The Best High-Tech Socks to Tackle Your Next Run or Workout

[Karlston]

The Best High-Tech Socks to Tackle Your Next Run or Workout

Leave the cotton behind in favor of technical fabrics and constructions that help you pile on the miles.

 

 

You think nothing of dropping $100 or more on a pair of running shoes. Ditto for the considerable sums you've invested in compression tights, hydration vests, and anything else that helps you conquer your own personal mountains.

 

But what about your socks? Small as they are, they're probably more responsible for your (dis)comfort than anything else you work out in. If they don't fit right, welcome to Blister City; if they don't handle moisture well, you're looking at a long, cold trail run.

 

Fear not. Whether you're a boot camp addict or an ultrarunning aficionado, there's a sock for you. We've sifted through the seemingly unending variety of cut and cushion—and, yes, color—to find options that are well worth their price tags. Your feet are in good hands.

 

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  Photograph: Nordstrom 

  For Everyday Workouts

  Bombas Performance Running Ankle Socks

   

  After hundreds of miles testing dozens of modern running socks, these cozy ankle socks from Bombas are my go-to pair. They're medium-thick, and use a proprietary poly/cotton blend to offer an ideal mix of moisture-wicking and airflow. I like that they have extra padding in the toes and heel, where many running socks give up the ghost after a few hundred miles. They've even got a clever little v-neck for your ankle, with the front and back of the socks going higher than the sides, which prevents rubbing and makes them move a bit better with the motion of your ankle. The best part? For every pair you buy, Bombas will donate one to someone in need.

   

  $16 at Dick's Sporting Goods

  $16 at Bombas

   

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  Photograph: Under Armour 

  For Long Distances

  Under Armour UA Run Cushion Crew

   

  If you tend to run long and far, you want a blend of lightness and comfort. That's what you get from the Cushion Crew, which have a sleek, water-resistant upper section that joins a strategically padded section underfoot. There's even a special hex-cushioned section right under your arch for slightly better support. Those who run at night or in the wee hours of the morning will appreciate the big reflective logos on the back, so you're more visible on the road or trail. They've even got special anti-odor technology woven in to prevent the growth of stinky microbes.

   

  $17 at Amazon

  $17 at Under Armour

   

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  Photograph: Smartwool

  For Cold Weather

  SmartWool PhD Run Cold Weather Mid Crew

   

  These cozy Merino wool socks are the perfect pair for colder, wetter days. They take everything we love about the natural material when used in hiking socks—it's thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, and sustainable—but slim down the design for a more active workout. They've served me well during long runs this winter in Portland, Oregon, keeping my toes warm; the front-venting design keeps them from roasting your feet as you get further into your workout.

   

  $22 at Amazon

  $22 at Smartwool

 

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  Photograph: Balega

  For the Trail

  Balega Enduro Quarter

   

  Even if you're dedicated to the pavement, running on nature's sidewalks can help strengthen your knees and ankles and give your feet a break from the monotony of the road. It also calls for some different sock considerations, like ankle coverage to protect against brush and a little extra cushion underfoot to dampen the shock from roots and rocks. Balega's Enduro delivers on both counts and comes in crew length if you prefer the most overgrown of singletrack running. The Enduro even take mud-dunking in stride, actually drying off by the time you finish a run.

   

  $14 at Amazon

  $14 at Dick's Sporting Goods

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  Photograph: Rockay

  Most Sustainable

  Rockay Accelerate Wool

   

  Running socks are spendy, which is why it's nice to buy a pair for life. All of Rockay's socks are made from 100 percent recycled material and come with a lifetime guarantee, which makes any of them a good choice for those who care about sustainability. Of the batch we tested, I particularly like these wool ankle socks, which are light, extremely comfortable, well ventilated, and come with a slightly elongated tab on the back for easy slip-on action. That same tab comes with a reflective Rockay logo, for added visibility as your feet shuffle the pavement.

   

  $16 at Amazon

  $15 at Rockay

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  Photograph: Zensah

  Most Fun

  Zensah Limited Edition Mini Crew

   

  If you're looking to put a little pep in your step, Zensah has you covered. Known as makers of some of the best compression socks on the market (see our pick below), they've also got a knack for coming up with fun patterns. I'm a particular fan of this avocado look, but they've got a million cool designs—even one with toilet paper in honor of the current shortage. They don't just look cool; they're great socks, with a comfortable and durable mid-crew design that makes them great for any distance or weather.

   

  $20 at Amazon

  $20 at Zensah

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  Photograph: Zensah

  Best Compression Socks

  Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks

   

  Some people like the tighter, cozier feel of compression socks during recovery runs or when tackling long distances or trails with groundcover. For that, I like the Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks. These Italian-made socks don't have the same cute prints as the company's shorter-length socks above, but they perform as promised (and still come in wacky colors), keeping your legs cozy during workouts. I also like them as ski socks, because of their length and tight fit.

   

  $44 at Amazon

  $50 $34 at Zappos

 

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  Photograph: Saucony

  Best on a Budget

  Saucony Bolt Multi-Pack

   

  If you're a casual runner, you probably don't need a million pairs of the highest-end socks around. Instead, snag a multi-pack of these totally serviceable socks from French running brand Saucony. They're thin, moisture-wicking, and comfortable, not to mention they last longer than many other ankle socks I've tried. At less than $20 for six pairs, they're a steal.

   

  $14 at Amazon

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  Photograph: Swiftwick

  Best Thin Socks

  Swiftwick Aspire Zero

   

  Your foot size can vary widely from sport to sport—long-distance running makes them swell, skateboarding less so—and the Aspire Zero is thin enough to accommodate. WIRED Senior Writer Adrienne So has fallen in love with this pair from Swiftwick; the channels in the weave make them more breathable, and also a lot less likely to slip. If you're looking for a great thin sock that works for many sports, these are the pair to get.

   

  $15 at Amazon

  $15 at Backcountry

   

   

  Source: The Best High-Tech Socks to Tackle Your Next Run or Workout (Wired)