Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a casual jogger, or just beginning your running journey, finding the perfect pair of socks can make a world of difference.

Sure, you can use an everyday pair of socks for your run, but they are often missing the much-needed features which help keep your feet comfortable and ready to power through your run.

What are the benefits of running socks?

Running socks can be made from materials which can prevent blisters and rubbing, and can be moisture-wicking, breathable, and antibacterial, whilst supporting your arches, ankles, and calves. Pretty impressive, right?

With so many exciting benefits to choose from, it can be tricky to find the perfect pair for you. Thankfully, we’ve called in the help of real runners to help us review the best running socks on the market. Here are their picks for every type of sock you might need as a runner:

Best technical running socks: On Elite Run Sock
Best anti-bacterial running socks: Stance Quarter Socks
Best anti-blister running socks: Darn Tough Vermont No Show Socks
Best waterproof running socks: Sealskinz Raynham Waterproof All-Weather Mid-Length Socks
Best reflective running socks: Stox Reflective Running socks
Best no-show running socks: CEP Run No Show Socks
Best bamboo running socks: BAM Women’s Technical Trainer Running Socks
Best socks for gym & running: adidas Performance Climacool Cushioned Low Socks
Best-looking running socks: Bimble & Bolt Classic Pink Mid-Crew Sock
Most colourful running socks: Monkey Sox Classic Track Sports Socks
Best running socks for durability: Balega No Show Running socks

Best running socks

Best technical running socks: On Elite Run Sock

Technical details:

• Sizes: XS-XL
• RRP: £27
• Style: Crew
• Compression fit
• Material: 91% polyamide, 6% elastane, 2% recycled polyamide, 1% polyester

What tester Laura thought:

“While these aren’t compression socks in the traditional sense, they do feature targeted compression zones designed to support the foot and ankle. I’ve found the fit particularly supportive around the arch, thanks to the built-in support and ribbed instep, and the socks hug my feet securely without feeling tight.

The lightweight yarn and ventilation panels do an excellent job of keeping my feet cool, and I haven’t experienced any excess sweating or hot spots. Strategic cushioning, including extra protection around the Achilles, adds comfort without making the socks bulky, while reflective yarn on the cuff is a nice touch for low-light conditions. While the gentle compression is comfortable, I find the top of the sock pulls in slightly below my calf, creating a bit of a sock muffin top. Overall, pricey but nicey.”

Best antibacterial running socks: Stance Quarter Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: S-L
• RRP: £15.99
• Style: Quarter-length
• Material: 69% nylon, 21% polyester, 5% combed cotton, 5% elastane

What tester Laura thought:

“I love these socks! They’re quarter-length and look great with long or short leggings. They are super comfortable and fit snugly, and you can instantly feel how breathable they are, wicking away moisture from your feet when running.

The socks are cushioned and protect any sensitive areas on the foot from rubbing. They also have a reflective logo on the back for improved visibility. I can’t fault them; good looking and great to wear!”

Best anti-blister running socks: Darn Tough Vermont No Show Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: S-XL
• RRP: £20
• Style: No-show
• Guaranteed for a lifetime
• Material: 49% Merino wool, 47% nylon, 4% Lycra Spandex

What tester Rachel thought:

“Both soft and super comfortable, these are slightly shorter than I would usually wear. They hardly show above my trainers, and I was worried they might rub around the top of my shoes.

However, they stayed in place perfectly and caused no blisters or irritation and did not pinch around the ankles. My feet stayed dry while running and the sock felt very natural – like a second skin. They felt exactly the same after washing too, and they come with an impressive lifetime guarantee from Darn Tough, so I am hoping they will last the distance! Great socks.”

Best waterproof running socks: Sealskinz Raynham Waterproof All-Weather Mid-Length Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: S-XL
• RRP: £42
• Style: Mid-calf length
• Material
  • Outer layer: 62% Polycolon, 29% nylon, 9% elastane
  • Middle layer: Aquasealz® 100% waterproof membrane
  • Inner layer: 36% Merino wool, 36% acrylic, 18% polyester, 5% nylon, 5% elastane

What tester Rachel thought:

“I thought it’d be hard to test these properly in early autumn, but nature provides muddy, wet paths when you need them. These waterproof socks are nothing short of miraculous if your feet get cold quickly when wet. The merino wool is effective so, despite the military-grade water protection, these socks are still adequately breathable. I find myself reaching for them for sports spectating, hikes and long runs.”

Best reflective running socks: Stox Reflective Running Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: S-L
• RRP: £49.99
• Style: Mid-calf length
• Compression
• Material: 53% polyamide, 33% Dryarn®, 14% elastane

What tester Megan thought:

“These clever socks resist blisters thanks to the anatomical padding in high-friction zones. The compression wraps your shin and calf, encouraging blood flow. They’re also perfect for the darker months, with reflective details that ensure you remain visible.”

Best no-show running socks: CEP Run No Show Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: S-L
• RRP: £18.99
• Style: No-show
• Compression
• Material: 89% polyamide, 11% elastane

What tester Esther thought:

“I have to tell you why these are five stars straightaway: that white detailing means you can clearly see the L and R no matter how rubbish your eyesight is (ahem). If you’ve ever bought a pair of running socks where this crucial distinction becomes less distinct with every wash, then OMG, these are the socks for you.

I love the compressive fit, the fabric is soft and doesn’t rub, and my arches are fully supported in the mid-to-thin material – in all, they’re a fantastic all-rounder, of which I wish I had 17 pairs so I could wear them all the time. Cor, who’d thought I’d get this excited about socks?”

Best bamboo running socks: BAM Women’s Technical Trainer Running Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: 4-7, 8-11
• RRP: £25 for 2
• Style: Trainer
• Material: 47% bamboo viscose, 47% recycled polyamide, 4% Merino wool, 2% elastane

What tester Grace thought:

“These socks are made for happy feet! Very soft inside, they perform brilliantly and have earned their technical moniker with flying colours. I am quite particular about my running socks and usually spend about £15 on a good pair. These work out slightly less, which is great as they still offer the quality I want for running. The detail on the design is well executed which is another bonus. All in all, a very good sock.”

Best for gym & running: adidas Performance Climacool Cushioned Low Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: 2-3.5 to 11-12.5 (kids sizes also available)
• RRP: £12 for 3
• Style: Trainer
• Material: 55% recycled polyester, 42% cotton, 2% elastane, 1% recycled polyamide

What tester Laura thought:

“While these sit within adidas’ training socks range rather than being dedicated running socks, I’ve tested them on several runs and they do the job. They are a good choice for those of us millennial and older runners who are looking for a lower height sock in a world of crew socks. Anyway, they’re soft on your feet and don’t feel overly sweaty on the run. I’ve put them through the wash several times and they’ve kept their original feel. They’re good value too.”

Best-looking running socks: Bimble & Bolt Classic Mid-Crew Sock

Technical details:

• Sizes: S-XL
• RRP: £12
• Style: Crew
• Compression
• Material: 70% recycled nylon, 27% PES, 3% elastane

What tester Laura thought:

“These are made from 70% recycled fibres and are comfy, soft and cheerful; the lighting bolt motif gets me all fired up to run before I’ve even pulled my shoes on.

They come in several colours and although the pink ones are allegedly designed to match a specific carbon race shoe (the Vaporfly!), I run in them in my usual old running shoes and they look just as good paired with those. I’m wearing the small size and I’d say they are just a little bit loose on my size 6 feet.”

Most colourful running socks: Monkey Sox Classic Track Sports Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: 4-7, 7.5-11.5
• RRP: £18
• Style: Crew
• Material: 96% polyamide (38% recycled), 4% elastane
• 50% of profits donated to Multiple Sclerosis charities

What tester Laura thought:

“I’ve had so many compliments on these socks everywhere I’ve worn them: out running, at the gym, at my Hyrox class. I agree, the design is fab and they look great. I’ve been wearing them over leggings to feel cosy on cold days and give me a lift.

The size of my pair is UK 4-7. I wear a size 6 in running shoes and I’d say these are definitely more suited to size 6-7 than a size 4.”

Best running socks for durability: Balega No Show Socks

Technical details:

• Sizes: S-L
• RRP: £15
• Style: No-show
• Material: 91% Drynamix®, 7% polyester, 2% polyamide, 1% elastane

What tester Laura thought:

“These socks are truly resilient. Despite continued wear throughout the winter, they are fluffy, soft, and still offer that ‘new sock bounce’ with no bobbling at all, so they’re really built to last.

They are warm for colder runs, have lots of cushioning without making your feet too hot, and have Drynamix wicking fibres which have kept my feet dry.

Balega has a big range of ‘blister resist’ and charity partner socks in different lengths and styles, so it’s worth having a browse for your perfect colour and style. I highly recommend the investment for the comfort of your feet and the performance of your runs.”