With running socks costing around upwards of $15 pair these days, it’s worth it to find the style that’s best for you and your feet.

To help you in that venture, our BAMRbassador team put eight of the latest pairs of running socks to the test, wearing them on roads and trails, in speed sessions and long runs. While all the running socks are the popular no-show style, they vary in cushioning from paper-thin to super thick, are made from everything from polyester to merino-wool blends, and offer a variety of features like extra arch support, single-toe capsules, and reflective hits.

 

Wrightsock Run Luxe Single Layer Tab

Price: $16
Sizes: S-XL

Fit: Both testers (size 7.5 and 8.5 women’s shoes) had no issues. “My wide toes had plenty of space and they fit into my everyday running shoes,” says Amanda. “They fit snugly with a little bit of room at the top of my toes,” says Megan, who wore them with both her regular trainers and her lighter weight racing shoes.
Cushioning: The medium-cushioning was welcomed by both, staying plush during the duration of their runs. Both noted that the socks washed extremely well; they look and feel like new after multiple wears and washes.
Other features: Megan appreciated the anatomical heel pad—no slippage on her 12 mile run—and Amanda appreciated the fact that Wrightsocks are made of recycled plastics. Although there is no specific arch support, “the whole sole of the foot has nice cushioning,” says Megan.
Issues: Amanda found the socks to be a bit warm by the end of a treadmill run.

“These are a great value; they are durable and well-constructed. I wear them for running but also to work because they’re so comfortable.”

Swiftwick Maxus No Show

Price: $17
Sizes: S-XL

Fit: The testers (size 8.5 and 9 women’s shoes) were impressed. “I loved these socks from the minute I put them on,” says Lynn, “I especially liked the higher back so the back of my shoe didn’t rub my ankle.” Lynn was able to slide into her shoes, which have lace-locks, smoothly. Brooke had plenty of room for her toes to wiggle, and they slipped well into her shoes as well.
Cushioning: The max cushioning did its job while still feeling lightweight, says Brooke. “Just enough cushioning,” says Lynn, who likes a max cushion sock, “Super comfortable and kept my foot cool the whole time.”
Other features: Brooke appreciated an extra light band around the ankle that kept the socks in place, as well as band of extra elasticity surrounding the arch. “It wasn’t too snug, and as somebody who has struggled with plantar fasciitis, I appreciate the extra support.” Lynn loved the gray colorway, which is still subtle but shows less dirt than white!
Issues: None.

“I wouldn’t change a thing about these socks. Extra cushioning, gentle compression, and no blisters: they’re perfect!”

Smartwool Run Low Ankle Socks

Price: $19
Sizes: S-XXL

Fit: The testers (size 8.5 and 11 women’s shoes) found Smartwool’s, “stay-in-place” description to be accurate. “They conformed perfectly to my long, bony feet,” says Sarah, who also appreciated the ankle “notch” that allows space for the ankle bones to stick out. “I appreciate there is no bumpy seam along the toes,” says Cathy.
Cushioning: These are minimally cushioned socks, which suited both testers. Sarah scoped out some unexpected cushioning at the top of the toes, what Smartwool calls a Shred Shield. “It prolongs the life of the socks because there’s more material for the toes to blow through,” she says, “It’s a small feature, but I love it so much, I plan on buying more pairs of this style.”
Other features: The subtle warmth and consistent wicking that wool provides in all temperatures was welcomed by both.
Issues: None.

“Despite the minimal cushioning, these socks are bulletproof. They’ll last for years.”

Jogology High Cushion, No Show

Price: $16
Sizes: S-XL

Fit: The tester (size 10 women’s shoes) had plenty of room for her tootsies. “My feet are slightly on the wider side, and these provided plenty of room without feeling tight or constricting,” says April, “They slipped right into my shoes with ease, no adjustments needed.”
Cushioning: High cushioning is in the description, and it delivers. “They’re perfectly cushioned,” says April, adding that the protective pad across the toe box was super effective. (She also appreciated the lack of seams in the toes.)
Other features: The polyester blend was incredibly soft, and the arch support was snug, but not restrictive.
Issues: None.

“Zero blisters, zero slippage; just a secure, comfortable, cushioned sock through all the miles.”

Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show

Price: $14
Sizes: S-XL

Fit: One tester (size 10 women’s shoes) had never tried the toe socks before, and was intrigued. Her toes felt protected in their own pockets, and the extra fabric didn’t feel too bulky. The other tester (Dimity, who has really big feet) is a fan of the toe socks; even though it takes a little longer to slip on a pair of these socks, the  toe separation helps keep nerve pain in her feet at bay.
Cushioning: This style is minimally cushioned; there’s a little cush, but not much.
Other features: The five-toe style, made from a wicking nylon blend, minimizes blisters and promotes the ability to use your all your toes separately. In addition, Injinji offers a supportive arch that helps keep the sock put.
Issues:  Injinji recommends washing their socks on cold and line-drying them; not a big deal, given that Dimity does that with most of her athletic gear, but good to know.

“These unique socks are worth trying, especially if you have nerve or toe issues or are prone to blisters.”

Icebreaker Merino Run+ Ultralight Micro Socks

Price: $21
Sizes: S-L

Fit: The testers (size 9 and 11 women’s shoes) slid into these structured socks with no problems. “They hugged my foot very well, yet I found them to be slightly too long–there was a bit too much material back around my heel,” says Sarah.
Cushioning: These ultralight socks, a merino-wool blend, offer minimal cushioning, which both testers prefer. Still, minimal doesn’t mean lacking details. “The reinforced toe and heel is a nice touch,” says Cathy.
Other features: These socks have a visible band of instep support and Sarah, a high-arched runner, really appreciates it. “It helped my arch not feel fatigued on a long run—and on the pickleball court, it helped keep the sock from twisting around my foot, an infuriating problem I usually have!” Plus, there’s a reflective hit on the ankle tab, which is great for runs in the dark.
Issues: Both testers found them to be slightly bulky in the heel.

“These socks are really thoughtfully designed and well-made, and wool socks last for years.”

Darn Tough Element No Show Tab Lightweight Running Sock

Price: $19
Sizes: S-L

Fit: The testers (size 8 and 8.5 women’s shoes) noticed these were different from the first try-on. “They’re not as soft and stretchy as some other socks I have tried, but they felt stronger and more durable than other brands,” says Laurel.
Cushioning: These socks have quite a bit of cushioning. One of them loved the plushness. “They’re thicker than most of my other running socks but still fits in running shoes well,” says Laurel. “It was a bit too much for me and my running,” says Lynn, who likes to wear her running shoes snug, “I think I’d prefer them to use for walking.”
Other features: The merino-wool blend was nice and soft, and the arch support was snug, but not restrictive. Laurel appreciated the cushioned heel tabs, which kept the socks from slipping.
Issues: Not really an issue, but know that this is a very plush style.

“They felt great throughout the long trail run: no slippage or blisters! I look forward to wearing them on all kinds of runs.”

CEP The Run No Show Socks 4.0

Price: $17 (on sale as CEP transitions to the 5.0 version of this style)
Sizes: S-L

Fit: The tester (size 8.5 women’s shoes) found these socks to be more fitted than the typical running socks she wears, but she wasn’t bothered.  “They were comfortable from the beginning to end of my run,” says Amanda.
Cushioning: The medium thickness socks are soft without being overly plush.
Other features: Arch support is where CEP shines: targeted compression for the arch and plantar are staples in their socks. In addition, anti-microbial silver is woven into the fabric to keep things smelling fresh.
Issues: The fabric got little pilly after a few washes, says Amanda, who also found the fabric to be a bit slippery in her shoe. “It didn’t move a great deal, and didn’t cause any issues,” she adds.

“I love the arch support that CEP offers. I have and will continue to buy these socks.”