Running in bad socks sucks. If clocking up more than 65 marathons and 20 ultras, and plodding most of the way across Europe has taught me one thing, it is this: A runner is only as happy as his or her feet. You can drop hundreds of bucks on the best running shoes, but if you stick your foot into an old gym sock, you still risk ending up with blisters.
Running socks—along with running underwear—are probably as mission-critical to your comfort as anything else you work out in. It’s why regular ultra runners change their socks for a big psychological boost mid-race. If your socks fit poorly, hold onto sweat, or fail to cushion your steps, it’s a fast ticket to hot spots and Blisterville. And if they don’t look the part, forget the PR.
To help you avoid all of that, we’ve run our way through the unending variety of cut, cushion, and yes, color, to find options worth their price tags. Whether you’re someone logging daily miles for fitness, a trail-taming ultrarunner, or a twice-a-week jogger, there’s a sock for you. Don’t see anything you like? Check out the rest of our outdoor guides, including the Best Rain Jackets and the Best Sunscreen.
