The Best Winter Running Socks for Cold-Weather Miles

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It’s tempting to trim your mileage as winter sets in, but the idea of not running just because it’s cold outside is absurd. You’re a runner—of course you’re going to keep running. You’re going to log your miles in the snow and the freezing rain, and when the freezing rain/snow turns to slush, you’ll press on. Staying comfortable through this season means building the right kit to keep you warm and dry when the weather turns. And a good winter kit begins with your socks, the base protection for your feet. We’ve picked some of our favorite winter running socks, plus some tips for choosing the best socks to get you through the coldest, wettest miles.

Best Winter Running Socks

How to Choose Winter Running Socks

Material

Just like you’d want to avoid cotton socks for warm-weather running, the same goes for winter. Most manufacturers turn to merino wool for their winter socks. It’s thinner and softer than your typical wool and has the ability to wick moisture away from your skin while trapping air between the fibers to help insulate against the cold. While merino is incredibly comfortable, it’s not particularly durable, so most brands blend it with a synthetic material like polyester to boost its longevity and structure. But the best thing about merino wool is that its temperature-regulating properties make it a good option for warm-weather running too, so don’t stuff these socks in the back of the drawer when the trails start to thaw.

To Waterproof or Not to Waterproof?

You can find plenty of waterproof running socks out there, and we recommend our favorite in this list. But waterproof socks are meant for only the most extreme weather. The typical waterproof sock sandwiches a waterproof layer between two knit fabrics, which means they’re still sort of breathable, but not as much as straight merino /polyester socks, so they’ll trap heat. This is great when it’s 2 degrees and you’re running through streams. It’s overkill when it’s 33 degrees and sunny.

Sock Length

No-show, quarter-crew, mid-crew, crew, over-the-calf: Most brands give you multiple options for length, even with winter-minded models. Sock length is largely a personal choice, but consider a few things before deciding. Will knee socks cover enough skin to allow you to run in shorts through the winter? If you run in tights and go with low-cut socks, will there be a gap between the fabrics around your ankle? Just think about how much skin you want exposed. And remember, some manufacturers make really great-looking (or straight-up weird) tall socks, and winter is the perfect time to break them out.

How We Selected

Our team of experienced testers and editors spent many hours and miles running and racing on the road and trail, and in cold and wet weather, wearing these socks. We evaluated them on performance, price, comfort, value, warmth, and durability to compile this list. We aimed for versatile picks adequate for a variety of conditions and temperatures.

BEST FOR TERRIBLE CONDITIONS

DryMax Cold Weather

These tall socks rise above your calf to protect your lower leg in the worst conditions. DryMax also gives the front shin an extra layer of insulation to stymie wind chill. A proprietary, dual-layer fiber transfers sweat to the outside of the sock, so the inside never gets soaked. Meanwhile, the seamless toe box and arch and ankle band help reduce the chance of getting blisters.

BEST COMPRESSION SOCKS

Lily Trotters Compression Socks

We gave Lily Trotters a Gear of the Year award a few years ago out of respect for the socks’ ability to slide on and off easily while still providing plenty of supportive squeeze. They have ample compression to keep them firmly in place while running without gripping your calves so hard you want to peel them off the second you’ve stopped your watch. When worn with tights, their knee-high length gives you an added layer of warmth without any bulk. And the S’mitten patterns are great for winter, with a cozy seasonal vibe that feels at home in a holiday 5K or lounging by the fire.

BEST ARCH SUPPORT

Wigwam Synchroknit Surpass Lightweight Mid-Crew

The biggest winter footwear challenge is to keep the blood flowing to your feet without overcrowding or overheating them with ski-sock- level bulk. It’s a fine line that these Wigwam socks are able to traverse on all but the coldest, windiest days. Warm but lightweight, the socks are made of a polyester blend that dries quickly and feels soft against the skin. They’re cushioned where you need the comfort at the heel and toe, but stripped down through the arch for a tighter, better fit that feels like a gentle foot massage. Moderate compression through the mid-calf gives you a sense of added support. They’re thick enough that you won’t want to wear them in summer, but ideal for early-morning runs during the rest of the year.

BEST BREATHABILITY

Fits Performance Trail

Some runners will add gaiters to their kit if they’re often faced with mud or slush. No need if you’re wearing the Performance Trail sock, which has a high cuff “scree guard” designed to keep the elements out. The Performance Trail is built from a slightly heavier wool for colder temps, but still has mesh zones for added breathability. Even with the thicker wool, the sock has a snug, contoured fit that won’t bust the seams of your trainers.

MOST VERSATILE

Smartwool Run Cold Weather Crew Sock

Smartwool has made a legacy name for itself with technical hiking, running, and ski socks, and this model has a combination of warmth, fit, structure, and durability for an excellent all-around winter sock for a range of temperatures and conditions. It has a form-fitting, no-slip construction that hugs your foot and provides arch support without too much tension, as well as body-mapped mesh sections for breathability and venting. This sock doesn’t feel like overkill on warmer days, but is still plenty protective on colder runs.

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Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Wool Crew

If wet slush is your winter-running Kryptonite, having a good set of waterproof socks is the antidote. And Portland-based Showers Pass makes one of the most effective we’ve tested. The Crosspoint has plenty of protection so you can hop through a stream without risking soggy feet. The knit exterior gives it the feel of a normal sock, while a breathable waterproof membrane blocks out the elements. Add to that the wicking properties of merino wool, plus a reinforced toe and heel, and you’ve got the ultimate snowpocalypse-ready footwear. Just remember to save the Crosspoint for only your coldest runs—it’s pretty warm in temperatures above freezing.

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Swiftwick Pursuit Ultralight

These luxurious-feeling socks captured a 2020 Gear of the Year award and the hearts (or at least the heart-eyed emojis) of our staff for their comfort and versatility. Made of a lightweight merino wool that feels cool in warm weather, cozy when it’s cold, and soft and dry against your feet no matter the conditions, they’re the perfect all-season sock. True to the Ultralight name, the socks’ fabric feels warm without any bulk, so your feet won’t become crowded or numb once you’ve laced up your shoes. And the socks come in four height options, from the no-show Zeros to the calf-high Sevens, so it’s easy to find a pair that fits your style and need for winter coverage.

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Injinji Ultra Run Crew

Giving each toe its own separate home, Injinji socks protect against blisters caused by skin-on-skin friction. Though they take some getting used to and a little extra time to put on, many runners swear by the natural feeling they lend. The Ultra Run Crew has a mesh top for breathability and venting, protective and cushioning terry in the toes and underfoot, and added arch support, all in a blend of CoolMax, nylon, and Lycra for performance and moisture control.

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Darn Tough Vertex Run Micro Crew Ultra-Light Cushion

By now you’ve likely noticed that we’re big fans of merino. The Vertex Ultra Light is another favorite sock made from this soft wool blend, which brings warmth and quick-drying coziness to your feet without feeling heavy, scratchy, or bulky. Morgan Petruny from our test team praised the socks’ high quality and durability. She says she’s been regularly running in a pair for almost three years, and only recently has a little hole started to form at the toe. Luckily Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee, and will send a replacement pair if they wear out. The socks are available in a crew length or a no-show version, if you like a little airflow around the ankle.

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Balega Enduro V-Tech Crew

Improved for the fall and winter season, this specialty run staple is snug around the arch but roomy in the front so as to not constrict splaying toes. The mid-weight Enduro V-Tech, now with elastane for better fit and support, pairs cushioning and warmth with contoured compression, breathability, and moisture management. Balega put compression bands in the top of the sock for structure and support. Ventilation panels, a seamless toe, and a reinforced, deep heel pocket add to the comfort.

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