When it comes to running gear, socks are often the unsung heroes. The best running socks can make the difference between a comfortable, blister-free run and a painful slog home. From mountain ultras to daily miles on the road, our team of testers has put countless pairs through their paces in all conditions; wet, cold, muddy, and scorching hot.
I asked our lovely RunUltra testing community let me know what their best running socks were. The ones that stood out for comfort, durability, fit, and performance. Whether you’re looking for maximum cushioning for long-distance ultras, lightweight breathability for fast sessions, or reliable waterproof protection for winter trails, you’ll find something here to suit your feet and your running style. There’s some great deals out there now ahead of Black Friday, so why not grab a fresh pair of socks?
Because after all, happy feet make happy runners.
Megan James
Smartwool – Run PHD Pro’s: lightweight and cool in summer, warm when wet in the winter thanks the merino wool. I’ve had mine for over 3 years and they not only survived Cape Wrath but weekly wear all year around. Only just starting to get threadbare! Great for trail or the fells. Love the low ankle (no show) ones for summer. Cons: Not cheap and feel like and investment for a pair of socks. some people might like more padding and they can feel quite thin.
Bridgedale – Run Pro’s: a sturdy running sock in merino wool. On the thicker side of running socks so great for long runs or for winter training. So far I’m blister free whenever I wear them. Cons: Limited colour ways and might be a bit thick for summer running or with more precision shoes.
Dexshells Pro’s: stretch waterproof socks that you can wear without a liner sock. Breathable and even when water does breakthrough they keep you feet toasty and warm in cold weather. My go to sock in snow. Con’s: Waterproofing only holds up for so long on the fells and once in it can’t escape again. So, if you plan on doing river crossings, maybe think again.
Dexshell Socks – photo Sam Hill
Lauren Wilson
When Kate asked me for my favourite summer and winter socks, I jumped with excitement. I love socks. They’re my favourite accessory. They make or break an outfit!
For summer, my top pick is the BV Sport Light Run Crew Sock. They’re thin, lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot runs. Despite the ‘thin’ label, they’re seriously durable. I’ve put them through many washes and miles and they haven’t faded, thinned, or contributed to any blisters. My blister-prone girly era is a thing of the past. Plus, the funky colours and designs make me feel extra motivated in summer.
When it comes to winter, I swear by the INVO8 Merino Wool Sock. Admittedly, the colours are a little boring but for the comfort and warmth they give, it’s a trade-off I can accept. As a fell runner, my feet get drenched from bogs, but these socks keep my toes toasty and warm for as long as I’m out. I really love how much they stretch, making them easy to put on when your fingers are freezing cold. The quality is unlike no other and after putting them through the wars last winter, I’ve no doubt they’ll last me the whole of this winter too.
Robin Leathley
1000 mile socks From the moment I tried these socks on I knew they stood out for me. Instant comfort, if my feet could smile they would as soon as I put these socks on. I’ve used these socks for all runs, speed, easy, long, race, it doesn’t matter what, they’re always the right choice. I’ve never had any blister issues when wearing them, although admittedly I think that’s more of a shoe trait than a sock one? Maybe not??
One of my favourite things about them is the ankle sock version, as they don’t grip the ankle too tightly. As someone who suffers with a very angry achilles tendon, this is invaluable to me. It means it’s not left aggravated by being clung onto too tightly, like other socks I’ve had in the past.
My feet are happy, snug and not too hot. I’ll continue to wear these socks for as long as they continue to exist.
Dan Stinton
My favourite running socks, by far, have been the various incarnations of the Nike Elite. I’ve preferred some versions over others, but they’ve been a stalwart in my running sock drawer for over 10 years, and I’d still pick them over anything else. Generally hard-wearing and reasonably thick/warm, I’ve worn them for nearly every ultra I’ve done — bashing through all kinds of terrain and weather.
Dave Town
Compressport socks are top draw, not just saying that as I run for them but they are some of the best I’ve worn. Really breathable and I didn’t have any blisters on big races. They seem thin when you get them and I was a bit concerned but after using they work.
Emma Harrison
My favourite socks for fell running are Feetures socks. I feel they have the balance right for their thickness, tightness and space. They are my trusty steeds in medium support shoes, not to mention their comfort, and fun designs. In more minimal shoes for trail running, I would go for Injinji toe socks as they avoid blisters completely and can withstand any weather condition – even in the Scottish Highlands – and Balegas for general trail running in any shoe – the most comfy socks, great length, and durability are absolutely cracking!!!
Faye Johnson
Stance. I discovered Stance 10 years ago when I used to go up to Coed Y Brenin (and Matt Ward had the Salomon shop there) I bought a pink pair for a crazy £16 but was hooked!! Well fitting, supportive, a perfect level or cushioning (I’m not a heavy cushion person in a sock so particularly like the Feel 360 range) great in all weathers too. Have run 5km’s – 80 + km in Stance socks. Wash very well also!
Sporcks. Discovered these when I lived and worked in Mallorca coaching Triathlon…. Great bright colours and again supportive, good levels of cushioning AND hold their shape wash after wash!
SUMS. Got my first pair of SUMS earlier this year (thanks Tom Evans for sharing 🤣) again, a nice snug close fit of a sock and this particular pair of socks are the Ascenders. Built for heavy mileage, all weathers and great support! They really give your foot a hug – love that! What I also love about SUMS is you can earn credit by sending back your old socks for recycling!
Anna Buckingham
Drymax for life.
Never get blisters and they dry out so quick.
I do think they have recently reduced the quality in the toes though as I had brand new ones on the Tor des Geants and every pair had holes in the toes after one stage. One of my athletes sent me some Feetures socks which I’ve not tested heavily yet but they’re cool colours.
Kate Allen
I have a sock problem. I have a whole shelf dedicated to socks, from lightweight ankle socks all the way up to ski socks and Sealskinz waterproof socks. But my favourites, the ones I always reach for in summer are Balega ankle socks; lightweight, but cushioned well underfoot. A new pair of Balega’s is like putting on a new pair of shoes.
In spring and autumn I live in merino socks; Isobaa or Darn Tough and in winter I’ll add my Rooster Hot Socks over the top. Neoprene is fantastic at keeping you warm and these are thin enough to be paired with thin merino and worn together in my shoes.
Do you have a favourite pair of socks? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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