Even the best workout socks aren’t exactly the type of gear that most people get jazzed about. But every real runner and gym rat we know is totally neurotic about their feet’s first layer. And for good reason: The shoes you wear are only as good as the socks on your feet, no matter if you get your fix from sprinting, lifting, CrossFit, or cycling. (Do you like blisters or hot spots?)
That’s why brands across the board have reassessed what a good sock should look and feel like, innovating with new fabrics, materials, and designs. No matter your athletic endeavor of choice, there is a perfect workout sock for you—and it’s almost definitely on this list.
The Best Workout Socks, According to GQ
The Best Workout Socks Overall: Nike Everyday Socks
We’ve extolled the virtues of Nike’s unimpeachable crew socks time and time again, and we ain’t stopping now. If you prefer to buy your workout socks in bulk, or just can’t bring yourself to spend more than, like, $5 on a single pair, the Everyday Plus is probably what you’re looking for. They’re comfortable, durable, and exceedingly versatile, and while we’d stop short of recommending you make like Jacob Elordi and wear ‘em with coquettish leather shorts, if you forget to pack another pair for fashion week, they’ll serve you equally well there, too. As long as the Swoosh keeps making ‘em, we’ll keep recommending ’em.
The Best Low-Cut Workout Socks: Adidas Superlite 3.0
If the Swoosh isn’t quite your style, look no further than Adidas’s Superlite 3.0 socks. Breathable, but not so thin that they feel like papier-mâché on your feet, Adidas packed these socks with their Climalite fabric for maximum sweat-wicking, plus extra cushioning in both the heel and toe to ensure they hold up to even a tough HIIT workout with tons of cutting and jumping. A low-profile heel tab—much more subtle than the obnoxiously large heel tabs found on most running socks—helps keep you blister-free. And the additional arch compression means they’re more than suitable options for the basketball or tennis courts.
The Best Workout Socks for Runners: Courier Hifi Socks
The last thing a runner wants to worry about is their socks when they’re getting in those miles. In our testing, Courier’s Hifi socks offer an excellent ride mile after mile. These are super cushiony all around thanks to the placement of “CourierPods,” which help to provide comfort all around the foot. Plus, the socks have gradual compression up the leg so that they stay put, and the heel padding prevents any pesky blisters from popping up.
The Podiatrist-Approved Pick: Feetures Trail Max Cushion
Foot and ankle surgeon Brad Schaeffer, DPM, is a fan of these Feetures socks because “they have a great upper support that blocks the blisters that I sometimes get in the back of the heel.” They’re also specifically designed for the right and left foot, which ensures the best fit possible. These wick away moisture, great for those who get sweaty feet, and that also means they don’t get super stinky after a hard workout.
The Most Breathable Workout Socks: Bandit Lite Run Socks
Bandit makes some incredible running gear, and while its tops and bottoms get a lot of hype, it’s what we’re wearing on our feet that get us really going. These Lite Run socks lack major cushioning, but its honeycomb mesh construction makes them super breathable. The fabric, COOLMAX, itself also offers great breathability, and it dries quickly so you don’t get swampy feet.
The Best Workout Socks No One Will See: Falke Cool 24/7 Socks
There are no-show socks, and then there are the socks you forget you were wearing until you take your shoes off for the day. Falke’s best-seller falls squarely into the latter category. Crafted from a silky-smooth blend of moisture-absorbing cotton and polyamide (for extra sweat-wicking and durability), they also come equipped with a reinforced elastic band around the foot and silicone grippers at the heel to make sure they stay put all day long. If you absolutely loathe the look of ankle socks at the gym and would rather be barefoot (or approximate the feeling), these are for you.
The Arch Support Pick: Lululemon Power Stride Crew Socks
Flat feet got you down? Lululemon’s Power Stride socks offer excellent 360-degree arch support to relieve any undue stress on the dogs. They offer a glove-like fit so that they feel custom-made for your toes, and the left- and right-foot specific designs provide the best fit possible.
The Best Workout Socks for the Great Outdoors: Bombas Merino Wool Blend Socks
For hard-core adventurers, only two things can cut a hike short: a chance encounter with a very hungry bear, or the onset of a nasty blister when you’re miles away from the summit. Bombas can’t help much with the former, but when it comes to the latter, the DTC hosiery champion comes prepared. Its handsome suite of ribbed calf socks are made from merino wool, nature’s first performance fabric, so they’re temperature-regulating without being insufferably technical about it. Unlike the old-school stuff, though, Bombas also weaves in a hint of elastane for added stretch, a feature you’ll appreciate should you need to hightail it away from inhospitable wildlife. Sure, they’ll look killer with a pair of trail-ready kicks, but they’ll really shine when you make it back to the campsite and swap the sneakers for boots.