the moment are ‘feetures’ socks, they are seemless and really comfortable, have worn them for three ‘Full Maries’. Yes it’s partly psychological too. SJD fan from Thailand.

Cat socks �� is the only socks i have used in everything, and they feel good haahahah maybe i need to discover a little!!

Seth, I have to disagree with you on this one. You’re essentially calling socks a placebo because you ran in cotton socks in the past. I did too until I found the likes of Balegas, Rockays, Salomon, and others. Socks make a huge difference depending on the type of weather, distance, surface, and pre-existing health conditions. I think you should do an update to this video and better explain the proper features of running socks and their benefits.

Socks my favourite brands are two Australian company’s called Steigen and LeBent. Steigen make super light weight socks but they’re incredibly durable and comfortable.
I also love their blister free gaurantee, if you get blisters they will refund you.
And LeBent, I just found this company but they are basically better Stance socks, I only have one pair because they’re expensive but they’re amazing �� I think I’ll be getting these from now on.

Good luck Seth

Feetures are my favourite socks I used to wear stance but I like feetures fit the compression around the arch light padding and the front and rear tab. They are red hot.

I’ve tried Runderwear and a few other lesser known brands. However I’ve found myself most comfortable with Hilly Twin Skin. I do have some stance socks I haven’t tried yet. That said, I’m sure there are plenty more I could get my feet into!

Fav sock brand is balega so far. I like saucony too but not huge on all the synthetic compression stuff yet. I do like smartwool as well.

Heh I like the smartwool in the winter too. And I just bought the NSO LONG RUN too some weeks ago and I really like it for longer runs!

I’m a new runner but been hiking for years, and socks are kind of a big deal among hikers. Y’all runners need to get your feet in Darn Tough socks. Lifetime guarantee, merino wool fabric (moisture wicking and naturally odor-free so you can wear them a couple times before they need a wash), and made in the USA. I love the Endurance series most of the year but run in Hike/Trek series in the winter and Vertex when it’s really hot.

By pure chance (chance meaning I had no clean socks this morning), I went for it without them on my Pegasus 35. I did notice better ventilation from the shoe that I found to be a little warm (I live in Panama, Panama, meaning a cool morning is 86-90 F) so I did enjoy the extra cooling but I could feel the friction on my insoles. This is the first time in 3 years of daily running that i go with no socks, and you just posted this about socks, conspiracy? By the way I use the cheapest compression socks from a Japanese brand called Miniso (I think Chinese posing for Japanese-Korean brand), 2 dollars a pair do the trick

Injinji all the way! The amount of blister relief and sweat management from their toe socks are incredible. I don’t ever think about which of my 20+ Injinji socks to use; all cuts, sizes, and cushion are beyond any other sock I have used, and always make for a perfect run.

My favorite are FEETURES… Love that wrap around support on my arch while leaving my toes comfortable.

I only use Stance socks. They’re incredible especially in the colder weather!

Really like the Nike Elite Lightweight 2.0 Quarter socks. A bit pricey but best sock for me. I wear Smartwool crew socks for trail running just for a little more protection from sharp sticks etc. on my ankles. Injiji toe socks are really nice as well but hard to get on…

My favorites are Fitsok high quality, made in North Carolina. The F4 Tech is my go-to sock it breathes, channels moisture, and is fitted to left/right. At 3 for $25 I don’t find myself rationing them for later I just add another set to the running drawer. The CF2 Crew is a thicker sock, great for cooler runs.

Quick mention of Nike Elite Cushion Quarter Socks. They are AFAIK the only quarter socks to have padding along the top of the sock which is fantastic at preventing extensor tendonitis (along with Lydiard lacing your shoes). Few different models but these are the ones I mean https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nike-Unisex-Adult-Cushion-Quarter/dp/B00LM3COUI

Running socks are overrated in my opinion. I just use plain thin socks and I’m good there lol

Guys, i need some advice, I am looking into getting me some Darn Tough for the cold days, which model should I go with, preferably men’s crew or mid calf.

I am also looking for compression socks, for the colder days / winter any good ones to recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Great reviews as always. And I would like to try on the injinji toes socks as they look great for long run and able to prevent blister. Wonder how it really works as I always got wet feets and these socks are not cheap.

Apparently, X-Socks are not very well-known in the US?! They’re the bomb, though. I’m particulary fond of the “Marathon Energy” model.

Socks, I love the Balega blister resist socks. They have mohair fiber and feel great.

I’ve just been using Regular Nike socks when I run maybe I should give some proper socks a go

I used to think Nike running socks are expensive but then I realized they usually go on sale at season end, and I was able to buy a few pairs at a bargain. But Balega socks, they are another level of expensive. Still, they are so comfortable that I would buy another one at a heartbeat.

Been running in Feetures socks for many years and very happy with them I’d recommend them.

Stance-balega, way better than nike, in my opinion the best generic sicks are under armour.

The longer the run goes on, the more socks matter. When I ran ultras, I obsessed over socks. For the marathon, socks are really important to me. Shorter distances, they matter less, but it’s remarkable how good a new pair of running socks feel on your feet.

My current favorite are Feetures. For long ultras, I used to wear Injinji with a pair of Wright socks over the top. Worked really well for me. Fun (random) running sock-related fact…I spent a couple of years in South Africa a long time ago and Balega running socks come from the Zulu verb ukubaleka, which means to run away (like to run to escape, as if you’re being chased). Random, I know, but when I first saw those socks, I recognized it right away…

Here is something for you: separate compression calf sleeve + sock? I haven’t understood separate compression calf sleeves until I started to run ultras 3-4 years ago. You need to know that I’m 6’4″ and my feet has only B width but very long (size 13 US / 47 EUR). My legs are lean, so if I select a compression sock for my ankle/calf circumference, the length of the feet portion of the sock will be small enough that it has a strong compression force towards the axis of my feet heel to toe. This in the end aggravates my big toe nail in ultra distances. I never had blisters below my big toe nail before ultras. I realized I need to buy a looser compression sock for my feet and separate compression calf sleeves. Anatomy is extremely important, much more than sock brand (Swiftwick, Injinji, Balega, CEP,…). Anatomy restrict my shoe choices (to the point that color or nothing matters for me, fit is rare like I fit the Vaporfly 4% (non knit), I don’t fit the Vaporfly 4% knit, the Zoom Fly SP or the Zoom Fly due to the height of the toe box this is a whole other story). My current racer is Injinji Ultra Compression OTC.

Merino is the way to go. Recommend Feetures Elite Merino or Smartwool. Icebreaker has great lifestyle socks, but don’t love them for running.

socks do matter, but I really try to find shoes that i can run in without socks. Because i have a narrow foot, sock sometimes create slippage, so socks are mainly for winter running.

which one would anyone recommend for black toes? i feel like my feet slip into the front of the shoe too much specially when i go faster, giving me huge problems in some toes.

I run in Nike shoes only, but oddly enough I’ve found that Under Armour socks seem to be my favorite. Very durable, breathable and just the right amount of arch support/cushion.

I want an socks too haha. Just kidding! This topic is what I need!

Been running for a long time I love smart wool, stance I’m obsessed they work n don’t give me blisters

Does it take 14 minutes to find out whether or not running socks matter tho? ��

As a soccer player, the only socks that produced a positive, significant change were TruSox. They absolutely lock your foot into your boots so that all motion is transferred directly from foot to boot to ball.
I tried TruSox as running socks and got horrible blisters.
I do really like Balega socks though for running. They are super soft, do not absorb moisture, padded where they need to be, mainly around the achilles, and thinner elsewhere to reduce bulk.

man i wish i would have seen this video 6 weeks ago. I moved to Blister City a few weeks ago. Now I have to learn this stuff as my feet heal.

Give Steigen’s a go. So thin you don’t realise you are wearing any and never get blisters

I have tried just about every running sock out there. Wrightsocks is absolutely the best of the best, but I guess it depends on which model/cut you get. I prefer the medium thickness over the thinner ones, and I live in CA. The dual layer is just special compared to all other brands. I won’t run over 10+ miles unless I’m on these socks. If its less miles than that, then I guess it doesnt matter what sock you use.

If you wanted to go cheap, you could always go the Uniqlo route. Highly affordable and tons of styles, and versatile in terms of when you can wear them. Roadrunnersports drymax brand is also another great choice, but unlike uniqlo, not that great to wear casually if needed since theyre actually made for active sports.

I want socks without any logoes on..plain socks with no seems!!!!

There is no good cheap sock. Invest in yourself and get the best quality socks for the best deal. The Injinji liner socks (coolmax & nuwool versions) are excellent, no cushion, they don’t overheat and dry fast. The SmartWool curated line are ultralight as well, and well-designed, and their light hike is so thin I can see my toenails through a black sock. They are very cool running. I still keep the Nike elite knee-length compression socks around since they are so durable and make a great recovery sock

I wear smartwool year roundthicker in cold. medium to thin in the warmth.

this is not a question for me. My feet develop blisters easily so socks is a must for me. Cotton ones are ok for 10K or 1 hour runs, but above that they cause blisters, so I go with running socks that are not cotton based.

On brands, I’m not too picky. As long as they’re not cotton they usually works fine for me. So I’m not buying those nikes, adidas, new balance etc socks, cause they’re expensive. I wear kalenji socks from decathlon. They have a wide variety of running socks, all works well. But my favourite kalenji socks are the ‘kalenji strap’ series, because they provide compression in the arches and ankles, but comfortable in the forefoot and toes areas, and different left-right. Highly recommended although they are quite thick. Kalenji have thinner ones also, which are comfortable, and compression socks up to calf height.

Used to never wear socks when I ran when I ran solely in vibrams but now that I’m running in more traditional shoes I just run in anything synthetic

In my experience, once you try on a pair of athletic/running socks, it’s hard to go back. I used to get blisters a lot due but that’s no longer any issue. I really like nike elite lightweight, but they don’t last very long. Big toe had a hole within 3 months.

I use compression socks too, a random brand on Amazon called Eulay. My legs cramp up sometimes post-run, and they really help prevent that I think, not entirely sure haha.

I like right socks too, they’re good in the Texas heat to avoid blisters. But my favorite socks are Injinji, as goofy as the toe socks look they are so comfortable and in my opinion/experience give your toes better ability to splay out naturally

Honestly if you’re spending $275 dollars on a pair of running shoes, getting stocks with better materials for like $20 dollars is a no brainer. You probably get more mileage in a sock than any of your vaporflys. I use stance run socks, look good feel good.

I’ve used More Miles socks for about 4 years now. Quite cheap compared to other brands. They’re well padded for long runs, and last forever.

For cheaper socks I go with ASICS. I can usually find a 3 or 6 pack for relatively cheap. My favorite socks are dry max the run lite mesh no show.

I’ve been rocking Massdrops Fitzok. Also have some Balega that I like. I prefer socks without seams.

any advice on socks that dont slip? my feet kinda slip to the front of the shoe and give me black toes.

My favorite brand socks are Lurbel. For running, trailrunning, compresive, cycling, TOP. So confort and they dry too quickly. You must take a look Lurbel Bmax socks. http://www.lurbel.es/producto/366/21/1-3/hombre/

I really love my Stance socks, really well made. I’m happy to confess I do ‘a few’ runs without washing them!

Thanks everyone and Seth for the ideas. I’ve been a fan of Balega for a long time, but I’ll definitely try Injinji after hearing all the positive feedback!

Glad you brought up this topic. Many runners/running Youtubers poo-poo the topic, but socks are pretty important! Maybe not so related to performance per se, other than avoiding potential issues with their moisture-wicking / blister-avoiding / no slip / highly durable technologies but their overall profile is 100% as important to “fit” as the shoe. Some shoes only fit well with thicker socks, or thinner socks. So it’s the combination that really determines fit.

Great video! Running socks AND how to tie the shoelaces are two highly underrated aspects of running!
Thank you for sharing!
Greetings from a new subscriber in Sweden

Very helpful! Of all your reviews what sock would you recommend?? I’ve always wanted to try feetures

Socks: If they are cheap and fit well I’m bying more of them, if they are REALLY cheap and don’t hurt my feet TOO bad I just might buy some more of them also. If they are expensive and feel great, oh boy, how can I justify bying more of them when I have all these cheap socks lying around that are perfectly not terrible.. The worst thing a sock can do is to have a big fat seam bunched up and digging into my toes. Got some Frank Shorter socks for free from a local sports store for my birthday, they were usable, and the price was right up my alley, that’s how I like my socks!! Some thinner wool socks have been awesome in the winter, not too warm, not too cold. I so wanted to buy some Injinji socks with a cool design on them, I’m sure I would feel a lot faster and more awesome while wearing them but I ended up paying my electricity bill instead. It didn’t make me feel so awesome at first, but when I watch other people finish ultras on youtube I feel like a champion, and I wouldn’t have access to the youtubez without paying that bill..

should I pick different type of socks for road vs trail running?

Darn Tough is a favorite of mine. I’ve run many of my last ultras in them and they’re great. I have found a new love for Stance though. The minor compression and fit are fantastic (and durability has been really good). I’m with you on Drymax. I’ll wear them, but I don’t love em.

I used smartwool socks doing the Marathon des Sables. Comfortable, not too warm (though was using the thinest ones), no blisters.

wicking socks are very annoying when you take off your shoes and walk across tile surfaces.

Also another important reason that I forgot to mention for the right and left specific socks is where the arch support is. The majority of the arch support in on the inside of your foot (or proper sock).