Best Quality Womens 100% Cotton Coushend Soft Qarter Socks With Arch Support
7 brands that make the best running socks in 2021
Updated
2021-08-13T18:17:12Z
- How I tested
- Balega
- Swiftwick
- CEP
- Rockay
- Saucony
- Injinji
- Darn Tough
- Why you should upgrade your running socks
- What to look for in the best running socks
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- Upgrading to quality running socks minimizes blisters and hot spots and provides cushioning for long runs.
- The best running socks wick sweat, have targeted cushioning, and last through many washes.
- Our top brands include Balega socks and CEP compression, and all keep your feet dry and supported.
I never thought much of what kind of running socks I wore until one particularly hot summer I started getting hot spots every time I ran. My running shoes were broken in well enough yet I still got baby blisters on my heels and the sides of my toes. When I asked a friend, who was both an avid runner and worked for a running shoe brand, why this might be happening, she pointed to my Costco pack socks and said, "Maybe try upgrading."
Annoyingly (considering how much I love a bundle deal), she was right. I splurged on a pair of Balega socks and haven't glanced at my now-obviously thick and synthetic old running socks again.
"Quality is key when it comes to fitness gear — not only will it last longer, but it will also impact your performance directly. And your socks are a huge part of this that many people overlook," said Jack Vaughn, former head coach for the Northern Arizona University women's lacrosse team, seasoned Spartan racer, and performance coach for Future, an app that pairs you with a world-class fitness coach for remote training.
The best running socks help prevent blisters and hot spots and keep your feet from fatiguing as fast. But just like with shoe fit, not every runner has the same sock needs.
"While some breathability and wicking abilities do matter, other features like cushioning, seam lines, and even sock length are up to your preference," Vaughn added. We go into more detail about what to look for in a quality running sock at the end of this guide.
Over the last year, I tested 10 brands of running socks, including trail running socks and winter running socks.
Here are the best places to buy running socks for men or women:
How I tested
I tested pairs of running socks over the course of a year to see how they held up through all seasons and weather conditions. I wrote them on both walks and runs, anywhere from 1 to 8 miles, both road running and trail running.
I also polled my ultra-running friends on what their top sock is for long distances. Specifically, I was considering how each held up for the top qualities we look for in running socks worth the money.
Balega
Balega socks are the most comfortable running socks we've ever tried, with quick-dry properties and well-designed shapes to support your arches and heels on runs of any length.
Balega is truly the cream of the sock crop, as the many, many runners I talked to for this piece repeatedly told me. What sets Balega running socks above the rest is their proprietary performance yarn, called Drynamix.
For starters, it's ridiculously good at wicking moisture away from your feet, helping keep them dry and cool. Certain product lines, like the UltraGlide, are crafted with a combination of synthetic PTFE, creating a sock that's 2-3 times more friction-free than other brands, which means a lower chance of blisters. This sounds gimmicky but I've been running and walking in Balegas in the sweltering heat for two summers now and never once had a blister from them.
Lastly, its proprietary fabric is incredibly soft and comforting against your skin and gives off the feeling of slight padding under the ball and heel.
What's more, Balegas are so well-designed for socks: Its original line, the Hidden Comfort, has reinforced microfiber ventilation panels for cooler feet, and a mild elastic grip strategically placed at the arch and ankle for a more snug feeling of support. Its Enduro running sock is an ultra-light and thin sock that better molds to the contours of your foot to support your arches, keep your feet cool and dry, and minimize heel blisters.
It offers each style of sock in the three main styles runners want – crew, quarter, and no-show — and all the no-shows have a heel tab to prevent slipping. I think the brand really excels in a more cushioned, thicker sock, but they also offer a lightweight sock for those who like minimal cushion.
Lastly, as icing on the cake, while a single pair will run you $13-15, they hold up incredibly well in the wash. I've washed mine probably 50-70 times and while the fabric looks mildly worn, there's not even a hint of the fabric thinning out.
What to buy:
The Balega Hidden Comfort No Show running socks have a seamless design crafted with synthetic materials and elastane throughout to make for a better fit and prevent blisters.
With a special fabric blend to reduce friction, a design leaving room for bunions, and strategically placed cushioning, these lightweight socks are ideal comfort.
Balega socks are the most comfortable running socks we've ever tried, with quick-dry properties and well-designed shapes to support your arches and heels on runs of any length.
Swiftwick
If you prefer a thinner layer and more lightweight sock, Swiftwick running socks offer light compression contoured to your feet, with performance fabric to pull moisture and heat away as you run.
Swiftwick is another top go-to brand for high-quality running socks. They're a thinner sock and less cushioned than Balegas, which some people will prefer, but the core of the brand's running line is performance fibers that wick-moisture and a contoured compression fit. All its socks are shaped to support the contours of your foot which creates a more locked-in feeling on your run. It also helps prevent blisters and chafing, as does its seamless toe box.
The brand offers different levels of cushioning depending on your preference, from ultralight to max, as well as all the cuff heights a runner would want, from no-show to knee-high. The brand's Vision collection even offers fun patterns, including a National Park series, if popping socks are key to your running kit.
All Swiftwick products are made in the US and use sustainable practices to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption.
What to buy:
With a microtab to prevent blisters on your heel, slight compression, and a plus footbed, these no-show socks will keep your feet dry and moving.
These deeply designed running socks feature compression to support your ankles during repetitive movements, GripDry Fibers in the heel and forefoot to minimize movement and slipping, and, of course, moisture-wicking, blister-preventing properties.
These crew-cuff running socks provide the brand's high-performance fibers to keep your feet dry and blister-free, with a fun 360° print of iconic National Park spots.
CEP
CEP makes science-backed compression socks for runners that stay put across long miles, and may potentially help speed recovery.
Of all the brands we've tested, the best compression socks for running come from CEP. Its parent company has been producing medical compression products for over 70 years and the founder of CEP, an Ironman competitor, leveraged this into footwear.
That's good news considering compression socks need to be properly designed to have any benefit. Wearing compression socks during running and other sports can help your body move blood and lymphatic fluid more efficiently, which in turn lowers swelling and inflammation. Jenelle Deatherage, a physical therapist at the UW Health Sports Rehabilitation Clinic, previously told Insider that compression socks might reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.
Future trainer, Jack Vaughn, said he saw a high difference when he switched from cheap to high-quality compression socks for obstacle course races, and his feet stayed dry better and he felt he could run faster and longer.
CEP makes socks in a range of lengths, from no shoe to below the knee, all with a firm 20-30mmHg graduated compression — ideal for blood flow.
Its socks are made of comfortable, moisture-wicking fabric, and they don't lose their stretch over time. In fact, the brand offers a six-month guarantee that the compression will stay snug for at least 150 wears.
What to buy:
Whether you are a runner or just someone who wants to relieve lower leg ailments, the CEP Progressive+ Compression Run Socks 2.0 provide all-day comfort.
Fitting just below the calf, these compression socks provide ankle stability, reduced foot swelling, and improved circulation.
These no-show socks offer CEP's signature compression for less foot swelling and aches.
Rockay
Rockay running socks are comfortable, moisture-wicking, and made from entirely recycled, yet still durable and high-quality, materials.
Launched by a Danish ultra runner, Rockay is another brand that offers thinner, light-compression running socks worth considering. One thing that sets the brand apart is its high commitment to sustainability – not only does it only use 100% recycled fabrics, but for every purchase, the brand removes a certain amount of plastic trash from the ocean.
As for the socks themselves, I am a huge big fan of its Razer trail sock which has the perfect amount of snug compression without squeezing and features technical mesh to keep your feet quite cool. These are ideal for long, dusty runs and, with the crew cut, I also like to slip them on with boots walking around town.
Rockay's Performance Accelerate sock is one of its top-sellers, made from regenerated nylon and polyamide, with a small amount of elastane for a secure fit. Based on my testing, they're quite comfortable, although I did get blisters once or twice on a very hot, long day out. But the brand's commitment to sustainability overrides these one or two blemishes.
The brand also offers 40-day free returns on all purchases and a lifetime guarantee on its socks.
What to buy:
The Rockay Accelerate running socks are comfortable, moisture wicking, and made from durable, high-quality materials with a focus on sustainability.
If you like a little more padding underfoot, these socks take the brand's best-selling design, already great at keeping your feet dry and supported, andadd strategically-placed cushioning.
These running socks strive the balance of protection and performance with their snug compression and technical mesh to keep you cool.
Saucony
Saucony running socks hit the rare sweet spot of quality, synthetic socks for runners on a budget.
Heritage running shoe brand Saucony knows the sport — and it sells its quality running socks in packs of 3 close to the price of a single pair of top-tier competitors.
Saucony's running socks are made with all synthetic materials for sweat-wicking and comfort and mesh construction for added breathability. A heel tab helps prevent slippage and arch compression provides extra support. These are all features found in a more expensive running sock, for a fraction of the price.
Most all of its socks are lightweight so not ideal for winter running, but they'll hold up better at the gym, on the road, or on the trails than similar pack socks.
What to buy:
These no-shoe running socks are super lightweight with RunDry moisture management to help keep your feet dry and cool.
With a seamless toe, heel-lock tab, and arch stability support, these ankle socks are ideal for all runs.
Injinji
With a place for each toe, a breathable mesh upper, and sweat-wicking materials, Injinji toe socks are a great option if you're prone to blisters.
These toe socks may look a little odd but having a place for each individual toe actually helps prevent skin-on-skin from rubbing together — one of the main causes of blisters. Endurance runners swear by this approach for keeping blisters at bay.
What's more, Injinji's seamless socks allow for more natural foot movement and toe splay. They're made from synthetic materials to wick away sweat and keep feet dry and comfortable. A mesh top also allows for more breathability inside any style of running shoe.
The Injinji 2.0 is a unisex sock but it comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. Sizing is important here since these conform to every contour of your foot — toes included.
While they may not be for everyone, if you've been in a standoff with stubborn reoccurring blisters, these socks may be just what you need. — Kylie Joyner
What to buy:
With a place for each toe, a breathable mesh upper, and sweat-wicking materials, the Injinji 2.0 Lightweight No-Show toe socks are a great option if you're prone to blisters.
In addition to the five-toe design to minimize blisters, these trail socks are great at managing moisture.
In addition to Injinji's signature anatomical five-toe design, these socks are made with Coolmax fibers for additional breathability and moisture-wicking abilities.
Darn Tough
Darn Tough's men's and women's running socks have a seamless toe for added comfort, are a merino wool/nylon blend to help wick away sweat, and come with an unconditional lifetime warranty for folks who run holes into their gear.
If you run your socks into the ground — or, more accurately, until they're covered in holes and falling apart at the seams — it's worth investing in a pair from Darn Tough for its lifetime warranty. True to its name, these durable running socks will last through countless jogs and arduous trail runs. But Darn Tough's warranty policy says if you don't find its socks to be the most comfortable, best-fitting pair you've owned, you can trade them for a new pair.
You probably won't need to use that great policy, though. All of its socks are thoughtfully designed to withstand some of the toughest sports, and it shows in the attention to detail given to its best running socks. All are seamless, so you don't ever have to deal with the off-seam discomfort in your shoe. All are also made either entirely or partially from Merino wool, which means helps keep the socks fast-drying and odor resistant (ideal for packing minimally on trips).
Future trainer Jack Vaughn says he's a huge fan of Darn Tough socks since he blasts through all others at the ball of the foot but never needs to replace these.
We like the Tab No Show Light Cushion socks in particular because they provide extra cushion where your running shoe meets the back of your ankle to prevent chafing. Plus, they're made from merino wool blended with nylon and lycra spandex, which work to keep your feet blister-free while also hugging your natural foot shape.
Its Coolmax sock is another top pick of ours, engineered with a special nylon/polyester blend to move moisture away from your skin and dry quickly, keeping your feet from overheating or chafing. (This is the only non-Merino sock). You can opt for cushioning or no cushioning, depending on your preference.
What to buy:
The Darn Tough Tab No Show Light Cushion socks are durable, have a seamless toe for added comfort, and are made with a merino wool and nylon blend that wicks away sweat to keep your feet dry.
Designed with special fibers to pull moisture away from your feet and keep you cool, these comfy running socks are ideal for hot summer runs.
Part nylon part Merino, these socks will keep your feet supported and dry on long runs.
Why you should upgrade your running socks
You may think a sock is a sock is a sock – until you buy one pair of high-quality running socks and you'll feel the difference. For me, it was largely a more breathable and dry experience where I was less prone to hot spots and blisters and my feet didn't feel as swollen and clammy after a long run.
For Jack Vaughn, former head coach for the Northern Arizona University women's lacrosse team, seasoned Spartan racer, and performance coach for Future, upgrading to higher-quality running socks helped his feet stay dry and stave off exhaustion for longer so he could run faster and longer.
What to look for in the best running socks
Some running sock features are personal preference, while others are universal must-haves. For any pair of running socks, look at:
Material: Look for something moisture-wicking and breathable. "Not only will it wick sweat from your feet to prevent blisters, but it will also help drain rain, water, and mud away from your feet much quicker and make your run that more enjoyable," Vaughn said. Most products will say "moisture management" on the packaging, but generally, just stay away from cotton.
Also, consider your personal preference for:
Cushioning: Higher-cushion socks, especially in the ball of the foot and heel, can help make your feet feel more supported and make runs more enjoyable. Cushioning also reinforces your socks for longevity.
However, cushion is also a matter of personal preference. "While cushioning to me is important because I wear down my socks, I've had clients who prefer thinner socks because they fit in their shoes better," Vaughn added.
Almost every brand on this list offers a range of cushioning, so take that into consideration when selecting one Balega sock from another, or one Swiftwick sock from another.
Sock length: For the most part, where your sock hits is a matter of personal aesthetic. Vaughn says he only wears mid-length socks. I, on the other hand, still prefer no-show. The two exceptions are if you're trail running, for which you probably want crew cut or higher to keep dirt out your shoe and protect your ankles from scratchy bushes; and compression socks, for which the higher the sock, the more blood and fluid flow you'll encourage.
Compression: Most every sock on our list comes with at least slight compression to help support the ligaments of your foot and reduce swelling. But many distance runners and obstacle course racers will want higher levels of compression to better move blood and lymphatic fluid through your feet and legs.
Vaughn said this "helps reduce fatigue and swelling which can lead to faster and longer runs - something I hear clients wanting to be able to do all the time."
Rachael Schultz
Health, Fitness, and Outdoors Updates Editor
Rachael Schultz is the health & fitness updates editor for Insider Reviews, covering all things health, fitness, and outdoors.Before joining Insider, Rachael was on staff at Men's Health and Shape, and then spent seven years freelance writing for national outlets like Men's Journal, Gear Patrol, Outside, Women's Health, Cosmo, InStyle, and Real Simple. She focuses on why our bodies and brains work the way they do and how we can optimize both. She's most passionate about mental health, exercise physiology, cooking, the science of cannabis, and making the outdoors more accessible for all (but actually).After growing up in Atlanta and living in New York, Rachael wanted out of cities so she packed up her belongings into her Honda Element to van-lifed around the country. She settled in a small mountain town in Colorado where she now spends most of her time trying to keep up with a gang of rad adventure ladies and her dog Crocodile. In the winters, you can find her skiing and skinning, and in the summers, happily rafting, mountain biking, and hiking. Year-round, she's trying not to have an asthma attack at CrossFit and almost always ending the day with a glass of red wine. See below for some of her work: The best pieces of plus-size outdoor gear, according to athletes and influencers The best gear for hiking with your dog Your ultimate guide to summer camping trips, including how to find a campsite and everything you need to bring The 5 best cross-training shoes for agility, traction, and high-intensity workouts The best healthy, non-alcoholic drinks and mixers that actually taste good Contact info: rschultz@insider.com // Instagram @RachaelSchultz Learn more about how the Insider Reviews team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here and read more on how we test health, fitness, and outdoor products specifically.
Best Quality Womens 100% Cotton Coushend Soft Qarter Socks With Arch Support
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