The Best Running Socks for Hitting New Feats of Athleticism

Running is among the most egalitarian of exercise pursuits: You don't need a gym membership, expensive machinery, or a ton of technical know-how. In fact, most people would tell you that all you need is a pair of shoes. But they'd be wrong—you also need socks. Not just any socks, but actual, legit running socks. No, 10-pack tubes won't do here, and neither will little cotton no-shows, since regular running regimens are hard to build when your feet are covered in blisters. It won't matter if you're lacing up in the latest super trainers unless you're sporting equally great running socks.

Good running socks—the best running socks—are made to ease (and help avoid) some of running's most common ailments. Designed with stretchy materials that cushion and compress your feet in all the right places, they help prevent blisters and manage moisture so you can think less about your feet and more about that last mile home. To that end, we crunched nearly a decade of testing, conversations with industry pros, and thousands of logged miles into this list of the best running socks available.

The Best Running Socks, According to GQ

• Best Ankle Running Sock: Path Projects Joyner Ankle Sock, $32
• Best Ultralight Running Sock: Near Earth The Race Day Sock, $28
• Best Cushioned Crew Running Sock: Bandit Cushioned Run Quarter Socks, $36
• Best Low-Cut Running Sock: Swiftwick Maxus Zero Tab, $17
• Best No-Show Running with Cushion: Balega Silver No Show Tab, $20
• Best Running Sock for Blister-Prone Runners: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew, $19
• Best 1/4 Compression Running Socks: 2XU Vectr Cushion 1/4 Crew Compression Socks, $20
• Best Full-Height Compression Running Sock: Bombas Performance Compression Socks, $36
• Best Old School Gym Sock: Tracksmith Merino Tube Sock, $20
• Best Running Sock for Cold Weather: Darn Tough Pacer Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock, $21

Best Ankle Running Sock: Path Projects Joyner Ankle Sock

Path Projects uses a direct-to-consumer model to bedeck runners in the highest quality materials—without premium price tags. What that looks like in a sock is a perfectly cushioned kick protector made with Coolmax fabric and zones for venting and extra support. Our favorite feature from testing them was how the front comes up high enough to stop rubbing from oversized shoe tongues.

Best Ultralight Running Sock: Near Earth The Race Day Sock

If socks are an afterthought for some running apparel brands, they're the only thought for newcomer Near Earth. The company's two models are both minimalist, but the Race Day sock feels like an innovation in combining super-light fabric with just the right amount of cushion in the heel and toe. It's the perfect match for the equally minimal mesh uppers of high-end road running shoes where a thicker sock can throw off the fit. The quarter height is just as good as the crew, too, and it wicks moisture like nobody's business.

Best Cushioned Crew Running Sock: Bandit Cushioned Run Quarter Socks

So-called high-cushion socks from other brands got nothing on these maxed-out clouds by Bandit. The extra support on the bottom of the foot is soft enough to face the firmest running shoes, and targeted ventilation and mesh make it so they don't feel like wearing thick stockings. They're taller than typical quarter-height socks though not quite as tall as a normal crew, and the combo of comfort, quick-dry fabric, and anti-microbial support has had us reaching for them on rest days, too.

Best Low-Cut Running Sock: Swiftwick Maxus Zero Tab

The amount of engineering that goes into making a sock like the Maxus isn't nearly proportional to the resulting garment (we've been to sock factories, we've seen the machines). In a sock barely visible above the edge of a shoe there's compression, ventilation, moisture-wicking fibers, and nary a bothersome seam to rub you (or your feet) the wrong way. Having run over a hundred miles in the Maxus, we can attest that it's the ideal versatile running sock—breathable, moisture-wicking, and with the perfect balance of cushion and compression.

Best No-Show Running with Cushion: Balega Silver No Show Tab

For a no-show sock with a little extra underfoot, the Balega Silver No Show Tab is another sock we've been running in for years (the same pair no less, and no toe or heel holes to show for it). It's ideal for long-distance or fast runs on hot days when crew height seems overkill, especially with built-in silver ions that help keep things dry and stink-free. Plus, the heel tab keeps away blisters by putting a little protection between your shoe and your precious feet.

Best Running Sock for Blister-Prone Runners: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew

We're still not used to seeing ourselves in toe socks, but we'll overlook that for the blister prevention provided by Injinji's Trail Mini-Crew. If you experience painful rubbing in-between the toes, here's your solution. This pair has a moderate amount of cushion but they're plenty breathable on the run and versatile enough for road or trail endeavors, too. They require a little extra effort to put on, but each one of your toes will thank you for the attention.

Best 1/4 Compression Running Socks: 2XU Vectr Cushion 1/4 Crew Compression Socks

There's decent evidence that compression gear can help performance and subsequent recovery by aiding circulation. 2XU is a pro in the compression space and the know-how extends to socks. If you've tried calf-height compression and disliked it, the Vectr Cushion 1/4 Crew can offer an alternate perspective. The sock provides just the right amount of squeeze, without any unwanted slippage.

Best Full-Height Compression Running Sock: Bombas Performance Compression Socks

Here's proof you can get mid-calf, medical-grade compression without feeling like you're wearing a vise. These socks use Bombas' highest level of compression—20-30mmHg—in tandem with sweat-wicking yarn, breathability zones, and just the right amount of cushioning to make them feel like a typical running sock that's just pulling extra. They come in a variety of colors, too, so nobody will be the wiser.

Best Old School Gym Sock: Tracksmith Merino Tube Sock

Tracksmith's devotion to old-school collegiate style wouldn't be complete without a set of striped tubes. But these aren't your grandad's gym socks. Made with a blend that includes 56% merino wool, they're performance-forward and stink-resistant—perfect for putting down some serious miles. They're also comfy enough for everyday wear, which is always a plus.

Best Running Sock for Cold Weather: Darn Tough Pacer Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock

Winter seems to last half a year in Vermont, where Darn Tough makes these socks with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex. The combo makes for a sock that's warm without feeling too thick and still plenty breathable. In fact, these are excellent year-round running socks: You can rock them all summer, and the micro-crew height will keep road slush from slopping all over your ankles come winter.

Buying running socks is a lot more straightforward than buying running shoes, but they're still technical products that come with or without various features. It's always a good idea to know what specs to look for, so here are a few to keep in mind.

Cushion: Many running socks come with extra cushion in key areas like the heel and forefoot to help absorb impact as you pound the pavement. You're likely to come across running socks with zero cushion, light cushion, medium cushion, or full cushion. Some people are full-cushion runners, some are no-cushion purists.

Compression: A lot of running socks are designed with targeted areas of compression—often under the arch and around the midfoot—which provides some support and stops the sock from slipping around. (This zoned design is why a lot of pairs of running socks have a left and a right.) You might also come across compression socks for running. These bring a lot more pressure to your foot and lower leg to help stimulate blood flow, which studies have shown can help with recovery and future runs. Compression socks tend to have a different feel to them though.

Sock height: No-show, ankle, quarter, crew. Do you prefer your ankle exposed or covered? It's mostly personal preference, though some running shoes can rub in weird places you can address with a taller sock. A lot of companies make running socks in all of these heights, so if something on this list sounds like it's your speed but not your height, check to see if other options exist.

Materials: Don't expect to see a lot of cotton in the running sock department. It's not as durable and it doesn't transport moisture or control odor as well as merino wool, polyester, or nylon. The latter two tend to be more durable than the first, and you'll often encounter them in blends that also include synthetic materials like elastane or spandex for stretch.