What kind of socks should I wear when I run?
Running is a great way to get fit and stay healthy. If you want to start running, you'll need some basic equipment, such as good shoes, a heart rate monitor, and a pair of comfortable running socks.
Running socks are designed to provide support and comfort during long runs. They also offer protection against blisters and chafing.
There are several types of running socks available, from compression socks to seamless socks.
What's the best running sock for me?
There are many types of running socks on the market today.
Some are made with materials that help reduce muscle fatigue and promote blood flow; others are designed to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry.
So let’s take a look at the best running socks for women!
EDITORS CHOICE
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
These socks are cool because they're made out of high-quality materials. They're also very comfortable to wear. These Adidas Superlite No show Socks are ideal for those who play frequently.
Made from 97% polyester, 2% spandex, and 1% natural latex rubber, this pair of socks feature extra arch support, AERO-READY drying technology, and no-show low-profile construction. They fit shoe sizes 5-10 and come in six different colors.
These socks are great because they're comfortable, but they're also stylish. You can wear them with anything.
This brand fits us perfectly! It's very soft and super comfortable. We love how it doesn't feel constrictive or tight. We highly recommend these socks.
Black and white are always a nice color combination. These being anklets, they work well when you want to support your foot while keeping your feet warm.
Ankle socks work perfectly as they don't interfere with the look.
Pros
- Breathable - to keep your feet comfortable and fresh.
- Comfortable arch support - arch compression design.
- No-slip design - to keep your running workouts safe and free from injuries.
Cons
- Lightweight socks - so not for those looking for a heavyweight sock.
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EDITORS CHOICE
These socks are great at wicking away moisture. They absorb sweat and protect your feet from blisters. They also provide support to help you run smoothly.
These training socks feature sweat-wicking fabric for comfort and are specifically positioned cushioning in a silhouette sitting right above the shoe collar.
A mesh panel at the toe enhances breathability, while the five gore heel provides a snug fit.
These are ATTRACTIVE athletic socks, made out of dri-fit material. They're also comfortable and will fit your foot well.
This product was made by a company that cares about customer service. You should too!
Athletic socks should be comfortable, but they shouldn't distract you from your workout. You need to feel confident wearing them during exercise.
Socks should fit well and provide support without being too tight. They should also be easy to take off when you're done working out.
Cute colors aren't the only reason you should buy these socks. You'll also get moisture-wicking technology.
These socks will help you work out longer without getting sweaty.
Pros
- Extra Cushioning - to support your ankles and heels.
- Mesh panels - which enhance breathability.
- Snug and secure fit - because of the design technology in the sock design.
Cons
- Ankle socks - not for those who want a longer sock!
Also, available at
BEST VALUE
These shoes are great for pregnant women because they make your feet feel better. They are also comfortable and easy to wear.
Running socks are recommended by former health editor Sarah Klein. She says that Balega socks are the absolute best.
These socks will make you feel like you're walking on marshmallows.
They are designed in such a way that you have a cushion specifically in the right places without the socks being too bulky or thick, and they provide excellent breathability.
Balega's hidden comfort comes from premium, moisture-wicking fibers that keep your feet dry.
The designers added a high heel tab to protect your Achilles tendon and made a seamless toe for blister prevention. Cushioning around your entire foot makes you feel comfortable.
Mohair is a type of hair found in sheep or goats. It is very soft and warm. This makes it perfect for creating clothing such as gloves, hats, scarves, etc.
This also makes it great for creating clothes for people who wear glasses because it is extremely soft and comfortable.
Medium-cushion socks provide extra cushioning under your foot. They are comfortable and breathable. They don't twist, bunch, or cause blisters.
This mid-weight sock feels heavier and more durable than other warm-weather socks we've tried. It's also surprisingly breathable and transferred moisture well.
A hidden comfort sock is an excellent product! It provides cushioning for your feet and makes walking comfortable again.
Balega socks are made out of ultra-fine yarns to give you maximum comfort.
These socks are designed to protect your feet from blisters and other injuries, while keeping them cool during warm-weather activities.
Balega socks are great because they keep you warm and protect your feet. They're also very comfortable.
Balega socks are made in China. These socks are imported from China. This style of sock is called Hidden Comfort No Show Sock.
The Hidden Comfort's soft and moisture-wicking fibers keep you dry and comfortable, and you never have to cut your run short because of blistered feet.
Premium, moisture-wicking fabrics keep you dry and comfortable when you're out running.
Balega's proprietary Drynamix® fiber keeps your feet dry and comfortable for miles and miles, plus the 200-needle-count fabric adds plush cushioning to protect your feet from blisters.
A seamless toe and extended heel tab help prevent hot spots and blisters. Designers created an additional deep heel pocket to ensure a perfect fit.
Running socks should be comfortable, breathable, and durable. Balega makes sure that each pair is inspected by hand before being shipped out.
Their socks come with reinforced heels and toes, mesh construction for better ventilation, and plush under sole cushioning for added protection.
These socks are made of cotton/polyester blend material that provides lightweight support and breathability.
This product is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
Balega socks are made by hand, using premium materials. Socks are hand-linked for a seamless design.
Moisture management fibers keep feet dry and cool while providing plush and protective cushioning. If any information is inaccurate or missing, please let us know.
Pros
- Designed to protect your feet - against all injuries.
- Ships free - Great for the value of money on the product and delivery service!
- Comfort for your feet - feet can be delicate, so these socks need to be comfortable.
Cons
- Not the most durable - socks don't last a lifetime.
RUNNER UP
We love compression, and Cepknits know how to bring the pressure! Cepknits knit their Run Compression Socks 4.0 tall socks to help enhance both performance & recovery.
These socks use True Graduated Medical Grade Compression to stabilize muscles and accelerate the removal of lactic acid to keep your legs fresh & cool.
These socks also utilize Smart Dry Extreme Air Technology to keep your feet dry in the summer & warm in the winter.
Cepknits have redesigned these socks to be more breathable than ever before.
Running compression socks are designed to increase blood flow to the body's muscles by improving circulation, and reducing the formation of lactic acid which builds up during exercise.
Compression socks also help to prevent injuries by reducing swelling and irritation.
CEP has been working for decades to develop its array of sports products.
Their goal is to improve athletic performance by increasing recovery, improving stability, making you more aware of your body, preventing blisters, and providing precise anatomical fit.
CEP has worked for decades with sports medicine experts and professional athletes to develop their array of products.
Their range includes recovery aids, stability aids, blister prevention aids, and awareness aids.
These products work together to improve performance and prevent injuries.
CEP Compression makes great sports equipment.
Their products are designed with smart technology, and they apply over 60 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing.
CEP Compression creates intelligent compression gear for intelligent people who want to improve their performance and recover faster.
These women's socks are designed to help you feel comfortable and supported during your workouts.
They provide precise support at the ankles and arches to help prevent injury. You'll also enjoy an improved fit and feel, as well as increased breathability.
Pros
- Flexible Comfort - Designed for the shape of your feet and ankles!
- Great technologies - to provide you with a compression sock worth your time.
- Performance Driven - to aid your movements and performance at all times.
Cons
- Not designed for summer - compression is tight.
RUNNER UP
Lightweight, ultra-supportive, and moisture-wicking. Primo mesh footbed and upper. Effective and helps feet stay dry. Cuff height sits 4" above the ankle.
Tight compression around the ankle, arches, and lower legs. Socks with an elastic band around the calf are great for hiking or trail running. They provide extra support for your ankles and calves.
A thin layer of padding keeps you cooler when you're exercising outdoors. This pair of socks is comfortable and easy to use.
This brand is great for people who need minimal padding underfoot but still want support. The material is soft and comfortable.
The sole is flexible and allows you to move freely. The non-vented cuffs make sure your feet stay dry. The price tag is reasonable as well.
These socks are great because they give my feet good support, and you won't even know they're there! These socks are great for runners.
They help you stay comfortable during long runs. They also provide extra padding for your feet when you're cycling or doing a triathlon.
The socks are made out of a very light material called olefin. This material keeps your feet dry and comfortable while walking around.
The socks are also very breathable and allow you to wear them even when it's hot outside. These socks are also durable because they won't deteriorate over time.
The socks are made out of lightweight material. They absorb a minimal amount of water while you're walking. They feel dry even after getting wet.
They feel comfortable and stay up without slipping. You can wear them on rainy days as well.
The Swiftwick Aspire Zero is a thin, but very comfortable, sock. It keeps your feet cool and dry during hot days.
This sock is perfect for runners who want to stay comfortable while keeping their feet dry.
Socks with high compression are great for hikers. They help prevent blisters and keep feet dry. Socks are very comfortable and fit well.
They don't get too hot or cold. They are made of an Olefin material that helps prevent blisters. They dry quickly and don't feel like a wet rag when you take them off.
Socks are offered in many sizes and colors to match your kit. Swiftwick also offers socks with more cushioning and less compression if you want.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable - to form to your unique foot shape.
- Wash Well - can take a lot of washing and dry over time.
- Absorbent - but not uncomfortable.
Cons
- Could be more stylish - for visual purposes.
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Buyers Guide
Compression Socks
Compression socks are designed to compress your legs and calves while you're running.
The compression helps decrease swelling in your muscles, which can cause pain or stiffness if left untreated.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine found that wearing compression socks before exercise reduces muscle soreness after an intense workout.
Wicking Running Socks
Wicking socks are designed to draw sweat out of your feet and into the fabric, where it evaporates.
Wicking socks may be more effective than regular cotton socks in preventing foot odor because they absorb perspiration better.
Wicking socks are usually made of synthetic fibers, like polyester or nylon. A few brands make them out of natural fabrics, such as bamboo or merino wool.
Moisture-wicking socks can also be used to prevent blisters.
Blister prevention is especially important when you first begin running since you might not know how sensitive your skin will become.
Blister Prevention
Blisters occur when friction causes small tears in the skin. When this happens, fluid leaks under the skin.
This extra fluid increases pressure inside the blister, causing discomfort and possible infection.
To avoid blisters, use proper technique when running:
• Run barefoot or in minimalist footwear (shoes without thick soles). Minimalist shoes allow your toes to move naturally, reducing stress on your feet and increasing blood circulation.
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Cotton tends to hold moisture, so choose a material that allows air to circulate around your body.
• Use a handkerchief to protect your fingers and toes.
• Avoid wearing tight shoes. Tight shoes squeeze your toes together, which makes them vulnerable to injury.
• Keep your feet clean. Wash your feet every day using soap and water. Dry them thoroughly between showers.
• Don't overuse your feet. Stop exercising when you feel tired.
• Consider buying a pair of lightweight running shorts. These shorts have elastic waistbands that let you adjust their size easily.
• Try switching up your running route. You might find that running along sidewalks instead of roads reduces the risk of getting blisters.
• Change your socks regularly. If you notice a new spot forming on your foot, change your socks immediately.
• Check your shoes for wear and tear. Look for cracks, holes, or other signs of damage.
Materials
Avoid cotton at all costs! Cotton absorbs too much water and causes blisters.
Merinos are great for keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Runners should wear merino wool socks.
Socks should be made out of a combination of different types of materials. Spandex makes the sock stretchy.
Cotton is used to make the socks durable. Polyester is used to make the fabric soft.
Cushioning
Socks that are too thick can be uncomfortable, but socks that are too thin aren't very practical either.
A thick sock makes a shoe more comfortable, while a thin sock makes a shoe less comfortable.
Socks should be long enough to cover your feet without sliding down. Short socks offer little protection from the elements or scratches.
Crew-length running socks have made a comeback recently.
The socks have no extra padding. The light cushion socks feel thinner than medium cushion socks. The max cushion socks take up most of the room inside shoes.
Women Running Socks should be padded because they help protect your feet from being injured when you run.
Padding protects your ankles and muscles from injury. Women Running Socks should have cushions on the soles.
Design
Socks are necessary items to wear during the summer or winter seasons. You should make sure your socks are made of breathable material and also comfortable.
Mesh fabric at the arch side helps in maintaining adequate airflow. Moisture absorbing materials absorb excess moisture and sweat from feet, keeping them dry.
Running socks should be designed in an ankle-cut shape. Ankle-cut socks are easy to put on and take off.
They do not cover your whole leg, but they still give you enough support. Look for heel tabs and arch supports in the socks. These features help you run comfortably.
Socks should be worn according to the team's dress code. Female athletes must wear formal socks of either black or white color.
Sports clubs may also apply additional restrictions regarding the type of socks allowed.
Fit
Most socks are true to size. You can find three to four sizes in most of the socks.
Extra small, small, large, and extra-large socks are available. Socks come in various colors and patterns. Women can wear men's socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Tall Should Cuff Heights be?
No-shows sit just below the ankle bone. Ankles sit right on the ankle bone. Quarters cover the ankle bone. Crews sit just at or slightly below the calf.
What Exactly Are Compression Running Socks?
Compression socks are made to help blood flow to your body, especially if you're working out. They're also useful for traveling or recovering after an injury.
Compression socks help to prevent blood clots, reduce swelling, increase joint mobility, provide energy, and prevent heavy leg feeling.
These socks help to stabilize your muscles and joints while you're running or walking.
They also increase your sense of surefootedness. It reduces the risk of injuries. They also allow you to heal quickly and prevent future injury to your feet and ankles.
For the first year, I wallowed in my feelings and gained 50 pounds as a result. The next year, with the help of a professional or two, I began working on myself and seeing changes.
Surprisingly enough, I found running to be my main source of comfort in such a trying time. I began running once a day for five minutes, working up to 10, then 20, 30, 40 - until I was running for an hour each morning.
Running started my day off right and on the days where I ran, I found that I was more likely to excel in work and have a better day mentally.
So, that is why I have created Run In The Sun. I want to make your running journey as easy as possible so that you can feel these benefits too. I promise you, it will be so worth it!
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