As with many things in life, the same goes for your running outfit: if the basics aren't right, the rest is all for nothing. Your running socks are an essential part of those basics. after all, as long as you don't choose the right ones, you'll risk run the risk of sore feet and blisters.
What makes the best running socks? That depends on several factors: the training, environment, weather, and your personal preferences. We've listed a few brands and their features.
Different running/walking socks and their features
Stance
Reinforced socks that last longer
All Stance socks are made with two features:
- InfiKnit: extra reinforcements at the toe and heel - the places where socks tend to tear most often. That means the socks last longer.
- FreshTek: an anti-microbial and moisture-wicking technology that eliminates odors and wicks away sweat.
Drymax
Water repellent socks for wet hikes
Drymax socks are made to keep your feet dry in wet weather. What makes the socks unique, is the dual-layer construction.
The first layer, directly against your foot, contains Drymax fiber. This fiber is moisture-repellent and draws moisture away from you feet, towards the second (outer) layer of the sock.
The outer layer is moisture-absorbing. It pulls moisture away from the inner layer, helping to keep your feet dry.
Both sweat from your feet and moisture from outside are kept away from your feet, helping them stay dry and fresh.
"I put them to the test and went out in wet conditions, from cross-country skiing to running in the rain. The roughter feel of the outside says nothing about the comfort inside the sock. The inside has a pleasantly soft cushioning that is just soft enough for me. It also fits snugly and stays perfectly in place around my feet."
"And what about puddles? They were certainly not off-limits for me and my Drymax socks. Even when water gets inside the shoe, the sock stays snug against the foot, preventing it from sliding around. I also didn't experience any soffy feeling after running though a puddle. Once I got home, my shoe and insole were completely soaked, but surprisingly, my feet were almost completely dry."
- Ben, Runners' lab advisor
Smartwool
Socks made of Merino wool
Smartwool socks are made of Merino wool: a fabric known for its softness and thermoregulating features.
Merino wool is soft. Contrary to what you might expect from wool, Merino wool does not feel itchy. its fine fibers are too thin to stand upright, which means they don't prick the skin and feel soft instead.
Merino wool is thermoregulating. In cold temperatures, the wool fibers trap air to create a layer of insulation. In warm conditions, the wool draws sweat away from your skin. This makes Merino wool suitable for wearing in all seasons.
Merino wool avoids odours. That makes the socks perfect for long and even multi-day hikes.
"I often reach for a pair of Smartwool socks when going for a (trail) run. They feel really comfortable on my feet and fit nicely. They're not too tight. Personally, I've never experienced blisters or pain caused by these socks. During a river crossing, however, the socks absorbed moisture quite quickly, and it took a few hundred meters for the soggy feeling to disappear. My feel were still a little damp after the run, which of course isn't all that surprising when you run straight through a river."
- Ben, Runners' lab advisor.
Falke
Smooth, thin socks​
Falke socks are synthetic socks, existing especially out of polyamide. Polyamide is a moisture-wicking fiber. The socks close secure around the ankle for a nice fit. That means the socks are perfect for shorter runs or interval sessions.
Injinji
The socks with separate toes
Injinji socks stand out from the others because of the distinctive look. They have individual toe sleeves to help reduce friction between your toes. The socks are also made partly from Coolmax, a moisture-wicking and breathable polyester fiber.
"If you think the separate toes might cause irritation, I can definitely put that concern to rest. While running or walking, you forget that your toes are separated, and it feels completely natural."
- Ben, Runners' lab advisor.