The 11 Best Socks That Everyone Will Love
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Contrary to popular belief, not all socks are created equal.
InStyle / Reese Herrington
You might not consider shopping for socks a priority, but if you’ve ever had a favorite pair that fit perfectly, felt breathable, and looked nice, too, you’ll understand how much a good-quality sock can improve your comfort. But when nearly every clothing retailer under the sun carries at least one pair, how are you supposed to know which are the best?
Whether you’re on the market for a high-performance athletic sock, a no-show sock that doesn’t slide down, a fuzzy sock for winter lounging, or simply a fun printed sock, it can be hard to know where to look. After some extensive research and interviews with fashion and fitness experts, we narrowed down the choices to just 11 worthwhile pairs based on comfort, cut, size-inclusiveness, and style.
Best Overall: Darn Tough Shetland Crew Lightweight Lifestyle Socks
What We Love: These socks are just as “darn tough” as the brand’s name suggests.
What We Don’t Love: The pattern isn't very versatile.
This brand’s products are true to their name. “Darn Tough socks are renowned for their exceptional durability and lifetime guarantee,” says Karine Laudort, a fashion expert and trends commentator. “Made from a merino wool blend, they offer moisture management, temperature regulation, and odor resistance, making them ideal for outdoor activities." They won't bunch or slip down your leg thanks to the performance knit with the right amount of stretch for a snug fit. They're also cushioned for comfort while walking on hard surfaces, like tile or hardwood floors.
Size: S–L | Colors: 5 | Multipack: No | Height: Calf
Best Value: NevEND 6 Pack Women's Running Ankle Socks
What We Love: The socks are comfy and designed to stay put.
What We Don’t Love: They’re really, really basic.
While some of us pick up a pair of socks here and there because we like the print or something similarly vague (guilty), style influencer Katya Bychkova has a more consistent buying pattern: She only ever buys these basic socks from Amazon. “If your socks are all the same; you don't [need to] worry about matching them after a wash,” she says. “Trust me: [Sorting] the laundry is much easier.”
Bychkova likes a streamlined, logo-less look, so a no-frills sock like this is perfect if you feel the same. Not to mention these are also incredibly good quality considering they cost $15 for a pack of six. These are basic, basic, only coming in black, white, and gray, but other than that they’re really pretty great: They’re cushioned, made from soft, breathable cotton, and designed to stay put.
Size: 5–13 | Colors: 3 | Multipack: Yes | Height: Quarter
Best Splurge: Bombas Women's Cashmere Blend Calf Sock
What We Love: They’re soft and cozy without being too thick — plus offer amazing support for tired feet.
What We Don’t Love: They have a tendency to pill.
Bombas is one of our favorite brands for quality socks. “Bombas socks are known for their comfortable fit and cushioned soles, making them great for everyday wear,” says Laudort. The brand makes super comfortable socks that fit like a glove, and feature a signature Honeycomb arch support system and cushioned footbed for added support as you walk. Another definite benefit of these is that Bombas donates a pair of socks to a good cause for every pair you buy.
If you’re looking to treat your chilly, tired feet to something extra special, a three-pack of cashmere blend socks from Bombas is a no-brainer. Available in neutral or fun colors, these socks are incredibly cozy without being overly thick. They have a bit of stretch for a molded fit and feature the brand’s signature cushioning and honeycomb arch support for added comfort. Sadly, these are prone to pilling, so make sure you follow the care instructions closely to avoid them getting damaged.
Size: 4–13 | Colors: 3 (combos) | Multipack: Yes | Height: Calf
Best No-Show: Lululemon Power Stride No-Show Sock with Active Grip
What We Love: They stay put through workouts, jogging, and errands alike.
What We Don’t Love: The sticky grip gets damaged in the wash.
“Great socks are a must for me, especially for working out,” says personal trainer and fitness instructor Candy Nicholson. She loves these Lululemon ones for working out and weight training, because “they grip the feet with just enough support so you don’t feel restricted, keep your feet cool, and don’t slide down,” she says. “They’re also great for jogging, especially on warmer days.” While these are meant as athletic socks and do that job well, there’s no reason you can’t benefit from their staying-put ability while you’re out on the town. Unfortunately, the sticky grip that keeps the sock still can easily get damaged in the wash, so you’ll need to take extra care there. Try washing them in delicate bags and air drying them to maintain the shape.
Size: S–L | Colors: 6 multipack mixes | Multipack: Yes | Height: No-Show
Best Ankle: New Balance x Thorlo Maximum Cushion Low Cut Running Socks
What We Love: They’re engineered for comfort, breathability and moisture control.
What We Don’t Love: Some people find they could do with a bit more cushioning.
While these socks are technically designed for running, we find they’re a fantastic pick for just about every activity you can think of. “Thorlo socks are renowned for their exceptional cushioning,” says Laudort. “They are perfect for individuals who spend long hours on their feet or engage in activities that put a lot of stress on the feet, such as hiking or walking. Thorlo socks provide maximum comfort and help reduce fatigue.”
They do this via their Engineered Padded technology, which is designed to complement your foot’s anatomy, protecting you from the impact of walking on hard surfaces, and helping to prevent aches and pains. Though some people find these could do with a bit more cushioning, most find they’re really comfortable just the way they are. If you’re planning to use these for sweaty workouts, you’ll be glad to know that they feature moisture control technology, plus a special mesh engineered for breathability, to keep your feet as dry as possible. We’re also very much enjoying the color selection here — especially the fun bright blue and neon pink.
Size: M–XL | Colors: 5 | Multipack: No | Height: Ankle
Best Crew: Hue Women's Cotton Mini Crew Socks
What We Love: They’re the perfect compromise between an ankle and a crew sock.
What We Don’t Love: They only come in one size.
Somewhere between an ankle sock and a calf sock is the mini crew — or quarter, as it’s officially known. This is a great length if you like your socks to peak out over your sneakers or loafers, and if you’ve had a bad track record of ankle socks getting all bunched up inside your shoes.
These by Hue are well rated for comfort and well priced. They’re made from a cotton-rich fabric mix, which means they’re pretty breathable, and they’re cushioned to help reduce fatigue from standing or running around all day. We also love that they come in so many colorways to suit every preference, from plain white for the minimalists, to playful stripes, to vivid solids that can brighten up the day.
Size: OS | Colors: 10 | Multipack: Yes | Height: Quarter
Best Compression: Comrad Stripes Knee-High Compression Socks
What We Love: They come in regular and wide sizes to fit everyone.
What We Don’t Love: They’re made synthetic materials.
"Compression socks have a variety of benefits that range from recovery-focused to performance-focused in relation to sports or exercise,” says Jack Wright, a sales and marketing manager at medical grade compression garment company CRX Compression. Wearing compression socks after training can allow for a reduction in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, and it can also help in improving circulation on long-distance flights and in preventing any swelling from walking or standing for a long period. Essentially, they serve to prevent all sorts of discomfort in your legs and feet.
But this clinical function doesn't mean that they have to be boring. Comrad puts the “fun” in functionality with these great nautical-striped knee-highs. By helping with circulation, they may remedy various aches and pains, especially as you get older. But you don’t need to have achy joints to wear them: They are a perfect choice for wearing post-workout, on long journeys, or if you’re pregnant. Reviewers love the breathability and design, which compresses the leg without pinching. And although they’re made from nylon, a notoriously non-sustainable material, the brand uses a dyeing method that saves water compared to traditional processes and that it takes steps to ensure its workers are treated fairly.
Size: S–XL | Colors: 4 | Multipack: No | Height: Knee
Best for Hiking: Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned
What We Love: They’re sweat-wicking and cushioned for comfort.
What We Don’t Love: Some people find them a little tight at the ankle.
These socks from Nike go the extra mile — literally. “For longer distance running and hiking, I usually prefer a thicker sock, and my go-to is Nike's cushioned training ankle sock,” Nicholson says. “They are super comfortable and perfect for colder days. They absorb sweat, while the extra cushion will help keep blisters from forming without all the sliding and rubbing.” Available in basic colors as well as fun brights, these look super cool thanks to the classic swoosh. Some reviewers found them to be too snug at the ankle, but the majority though they were very comfortable.
Size: S–XL | Colors: 6 | Multipack: Yes | Height: Ankle
Best for Workouts: Drymax Running No Show Tab
What We Love: They keep your feet dry during sweaty workouts.
What We Don’t Love: They’re not very cute.
When it comes to her workout sessions, there’s only one sock for Anna Victoria, a NASM-certified trainer and founder of Fit Body app. It's this no-show sports sock from Drymax. “They are ultra-thin but still give me the support I need during my workouts, and have both arch and heel molding so they don’t slip,” she says. They feature venting technology, plus a close-to-magic “sweat removal system,” both designed to minimize that uncomfortable sweaty feeling at the gym or during a run. In terms of performance, you can't get much better than this.
Size: S–XXL | Colors: 2 | Multipack: No | Height: No-Show
Best Fuzzy: Barefoot Dreams The Cozychic Heathered Women's Socks
What We Love: They’re the softest ever.
What We Don’t Love: The toe seam feels a little scratchy.
Make slipping into a pair of fuzzy socks after a long day even more pleasurable with this pair from Barefoot Dreams. Made from the brand's signature CozyChic fabric — which needs to be treated with extra care to keep the softness intact by washing cold and laying flat to dry — these socks feel incredibly soft. Reviewers noted that the toe seam felt a bit scratchy, but that’s easy to look past. They don’t bunch or fall down while walking. Each color option is speckled with white to create a delicate heathered look. Pick from eight shades, and if we do say so ourselves, they make great holiday gifts, too.
Size: OS | Colors: 8 | Multipack: No | Height: Calf
Best Decorative: Hotsox Women’s Golden Gate Bridge Socks
See at Sockshophaightstreet.com
What We Love: The patterns bring us joy.
What We Don’t Love: They don’t have added cushioning.
For those who prefer something a bit more fun, enter Hotsox’s extensive collection of Very Fun Socks. We love this sweet city-themed pair, but you can get some with hedgehogs, coffee, or the Mona Lisa, too. “HOTSOX is popular among the public and celebrities for their hilarious and colorful designs, but also their quality,” says fashion stylist Lisa Sanchez. “They make great gifts that last a long time and word spreads quickly about them. Vanessa Hudgens is a big fan.” When it comes to fabrication, these socks don’t have any fancy features, just a durable cotton blend. So, if you’re looking for an athletic sock or something with added cushioning, these won’t be the right pick for you.
Size: OS | Colors: 2 | Multipack: No | Height: Calf
What to Keep in Mind
Shoe Size: There isn’t really a conventional sizing system for socks, so make sure you check out each brand’s guide before you buy. Some come in one size, which is the most straightforward option, while some use regular shoe sizes, which is also intuitive. The most common sizing model, however, consists of letter sizes. Unfortunately, though there’s some overlap, these aren’t necessarily consistent across brands: For example, Nike’s size S corresponds to women’s shoe sizes 4– 6, while Comrad’s size S fits sizes 5–7.5, so you do need to double-check individual size guides.
Height: The different sock heights, from tallest to shortest, are thigh-high, knee-high, calf, quarter (a high ankle sock), ankle, and no-show (a short ankle sock). Your choice of sock height will depend on what you’re using them for: A thigh- or knee-high sock will keep you warmer and is great for layering in the winter, or for lounging around the house. Calf socks are perhaps the most common and are suited for making sure there’s no chilly gap between your shoes and your pants or, alternatively, for a fun little accent in your outfit. Ankle socks are most suited for warmer days and for all your sporty needs — quarter-length socks are best for a little extra coverage, and no-shows are great for sports or for wearing with boat shoes, for example.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you keep no-show socks from falling down?
We love how functional no-show socks are, especially for slim shoes that might look odd with a taller sock, but because of how often they fall down, you might think they’re not worth it. To avoid this happening, “make sure they are the right size to start,” advises fashion blogger and stylist AK Brown. “Sometimes even getting socks half or one size up will help.”
According to Sanchez, silicone grips around the lip of the sock are useful, too. “If you are in a pinch and your socks keep slipping, try some clothing tape to keep the cloth adhered to you,” she says.
When should you replace your socks?
Contrary to popular belief, you might not need to throw out socks as soon as a small hole has appeared. Bychkova likes to try her hand at repairing those smaller holes from time to time, for instance. However, you should throw out socks that have become threadbare.
“If your socks have lost elasticity, the cost of buying a new pair is much cheaper than attempting repairs,” she says. “[But] if you hate throwing out clothes, check out companies like For Days that offer clothing recycling programs.” In this case, too, Bychkova sock-buying strategy is sound: “The beauty of having all your socks in the same style is that you could save a ripped one and pair it with another good one,” she says.
Why Shop With Us
Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle. For this roundup, she researched the best socks out there, including trying some out for herself, and spoke to various fashion experts who shared their recommendations.
Anna Victoria is a NASM-certified trainer and founder of the app Fit Body
Candy Nicholson is a Los Angeles-based personal trainer and fitness instructor.
Karine Laudort is a fashion expert and trendscommentator.
Katya Bychkova is a New York City-based style influencer.
Lisa Sanchez is a fashion stylist at The Nines.
AK Brown is a Saint Louis-based fashion entrepreneur and podcast host.
Jack Wright is a sales and marketing manager at CRX Compression, a medical-grade compression garment company.
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