These Are The Athletic Socks Trainers Can't Exercise Without

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I can never have enough workout gear. There’s nothing like new leggings, a properly fitted bra, and a fresh pair of sneaks to add motivation to my week. If that sounds like you, there’s another necessity for any and every sweat sesh: athletic socks.

I get it. Socks aren’t usually the top priority with activewear, and they aren’t necessarily the most thrilling or glamorous, but trust that a good pair of athletic socks is a game changer and worth investing in.

Everyone has their personal preference, and there are top recommendations for all kinds of sweats coming right up.

When you're investing in a solid pair of socks you want to keep a few things in mind:

• Material: moisture wicking tech and breathability

• Style: cushion level and ankle rise to match your workout

• Durability: warrantees

• Bonus features: odor resistance and grip

While athletic socks should be snug, you want them to be comfortable, too. Socks are crucial for preventing blisters and keeping the temperature of your feet stable during workouts, research shows.

What's more, your socks should match your desired activity, just like walking shoes for a stroll or Peloton shoes for a cycle. Whether you’re running marathons, lifting heavy, or hitting the slopes, a proper pair of socks will help you stay comfortable and in the zone to maximize your gains.

All that said, it can be overwhelming to find the best athletic socks for your workout of choice and feet. That’s where we come in!

Read on to see the 13 best athletic socks according to WH editors and trainers.

Active Workout Socks

If you want to log miles without painful blisters, look no further because these Agogo Active workout socks (the wave style, to be exact) will change your life. In fact, WH fitness editor, Jennifer Nied, swears by ‘em and even wrote a whole article about how much she loves this pair of socks for marathon training.

In addition to the blister-tab on the heel that keeps them locked in the perfect position, they have an arch support cushion, hand-linked toe seam, and killer sweat-wicking material. The silver fiber yarn material also zaps odor so no need to worry about those post-run smelly feet.

Everyday Plus Cushioned Socks

There’s nothing like a little extra cushion for those tough workouts, and the Nike Everyday plus cushioned ankle socks lives up to the hype. What's more, the cushion forefoot and heel help soften the impact of your workouts, and the Dri-FIT technology keeps your feet cool, dry, and ventilated.

Trainer review: “They are thick enough to keep me warm during the colder months, yet never leave my feet feeling like they are wrapped in a sauna blanket all day, and they allow my feet to breathe as the rest of me is sweating bullets repping out 225 pound squats,” says Leigh Weissman, CPT, a certified personal trainer and founder of the Leigh Taylor Method.

Ankle Athletic Running Socks

Sweaty feet are officially a problem of the past. These socks made of high quality combed cotton boast air-permeability and moisture wicking performance to keep feet dry all day long. Plus, they also feature arch support and cushion for the ultimate comfort.

Rave review: "Who would have thought I’d be reviewing socks, and yet here I am, they are that good! Someone suggested these as an alternative to a VERY EXPENSIVE BRAND (who could it be?). They are cushioned on the bottom, compressive in a good way in the middle, and have a little tab on the back that helps prevent blisters. Fantastic quality!"—Amazon

R-Gear Drymax Crew Socks

If you’re anything like me, you love a little cushion for Peloton workouts (especially when out of the saddle), and the R-Gear Drymax socks are perfect for cycling.

The higher heel prevents blisters, bunching, and slipping, and breathable mesh keeps my feet cool during intense classes. Another bonus? The socks have antimicrobial technology to fight odor causing bacteria!

Hidden Comfort Performance Sock

On the hunt for the perfect sock that serves whether you’re at the gym, embarking on a scenic hike, or running errands? Say hello to the Balega Hidden Comfort Performance sock.

The high heel tab also prevents these athletic socks from slipping down during exercise and the 200 needle count adds extra cushion for high-volume impact.

Trainer review: “I love these socks because, first of all, they do not give me blisters, but they also feel very snug to my foot and do not slide off,” says Annie Cooper, CPT, a certified personal trainer and founder of Tune Into Fitness. “In the past when I have tried extra comfort socks, they tend to be too thick and hot, but these socks are super breathable especially in the Florida heat."

Women's Tri-Block Ankle Sock

Athletic socks with arch support, a seamless toe, and blister tabs may sound too good to be true, but Bombas original ankle socks continue to stand the test of time and pass multiple WH editors' lofty standards.

Editor review: “I love love love my Bombas socks—they’re so soft and lightweight, so my feet are never too sweaty, even in New York summers,” says WH editorial assistant, Addison Aloian. “I wear them everywhere, from walking outside to running to lifting weights at the gym. Plus, they’ve lasted me a few years.”

Women's Hiker Micro Crew

The perfect hiking sock doesn't exist... until now. You can count on these midweight socks to be durable without slipping or bunching for peak (pun intended!) hiking comfort.

Editor review: “The name says it all for these hiking socks that I’ve counted on for miles and miles of rugged wilderness trails and up/down mountain summits in all kinds of weather,” says Nied. “The higher rise keeps ankles protected from any potential boot blisters and rocks on the trail and there’s just enough cushion.”

Experia Xccu Socks

If you prefer a thin sock, these Thorlos Experia low cut running socks are for you. Don’t worry, though, the socks may be thin padded, but rest assured they’re blister proof.

Editor review: “Experia Thorlos socks are my favorite for any type of workout, and especially running,” says WH Health and Fitness Director, Jacqueline Andriakos. “Why? They come up high enough on the ankle to prevent back-of-the-ankle rubbing and also feature extra padding on the heel and ball of the foot.”

Unisex Throwback Sock

These Alo Throwback socks are classic for a reason. They provide a comfy cushion while still looking sleek and fashionable.

Trainer review: “They are cushiony, I love to train without sneakers and they are so comfortable, they stay in place; and after washing and drying them, the elasticity stays in shape and doesn't loosen over time,” says Jacqueline Kasen, CPT, senior director of group fitness for Anatomy in Miami. “I like to weight train with them, kettlebells or lifting weights. Plus, they look cute!”

Women's Snowboard Full Cushion Over the Calf Socks

When you're hitting the slopes, warm feet are non-negotiable, and these Smartwool socks deliver. The socks have a cushion pad for extra comfort, mesh zones for breathability, and a perfect sport-specific fit that eliminates chafing.

Editor review: “I love these socks so much for the slopes that I’ve worn them for multiple full snowboarding days in a row,” says Nied. “I’m a first- to last-chair rider, so the cushion protects from any boot hotspots and merino wool keeps my toes cozy and warm all day.”

Ankle Sock

Sometimes your feet need a little extra comfort, and these WORN ankle socks give you that extra love.

Rave review: As a flat foot girl, the stabilizing 360-degree arch support keeps my feet supported, and the targeted heel and toe cushion are perfect for high-impact workouts. Plus, the enhanced merino wool keeps my feet warm during colder months but dry when I sweat.

Women's Gripper Ankle Socks

Pilates and barre lovers know the struggle of sweaty feet, and no one wants to be slipping and sliding during their workout. Luckily, Bombas gripper socks are here to save the day.

Editor review: “My feet tend to get sweaty and slippery, so I rely on these grippy socks for stability through low impact classes and reformer Pilates,” says Nied. “I never have to worry about falling out of a pose or tough move because my feet slipped, making my muscles work extra hard. I also love wearing these around home as recovery socks to let my feet be shoe-free without risk of slipping on hardwood or tile floors.”

All-Purpose Performance Quarter Sock

There’s a reason Bombas made multiple appearances on this list: They’re durable, comfortable, and breathable.

Trainer review: “Now, if I’m going to be honest, they are definitely pricey!! But when you put on a pair of Bombas, you can feel the difference—soft, supportive, and breathable,” says Colette Nguyen, CPT, trainer at Soho Strength Lab. “They can also withstand regular use (no more holes!), and I would recommend it for most activities, including lounging around.” Here. For. It.

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