So you’ve found the perfect running shoe. You stopped by Marathon Sports, went through the Right Fit process, tried on all the best options, and finally decided on the best running shoe for you.
So you’re all set to slide your shoes on and hit the road for your run, right?
Not so fast.
We would argue that running shoes are the most important piece of running equipment. But the truth is that running socks are nearly as important when it comes to keeping you comfortable and preventing common running ailments like blisters and cramping.
So before you lace up your running shoes, we suggest taking a closer look at what you’re putting inside your running shoes – the socks you use for your workouts and daily runs. In this guide to the top running socks, we’ll highlight why a good pair of socks is so important, what features to look for, and some of our top choices on the market that are guaranteed to keep you running happy and healthy.
Are Running Socks Really That Important?
One common question we get at Marathon Sports is whether running socks really make that much of a difference. And we get it: running socks tend to be pricier than a standard pack of cotton socks and don’t seem like they would really make that much of a difference. But with so many benefits, the right pair of socks can truly make or break a long run or workout.
Here’s a rundown of just a few of the benefits you’ll find in running-specific socks.
Blister Prevention
The phrase “cotton is rotten” has made its way around the running community for years and years. And while this saying does apply to running clothes, it’s also relevant to socks. Full cotton socks trap moisture, increasing friction and rubbing around the foot and leading to painful blisters and chafing.
Running socks are made out of premium synthetic materials meant to wick away moisture instead of trapping it against your skin, so you can run any speed or distance distraction-free.
Performance Features
Standard socks are cut to fit as many feet as possible, with the same seams and material around the arch and heel on both feet. Running socks incorporate more unique, performance-ready features to avoid any slipping, movement, or discomfort around the feet.
Every sock brand is different, but there are a few features you can expect to find in several brands designed to deliver superior comfort and performance, including seamless toes, anatomical designs, and targeted compression and arch support.
Enhanced Fit
We all know that shoes have a left and right to them. So why don’t standard cotton socks take the differences between left and right feet into account?
Several of our favorite running sock brands, including Feetures and Jogology, use an anatomical design that hugs each foot for maximum security and comfort. There’s no distracting movement inside the shoe, so you can focus on the road or trail ahead.
Improved Overall Comfort
We could go on and on about all the unique features running shoes have to offer. And don’t worry – we’ll dive deeper into all these features throughout this running sock guide. But the short answer as to why running socks make a difference is that they’re simply more comfortable during daily miles and longer runs than cotton alternatives.
Along with wicking away moisture, the premium materials found in running socks are incredibly soft, lightweight, and breathable. Whether you go with a cushioned synthetic sock or merino wool option, your feet will stay cool, dry, and comfortable in a high-quality running sock.
How to Find The Right Running Socks for You
As with running shoes, there are a lot of options out there for running socks, and it can feel overwhelming to know what will work best for you. But at Marathon Sports, we don’t just pride ourselves on knowing running shoes inside and out. We also dive into every running sock brand, try different socks out on runs, and get to know all there is to know about each style so we can offer the best possible suggestions.
Throughout this guide to the best running socks, we’ll cover a few of the key features to consider when shopping for your next go-to sock.
Cushion Level
One of the best aspects of running socks is how many options and styles there are out there. Whether you prefer an ultra-lightweight, barely-there feel or a maximum-cushion option, there are running socks that could work for you.
Nearly every running sock brand has several cushion levels to choose from, making it simple to find a cushion level that suits your needs and preferences.
Light cushion socks are great for those who prioritize breathability and minimalism on their runs. They don’t add too much bulk, which is great in snug, performance-oriented footwear or on warmer days.
Those who want as much all-around comfort and shock absorption as possible should consider a thicker sock with more cushioning. Extra padding around the foot creates a plusher, more forgiving feel, although some athletes may find max cushion socks a bit too bulky or warm.
Material
No matter what, a high-quality running sock will be better for your feet than a pack of cheap cotton socks. But even so, not every running sock material is going to work for every athlete out there.
Those looking for a super lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking sock should look for synthetic materials specifically designed for moisture management. Blends of polyester, spandex, nylon, and elastane are great options that deliver stretch, flexibility, and overall comfort.
Merino wool socks are another fantastic choice. While you may think of wool socks as being warm, they can actually help regulate temperature and wick moisture away to keep your feet cool and comfortable in any weather. Wool socks also offer more natural odor control to keep you feeling fresh on runs.
Style
Running sock style is when your own individual preferences and personal style really come into play. Luckily, there are plenty of options from every brand out there, making it simple to find something that works for you.
Many running socks are available in a no-show design, with a blister tab that protects the heel and prevents the sock from bunching or moving around. But if you prefer your socks above the heel, there are also quarter socks, micro-crew socks, and crew socks.
Fit
Some people prefer a snug running sock that hugs the foot and arch. Others prefer a more accommodating fit that offers more breathing room. Others want something in between. And with the top brand of running socks, there’s something for everyone.
Socks with an anatomical fit and flexible material, such as Feetures, tend to fit a bit more snug around the foot. This seamless heel and toe ensure there’s no uncomfortable squeezing or hot spots, but the tight design may not appeal to anyone who prefers a more accommodating fit.
On the other hand, brands like Balega and Jogology maintain the smooth, secure, frictionless construction, but don’t hug the feet quite as tightly, offering more room for toes to splay out.
And if you’re tired of socks feeling too tight around the ankle or feet, Darn Tough has an option for you. The brand’s Wide Open line uses a stretchy merino wool that accommodates wide feet and calves with less uncomfortable squeezing.
The Best Running Sock Brands: Our Five Top Choices
At Marathon Sports, we’re proud to carry some of the top running sock brands on the market today. Our goal is to keep you healthy, happy, and comfortable from head-to-toe, and that includes helping you find the perfect sock for all your running and workout needs. After testing out countless sock brands and styles, here are a few of our favorites.
Feetures
We’ve already mentioned Feetures throughout this guide, and that’s mainly because we can’t stop raving about this running sock brand. Feetures comes in three cushion levels – ultra light, light cushion, and max cushion – and a variety of different heights, meaning the brand has socks that could work for nearly every runner, walker, or athlete.
Feetures socks are made from iWick fibers, a synthetic material that effortlessly wicks away sweat and water to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry and comfortable. Each pair of Feetures socks includes a left and a right sock, using an anatomical design to create socks with a secure fit that stay put as you move.
With targeted arch compression and unique Sock-Lock technology, Feetures socks tend to fit more tightly around the foot. This is ideal for anyone who prefers a supportive, compressive fit in their running socks, but may be limiting for those who prefer a more accommodating sock.
We also love that Feetures offers a lifetime guarantee. If your Feetures socks shrink, thin out, or develop holes, you can send them in for a replacement pair.
Jogology
Fortunately, Jogology running socks found a way to blend a supportive, anatomical design with a slightly looser fit around the foot. Like Feetures, Jogology socks are available in low, medium, and high cushion, with an anatomical construction and arch support system. The heel is contoured to reduce slipping, while the seamless toe prevents any blisters from forming.
Patented Re-Dri sustainable yarn helps wick away moisture for maximum comfort. Mesh ventilation panels throughout the yarn keep you cool and dry, boosting airflow and breathability in any weather condition.
The innovative Arrow Heel is one of the most unique elements in Jogology running socks. The construction contours to the heel to prevent any slipping, so you can stay comfortable and focused. From uptempo runs to long-distance mileage, you won’t have to worry about blisters, slippage, or any discomfort in Jogology socks.
Balega
Balega is known for its incredibly vast range of running, walking, and hiking socks. Across all different cushion levels and styles, the brand aims to deliver seamless, high-performance socks for all-day comfort.
Balega uses its proprietary Drynamix yarn to wick away moisture, reduce odor, and prevent blisters. Its socks feel snug and secure around the foot, without squeezing the toes. And while we find the Hidden Comfort line to be some of the softest and most comfortable socks around for daily miles, you can choose between a huge range of models that suit nearly any style and cushion preference.
Darn Tough
Feetures, Jogology, and Balega all make most of their running socks out of moisture-wicking synthetic materials. But if you prefer merino wool for your running socks, you can’t go wrong with Darn Tough running socks.
Merino wool is breathable, lightweight, and naturally wicks away moisture and odors to keep you comfortable on any run. Along with the comfort and performance-driven design, Darn Tough socks are also exceptionally durable. The best part? The brand stands by its products, offering an unconditional lifetime guarantee.
Darn Tough also offers a huge range of styles, cushion levels, and designs, making it easy to find a product that works for you. From ultra-light no-show socks to bulky, max-cushioned hiking and trail running socks, and everything in between, there’s truly something for everyone.
Those with wide feet and calves also have some options here. Check out Wide Open from Darn Tough for wide-width socks. Wide Open socks are all also made from merino wool and share the same lifetime guarantee.
Saucony
We won’t beat around the bush – running socks can be expensive. The lifetime guarantee from Feetures and Darn Tough ensures you can feel good about where you’re spending your money. But even so, these socks are often pricier for one pair than the packs of cotton socks you can find at department stores.
With Saucony running socks, you can enjoy a more affordable, budget-friendly alternative. Saucony running socks come in a three-pack, so you can stock up on more running socks without breaking the bank.
Saucony running socks are a great option for lots of athletes, and the moisture-control fabric provides superior comfort and protection compared to standard cotton socks. They don’t have the same technical bells and whistles as some of the other options on the list, but with targeted cushioning, arch support, and a breathable construction, Saucony offers a great pack of running socks to get you through multiple weekly workouts.
The Finish Line: The Best Running Socks for You
At some point along the running journey, we’ve all wondered if running socks are truly so special. But once you try them out and compare them to standard socks, the difference is evident. After testing out all different types of socks on nearly every kind of run, it’s clear that running socks really can enhance your entire running experience.
If you’ve ever dealt with blisters, chafing, overheating, and just general discomfort on runs, your socks may be the culprit. Cotton socks trap heat, resulting in a huge range of painful and uncomfortable foot issues. With the right pair of running socks, you can prevent these aches and pains and feel your best with every step.
Just like with running shoes, there isn’t a single running sock brand that works for every person out there. There are different cushion levels, heights, fits, materials, and more to keep in mind.
We hope this guide has helped you determine the type of running socks that might work best for you. But if you still have running sock questions, you aren’t alone. Our Marathon Sports team is always ready to help you find the perfect running gear and apparel to reach your running goals.
From the major running gear to the smaller details, we’ve got your back. We’ll make sure you’re fitted with the right shoes, socks, and more to keep you feeling your best, mile after mile.
