Hear Us Out: Ankle Socks May Be The Unsung Hero Of Your Summer OOTD

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When you're picking out the perfect outfit, it's quite likely that socks might be relegated to an afterthought (I'm def guilty of this). Socks are seriously overlooked, which is funny considering they're an essential item for everyone.

Think about it: The right pair of socks can keep your feet cool, dry, and sweat-free as you run under the hot sun, protect your skin from blisters in your cute new walking shoes, or even keep your toes warm on a cool evening walk. Do they sound more essential now?

But, no matter the occasion, ankle socks specifically are always at the top of our drawers. Since they're so short, they won't clash with any of your outfits, so most of them are versatile enough to be worn on date night or to a workout.

Not all ankle socks are made equal, but neither are your feet. "Feet are inherently unique," explains Dr. Mohammad Rimawi, MD, a podiatrist at Manhattan Foot Specialists. "What works for you might not work for another person." That's why ankle socks come in all forms—like no-show socks to stretchy ones.

And, depending on what you need them for, you can buy ankle socks in different fabrics and fits, too. There's legit an ankle sock for every activity or occasion, from running and walking to snuggling up for movie night.

See below for the 15 best ankle socks you can get your hands (or, to be more accurate, feet) on right now. Plus, many of them are very affordable and available on Amazon.

Soft Cotton Socks

Nobody likes the feeling of a sock that's too tight and restrictive around the ankle, which is why these babies are made with a spandex-cotton blend for a high-stretch feel. They're also mega soft and available in a ton of versatile muted colors like navy blue and soft pink.

These socks are ideal if you're looking for something a little more stylish, but not too eye-catching. Reviews also report that the quality is much better than expected for the price.

Low Socks

Dr. Rimawi recommends the Wernies brand for casual day-to-day wear. He especially likes that the socks are moisture-wicking. "Because they're moisture-wicking, they're very good at helping prevent fungus," he says. "Athlete's foot is nothing more than a fungal infection."

This set is cut low, but the socks are high enough to prevent slippage, making them ideal for higher-cut shoes like sneakers. According to reviews, they legit don't budge.

No-Show Socks For Women

This six-pack of no-show ankle socks is available for just $15, and it's also a bestseller on Amazon. Just peep their nearly 30,000(!) five-star reviews to see how much people love them. Many reviewers even deem this pack as their "favorite set of no-show socks." They won't peek up around your shoes and they won't slip off, thanks to the silicone lining around the ankle.

Women's Performance Ankle Socks

Bombas are cult-favorite socks because they come in a variety of colors and patterns and they're designed with comfort and support in mind. Women's Health fitness editor Jennifer Nied especially loves how they maintain their quality even after a wash."The cushioning simply can't be beat," she says. "No matter how many times I wash them, they come out soft and ready for another workout or run."

Bombas are designed for a snug arch-hugging fit, featuring cushioned support for your sole. Each pair includes a "blister tab" for added comfort and with every purchase, a pair is donated to a homeless shelter.

10-Pack Ankle Socks

Listen, we all know about the secret sock monster who lives in our washing machines. That's the real reason you can't always find a matching set (wink, wink). Well, you're in luck—this pack from Hanes features 10 pairs for less than $12 to keep you stocked for *at least* a few years.

They're also made with a cooling, sweat-wicking fabric that's ideal for warmer temps. Sure, this pair is missing some of the more luxurious features other pairs on this list include, but a classic is a classic for a reason.

Ruffle Slouch Socks

Though they're technically crew-length, these Ruffle Slouch Socks look coolest scrunched around the ankle. Let them pop out above your boots or sneakers, and they'll go great with almost any outfit. Plus, these socks are made to work for all seasons—not too thin, not too thick.

Women's Hike Light Cushion Low Ankle

Nied also loves the Smartwool pattern ankle socks for how well they stay on the feet (even in hiking boots!) and their warmth. Although they're slightly lower than her preferred above-the-ankle style, they still provide targeted cushioning and a no-slip ankle, which she loves. "They never slide down and, in my experience, they are totally blister-proof."

6-Pack Low-Cut Socks

You can't go wrong with Fruit of the Loom, especially with these super affordable socks that are made of soft-spun cotton, cushioned soles, and ventilated mesh zones to keep you cool during sweat sessions.

These socks have top-notch design features like the pricier ones do. They use moisture-wicking tech to keep you dry during sweaty outdoor boot camp classes, and they even have ankle tabs to stop blisters. With over 9,000 five star reviews, you'll def be happy with this pick.

Low-Cut Running Socks

Puma's running socks are slightly more luxurious than the Fruit of the Loom set with a style that really hugs the foot, but they're still an affordable price. A gamble with low-cut socks is that they can slip off your toes and bunch up in your arch when you run (it's happened to the best of us), but this Puma set is made to ensure that never happens.

They have thousands of five-star reviews, many of which come from runners raving about how well the non-slip socks fit. Plus, the socks' mesh ventilation make them perfect for runs in even the hottest temperatures.

Wool Socks

Whether you're dealing with the woes of winter or love an AC that's on full-blast, having warm socks on standby is a must. These brightly-hued wool ones are thick, but flexible enough to pair with any pair of shoes, from sneakers to your hefty winter boots.

Unlike other thick socks, they have plenty of give around the cuff to make them easy to get on and off. Plus, they are super breathable, so you won't suffer from sweaty feet, either.

Ankle Socks

WH editorial assistant Olivia Evans snagged a pack of these earlier this year, and has totally fallen in love. "The quality is comparable to a set of Bombas, but the price is a lot easier to digest," she says. "They're great for long walks, running, or working out—they've become my go-to socks for pretty much any occasion. I also love the heel tabs, which have kept all blisters away. I have the plain gray and white set, but don't be afraid to try out the other fun colors."

Five-Pack Cat Socks

These socks are made with a high-stretch, durable cotton-spandex blend, but you'll really love them for the adorable kitten design. Not a cat person? The brand even has puppy, penguin, and llama-themed socks. Socks get a bad rep at Christmas, but these make a great Christmas gift.

Plus, reviews say they're perfect to wear with taller boots like Doc Martens to keep them from rubbing against your ankle.

Cushioned Compression Ankle Socks

There's a ton of info out there about the potential benefits of compression. The main info to know: It can promote blood flow and even lessen soreness after a workout. These compression socks are specifically designed to keep your circulation within the 16-23 mm Hg range without feeling too tight. They're also made of a quick-dry material that promotes air flow.

So, if you're strolling around town on a hot day and you want to keep your circulation in check, try wearing these on your next big day out. You may even notice a difference in swelling and aches the first time you wear them.

Ankle Sock Eight-Pack Gift Box

If you're looking to totally upgrade your sock drawer, this Bombas Gift Box is the perfect way to treat yourself (or your loved one). Each ankle sock has its own unique design, but they all come with a cushioned footbed, a seamless toe, and the brand's iconic honeycomb arch support system (translation: a special stitching that provides stability, without too much squeezing). Treat yourself to a pair (or eight) of these fun, comfortable socks.

Ankle Socks for Women

FoDr. Rimawi recommends any sock by Cooplus for working out. "They're much more padded than other socks," he tells WH. "If you're running, you're putting a lot of stress on the feet. The more padding you have, the lower the chances are for getting blisters, aches, and pains."

This pair of Cooplus socks offers extra padding in the heel, and are designed to decrease impact on the feet. They're also super breathable, stretchy, and they come in several different colors.

How our team chose the best ankle socks

For the last year, Women's Health editors including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and editorial assistant Olivia Evans have been testing and vetting the best ankle socks to shop online. Our team asked WH fitness editor Jennifer Neid to give her best recommendations. We also spoke to Mohammad Rimawi, MD, a podiatrist at Manhattan Foot Specialists, to get advice on how to shop for the best ankle socks and specific pairs to look into.

Meet The Expert

Mohammad Rimawi, MD, MD is a podiatrist at Manhattan Foot Specialists. He specializes in general podiatric medicine, podiatric dermatology, and minimally invasive reconstructive surgery including bunions and hammertoes.

We also tested

In total, the WH team vetted 20 pairs of ankle socks, but decided on the final list based on expert and editor recommendations as well as high reviews. Here are some close finalists, and what WH liked about them:

• Free People Beloved Waffle Knit Ankle Socks —This pair of socks is stylish, but offers quality in its polyester and spandex blend. Ultimately, the higher price didn't seem worth what you were getting, so WH opted for a different pair of stylish ankle socks.

• Birdie Assorted Closed Toe Ankle Socks—The rubber grips on the bottom of these socks make them a unique choice, plus they come with a carrying bag. However, this set seemed to skimp on hold and compression, keeping it from making the list.

• Burberry Check Ankle Socks—The iconic Burberry design on this pair made it tempting to tack onto the list, but the $140 price tag and lack of extra features made made it a runner up.

• Skims Hosiery Ankle Socks—Skims does shapewear super well, which made it tempting to try out these hosiery ankle socks. However, with an ultra-thin material and toe seams, it's probably better to opt for a pair of cotton leggings.

What to look for in ankle socks

If you're looking to totally step up your sock game, WH is right there with you. To help us out, Dr. Rimawi offered some helpful tips to consider when shopping for any socks.

Fit

Dr. Rimawi recommends picking your sock style based on the shoe you're wearing. "If the shoe is high, and the sock is very low, it can slip off your foot and leave you feeling uncomfortable," he explains. Alternatively, you could have the opposite problem if you wear high socks with shorter shoes. Overall, you should purchase a sock that fits both your feet and the shoes you're wearing.

Support

Support is important to consider when shopping for shoes, but when it comes to socks you should prioritize moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet smelling fresh and avoid fungus, explains Dr. Rimawi.

Looking to invest in some good workout socks? Opt for socks that will absorb the impact before your foot does. Dr. Rimawi tells us that Cooplus offers special ankle support and extra cushioning across the foot, which are great qualities to look for in a workout sock.

Material

Nylon, cotton, and polyester are all great materials to look out for in socks, per Dr. Rimawi. Merino wool is also a favorite (peep certain pairs from Bombas and Smartwool) because "it boasts strong antimicrobial properties," he explains, "effectively combatting bacteria and preventing foot odor."

Cost

Before you start thinking about the price, consider what activities you'll be using the socks for. If you're an athlete, it's good to invest in socks with more padding and compression, but that's not as necessary for everyday wear, says Dr. Rimawi.

You'll find the perfect pair of socks after much trial and error, says Dr. Rimawi. "Don't be afraid to experiment. What's the worst that can happen, you don't like the sock?"

When should I wear ankle socks?

Ultimately, it boils down to your personal preference. Dr. Rimawi highlights that certain shoes, like running shoes, pair well with ankle socks, whereas others, like boots, might not. For most sports, Dr. Rimawi suggests that ankle socks are likely the optimal choice.

Can I wear ankle socks with jeans?

Yes! As long as it feels comfortable for you, you can wear ankle socks with any type of pants. And given an ankle socks' short length, you can even wear them with jean shorts, cropped jeans, or jean kirts.

Read more about the best socks to shop now

Compression Socks | Athletic Socks | No-Show Socks | Grip Socks | Yoga Socks | Running Socks

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