Have Sweaty Feet? Doctors Say These Top-Rated Socks Can Help

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Sweaty feet happen, but it’s important to have the proper footwear to help keep your lower body wetness from turning into an issue. After all, sweaty feet can lead to a host of problems, including blisters and foot odor. It’s understandable to want to do without that hassle. The best socks for sweaty feet can help wick away moisture while keeping you cushioned and dry, so you don’t need to feel like you’re squishing around in your shoes all day.

It’s important to point this out upfront: Foot sweat is normal on some level. “Sweating is a way for the body to cool itself,” says Sondema Tarr, D.P.M., a foot and ankle specialist at Direct Podiatry Arizona. “Sweating also helps with grip due to the added moisture. In the modern era, we are not walking barefoot nearly as much as our ancestors did, but the function still remains the same.”

If you feel like your feet are particularly sweaty, your choice of socks can help ensure you stay comfortable. “Wearing the right socks can help to absorb foot perspiration and keep the feet dry,” says Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a foot and ankle surgeon with New York’s Progressive Foot Care. The right moisture-wicking socks can help lower your risk of developing toenail fungus, plantar warts, and athlete’s foot, among other issues, Pinker says.

Meet the experts: Sondema Tarr, D.P.M., is a foot and ankle specialist at Direct Podiatry Arizona; Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., is a foot and ankle surgeon with New York’s Progressive Foot Care; Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., is a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill; Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., is a podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Centers in Longwood, Calif.

So, what kind of socks should you be looking for? “The best materials are the new specialized polyester blends or wool,” says Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Center in Longwood, Calif. “These materials are the best at wicking moisture away from the feet. They cost a bit more, but are well worth the expense.”

It seems weird, but experts swear all-cotton socks aren’t the best idea if you’re dealing with an excess moisture situation. “Cotton socks are actually counterintuitive because they soak up sweat but they don’t wick the moisture,” explains Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill. Graves agrees. “It continues to be very difficult to get this idea across to many of our patients, but cotton is the material to absolutely avoid,” he says.

Our top picks

Of course, knowing which socks to buy is helpful—and can help save you a lot of time and energy. With that in mind, these are the best socks for sweaty feet out there

Balega Silver Compression Fit Performance No Show Socks

Balega’s silver compression socks have a snug, secure fit that makes you feel supported. They’re made of a polyester and nylon blend and are infused with silver ions to help lower the risk of bacterial buildup that can cause them—and your feet—to stink. There’s a wide range of color palettes to choose from.

What the Reviews Say: “I am picky about socks but these are my favorite ever,” shared a fan. “Snug, soft, and durable. Perfect height on my ankle.”

Bombas Women’s Ankle Socks

Bombas aren’t cheap. In fact, one pair will set you back more than $20. But experts swear these are a good choice if you’re struggling with sweaty feet thanks to their moisture-wicking capabilities and soft feel. (Lockwood calls them “fabulous.”) Choose from 10 different color options.

What the Reviews Say: “These are the best socks I’ve ever worn,” said a happy customer. “They are soft and fluffy. I never want to take them off! Buy them you’ll be pleased you did!”

Saucony Women’s Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks

Saucony’s performance socks are an Amazon bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is this sock pack a steal at $2 a pair, they’re made of a polyester-spandex blend that helps wick way moisture while making your feet feel snug and comfortable. The socks also feature a heel tab to protect against rubbing, along with special Airmesh venting technology for breathability.

What the Reviews Say: Consider this impressive testimonial: “I ran a half marathon in legit was horrible storm … my feet were WET from mile 1.5 until 13.1...did put Glide all over my feet before my socks…But my feel are PERFECT still…not even a tiny rub spot !!! And I don’t run fast…so I was out running—in wet socks and shoes for HOURS—not. a . blister. BUY THESE.”

Nautica Women’s Quarter Cut Moisture Control Athletic Socks

Prefer a slightly taller moisture-wicking sock? Nautica offers a quarter cut 12-pack for $16. These socks are slightly taller than ankle socks, giving you extra cushioning (and sweat-wicking) support up your ankle. It offers a cushiony bottom and arch support for your comfort.

What the Reviews Say: “I absolutely love these socks and will not be buying any other ones,” shared a shopper. “Not only are they warm, they are the perfect thickness.”

Under Armour Women’s Essential 2.0 Lightweight No Show Sock

If you prefer to feel like you’re not wearing socks at all, consider this six-pack from Under Armour. It’s designed to be thin and lightweight, providing enough support to wick away moisture but not so much that you feel bogged down. The fabric, a polyester, nylon, and spandex blend, is also nice and breathable.

What the Reviews Say: “My feet didn’t sweat as bad as usual,” said a five-star reviewer. “I’ve tried so many different brands. [My] feet were a little sweaty, but nothing like before.”

Dickies Women’s Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks

These Dickies crew socks are made for everyday wear and layer great under jeans or leggings. The socks are crafted from moisture-wicking fibers and feature ventilation channels to keep your feet dry. They even have built-in arch support and compression for stability.

What the Reviews Say: “These socks make me really happy,” said a satisfied shopper. “So comfy and cute. Thick enough to wear out hiking with my horse and thin enough to wear comfortably under my boots at the office all day.”

Hylaea No Show Running Socks

These socks are designed to stand up to the regular wear and tear that comes from running. They feature added cushioning to lower the risk of developing blisters, along with compression around your arches for extra support. The brand’s CoolMax fibers help keep you from overheating.

What the Reviews Say: “Really great socks to run in,” said a happy customer. “I normally get hot spots on my feet after a couple miles but these fixed the issue.”

Feetures Everyday Women’s Ultra Light No Show Socks

If you struggle with sweaty feet, going sock-free just isn’t an option. This no-show pair from Feetures allow you to enjoy a low-cut-shoe experience without putting your socks on full display. The socks have targeted compression for arch support, along with silicone heel gripper technology to keep them in place.

What the Reviews Say: “The socks feel like a gentle hug for my feet,” shared a reviewer. “Not tight like compression socks, but just enough support in just the right places to feel great.”

Power Stride No-Show Sock

It’s hardly shocking that Lululemon would put out a great product, but the company put a lot of thought into their socks. They feature a 3D “PerformaHeel” with grips to keep your socks firmly in place. They also have arch support along with special construction at the toe for your left and right feet.

What the Reviews Say: Shared a shopper: “These socks are one of the best socks I’ve ever purchased! They fit so well on the feet and are very, very, very comfortable!”

Thorlos Women’s DWMXW Walking Thick Padded Ankle Sock

The Thorlos socks are designed to be extra cushiony to keep you comfortable, even when you’re on your feet all day. They feature additional padding at the heel, forefoot and on top of the arch to lower the risk of rubbing and blisters. The socks are made with 4% elastic for extra stretch.

What the Reviews Say: “They are so soft and thick which I really like,” said a fan. “I also like the support they give around my arches (I have really high arches). They’ve become my go-to socks around the house when my feet are cold.”

How to choose the best socks for sweaty feet

Consider these elements when choosing the best socks for sweaty feet:

• Fabric. While 100% cotton seems like a good option, it won’t wick away moisture. “Wool, nylon, and polyester are moisture-wicking and will help to remove this moisture away from your skin,” Tarr says.

• Size. It sounds simple, but it’s worth noting: Your socks should fit properly. If they’re too large, you may not get the full benefit of moisture-wicking properties. If they’re too small, they can raise your risk of blisters.

• Colors. While the color of your socks won’t impact their moisture-wicking ability, they may influence how often you wear them. Make sure to choose a sock color that matches with your wardrobe.

How we chose the best socks for sweaty feet

To choose the best socks for sweaty feet, we consulted with four podiatrists for their input on what to look for in this important footwear, as well as what to avoid. We then looked at the most popular socks on the market and analyzed them based on elements like fabric, thickness, and size options. Reviews from real owners were considered as well to make sure we had the best view of how these socks perform for a variety of people with sweaty feet.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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