While socks might seem like the second-class citizen to your shoe game, they’re incredibly clutch when it comes to comfort. Sports socks can easily shield your feet from blisters or scrapes, or they could do the exact opposite. (Yeah, no thanks.)
Making a smart choice starts with the material, says Ramona Brooks, D.P.M., a podiatrist associated with the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. Avoid 100 percent cotton (especially if you get extra-sweaty), and opt for synthetics (like polyurethane) or wool to help wick moisture, she suggests.
Of course, make sure your athletic socks fit tight enough so they don’t slip, and are loose enough that they won’t leave marks on your skin, Brooks says. And feel free to switch up the height and thickness of the sock, depending on what you like best and the weather.
To show your feet a little extra love, you might also consider added cushioning in the forefoot and heel, arch support, and odor-controlling capabilities, says Melanie Kann, a New York Road Runners run coach. And for a pair that’ll push your through everything from spinning to running to lifting, the pros have you covered.
New Balance
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$9.00
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One of Kann’s favorites, this sports sock offers cushioning where you need it—a.k.a. in the heel and toe, where you’ll feel the most pressure during movements like jumping, running, or squatting. You also get arch support and a tab in the back to protect your heel.
SmartWool
amazon.com
$15.95
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You’ll find a seamless toe, a narrow fit, just-below-the ankle height, and light cushioning in this athletic sock—which Mammut athlete and mountain guide Erin Smart highly recommends. With the combo of wool material plus breathable ventilation spots, your feet stay at the ideal temp.
bombas.com
$12.00
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Whitney Biaggi, an NYC-based trainer at Uplift Studios and instructor at HIIT It NYC, ran two marathons in these cushioned sports socks. They offer that sought-after arch support, plus padding on the ankle to stop blisters. Even better: For every pair sold, Bombas donates to someone who needs them.
Darn Tough
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$15.95
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So lightweight they almost feel like you’re not wearing anything on your feet, these Smart-approved athletic socks feature a finely knitted combo of synthetic materials. They also lay just above the ankle, have quick-dry properties, and feature basically zero seams.
SmartWool
amazon.com
$18.90
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A gear expert for Backcountry, Hannah Novit suggests going for a synthetic and wool blend when you’re trekking through trails—and this pair fits the bill. The combo means you get durability, while still having breathability, plus the wool will stop stink.
bombas.com
$45.60
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Despite sitting low on your foot (they won’t even show in a sneaker), these sports socks surprisingly stay put. Charlee Atkins, certified strength and conditioning specialist, founder of Le Sweat, and Soul Cycle instructor says she loves them for being thin—but not too thin—and for their extra hit of cushioning.
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