A great pair of socks can transform your run for the better, we've tested the best running socks on the market to help you find your new pair
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Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a casual jogger, or just beginning your running journey, finding the perfect pair of socks can make a world of difference.
Sure, you can use an everyday pair of socks for your run, but they are often missing the much-needed features which help keep your feet comfortable and ready to power through your run.
What are the benefits of running socks?
Running socks can be made from materials which can prevent blisters and rubbing, and can be moisture-wicking, breathable, and antibacterial, whilst supporting your arches, ankles, and calves. Pretty impressive, right?
With so many exciting benefits to choose from, it can be tricky to find the perfect pair for you. Thankfully, we’ve called in the help of real runners to help us review the best running socks on the market from the top brands including Darn Tough, Stance, and CEP.
Best running socks round up:
- CEP Run No Show Socks – £14.95
- UYN Women’s Run Compression Fly Socks – £23.82
- HJHall Trainer Socks – £8.95
- Darn Tough No Show Tab Ultra Lightweight – from £17.00
- Stance Quarter Socks– £15.99
- Sundried Professional Cycle Crew Socks – £7.00
- Balega No Show Running Socks– from £17.12
Jump to best running socks category:
- Best compression socks
- Best antibacterial socks
- Best anti-rub socks
- Best wear-proof socks
Best compression socks
1. CEP Run No Show Socks
Buy now on Amazon – £14.95
Technical details:
- Sizes: S-L
- Short compression sock helps to stabilise and support ankles during your run
- Material: 89% Polyamide, 11% Elastane
- Available in 11 different colours
What tester Esther thought:
I have to tell you why these are five stars straightaway: that white detailing means you can clearly see the L and R no matter how rubbish your eyesight is (ahem). If you’ve ever bought a pair of running socks where this crucial distinction becomes less distinct with every wash, then OMG, these are the socks for you.
I love the compressive fit, the fabric is soft and doesn’t rub, and my arches are fully supported in the mid-to-thin material – in all, they’re a fantastic all-rounder, of which I wish I had 17 pairs so I could wear them all the time. Cor, who’d thought I’d get this excited about socks?
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2. UYN Women’s Run Compression Fly Socks
Buy now on Amazon – £23.82
Technical details:
- Sizes: 4,8,10
- Made with Natex to dry up to 50% faster than nylon
- Material: 58% Polyamide, 29% Polyester, 7% Elastane, 6% Polypropylene
- Breathable
What our tester Natasha thought:
These give you a compression fit right up to mid-calf due to their technical design. They hold your ankles, calves and soles really nicely, giving what feels like an added support mechanism for the feet. There are also strategically placed vents to keep your feet from sweating, which will be good as the weather starts to become milder (when will they be, again?). They are pricey, but you’ll definitely feel the difference in terms of comfort, performance and recovery, and they’re equally good for cycling. There are lots of different lengths and colours on the site, too.
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Best antibacterial socks
3. HJHall Trainer Socks
Buy now on Amazon – £8.95
Technical details:
- Sizes: 4-7, 11-13
- Made with 70% bamboo which had antibacterial properties
- Elastic arch support and a cushioned foot
- Material: 70% Bamboo, 28% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
- Moisture wicking
What our tester Geri thought:
I am a big fan of bamboo socks but I’m always a little sceptical when it comes to bamboo trainer socks, as I hate it when socks get eaten by your trainers mid-run. These socks have an excellent fit and feel great. They instantly felt comfortable and stayed in place while I was running. They are breathable and the bamboo adds antibacterial properties, very welcome for anyone who works out a lot. They washed well and so far are still looking like they are brand new even though I’ve worn them a lot. They come in a pack of two colours – black and white – and aren’t too expensive. A strong option for fresh feet and comfort.
4. Stance Quarter Socks
Buy now on Amazon – £15.99
Technical details:
- Sizes: S-L
- Intelligent fibre treatment to eliminate odour and moisture
- Climate control to your feet
- Material: 67% Polyamide, 28% Polyester, 5% Elastane
- Available in 8 colours
What our tester Rachel F thought:
I love these socks; they’re quarter-length and look great with long or short leggings. They are super comfortable and fit snugly, and you can instantly feel how breathable they are, wicking away moisture from your feet when exercising.
The socks are cushioned and protect any sensitive areas on the foot from rubbing. They also have a reflective logo on the back for improved visibility. I can’t fault them; good looking and great to wear!
Best anti-rub socks
5. Darn Tough No Show Tab Ultra Lightweight
Buy now on Amazon – from £17.00
Technical details:
- Sizes: S-L
- Ultra-lightweight feel with cushion to prevent rubbing
- No show tab height
- Material: 49% Wool (Merino), 47% Polyamide, 4% Elastane
- Moisture wicking
- Available in 8 colours
What our tester Rachel F thought:
Both soft and super comfortable, these are slightly shorter than I would usually wear, as they hardly show above my trainers, and I was worried they might rub around the top of my shoes.
However, they stayed in place perfectly and caused no blisters or irritation and did not pinch around the ankles. My feet stayed dry while running and the sock felt very natural – like a second skin. They felt exactly the same after washing too, so I am hoping they will last the distance! Great socks.
6. Sundried Professional Cycle Crew Socks
Buy now on Amazon – £7.00
Technical details:
- Sizes: L-XL
- double-layer reinforced cuff prevents the socks from falling down and gives compression-style support
- Mesh ventilation for maximum breathability
- Moisture wicking
What our tester Angelina thought:
Really versatile, high quality socks that are ideal for running, cycling or indoor workouts. The fabric is sensationally soft against your foot, and these stay dry throughout your run due to the excellent wicking ability and the top mesh material.
The toe area provides plenty of cushioning, the arch feels hugged and the cuff at the top is also impressively thick and helps these socks to stay put – they really are snug!
The 360-degree reflective loop around the ankle just makes these even more impressive, and brilliant for running or cycling in low light, and with a pop of pink, they’re fun too.
Best wear-proof socks
7. Balega No Show Running Socks
Buy now on Amazon – from £17.12
Technical details:
- Sizes: S-XL
- Ultra-fine durable yarn for a lightweight feel
- No show tab height
- Material: 51% Drynamix, 45% Polyamide, 4% Elastane
- Reinforced microfiber toe and heel
- Available in 8 colours
What our tester Sarah thought:
These socks are truly resilient; despite continued wear throughout the winter, they are fluffy, soft, and still offer that ‘new sock bounce’ with no bobbling at all, so they’re really built to last.
They are warm for colder runs, have lots of cushioning without making your feet too hot, and have Drynamix wicking fibres which have kept my feet dry.
Balega has a big range of ‘blister resist’ and charity partner socks in different lengths and styles, so it’s worth having a browse for your perfect colour and style. I highly recommend the investment for the comfort of your feet and the performance of your runs.
You’ve got the socks, now you need the shoes! Discover the best running shoes for women for 2023 – tried and tested
