The best running socks for men and women, tested by marathon runners

Telegraph

11-04-2025

Whether you're planning a 5k or a marathon, your running socks will be the most important part of your kit after your running shoes. Finding the best running socks can mean more comfort, greater support, fewer blisters and even succumbing to fewer injuries.
Many leading sports and fitness brands like Nike, Under Armour and Sweaty Betty make their own, and there's a wide range available on the market from compression socks and those with individual toes to different ankle support and breathability. Prices prices can range from £12 to £35, but as you'll see below, more expensive doesn't always mean better quality.
You can read our full reviews below, separated into guides for men and women, which are regularly checked and updated. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at our top five:
The best running socks: At a glance
How to choose the best running sock for you
Selecting the right running socks isn't wildly different to choosing a best running shoes. If you generally run long distances then you should choose a pair with plenty of cushioning, but if you're more of a 5k runner or you want to run faster then a slim or lightweight sock is more important.
Waterproof socks are an obvious boost on wet days and thicker socks can be good friends during winter runs. If you enjoy trail running you'll want socks that offer more stability on uneven surfaces, and if you're injury prone or keen to avoid becoming injury prone, then compression socks, which apply gentle pressure to reduce muscle fatigue and excessive inflammation, will speed up recovery post-workout and help you avoid the dreaded layoffs.
How we test running socks
Each running sock below has been tested by either me, Chas, or Lisa Buckingham. I'm the author of The Runner's Code and Running: Cheaper Than Therapy, and I'm training for my fourth marathon. Lisa tested these socks on daily runs around local parks, runs through the countryside, and wore them to the gym as an extra test of breathability and temperature control.
All in all, we wore the socks on repeated runs, from speedy 3k dashes to 20 milers and everything in between. We ran on smooth pavements in London and rocky, hilly trails in the South Downs, paying close attention to how much cushioning they offered and how much friction and other irritations they produced. Long runs can get sweaty, so we wanted to know how well each pair wicked away moisture, too.
We also recorded much compression the socks offered during runs and what benefits we got from this after we'd got home and taken them off. Other factors we tracked were how they fared when we ran through puddles, the accuracy of their sizing, the overall quality and how well they survived repeated washes.
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Score: 8/10
We like: the anatomical shaping means socks are snug
We don't like: only light cushioning
These mid-price socks absolutely smacked of quality even before I put them on my feet. Out on the trails, their stabilising qualities were palpable and that gave me extra confidence on the most uneven and challenging of my local terrains.
Although I try to tackle difficult surfaces at least once a week, I've never been a big fan of tricky terrains but these will make me feel much safer. The cushioning felt light, but none of the power in my strides was lost and I could still feel myself moving faster than usual.
They have a moisture-wicking three-layer construction and this kept my feet dry and free of any friction. They gripped my feet well and there wasn't even a hint of a slide, which helped me feel confident when I was hitting top speeds.
Some of the cheaper socks felt quite basic in shape but these anatomic wonders are expertly designed and shaped, with the left and right socks optimally fitted to my feet. The sizing was great all round and they kept all their great qualities after several washes.
Key specifications
2. Best Value: Stance Performance Ultralight Cushion
If you like thinner socks that you won't even notice you're wearing, then these are the ones for you. Although their ultra-light cushioning only offers some bolstering, there was nothing bulky or cumbersome about how these supported me.
Their targeted ankle and foot compression made every stride more supported and seamless. They excelled at keeping my feet dry and cool as they wicked away sweat and kept odour to an absolute minimum.
They're a cheap pair in price but they feel like top quality and were more durable than some running socks I've tried, making them even greater value for money. The final nice touch is the Y-shaped heel, which meant they fitted beautifully and there was no slipping.
You'll find these socks do much of what you need for a run but without you noticing they were there at all, making them a particularly fine option for long summer runs, when you want as little fuss as possible from your garments.
Key specifications
3. Best for Breathability: ON Core Run Sock Low 2p
I tried these out as spring kicked in and they definitely feel like good running socks for the warmer months. Their ventilation through the long side panels makes them incredibly breathable socks and meant I experienced practically zero moisture even on a long outing, which kept my feet feeling fresh.
Most of the socks I tried were fairly well ventilated but breathability of these socks is on another scale. As if that wasn't enough to make these a great choice for marathons, their preferred cotton and high-impact terry cushioning in the sole meant my feet got an added layer of supportive padding.
The fit is comfortable, particularly around my arches, and felt almost like getting a cuddle from a pair of socks. The low-cut design and the rib structure on the cuff will be attractive for fans of minimalist running socks. We used to have to choose between low cut socks or supportive socks. These show you can do both brilliantly in one design.
Key specifications
4. Best for Hilly Runs: Injinji Ultra Run Crew Running Toe Socks
Everyone will remember the first time they tried shoes with individual toe sections. It feels silly at first as if you're wearing gloves on your feet. But once you get your head around having your toes separated like a glove, you get to see how beneficial this design is.
The anatomical five-toe sleeve design fit my digits well, preventing me from developing blisters while helping to give me a stronger posture and balance. The reinforced heel and superior arch support only made me feel more balanced, and I could feel the ribbed knit material giving me a more snug and ergonomic fit, with the tight double cuff keeping them firmly in place.
Although I tried them during winter and early spring, these features would work well for hilly running in any season of the year.
Key specifications
5. Best for Marathons: Hilly Marathon Fresh Anklet
Score: 8/10
We like: the anti-slip chevron grips
We don't like: the overly bold colourway
The Hilly Marathon socks are a close but comfortable fit and have a medium degree of cushioning, which made them feel nice and soft as I set off on runs. They kept my feet protected without weighing me down in the latter stages too. The chevron grips meant there was zero slipping within the shoe and the protective ankle fenders made these much easier to run in than some of the others.
Another great feature is the merino wool, which wicked away moisture fairly well, leaving them as comfortable 20 miles into a run as they did at 20 metres. This is important to me because I've sometimes had to walk the uncomfortable latter parts of a long run, so I was glad to avoid needing to slow down.
Although I didn't try them at a warm time of year, my feet felt cooler deep into long runs and, as I discovered when I got home and took my shoes off, their polygiene anti-odour control had happily kept its promise.
I'm a size nine but their medium size (6-8.5) fitted me well. They have a cheap price tag but they feel like top quality and they survived washes, proving these are great value for long distance running. The only downside is the rather bold lime green colouring.
Key specifications
6. Best for Cushioning: Balega Hidden Comfort
I tried these cushioned running socks on a particularly broad range of distances and terrains. The cushioning was impressive, especially on the long outings. My shoes had done plenty of miles, but adding these socks to the mix made the experience feel like that first run you do in a brand new pair of running shoes.
I've never used this word for any sort of running gear before but these were luxurious, offering cushioning without ever becoming bulky or obtrusive. The heels are particularly protected, which I continued to feel the benefit of in the hours after each outing.
However many miles I put them through there was never even the slightest hint of slippage and they kept my feet warm and dry, even on cold, wet days. Their only let down was that they gave me a blister after a long run, a punishment that all the other socks I tried managed to avoid inflicting.
Key specifications
7. Best for Compression: CEP The Run Compression Socks
The blend of materials in these socks combines into a wonderfully comfortable experience, with well-positioned padding that makes every step more pleasurable. I didn't even come close to any blisters with these and I suspect I could have run in them for the rest of time without any unpleasant friction thanks to the thoughtful lack of stitching in the toe box.
These socks were developed in collaboration with Medi, which makes compression clothing for medical purposes and the compression was palpable without being at all oppressive. The brand's promise of 'deep sensory stimulation' to ensure greater stability even on rocky trails may be a bit of a stretch (I didn't quite sense the stimulation), but I enjoyed every step I took in these socks nonetheless.
The only downside was that they felt slightly smaller after a few washes, so you might want to keep that in mind when choosing your size.
Key specifications
8. Best for Waterproofing: Sealskinz waterproof Ankle length
Even as I took these out of this pair out of its packaging, there was no particular comfort or warmth. But then I don't think the socks are meant to make you feel gooey and soft – they just mean business.
Sealskinz claims these socks are 100 per cent waterproof and when I ran through puddles, long wet grass and even streams I didn't get the slightest bit wet. They also kept my feet warm in the most wintery conditions and despite this my feet didn't overheat, which helped me to keep running over long distances.
Although they seemed a little bulky in my hands, these socks have a lightweight feel when you're wearing them, making them a smart choice if you favour lightness over cushioning on long trail runs. The mid foot grip helps keep the socks in place and that positioning survived countless washes.
The packaging boasts that the Sealskinz branding around the top of the socks offers 'increased visibility' but I doubt many runners in their nineteenth mile will be worrying about whether the brand's logo is visible.
Key specifications
9. Best for Hot Weather: Men's Fusion Double Layer Anklet Sock
Running socks usually either offer protective padding or layering for reduced friction, which means you're either left with thick padded socks or thin layered socks, but this pair manages to break the mould and do both.
The padded zone on the heel and ankle should help you avoid injuries and strains in both parts of the foot. There are ventilation zones on the top of the foot section that boosted their breathability and helped keep my feet cool and comfortable. The braced arch means they slip on nicely and are a good fit, but were a little clingy.
I also tried the 1000 mile Run Anklet, which offers a single layer and absorbs a lot of the shock of running. They fitted snugly and I imagine would work well for other activities, including gym visits, cycling and even a kickabout down the local park.
I tested these socks on my daily runs around local parks, heathland and some on the South Downs. I also wore them to the gym as an extra test of breathability and temperature control.
Key specifications
10. Best for Performance: Absolute 360 Performance socks quarter
These socks slipped slightly as I put them on and they felt a little cheap on my feet. But once I set out to run, I felt how well padded they are in the instep, heel and toe box around my feet. The brand uses a moisture wicking technical fabric that I found worked however hard I ran.
The claim that infrared fibres redirect infrared radiation back into the body for microcirculation and thermoregulation is one I'm not quite qualified to judge, but if what all that jargon means is that I was able to run faster and more effortlessly, then I can confirm the science was doing the trick. Given how unpleasant they felt when I first put them on, these proved to be durable and enjoyable socks to run in.
If you're hoping to leave your friends behind at your local running club or Parkrun, these lightweight running socks would be a sound investment.
Key Specifications:
11. Best Buy: Sweaty Betty Crew Running Socks
Dreamy is the word I'd use to describe pulling on these butter-soft socks which I'd happily wear all day, every day. They were my sock of choice for endless miles of walking on a city break, and I wear them to the gym now, too.
Most importantly, they're great for running in the summer. The padding on the forefoot and heels helps with shock absorption with more over the seamless toe box for protection, but they're still thinner and more breathable over the top of the foot. My feet stayed cool and dry on a warm run and the cushioning took pressure off the right areas without being too bulky. There's a left and a right foot for an anatomical fit and they're made specifically for women.
They come up a third of the way up the calf and didn't move or sag during my runs. They came out of the wash with a little bobbling but stayed soft, and the £25 price tag for two pairs is a bargain. There are only size options however - 2-5 and 6-8 - and I'd recommend sizing up if you're on the cusp. I'm a size 5.5 and the 6-8 fit me well.
Key specifications
12. Best Value: New Balance Run Repreve Midcalf 2 Pack
These socks manage to keep your feet warm without being too bulky, making them ideal for the transitional weather of spring and autumn. The Coolmax fibres helped regulate the temperature of my feet on a long run and the fast-drying fabric wicked sweat away effectively but they would be too warm for the hot summer months.
The cushioning sits over the heel and the ball of your foot and toes, which helps the arch of your foot to sit closer to your shoes, and makes longer runs more comfortable. The leg part of the socks has ribbing but the foot of it is smooth and seamless which meant I didn't suffer any blisters after a run.
These socks are incredibly comfortable and close fitting without being too compressive. They come to around two-thirds of the way up the calves, which helps to stop dust and debris getting into them and I loved the vintage look with their seventies ribbing and horizontal stripes.
The socks come in a two-pack and there are four options for colour combinations. They're unisex and have four size options, ranging from 4 up to 14.5. They feel well made, wash well, and at £14 for the two pairs are superb value.
Key specifications
13. Best for Long Distances: 1000 Mile Fusion Double Layer Sport Sock
Comfort is the order of the day with these socks, which are smooth, soft and silky. That would mean nothing, though, without their technical attributes; the two layers rub against one another when you're in motion rather than against your skin, preventing blisters.
It means these are the socks for long distance runners. There wasn't a hint of a blister after I used them for a half marathon. The Fusion socks also have padded cushioning that extends to the front and back of your leg, which simultaneously takes the pressure off your feet and gives you great Achilles and ankle protection.
If you follow standard advice and your running shoes are at least a half size bigger than your street shoes, then these socks will be fine, but not if you wear your running shoes close fitting as they're relatively thick. They will be too warm for summer but great for the rest of the year.
They come in small (3-5.5) and medium (6-8.5) and the brand recommends that if you are on the cusp of sizes, then you should go up or down a size depending on whether you have wide or narrow feet. I'd also recommend washing on a cool cycle like 20C as they do shrink over time and and up being hard to pull on.
Key specifications
14. Best for Bigger Feet: Smartwool Women's Run Targeted Cushion Stripe Low Ankle Socks
These socks have a narrow heel shape and a fit that closely follows the contours of your feet without compressing them too much. They're made from 54 per cent merino wool, which has natural odour-resistant and moisture-controlling properties.
I prefer to keep my feet cooler so found these comfortable in transitional seasons and winter but would find them too warm for summer. They're partly made from merino wools so they wick sweat away effectively and help with foot odour, though my feet didn't get overly hot on a warm day.
The socks are virtually invisible under your trainers but stopped short of letting them rub around my ankle or sliding down off my heel. There's also good cushioning on the heel, forefoot and over the seamless toe box with a breathable panel over the arch.
Given that these socks are made for women it's refreshing to see they have a large size range from 2 – 10.5, and fit true to size. They feel high quality and durable, and wash well but I'd always err on the cooler side, on a delicate cycle.
Key specifications
15. Best for Breathability: UA Armour Dry Run Cushion
They're not cheap, but these are well-made and a good investment. For a start, they kept my feet the coolest of all the socks I tried, aided by mesh ventilation on the top of the foot and under the arch, and the fast-drying and sweat-wicking materials used by Under Armour. They provide significantly more cushioning than regular socks, but it's not extreme – it sits in the heel and forefoot of the socks which keeps them fairly slimline.
The seamless toe box is wide and allows your toes to splay. The socks are unisex and are available in children's size 13 up to adult 15 (I'd size down if you're on the cusp of sizes) and there's a right and left foot to ensure a good fit. A small niggle is that each size range spans 3.5 shoe sizes, which is quite broad.
They're described as no-show socks but do pop up a little. I don't rate true no-show socks anyway as they allow your shoe to rub against your foot and don't provide Achilles protection. The heel tabs on these socks are lightly cushioned and help protect your Achilles, while the design also means the socks sit softly around your ankle without cutting into it. They don't move an inch while you're running, either.
Key specifications
16. Best for Small Feet: Asics Performance Run Crew Sock
These Asics socks are advertised as having 'deeper cushioning' but in reality it was only moderate, which suits me fine. I'd prefer a little more protection over the toes for longer runs, but these are suitable for running up to 10k.
The socks are soft and comfortable, made from a smooth mesh knit. They're designed anatomically for left and right, fitting closely to your feet. The toe box is seamless, which is vital for any long runs as even the smallest uneven bump or lump will result in a huge blister.
They're surprisingly long, coming up to mid calf (I'm 5ft 5in) and while they're not a compression sock, they don't fall down when I run. Relatively thin, they don't add much bulk inside your shoes and my feet stayed cool on warm runs with no hint of rubbing or blisters.
The tie dye is a refreshing change from the traditional preppy look of crew sports socks and a good option you like your fit kit to look more like street wear. They come in four different size ranges, starting at 2.5 (good if you have petite feet) and go right up to size 13. The socks fit slightly large so size down if you're between sizes.
Key specifications
17. Best for Toes: Injinji Ultra Run Mini Crew Women's Socks
There's something quite strange about seeing your feet gloved like hands with each individual toe in its own sleeve and the sensation takes some getting used to, but these socks are comfortable to run in. Designed for ultra marathons, the socks allow your foot to splay naturally because your toes aren't contained in one area, which in turn stops your toes from rubbing against each other.
The socks are soft and have ample cushioning on the sole and between the toes. But as my toes are on the shorter side there was a tiny bit of excess material at the ends that could potentially cause a problem for me over longer distances.
Made of a mixture of CoolMax, nylon and lycra, they stayed fairly cool and dried quickly when my feet got sweatier towards the end of a long run. Having something between your toes does add a bit of width to your feet, so you need ample space in your shoes to allow for that. They're available in crew, mini crew and no-show, but I'd opt for one of the first two to limit debris getting into the socks if you're doing a long race.
Key specifications
Style: Crew sock
Material: CoolMax, nylon, lycra
Gender: Women
18. Best for Trail Running: Nike Trail Running Crew Socks
Designed specifically for trail running, these socks have several technical features that set them apart from the rest. Firstly, the wool-mix NikeGrip yarn and the way it ridges across my forefoot gave me great grip inside my shoe, which is handy if you wear your trail shoes on the bigger side as I do.
These breathable, moisture-wicking socks also did a good job at keeping my feet dry and fairly cool. They come up to mid-calf, so nothing gets inside them even on the dustiest trail and they cling fairly tightly, providing mild compression (but not as much as a compression sock) along with a tight grip across your arches to prevent fatigue.
There's a nifty extra sleeve that wraps around like an ankle sock with a cushioned tab at the back, giving great Achilles protection and a bit of padding around your ankle. I'd prefer a little more cushioning in the seamless toe box and they're not the softest of socks because of the various technical features.
I'd wash at a cool temperature to prevent them from stiffening. They're unisex and go from small to extra large, but there's nothing for small feet as they start at 5.5. However there is a small range within each size bracket (1.5) so you can guarantee a close fit.
Key specifications
Style: Midcalf length
Material: Nylon, wool, polyester and spandex
Gender: Unisex
£22.95
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19. Best for No Cushioning: Adidas RUNxADIZERO Running Ankle Socks
Score: 7/10
We like: the tab design at the ankle
We don't like: harder for long distance
£11.99
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These are a good option if you like an ankle sock to keep out debris but don't like want them to grip too firmly on your leg. They have a tab-like design at the front, so they stay up but don't cling tightly. They're not cushioned at all apart from over the toes, so they're ideal if you like a more minimal sock with a barefoot feel or find that cushioning overheats your feet.
They have a tighter, ventilated band over the arch for support and felt fine on a 10k run with no signs of rubbing or sore points, though I'd want some cushioning for longer distances. They're relatively thin socks and that combined with the technical materials means that they're good at keeping feet cool and dry. There was no bobbling after a couple of washes and they're made with at least 50 per cent recycled materials. They're unisex and come in small up to extra large.
Key specifications
Style: Ankle length
Material: Polyamide, polyester and elastane
Gender: Women
Running Sock FAQs
What are the best running socks to prevent blisters?
You should aim for socks that offer good moisture-wicking and that have less stitching around the toes.
Are cushioned running socks better?
Yes. Unless you're solely a sprint runner taking on short distances, cushioning is important and there are now socks that offer great cushioning without being heavy.
Which socks are best for long-distance running?
Cushioned socks are the best for long-distance running and you should also look out for anti-blister running socks or features.
How often should I replace my running socks?
To a degree, this can be intuitive: until socks lose their shape, grip and cushioning, they should be fine to continue. If you're a fairly regular runner this probably means you replace your socks ever four to six months.
How do I choose the right size of running socks?
Your feet swell during runs and socks will eventually start to shrink after repeated washes, so it's better to 'size up'.