&#;If you&#;re not comfortable, you&#;re less likely to run or enjoy the experience.&#; - Sportitude Shoe Expert Reece Taylor
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Comfort begins at the first, next-to-skin layer yet runners often underestimate what the right running socks can do for their feet. It's not just about finding the best running sock, but the best running sock for you personally in terms of fit and function.
Shoe expert Reece Taylor gives you his run through on what to look out for when selecting your running socks. He highlights why technical running socks are miles ahead of the pack compared to standard cotton socks when it comes to your comfort and the health of your feet.
Put your best foot forward with Reece&#;s tips and our summary below.
It&#;s no secret that when you run, you&#;re going to sweat. This is particularly an issue in the summer months, with the combination of scorching hot days and physical exertion kick your body&#;s cooling mechanism &#; perspiration &#; into overdrive. Sweat itself isn&#;t a bad thing and in fact it keeps you cool and prevents overheating. However, when paired with the wrong running gear sweat can become a problem.
Cotton socks are made of natural fibres but absorb moisture like a sponge. They trap sweat next to your skin, creating an environment for odour-causing bacteria and putting you at greater risk of fungal infections like athlete&#;s foot (tinea pedis). A sweat-soaked sock also increases friction and uncomfortable rubbing between the fabric and your skin, making your feet more blister-prone.
Technical running socks on the other hand (or foot) are made of synthetic materials like polyester, nylon and elastane. They&#;re designed to transfer sweat away from your skin to the exterior of the fabric for quick evaporation, taking excess body heat with it. Being moisture-wicking, technical socks assist in evaporative cooling &#; allowing your natural temperature regulation to work effectively to keep your feet dry, fresh and comfortable.
If we take a closer look at Feetures most advanced running socks, the Features Elite that are available in Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab and Feetures Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew heights, their sweat-wicking iWick fibres are the star of the show. Teamed up with the thin, minimalist feel, this technology keeps your active feet in a healthy environment to fight off hot and humid conditions where blisters thrive.
If you prefer natural fibres or natural and synthetic performance blends, Merino wool is a soft, lightweight and breathable material that&#;s often used in trail running socks. Naturally moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial, Merino wool helps regulate your temperature &#; keeping you warm in chilly conditions and cool in hot, summery conditions.
Running socks with Merino wool blends like the Mile All Terrain women's trail running socks, Mile All Terrain men's trail running socks, Hilly Off Road and Hilly Trail Anklet are a must-have to pair with your trail running shoes to take your fitness off the beaten path with comfort and durability.
An anatomic fit means the sock conforms to your natural foot shape. If you look at your feet, it&#;s obvious they&#;re not symmetrical and technical running socks accommodate for this &#; being longer at the big toe and tapering towards the smallest toe with a left and right-specific fit.
Paired with a contoured arch and hugging to your heel, these foot-conforming designs ensure less bunching from excess fabric and a more precise, stay-put fit for your running workouts.
2XU running socks offer a compressive fit with X-LOCK technology for an anti-blister, second-skin feel - making them great for high-impact activities and allowing you to focus on finishing strong without distractions or irritation. The left and right specific fit in a variety of heights and styles makes them feel like they were made just for your feet.
Similarly, the CEP Compression Running Socks offer feather-light fabric, an asymmetrical toe box for a foot-conforming fit and zonal compression to support faster recovery.
It&#;s also important to pay attention to sock sizing. Too small a sock and your toes may feel squashed, restricted or even punch a hole in the end. Too large a sock and the fabric may bunch and cause irritation, and the arch wrap won&#;t contour to your foot shape effectively.
Buy different coloured pairs of technical running socks to make it easier to identify pairs and reunite the left and right sock of a pair after a wash.
As we touched on earlier, technical running socks are designed to offer anti-blister protection by providing sweat control and offer a secure, non-slip fit to reduce friction.
Running naturally causes friction through movement, so these performance socks aim to keep the movement between the sock and shoe, instead of the skin and sock which can cause irritation down the road.
The Mile Anti Blister Fusion Anklet women's sports socks and Mile Fusion Anklet men's sports socks offer a double layer design - featuring an inner, second-skin layer that moves in harmony with your foot, and an outer layer that moves with the shoe.
Steigen running socks keep it thin to keep it comfortable with a light and barely there feel. Made with a stretchy blend of nylon and Lycra, they hug tightly to your feet to prevent rubbing that can contribute to blisters and eliminate the bulk that comes from non-essential fabric.
Technical running socks often feature ventilation zones made to reduce the build-up of sweat before it can cause a problem. The ventilation channels in Lightfeet running socks encourage air to circulate between your toes. More ventilation means less moisture to worry about and reduced risk of blisters.
The Lightfeet Evolution are available in various heights for personalised coverage, being the Lightfeet Evolution Mini, Lightfeet Evolution Mini Crew, Lightfeet Evolution Half Crew and Lightfeet Evolution Crew. They have stayed the same year in and year out - so loyal Lightfeet fans can trust in their comfort.
Balega also pride themselves on their anti-blister tech, with the Balega Blister Resist No Show running socks being crafted from DRY-MO fibre (a blend of natural Mohair and Drynamix fibre) for temperature regulation, antimicrobial properties and friction-fighting comfort.
Most technical running socks feature a seamless or an entirely flat toe seam to prevent blister-causing friction and ensure an irritation-free ride for sensitive toes.
Thin socks like Steigen running socks are the go-to for road warriors that prefer a more ventilated and barefoot feel &#; following the philosophy that less is more and protecting your feet from blister-causing friction with a second-skin fit. Choosing a thin sock with zero cushioning may even give you a better feel of the road when paired with minimalist running shoes. Alternatively, you may find your running shoes provide plenty of cushioning as is, and a cushioned sock simply isn&#;t necessary.
Steigen socks are available in multiple heights, being the Steigen Zero Length running socks, Steigen Quarter Length running socks, Steigen Half Length running socks and Steigen Three Quarter Length running socks.
The thickness of your sock can improve the fit of your shoe. The Australian made Lightfeet Evolution running socks that we mentioned previously are a running staple for many athletes, providing cushioning at the heel and around the toe box for a little extra volume at the forefoot.
This is fantastic if your foot is relatively narrow at the forefoot and you need a touch extra padding for a snugger fit inside your running shoes. Underfoot, this padded protection helps reduce pressure points and offers a plusher feel to run in comfort, particularly over long distances.
Whether you prefer thin or thick socks may change depending on the specific shoes you&#;re running in, your running workout (high mileage or interval/tempo sessions) and the external temperature on any given day.
With different heights available including no-show/zero/low, quarter, crew or knee-high, technical running socks allow you to customise your level of protection wherever your run takes you. However, be aware that brands don&#;t necessarily follow the same system when naming the height of a sock &#; it can vary from brand to brand but the following will give you a general guide.
For hot running workouts on the road, no-show or low running socks (also called mini crew or socklet) can be the perfect companion &#; providing just-right coverage no higher than the ankle to fight off blisters without adding extra weight or unnecessary fabric. No-show socks may feature a tab at the back to prevent them sliding into your shoe during activity, which would leave the skin of your heel exposed to blister-causing friction.
Although you should always choose a running shoe based on comfort &#; not style or colour &#; it&#;s no doubt that some leading brands also tick the style factor. For this reason, some runners may prefer no-show socks to prevent any distractions from their go-to running shoes.
Depending on the temperature or simply due to personal preference, you may gravitate to the slightly higher quarter crew sock or crew socks that approach the mid-calf, being higher again.
There isn&#;t any dramatic benefits or disadvantage of quarter socks compared to their low running sock cousins for road running &#; although the higher length coverage may give some runners more confidence that their socks will stay-put and not fall into their shoes.
Quarter and crew socks are often preferred for taking your fitness off-road when paired with the right trail running shoes. Sitting higher up the leg compared to low cut styles, they help prevent foreign objects from entering your shoe for a distraction-free ride.
If you clock up many hours off-road to regularly enjoy the benefits of trail running, a knee-high running sock can provide extra protection from natural debris like sharp sticks &#; shielding your skin against minor abrasions. Be aware that even thick, knee-high trail socks aren&#;t guaranteed to be parasite-proof as mosquitoes, small ticks and leeches can work their way between the weave. However, when paired with other preventative measures (e.g. strong insect repellent), having less exposed skin may make it trickier for little bloodsuckers to hitchhike a ride on your runs.
Anything that improves your comfort also improves your performance as it allows you to focus on the road ahead. Knee-high compression socks like the Mile Ultimate Compresssion Run & Recovery Sock or CEP The Run Long Compression Socks 4.0 take your performance to the next step. The compressive fit increases the transport of oxygen-rich blood to your active muscles, helping stabilise your muscles on the road and reducing muscle soreness and fatigue during and post-workout to support your recovery.
Some knee-high socks also feature vibrant colours or reflective patterns that act as a beacon to other road users to keep you safe and seen on your night runs.
CEP Compression socks are also available in no show, low cut, mid cut and high cut heights if knee-high length socks are a touch overkill for your specific type of running workout.
Toe socks like the Hilly Toe socklet and the Injinji running socks offer a more barefoot experience &#; allowing your toes to splay naturally to potentially improve your running efficiency. They also prevent skin-on-skin friction between your toes to protect these blister-prone areas.
The Hilly Toe Socklet offers a minimalist option with zero cushioning, while the Injinji running socks offer extra cushioning and are available in trail-ready designs - creating a barrier against debris and dirt to keep nature outside of your sock where you can enjoy it.
Comfort is a priority from the ground up so it&#;s important to gear up with technical running socks that suit your specific needs and the conditions from road to trail. Technical running socks not only help you take care of your feet and keep you cool, but they also keep your best running shoes in top shape for longer.
All technical running socks provide a protective layer to stop sweat from absorbing into your shoes, preventing the moist and humid conditions that odour-causing bacteria love to throw a party in. This is especially a problem when running sockless &#; but if you prefer a barefoot feel, a thin technical sock like Steigen is certainly the one for you.
Alternatively, thicker running socks with zoned padding like Lightfeet offer an ideal partnership for runners that crave soft cushioning. Unlike your sports socks, your running shoes can&#;t be thrown into the washing machine &#; so it&#;s well-worth investing in a trusty pair of technical running socks to keep both your shoes and feet running happy.
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We thoroughly love these socks. They may not be the best option for the hottest of summer days due to their mid-weight cushioning, but we wore them on hot days and never felt uncomfortable (perhaps due to the mohair wool content helping to thermoregulate). Regardless, if you're looking for an excellent running sock with impeccable protection and great durability, the Balega Blister Resist is our highest recommendation. If you need a sock that offers maximum breathability, check out the Swiftwick Aspire Zero. The DryMax Running Mini Crew is another good option that prioritizes wicking and breathability.
Read more: Balega Blister Resist Quarter review
The downside is this sock isn't the most breathable of the bunch. Unlike some of the more intricate designs, the entire bottom of the foot has full padding with slits for ventilation. Despite the slits, we found the Balega Silver No Show traps moisture when conditions are wet or hot when others offer more breathability. However, it wicks quite well and is a very comfortable sock. If lots of cushioning isn't your thing, the Swiftwick Maxus One is a comfortable sock with minimal cushioning. Additionally, if you are open to trying toe socks, the Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew is another great option that combines comfort with durability.
Read more: Balega Silver No Show review
While a toe sock might be a favorite for some, it's not everybody's cup of tea. The extra work to put them on and the toe splay is a little out of the normal. However, if you haven't tried a toe sock, why not give it a shot? We did and really enjoyed the benefits. If toe socks are a no-go for you, we think you can't go wrong with our favorite sock, the Balenga Blister Resist Quarter. If you need a thinner sock, the Wrightsock CoolMesh II Quarter is another good option that wicks moisture well.
Read more: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew review
We have very few gripes with this sock. It's designed as a lightweight model, which may not be the preferred style for those wanting some extra cushioning. Also, while the material isn't very slippery, we noticed it slips around in wider, sloppier shoes because they are so thin. You'll probably want a snug-fitting shoe to avoid this issue. Overall, the Aspire Zero is a great sock and the one we recommend for its approachable price and great breathability. If you're looking for something cheaper, the Wrightsock CoolMesh II Quarter costs a few bucks less and is a comfortable option, though it can also be somewhat slippery like the Aspire Zero. If cushion is a higher priority, you can't go wrong with the Balega Silver No Show.
Read more: Swiftwick Aspire Zero review
To determine the best overall pair, we put each sock through months of field testing and conducted objective in-house tests to fine-tune our findings. We ran through all sorts of weather, battling technical trails and long days on the pavement. We tried different lengths and levels of cushioning and banged out s of miles throughout the country. Our team of testers looks at each sock comparatively, qualifying each with five essential performance metrics. After putting our legs through the &#;stuff,&#; we provide an unbiased and quality overview of the best running socks on the market.
Our running sock testing is divided into five different metrics:See more about our testing process in our dedicated how we test article.
Testers and review authors Andy Wellman and Amber King provide quality insights into running gear. Both are avid runners, participating in ultra-distance marathons. Andy has participated in 100-mile ultramarathons, while Amber continues to train hard for 50-mile trail marathons throughout the USA. They play in places from Oregon to Colorado to Ontario, visiting canyons, beaches, mountains, deserts, and more. Both have been gear testers and contributors to OutdoorGearLab for over seven years, keeping tabs on the industry and testing new models to make the best recommendations possible.
We have provided four key buying considerations, including materials, length, and fit, to help you find the perfect sock for your next run. This is a summary of our more in-depth buying advice article.
Choosing a running sock with the right blend of materials helps keep blisters away and avoids cutting your run short. Look for socks with a blend of synthetic materials that promote moisture wicking and breathability, such as polyester and nylon, or socks with merino wool incorporated into them. While none of the socks in our lineup feature less applicable materials such as cotton, it's a good idea to look at the material makeup of your sock to gauge its wicking and breathability characteristics.
Along with finding the appropriate blend of materials, those who rely on their socks to wick sweat away will want to look for socks designed with venting properties that move sweat away and allow heat to escape. Look for features such as textured patterns, slits, and vents toward the top of the sock that allows heat to escape through the shoe.
The length of your runs can dictate the style and weight of your socks. A heavier cushioning level is ideal for longer distances, such as half-to-full marathons, while a lighter cushion is more applicable for shorter runs under 5k. Ultimately, cushion thickness comes down to personal preference. You may prefer to wear light-cushioned socks on longer runs and vice versa. More importantly, when considering sock cushions, look for socks that utilize cushions to target common pain points, such as the ball of the feet, heel, and Achilles. Everyone's feet are different, so finding the right cushion for your feet comes down to preference and making sure to target the areas on your feet most prone to discomfort.
Runners may opt for certain ankle cut lengths depending on climate and preferred fitment. For folks who trail run, a sock with more ankle coverage can help prevent dirt and debris from irritating the feet. Shorter no-show socks are meant to sit below the shoe and offer the best breathability since less material is worn around the foot. Socks also come with ankle tabs to prevent heel slippage and movement. Sock length is largely a personal preference, but it's worth considering if you prefer a shorter or longer sock for your climate and if heel tabs would benefit your running style.
In our testing, we look at a myriad of running sock options for both men and women. We look primarily at no-show or crew-style socks, with a quarter length thrown in for good measure. The running socks we compare are the best we could find on the market and are made from quality materials. Any option in this review will do the trick, but the best sock for you will be defined by where you run and what you need your running sock for.
When it comes to running socks, it's important to look at the durability in addition to the price, which will inherently tell you which model will provide the best bang for your buck. Ultimately, most socks in this review are of great value, and there are none in our roster that we straight up wouldn't recommend. Those made with synthetic materials are known to feature higher quality fibers, but they aren't as warm or comfortable as merino wool options.
The Darn Tough Run Coolmax No-Show Tab Ultralight is a good value option, given its superb durability. While you might pay a little more upfront, this sock will last you much longer than another in the same use-case scenarios (based on our testing). The DryMax Running Mini Crew is another low-priced synthetic that doesn't have the best fit for women but proves to keep going mile after mile. The range of cost for socks is small, but the real value is in how many miles you can put in before needing a new pair.
Comfort is the most crucial consideration when evaluating a running sock. How a sock feels will determine whether you wear it every day or never again. We began by examining each material's overall feel. Is it rough and abrasive, or soft and supple? Are there exposed seams that cause rubbing or friction? Does the sock hug our foot comfortably or squish the toes? Does it pinch around the ankle or the top of the foot? Where is the padding located? We ultimately determine the most comfortable option by evaluating the feel of the sock both in and out of our running shoes. We also take a critical look at where cushioning is targeted. Socks with padding aimed at all the right places are the most comfortable and score the best in our testing. Let it be stated that even the lowest-scoring sock in the comfort metric is still significantly more comfortable than your average cotton sock. Hence, comfort needs to be approached with a keen eye to find out which sock is average and which is truly heaven on your foot.
Of all that we tested, the Balega Blister Resist Quarter, Balega Silver No Show, and Darn Tough Run Coolmax No-Show Tab Ultralight are the most comfortable. The materials are super soft and comfortable. All have ultra-plush cushioning targeted to the ball of the foot, heel, and Achilles, with a midweight construction. The fabric in the cushioned areas is highly dense, quite responsive, and protective underfoot. All are good options for protection on longer trail runs.
The Thorlos Experia XCCU is a lightweight sock that offers targeted cushioning that is super soft to the touch. While the fabric isn't as plush as the Feetures Merino 10, this sock kept our feet protected and comfortable on the long runs. However, it's not our first choice for ultradistances. We appreciate the higher sock height of the Thorlos in comparison to the Feetures, which would sometimes slip down while running.
Socks with less cushioning typically didn't score as highly in this metric. There are some standouts, though, like the Wright Sock Coolmesh II Quarter. This sock feels seamless, and even though it comes up higher on the ankle than much of our selection, we hardly noticed it, and it feels great when combined with a shoe with a debris collar. The downside is that it doesn't provide much in the way of slip prevention. We don't recommend them when wearing a wider-fitting shoe.
How a sock fits is another critical component that relates to its comfort and performance. A sock that is too big or small will not be as comfortable as one that fits just right. The fit is determined by how well a sock might mold to your foot and stay in place. It should hug the foot comfortably without being too tight or loose. A sometimes overlooked aspect of fit is where your foot fits within a manufacturer's size range. Some companies manufacture a single sock design that is meant to fit a wide range of foot sizes.
We asked several questions to determine which sock fits best. Did it bunch up and force rearrangement after first pulling it on? Did it stay in place mile after mile, or did it creep down? Did it feel confining when first pulled on, or did it feel like it wasn't there? How well did it move with the foot? Some socks have a lot of snug-fitting elastic sections that hug the foot. Others were too tight or loose at the ankle, giving us the feeling of circulation being cut off. Similarly, some socks overemphasized the amount of elastic in the arch, making it feel restrictive. The best socks feel comfortable and don't restrict movement. We also point out niches some socks occupy in the section below.
Our standout performer for the best-fitting sock out of the bunch is the Thorlo Experia XCCU, Balega Blister Resist, and Injinji Mid-weight Toe Sock. All offer a specific fit that doesn't bunch or rub in any locations. Like the Feetures Merino 10, it stays in place on a long run, without bunching or moving on the foot. None of the above feel too tight or small and offer a standout fit for both men and women.
The Darn Tough socks for both men and women also feature an excellent fit. The compression is in all the right areas and stays in place. When looking at the comparative size differences in the men's and women's socks, the women's is more narrow with a tighter heel cup. If you're a woman with wider feet, we'd recommend trying on the men's sock. Both offer a size that is true to fit.
The Balega Silver No Show provides a surprisingly specific fit as well. It has more specific compression around the arch with a little more padding around the Achilles and underfoot. Both are seriously comfortable with a unisex fit. Both fit a bit large, so if you're on the cusp, size down.
When water is trapped next to the skin, it gets absorbed, causing the feet to swell and soften, increasing the chance of blisters. A sock that effectively wicks and breathes can combat this issue. Wicking is a sock's ability to effectively pull moisture from the skin to the outside of the sock, spreading that moisture over a wider surface area, where it will hopefully evaporate. Whether or not it evaporates depends on both the breathing and venting capabilities of your shoe and the sock's ability to release moisture into the air. Some models can wick and breathe well, while others might wick but not breathe so well. If your socks are good at wicking, they'll pull more sweat and water away from your foot, so your feet will also dry more quickly once you remove your socks and shoes. Keeping your feet dry is essential for preventing blisters and keeping your calluses intact. Unless you're in an actual race, don't hesitate to air out your dogs and keep them dry and healthy mid-run. With good wicking socks and a little sun, your feet can be bone dry in as little as ten minutes.
The key to a sock that wicks well is using a hydrophobic (water-hating) fabric to pull moisture from the foot and transfer it through the material. Models with a thicker looped thread or some porosity at the material's surface tend to wick the best. Those that breathe the best are those with a thinner architecture with a loosely knit weave to increase surface area for water transport.
In this review, socks composed of synthetic material did the best at wicking, specifically those that integrate a high proportion of hydrophobic Olefin fibers. A previous award winner, the DryMax Running Mini Crew stands out in this category, drying quickly and wicking stupendously well. However, this year, the Swiftwick Aspire Zero can dry quicker and manage moisture better. This ultralight contender is super thin, wicking away moisture and keeping feet drier. Both are great options for wet, humid, or super hot conditions, with the DryMax being a little thicker in construction. The Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Micro is another competitor that wicks quite well, using different materials.
Thicker socks wick well but don't offer the same level of breathability as thinner contenders. The Thorlos Experia XCCU is an exception that features an excellent venting system. The thicker fibers on the pads of the foot area grab moisture and move it effectively to the super-thin regions around the arch and top of the foot for optimal breathability. Other thicker socks like the Balega Silver No Show brand wick well but unfortunately seem to hold the moisture in these denser areas. The Balega Blister Resist is an exception to this, which breathes exceptionally well, even with its midweight construction. Don't be dissuaded by the double-layer Wrightsock CoolMesh II Quarter as it's exceptionally thin and wicks well.
The final component to avoiding blisters is its ability to reduce friction and heat by staying in place. When a foot slips inside a shoe, friction occurs &#; usually in the heel, under the ball of the foot, or between the toes. Friction creates heat, accelerating the creation of a blister. For this test, we are aware of how well a sock helps keep our foot in place. The interface between the skin, sock, and liner is crucial. So it's vital not only to get the right sock but also to ensure that your shoe fits correctly or that your liners aren't too slippery. A sock alone can't prevent blisters. It's a combination of the fit of your shoe, how you run, and how your sock and shoe interact. Additionally, a sock that is too slippery in your shoe can through your whole game off, causing you to feel less sure-footed and increasing your chances of falling or rolling an ankle.
Socks with added padding or cushioning, or thicker overall socks, tend to &#;fill&#; our shoes better than thin socks. For an optimal fit, you would be wise to regularly run in the same thickness of socks and fit the shoes to the volume of your preferred sock. If you size your shoe wearing a medium thickness sock and then go running in an ultra-light sock, there'll be extra room for your foot to slip. To look at this metric, we tested different socks using shoes that both fit loosely and tightly. Socks that don't slip have more porous or plush fabrics, as opposed to streamlined, lightweight, and slick.
Of the socks tested, the Balega Silver No Show, Balega Blister Resist, and Injinji Midweight Toe Sock is the best at preventing foot slippage. All feature a thicker material construction in the heel and forefoot, with the Injinji offering the ability to spread your toes. This provides more traction in all the shoes we tested, thus offering less slippage. The Feetures Merino 10 is another that easily grabs the shoe for more reinforced friction, though the threads are finer.
The Thorlos Experia uses an ultra-thin section of material along the top and bottom that is a little more conducive to slip in looser shoes. The double-layered Wrightsock Coolmesh II Quarter also had us slipping around in our shoes more than we'd like. Overall, the thicker and more fitted the sock, the better it combats slippage. If you plan on buying a thinner sock, like the Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Micro that slips quite a bit, ensure that your insole offers some friction or the shoe fits nice and tight to avoid blisters.
Durability is an important factor to consider when purchasing new socks. You don't want to throw down your hard-earned dollars to get a pair that will wear out after a few runs. To assess durability, we examined the wear and tear of each product after 30 miles of testing. Our experts have been testing some of these socks for several years now, and in those cases, they can provide further insight into long-term limitations.
During this testing period, no socks showed any significant wear through the first 30 miles of testing, meaning that all running socks we tested are reasonably well-constructed. That said, they did show varying signs of wear and tear, which tells us there are differences in overall durability. The most valuable socks are those that will last the longest for the lowest cost over time.
Hands down, the best durability we've seen comes from Darn Tough. If you wear a sock for a year and put a hole in it, you can send it back for a brand new pair. During our testing, this sock brand showed the least amount of wear and tear, compaction, and piling issues, which lends to its standout durability. We've tested this brand of sock for years and have logged over miles on it while running through the steep and technical mountains of sunny and dry Colorado.
Thicker socks, in general, do better than thinner options. For example, after 60 miles of wear, the Balega Blister Resist and Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew are simply crushing it, still looking new.
Lighter socks don't do as well, but some are better than others. For example, the synthetic Swiftwick Aspire Zero, another lightweight contender, also proves to be ultra-durable with just a few thread flyaways after 200 miles, but not much else. The ultralight version of the Smartwool PhD (a Merino Wool sock) doesn't fare as well, showing the signs of a hole in the making and frayed areas in both the forefoot and heel, similar to the Feetures Merino 10, which has lasted a little longer due to the plusher materials used.
We recommend a robust quiver of socks to suit the various weather and running conditions you'll experience throughout the year. A thin sock like the Swiftwick Aspire for the hottest days, the Drymax Running Mini Crew for when the rain won't stop, and the Balega Blister Resist for the long runs under variable skies. Whatever sock you're running in, you'll know you've made the right choice when you barely notice your socks are even there, and you can focus entirely on your stride and the scenery.
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