10 Best Athletic Socks To Keep Feet Comfy and Cool During Every Workout
No matter your workout of choice, having an arsenal of workout gear that’s equal parts fun and functional is crucial. And even if you’ve got tees, tanks, and pants on lock, you’ll want to make sure you’re set from head to toe, which means you’ll need a pair of the best athletic socks around. Supportive, comfortable workout socks are essential to keep blisters — as well as sweaty, stinky feet — at bay.
According to the UK’s College of Podiatry, we have more sweat glands per inch in our feet than anywhere else in our bodies — about 250,000 per pair of feet. So not only are moisture-wicking socks a must (they’ll also protect your tootsies from blisters), you’ll also want socks that have some cushioning for added comfort and support through your heel and arch. When it comes to fabric, opt against 100 percent cotton, which can trap sweat and odor, making it less than ideal for active ladies. Instead, choose synthetic fabrics (like polyurethane) or wool, which will help wick moisture and keep feet cool and dry.
As far as fit goes, make sure your socks are loose enough that they’re not restricting your toes, but secure enough that they don’t slip mid-workout. Fear not, because there’s definitely an athletic sock out there to fit your needs and individual style, from lightweight breathable ankle socks for your mat-based workout to crew-length compression socks to keep circulation flowing during hikes or jogs. Keep reading to check out FIRST’s picks for the best athletic socks to keep feet comfy and cool during every workout.
Love Classic Athletic Reflective Compression Socks
Where to buy: From $10, Amazon
Why we like them:
- Crew sock with compression rib and arch support
- Blend of cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, and rubber, with mesh panel inserts for extra breathability
- Reflective panels for added visibility during nighttime workouts
If you enjoy an evening stroll or run outside, you’ll want to be extra vigilant so that oncoming traffic can see you coming. These black crew socks from Love Classic are not only functional, with light compression and added arch support, as well as a blend of fabrics and inner mesh panel inserts for optimal breathability, but they also contain reflective panels so others can see you even in the dark.
In two sizes (extra small/small and medium/large), you’re sure to find the perfect fit, and these come in either a single pack or a three pack in classic black.
Uniqlo Short Sports Socks
Where to buy: From $11.20, Uniqlo
Why we like them:
- Ankle-cut socks in a three pack of vibrant colors
- Uniqlo’s signature quick-dry technology for dry, comfy feet
- Arch support to keep feet from feeling achy or sore during your workout or afterwards
Uniqlo is known for its well-made basics at a wallet-friendly price point, but don’t sleep on the retailer’s athletic socks, like this three pack of ankle-cut socks in either white, grey, and orange or sky blue, navy blue, and black.
Featuring extra arch support for cushy soles and Uniqlo’s signature quick-dry technology to wick sweat and prevent blisters, these socks are a must-have for any gym bag.
Happy Socks Athletic Big Dot Socks
Where to buy: From $11.20, Happy Socks
Why we like them:
- Fun patterns and prints in crew and half-crew styles
- Ribbed for a snug and secure fit without feeling tight
- Comfortable cotton and elastane blend
Athletic socks don’t have to be boring, especially when you stock up on these vibrant patterns and prints from Happy Socks, which come in either crew and half-crew styles. These ribbed socks will fit securely and snugly without cutting off circulation or feeling uncomfortable, and the cotton and elastane blend means they’re breathable while also being show-stopping — the perfect way to add pizazz to any workout outfit.
Bombas Women’s Ankle Socks
Where to buy: $19.99, Amazon
Why we like them:
- Ideal for any workout, from running to yoga and beyond
- Arch support to prevent tired, achy feet
- Blister tabs along heel to prevent friction as you move
Athletes know that when it comes to the best of the best, you’ve gotta go Bombas. These ankle socks — which come in either black or white and in sizes small, medium, and large — feature blister tabs around the back to prevent friction and slippage as you move, without being too ‘showy’ or hitting too high on your calves.
The best part? For every pair purchased, Bombas will donate a pair to a person in need, so you can feel good about hitting ‘add to cart’ — and your feet will thank you as soon as you finish exercising and feel zero pain, soreness, or fatigue.
Under Armour Women’s Essential No-Show Socks
Where to buy: From $9.51, Amazon
Why we like them:
- Dynamic arch support that helps reduce foot fatigue during your workout and after
- Wide range of colors
- No-show fit without slipping as you move
Under Armour’s six-pack no-show socks come in so many colors, the hardest part will be choosing which colors and styles are right for you. Embedded arch support and a blend of materials that both wick sweat and prevent odor means you’ll reach for these again and again, whether you’re exercising at home, at the gym, or hitting the pavement for an outdoor sweat session.
Swiftwick Aspire Zero Running Socks
From $14.98, Amazon
Why we like them:
- Lightweight, high-performance fiber to keep feet dry and blister-free
- Firm compression for those looking for extra support
- Perfect for all kinds of workouts, including high-intensity, cardio, and strength training
These might be called running socks, but shoppers love these for all kinds of activities, from cycling to hiking to walking and CrossFit and tennis and beyond. If you’re a particularly heavy sweater (especially during those dreaded full-body hot flashes!) you’ll want to have your Swiftwicks nearby.
The lightweight fiber helps wick moisture and sweat, keeping your feet dry and cool no matter how sweaty things get, and the firm compression supports your entire foot, reducing fatigue and stabilizing muscles during endurance activities. These socks also stay in place without bunching or sliding, and the invisible toe seam helps prevent friction on your tootsies, too.
Dickies Women’s Dritech Advanced Moisture Wicking Crew Socks
Where to buy: From $13.99, Amazon
Why we like them:
- Perfect length for outdoor workouts to prevent ticks, poison ivy, or scrapes from branches
- Specially designed to wick away moisture and maintain ventilation
- Thick without leading to overheating
If your workout takes you outdoors, you’ll want socks that can keep your feet comfortable no matter the conditions — from warm weather jogs to hikes as the temperatures dip and the foliage changes. These Dickies socks will cover your lower leg without cutting into your skin, and they’re thick enough for chilly days but not so thick that your feet will overheat.
Sold in varying colors in either six-packs or 12-packs, these fit comfortably in sneakers or boots for all-day wear no matter where your adventures take you.
BERING Women’s Performance Athletic Running Socks
Where to buy: $20.99, Amazon
Why we like them:
- Cushioned sole helps absorb impact and reduces friction
- Strategic padding for added shock absorption and protection
- Heel tab supplies extra comfort and protection, while preventing blisters and slippage
The last thing you want to think about when you’re hitting the tennis court or logging some miles is about whether or not your feet are comfortable. These socks feature a cushioned sole with strategic padding that helps absorb impact with every step and movement, reducing friction and keeping your feet safe and cozy. They’re great for any activity, including running, weight lifting or training, golf, walking, tennis, and more, keeping feet dry and blister-free without slipping, thanks to the heel tab and breathable mesh fabric that you’ll want to wear even on days spent cozied up on the couch.
Balega Silver Antimicrobial No-Show Compression-Fit Running Socks
Where to buy: From $11.49, Amazon
Why we like them:
- Special blend of fabrics featuring antibacterial silver ions to keep odor at bay
- Medium volume cushioning ensures comfort and durability for every kind of activity
- Blister tabs to prevent friction as you move
If you’re someone that’s active all day long, you don’t want to have to worry about your feet feeling sweaty, clammy, or smelling icky. That’s where these running socks by Balega come in to play — the polyester blend features silver ions, which provide antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, preventing any unpleasant odors or lingering moisture.
Designed to mimic the feeling of a running shoe, these socks also serve up flexibility no matter your activity of choice, but stay put without friction. And in just about any color your heart desires, you can’t go wrong no matter which look you choose.
Saucony Women’s Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks
Where to buy: $14.99, Amazon
Why we like them:
- Targeted zone cushioning in high impact areas for added comfort
- Mesh ventilation provides maximum airflow
- Enough compression to keep arches stable and secure
You don’t have to spend a million bucks to keep your feet comfy, cool, and protected as you work out, and it’s all thanks to this eight-pack of athletic socks by Saucony. Not only do they receive rave reviews due to their budget-friendly price point, but they’re chock full of features that earn them a top billing in any gym bag or sock drawer.
Your feet will feel fresh thanks to Saucony’s signature RunDry moisture management and mesh ventilation construction, which creates maximum airflow. There’s just enough compression and cushioning to support you without feeling bulky or crammed into your shoes, and the heel tab adds an extra layer of protection against blisters.
