2017 Running Gear Guide: Socks
The latest running socks provide temperature regulation, compression, odor elimination and more.
$15, balega.com
Highlight: Made with silver to fight odor
Encapsulated with silver ions, these socks have been designed to provide long-lasting antibacterial properties and moisture-wicking performance. They’re soft and comfortable to adapt to various foot shapes without bunching or overstretching, ultimately keeping feet in an optimal environment so they remain dry and odor-free.
$15, brooklynrunningco.com
Highlight: Moderate compression, cushioning and reflectivity
This new boutique apparel brand was started with the intent of making high-quality, authentic, functional gear, and the proof is in these socks. The Achilles socks combine moderate compression with lightly woven cushioning in the heel and toe box, plus a reflective back tab as a smart finishing touch.
$16, darntough.com
Highlight: Thin, light socks with the benefits of merino wool
These super-light socks with a “barely-there” feel are made with fine-gauge knitting that allows them to stay in place without bunching or slipping. Made from nylon, Spandex and merino wool, they regulate temperature to feel cool in warm weather and warm in cool weather.
$18–$21, farmtofeet.com
Highlight: Lightweight, breathable and made in the USA
These made-in-the-U.S.A. socks are sewn with advanced knitting methods to create multi-dimensional patterns with an ideal balance of fit, comfort, durability, breathability and performance. The sole features sculpted half-density cushioning with a dimple pattern that both enhances and minimizes ventilation, while a diamond pattern on the instep increases breathability and lacing comfort.
$60, cepcompression.com
Highlight: Compression all the way up the calf
These super light socks offer consistent graduated compression (20–30mmHg) from the tips of the toes to the upper calves. They reduce muscle vibrations, stabilize the ankle and arch, and offer optimal heat and moisture management qualities. (Or, they absorb sweat and don’t get too warm!)
$13, hillysocks.com
Highlight: A special blend of fibers help resist blisters
These are billed as the ultimate anti-blister socks because they reduce friction by keeping the skin dry. The secret is a proprietary blend of synthetic hydrophobic fibers and natural hydrophilic fibers that help pull moisture away from the skin and push it to the exterior.
$15-$17, zensah.com
Highlight: Comfy cushioning and moisture management
Zensah’s first trail running socks are made from 40 percent polypropylene, 26 percent nylon, 2 percent merino wool and 12 percent spandex, a blend that gives them cushion, support and moisture-wicking capabilities. Meanwhile, the hexagon pad array under the forefoot offers plenty of cushion and ventilation.
$20, bridgedale.com
Highlight: Wool plus Coolmax equals comfort and dryness
These crew socks are made from a blend of merino wool, Coolmax polyester, nylon and Lycra, giving them a no-slip fit, comfort and moisture management. They feature padding at key pressure points from a two-loop weave that offers plenty of cushioning and resilience.
$14, mysoxyfeet.com
Highlight: A tribute to beer runs for your feet
Beer runs are all the rage in running right now, and these CoolMax socks pay tribute to the simple joy of running to bars with friends. They perform well and stay comfortable, and spell out “Beer” and “Chaser” on the forefeet of the left and right feet.
$17, swiftwick.com
Highlight: Crew-length style with compression features
These thin compression socks stay cool and fit very well, especially on long runs. The cushioning is minimal, for those who dislike much bulk underfoot. The crew-length versions of the ASPIRE feature all sorts of different stripes and color combinations for style on the run or at leisure.