going bad Socks are useless. If completing over 65 marathons and 20 ultra races and running mostly across Europe has taught me one thing, it’s this: A runner is only as happy as his legs. You can spend hundreds of bucks on the best running shoes, but if you keep your feet in any old gym socks, you’re still at risk for blisters.
Running socks – along with running underwear – are probably as important to your comfort as you are to your workout. This is why regular ultra runners change their socks mid-race for a big psychological boost. If your socks don’t fit properly, sweat clogs them, or fail to support your stride, it’s a quick ticket to hot spots and blisterville. And if they don’t see the role, forget PR.
To help you avoid all this, we’ve sifted through the endless variety of cut, cushion and yes, color to find options worth their price tag. Whether you’re a daily mile runner for fitness, a trail-taming ultrarunner, or a twice-a-week jogger, there’s a sock for you. Don’t see anything you like? Check out the rest of our outdoor guides, including the best rain jackets and best sunscreen.