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Best Running Socks

Your feet are everything when it comes running and you really need to take care of them. Buying and using running socks is a giant step forward to protecting your feet from all sorts of ailments: blisters, corns, calluses, cold and hot weather, etc. But different styles of running and different running conditions means that there is no one best running sock but rather each running sock out there is designed to work optimally for a given condition. That’s why you’ll see so many different categories below with each running sock being our favorite for that category. Now keep in mind, any of these socks is a big step up from using the standard cotton Hanes variety of sock.

If you’re the type of person who prefers the control of browsing on your own, you can check out our full selection of running socks

Best Year Round All-purpose Running Sock

The closest thing you can get to a best running sock is the all purpose category and the best all purpose running sock goes to the Darn Tough Vermont 1/4 cushion sock. This sock has all the right attributes:

• a foot forming design that has an extra firm fit
• high density cushioning in the heel and metatarsal region for proper support
• Open mesh uppers design to allow some breathabilitiy
• ribbing below the ankle for the right alignment
• Reinforced heels and toes making them more durable
• Elastic support around the arch

Because of the rugged construction and durability of these socks they’re great for trail running, road running…just about any type of terrain. And the copious cushioning helps on the long distance runs. With the breathable mesh they’re great for summer but they also have enough insulation to work for winter runs too (after all they’re Vermont running socks).

Best Cold Weather Running Sock

When running in cold weather you’re going to need enough insulation to keep your feet nice and warm and the longer the distance the more crucial this becomes. The DeFeet Cloud 9 running sock is made from a proprietary blend of CoolMax and Cordura yarn that when combined provide extreme comfort and extra abrasion resistance leading to a softer and long lasting pair of running socks. And they don’t skimp on cushioning; there’s full padding under the foot bed which means no matter how your foot strikes you’re going to be supported. While there are other socks out there that will wick moisture away better than these socks, the DeFeet Cloud 9 running sock will keep your foot dry but more importantly it will keep it warm. Consider getting a pair of two for just the winter months so that you have one less excuse not to run when it’s cold out.

Best Running Socks for Sensitive Feet

While you may have a chuckle about how pathetic you have to be to have sensitive feet, the truth is that if your feet are more prone to blistering or other running injuries, it’s going to lead to down time and if a sock can prevent it, all the better. The Bridgedale X-Hale has a men’s (Speed Demon) and women’s (Speed Diva) line of running socks that are specifically designed for sensitive feet. Their specially designed “mapping” provides superior cushioning in just the right spots so that the sock can be both lightweight and ultra protective. The T2 cushioning is places in key locations such as the heel, ball of the foot, metatarsals, Achilles and lace up areas so that any of those pressure points are relieved from abrasion and impact. The body of the sock has a mesh design that wicks away moisture and keeps the bulk of the foot cool. Both of these features combine to keep feet from suffering and blistering or chafing.

You can learn more about the Speed Demon (men’s) Socks or the Speed Diva (women’s) Socks

Best Long Distance Running Sock

When you’re focusing on running long distances you need a sock that’s not going to give up on you. We’ve found that the best sock for running long distance (half marathon and up) are the Injinji Performance Toesox. At first glance these socks are a little weird and even after putting them on the individual toes on the sock just don’t feel natural. But after the first few minutes you forget all about them and then it’s the next few hours that your glad you have them. The Coolmax material is designed to wick moisture away and by having each individual toe in contact with the material more moisture is removed and less irritation is experienced. That combined with the fact that each toe is separated means the little tiny abrasions of toe on tow action is removed from the equation. So there’s no more taking your sock off to find that one of your toes gouged the next one (who also gouged the one after).

Thorlo Running Sock

Thorlo running socks are among the best running socks on the market and while there may have been other socks that beat it out in that category, I felt that they deserved mentioning. The Thorlo socks are made with a special acrylic/nylon blend and provides plentiful padding that protect against the consistent shock of pounding pavement. The lightweight design and padding in the arch gives incredible arch support so if you suffer from things like flat feet, high arches or plantar fasciitis these socks help to alleviate some of the pain. If you want to get a basic pair of running socks and not worry about any of the special categories above then buying Thorlo running socks is a good choice.

While buying running socks isn’t an essential part of running, like other running gear, they can help keep you healthy and running injury free.

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