Best Athletic Socks Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Alec Trembath
Chantelle Fowler
Someone once said get comfortable being uncomfortable. To truly push yourself past your limits you need to incorporate quality gear into your workouts. It is a lot harder to exceed your limits if your training gear gives out before you do. This is especially true in what you put on your feet. Socks are often overlooked as essential training gear. However, the better you treat your feet the better your whole body will feel. Finding and buying quality training material can be an exhausting process. Every company claims they have the best product but what you need depends on your personal goals. This list is a compilation of the very best athletic socks currently on the market. We’ve done the research and put in the miles so you can spend less time searching for quality and more time chasing your goals.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 13 hrs of research
These socks are made from organic Merino wool materials.
Consumers will have the chance to pick from numerous different colors.
Product is designed to keep an individual’s foot at the optimal temperatures.
The heel tab on the sock is weaved into the actual sock to help prevent any slipping and promote comfortability.
-
ROCKAY Accelerate -
Balega Athletic No Show
-
Balega Blister Resist No Show
-
MadSportsStuff Athletic Crew
-
Gold Toe Cotton Crew
-
Running Socks by Thirty 48
-
Under Armour HeatGear Crew
-
Tesla Atheltic No Show
-
Saucony Performance No-Show
-
Asics Intensity
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
BEST ATHLETIC SOCKS REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY
1. ROCKAY Accelerate
These socks are made from organic Merino wool materials.
Consumers will have the chance to pick from numerous different colors.
Product is designed to keep an individual’s foot at the optimal temperatures.
The heel tab on the sock is weaved into the actual sock to help prevent any slipping and promote comfortability.
Consumers may find the price point higher than other socks on today’s list.
In the athletic industry, there are not many socks like the Rockay Running Socks. These specific items are not only some of the most fashionable and stylish socks we have to share with you today, but they are also incredible for boosting performance, comfort, and keeping you safe.
Read moreComfortability
When it comes to purchasing a pair of socks, it’s important that they are comfortable, right? For starters, these were constructed with 100% organic Merino wool and have padded heels and toes for added comfort. Additionally, the company included a higher heel tab than traditional no-show socks to maximum comfortability while running.
Optimal Temperature
When running in the summer or winter, it can be challenging to find a pair of socks that keep your feet at the optimal temperature. Thanks to the unique materials and compression-style sock, this product will keep an individual’s feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Cost and Value
It’s always important to take the cost and value into consideration. These socks, while priced higher than many of the other socks on today’s list, offer some of the best value, hence why they are at the top of our list. In all honesty, there are not many socks that are designed with as much quality and precision as these. So, if you want quality, here you go!
2. Balega Athletic No Show
DryNamix moisture management
Over Ten Different Colors
Seamless Toe
Reinforced heel and toe
The stitched logo can be irritating for some
Balega is a company takes a lot of pride in its technology and manufacturing methods. One of Balega's motto is "Naturally the Best". When you wear Balega socks you understand why. Balega offers unique steps in its methods of producing and developing socks. Things like hand-stitched flat seams at the toe and the fact that they wash each sock produced before shipping are examples of these unique steps.
Read moreAdvanced Moisture Management
One of the features that can be found in Balega Athletic socks is their DrynaMix technologies. DrynaMix is a combination of Balega's polyester and a ventilation system that helps feet breath, stay dry and remove moisture.
Durable
The heel and toe portions of socks are usually the areas that take the most abuse and wear down faster. Balega has helped prevent this with reinforced material on each of those spots. The toe is a seamless encloser that promotes comfort and blister resistance.
Cost and Value
Balega offers unique features and high-quality material. These factors play into the price of this sock. For the cost of one pair of Balega socks, you could easily buy three pairs of another brand. But sometimes it is worth paying extra if the product delivers. And Balega Athletic No Show Socks certainly seem to do that.
3. Balega Blister Resist No Show
Designed specifically for blister resistance
Drynamix material
High tab heel
Mohair Wool
Thick
Balega makes another appearance on this list with their Blister Resist No Show socks. We talked a little bit about Drynamix, the material combination Balega uses for moisture management. These socks feature the Drynamix material as well as another material that Balega is known for, Mohair wool. You wouldn't think wool has anyplace in athletic socks due to it being a warmer material. However wool has some qualities that are often sought out in good athletic socks.
Read moreDon't Get Irritated
These blister resistant socks keep your feet from developing painful blisters in a few different ways. First, they are made from Drynamix and wool. Wool is known for mechanically removing moisture away from your foot. Then the Drynamix factor takes over and helps to rid the moisture from the sock entirely. Second, the sock is rather thick and features hand-stitched flat seams. The thickness of the sock not only supports you but protects your foot from irritation caused by friction inside the shoe. The wool also is a good thermal manager. In the winter it will help your foot retain heat while in the summer your foot will stay cool.
Stay in Place
The heel tab and arch support keep these no-show socks from slipping and bunching inside of the shoe. One of the most frustrating experiences you can have mid-workout is having to stop because your sock slipped inside your shoe. This is a particular problem with no show socks. These socks have a heel tab that will keep this from happening.
Cost and Value
Balega is a rather high-end sock. While these Blister Rest socks are not as pricey as some Balega products, they are sold in single pairs that cost as much as a 3-pair pack from other brands. That being said I personally know athletes that love these socks and keep them in their gym bags specifically for their workouts.
4. MadSportsStuff Athletic Crew
15 color choices
Durable Construction
Moisture Wicking
Arch support
Tight Fit
MadSportsStuff is a company that features many different team friendly items that do not come with the "officially licensed" price tag. With a wide range of color options, you're bound to find a color scheme that works for your team colors. These basketball logo socks are not only aesthetically pleasing but also very functional.
Read moreForm and Function
At first glance, these socks seem to be made just for the looks. But if you look a little closer you'll find that the socks are made with materials and features that all good athletic socks have. They are designed with a moisture wicking material to keep your feet dry and also feature help and arch support to get you to perform at your best.
Durable Construction
These socks are machine washable and have tough seems to stand up to whatever abuse you put them through. They are reinforced in the heel and toe area. They also feature antimicrobial qualities to keep your feet healthy and not foul smelling.
Cost and Value
A lot of company's try to cash in on the team apparel market. Some teams or schools have mandatory products that each member of the team must have. Companies know this and try to turn a profit where they can. Compared to other team style socks, the MadSportsStuff basketball socks are priced pretty well. They are not the cheapest but definitely not anywhere close to what other brands might charge.
5. Gold Toe Cotton Crew
Big and Tall Extended Size
Variety of color options
Reinforced Toe
AquaFX technology
Snug fit
Typically cotton was the go-to material for making socks. Cotton is comfortable and absorbs moisture pretty well. However, with the advancements in synthetic material fewer socks are being made from cotton. While these sacrifice comfort, sometimes other materials are better at collecting and getting rid of moisture. Gold Toe cotton crew offsets the moisture management shortcomings of cotton with their AquaFX technology
Read moreTough
If there is one constant theme within all of the research done on these socks it is that they are tough and durable. These socks are made to last. Unlike other socks which only sell by the pair, Gold Toe Crews are sold in multiple pairs so you'll be set for quite a while.
AquaFX
As previously stated, cotton is good at absorbing moisture but not so much at getting rid of it. Gold Toe features AquaFX technology. The sock is designed for increased ventilation and is produced with features that help enhance the socks moisture wicking ability.
Cost and Value
These classic socks are marked at an average price for athletic socks. These socks are reported to be some of the most comfortable and durable. Since the socks come in multi packs you get a pretty good value for your money.
6. Running Socks by Thirty 48
Cushioning on multiple areas of the sock
CoolMax Fabric
Variety of color options
Can be used with medical devices such as compression socks or night splints
Sizes reported running large
These running socks are unique in a few different ways. The socks are padded in multiple locations to help prevent injuries. They are medical device friendly. Perhaps the unique aspect is that the pairs come with one sock for the left and one for the right foot. They also feature a patent-pending design that creates greater breathability for your feet.
Read morePadding Where it Counts
Some of the most common problems with runners and endurance athletes involve tendon and joint issues in the leg. This includes plantar faciitis and achilles tendon pain. You may also experience bruising in the metatarsal area of the feet from time to time. Running Socks by Thirty48 features padding that is strategically placed to help prevent these ailments.
Medical Friendly
As someone who works in the medical field, I found this point to be pretty interesting. Hopefully as a runner or other type of athlete you never have to deal with things like blood clots or arteriosclerosis. These problems bring about medical devices that you have to wear on your legs often if not all the time. The problem is that these devices kind of limit your options when it comes to clothing. Usually, in terms of socks, your limited to those nonslip hospital socks they issue to people who are admitted. Luckily, these socks from Thirty48 offer a stylish high functioning alternative. They fit well with most of these devices and are padded and made from quality material for people with neuropathy.
Cost and Value
As far as price goes, these go the distance. They are some of the most expensive athletic socks listed and are reported to wear down in the toes rather quickly. However, with all of the unique design features and quality materials, you may be alright with spending a bit extra.
7. Under Armour HeatGear Crew
Moisture Transport
Anti-odor technology
arch support
Seamless toe to reduce irritation
Reported to be a tight fit
When it comes to being outside during times of frigid temperatures one of the first things that fall victim to the cold is your feet. It's helpful to dress in layers but it is also helpful if you have the right kind of apparel to wear. Thermal socks are useful for this, but if you are training you need a pair of socks that can offer more than just insulation. Under Armour's HeatGear Crew socks are one solution.
Read moreHeatGear
Under Armour's cold weather line offers the balance between thermal insulation to keep your feet warm and moisture management to keep your feet healthy. They achieve this balance in these crew socks with the fabrics they use. Made from polyester, cotton, nylon, and spandex, UA combines material from athletic socks and thermal socks to create a cold weather training sock. The HeatGear line is also anti-odor and antimicrobial.
Athletic Design
The HeatGear Crew sock has an embedded arch support design that keeps the sock exactly where you need it. This keeps it from slipping around and bunching up which can irritate your foot. Also incorporated into the design are a seamless toe and a "Y" shaped heel that cups the heel and adds to the comfort and function.
Cost and Value
This product is on the higher end of the price spectrum. It has a lot of unique design qualities that are found in both thermal and athletic socks so paying a little extra to achieve this balance might be worth it.
8. Tesla Atheltic No Show
Arch Compression
Heel Tab
Tons of color varieties
Vented mesh
Athletic fit is typically a tight fit
Tesla offers a wide variety of athletic clothing. From jackets to compression shirts they seem to cover a lot in terms of training apparel. The more I learn about them and their products the more I want to try some out. Teslas Athletic No-Shows are a sock built for an active lifestyle.
Read moreColor Coordinated
These no-show socks come in the plain white or black and also plenty of others to match your training gear or color scheme for an event. They typically offer one or two colors per 6 pair pack. This leaves you a lot of options.
Athletic Construction
These socks are reinforced and padded on the heels and toes. They also feature arch support. The heel tab keeps the sock in place and also protects your Achilles tendon from irritation caused by friction on the shoe. Air mesh design keeps your feet breathing and a primary blend of polyester helps keep them cool.
Cost and Value
These socks just narrowly lost to Under Armour's Resistors for the spot of best value. They are socks that have the features of more expensive socks at a very affordable price. This seems to be a theme with Tesla products in general. Some people have remarked that the socks are too tight. This is a common complaint of athletic apparel. If tight fitting training clothes bother you, look at the size chart and decide whether or not to order a size up.
9. Saucony Performance No-Show
Lots of styles to choose from
Made from a polyester blend
extra padding for comfort
Very affordable
Not very durable
If you are a runner or involved in any kind of activity that involves constant forces of impact, check out the Saucony Performance No-Shows. These socks feature arch support that gives your feet support where it's needed. This also prohibits the socks from bunching in your shoe. These no-show socks are also padded to help absorb impact forces but are not too bulky to sacrifice comfort when putting into a shoe.
Read moreCool and Dry
If you're a victim of sweaty feet you'll love these socks. Produced from 95% Polyester means these socks are great at moving moisture away from your foot and letting it evaporate. They also have advanced air mesh design that keeps your foot breathing even if you are getting short of breath during your workout.
Performance: Not Just a Name
These socks are true to heir name. They are built for performance. Not only do they have pretty advanced moisture-managing systems but they also feature reinforced soles, arch support and shock absorbing padding. All these features let you keep performing at your best and help keep things like knees and ankles healthy.
Cost and Value
These socks were a close second to our best value selection. Extremely affordable, the Saucony Performance No Shows pose no risk to busting your bank account. However, these socks are not as durable as some. However, they do come in packs of multiple pairs.
10. Asics Intensity
Knit-in mesh
"Y" heel design
Polyester blend
Seamless Toe
Sock is thin
I have talked to a lot of fans of the Asics brand. Especially runners seem to have an affinity for their products. The ASICS Intensity sock offers an athletic sock that cuts out the bells and whistles but keeps much-needed necessities.
Read moreLet 'em Breathe
ASICS Intensities have a knitted mesh and are made from mostly polyester. This is a staple of athletic socks. The longer you can keep your feet feeling fresh and dry the longer you'll be able to perform your best.
Targeted Padding
Like other athletic socks, the heels and toes are padded. The Intensities also have padding on the dorsal side of the foot where the top of your foot meets the laces. Adding to the comfort and irritation resistance is a seamless toe. This adds to the overall comfort and function of the sock.
Cost and Value
ASICS Intensity socks are a fair quality sock at a very reasonable price. Aesthetic wise they are pretty basic, but these socks offer everything you may be looking for in a functional training sock.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
For athletes, it is really important to have durable socks on your feet while doing what you do best. You want to make sure your socks last as long as they should. You don’t want something that will fall apart at the end of the day or after they are washed and dried. Being the hard-working athlete that you are, you need a sock that will last all day and even keep working for you after you are done in the field, on the court, or on the track. Having the most durable socks that keep working even when you are not, are the best ones to have. Some of these types of socks include the Balega Athletic No Show, and the Balega Blister Resist No Show.
Fit
Another thing about quality athletic socks is that you will want something that will always stay in a place where it is supposed to. You don’t want to have to keep stopping what you are doing just to pull your socks back up all because while you were on the move, they bunched down. When or if they do this, it can irritate you and even make you mad. This is because you will have to keep stopping what you are doing just to fix them and put them back in their place. Doing this can actually ruin your game and ruin your concentration when you are doing what you do best.
Because you want a good athletic sock that stays in its place, you will want to take a look at the Balega Blister Resist No Show socks. They provide high quality, never bunch up or down while wearing them, and even keep you from getting blisters. This is definitely a great sock to try while being on your feet all day and much of the night.
Breathability
When determining the best type of socks to wear while playing or running, one of the best important factors of buying the socks you need is that they prevent moisture. Your feet sweat and they will keep sweating while you are on the move. Because of this, you need socks that prevent moisture. It is one thing for your feet to sweat during the game but it is another thing for them to sweat while you are in the locker room with the rest of the guys, changing your clothes. Who wants anyone to smell their sweaty feet? No one. This is why you will need socks that prevent moisture. There are many of these available including the Golden Toe Cotton Crew socks, the Saucony Performance No Show sock, and many more.
Although most socks that are on the inexpensive side don’t provide the ventilation many people want and need to keep their feet breathing and comfortable, some of these athletic socks do provide it. When you are working on your feet all day, especially being an athlete, you need something that will keep your feet ventilated all day, every day.
The athletic socks available that provide good ventilation includes the Saucony Performance No-Show, the MadSportsStuff Athletic Crew, and Tesla Athletic No-Show.
Features
While wearing socks, especially if you are an athlete and are always on your feet, you want something that provides you with the arch support you need. Let’s face it, you need something that won’t make your feet hurt after you have been on them all day and most of the night. You want to get done with your game or get done running and still have the support you need.
Many people are not done on their feet even after they are done with their work for the day. A lot of people, especially athletes who have won their game or ran the whole track without stopping, will be out celebrating after everything is over with for the day. You will most likely go out to dinner and drinks to celebrate the win you just had. Because of this, you will be on your feet until late at night and your socks will need to withstand the pressure they are put into.
Odor protection is also an important No-one wants their socks and feet to smell bad when they take them off to change them. This is why you need a high-quality sock that can provide you with the anti-odor support you need. While you are running around the field, court, or running the track throughout the day and night, your feet will sweat a lot, just like the rest of your body. Although you already have something to help support the sweaty smell of the rest of your body, your deodorant, and antiperspirant you still need something to help keep the odor away from your feet.
Some of the best athletic socks available that are made with anti-odor support include Under Armor HeatGear Crew socks, the Saucony Performance No-Show, and the Tesla Athletic No Show. These are the best socks available on the market that can provide this anti-odor support for you.
Value
Just because you are an athlete, doesn’t mean you don’t want to still save money like everyone else. Because of this, you want athletic socks that have a good price. Saving money is what everyone likes to do. By saving money and still getting the best socks available, you can use that money you saved on your athletic career, improving it more.
Some of the best socks that come with a good price tag and still deliver quality include the MadSportsStuff Athletic Crew, and surprisingly, the Under Armor Resistor Low Cut. The reason for this being a surprise is because Under Armor athletic socks are most often on the more expensive side. However, you can say these are an exception since they are on the inexpensive side.
Although you want something less expensive, sometimes the saying that you get what you pay for is really true since many of the expensive socks are better than the cheaper ones.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Durability Fit Breathability Features Value 
Another quality to look for in a good training sock is padding. While you don’t want a sock to be so thick that it's uncomfortable in a shoe it should have padding in the heel and toe. Athletes, especially runners, are susceptible to constant forces of impact on their joints and bones. This can lead to injuries such as tendonitis or stress fractures. Padded socks help prevent such problems.
Athletic socks are supposed to be as comfortable as they are functional. They should rise up to the demands you place on them and not quit before you do. This can be hard to find in athletic equipment. If you're looking to try quality gear to enhance your training consider the products above.
Other Factors to Consider
Insulation
During the cold weather, you need something to keep your feet warm. Just because it is cold outside, this doesn’t mean you stop what you are doing. You need socks that are well insulated. You can wear the insulated ones in the winter time and wear the non-insulated ones in the spring and summer. This is why you should try the Under Armor Heat Gear Crew Socks. They will keep the moisture out and keep your feet warm. Because of this, your feet will stay as healthy as they should be.
Comfort
We can’t forget one of the most important aspects of these athletic socks, comfort. If you are always on your feet because you are an athlete who either plays basketball, football, baseball, or any other game or even a runner who is always on the track, you need your socks to be comfortable all day, every day and through to the night.
For all day and all night comfort, you will want to check out the Under Armor Resistor Low Cut, Running Socks By Thirty 48, and even the Tesla Athletic No Show. They might be on the expensive side but for the comfort you need, they will be worth it.
Style
Everyone wants their clothes and even their socks to look stylish and even come in different colors. This is especially true for women, however, some men like their socks to look good too. However, it is most often women who like to have their socks match the rest of their clothes. They like to have their whole outfit, from the socks all the way up to their top match either the same color or the same theme of that color.
As for style, many women, and even some men like to have their socks look stylish. This is why choosing the Balega Athletic No-Show as well as the Running Socks by Thirty 48, and even the MadSportsStuff Athletic Crew are the best available choices since they come in a variety of different colors to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What is the best material for athletic socks?
Polyester is the best material for athletic socks because it prevents moisture from entering the sock. Athletes need socks made from this material because their feet are always sweating from their constant movement.
q: What are the best socks to prevent blisters?
The Balega Blister Resist No-Show is said to be the best athletic socks to prevent blisters. When it comes to being an athlete, you are on your feet all day, running around, and most of the night, walking around when celebrating your game win You want to make sure you never get any blisters on your feet. This is why these Balega Blister Resist No-Show are highly recommended for the best athletic socks to prevent blisters.
q: What is considered to be the best athletic crew socks?
If you are an athlete who likes crew socks better than no-show socks, some of the best ones that come highly recommended include the Gold Toe Cotton Crew. This is because they not only are available for big and tall people, but they also come with Aqua FX Technology to keep them dry all day and all night long, they come with a reinforced toe, and they also come in a variety of different colors to choose from.
q: What is considered to be the best no-show or low cut socks available for athletes today?
One of the best no-show or low cut athletic socks available today includes the Under Armor Resistor Low-Cut. The reason for this is because they are made with 83 percent polyester for keeping the moisture out, they come with built-in cushioning, and support the arch of your feet well. Other good no-show or low-cut socks for athletes includes the Balega Athletic No-Show, the Saucony Performance No-Show, and the Balega Blister Resist No-Show.
q: What is considered to be the best running socks for athletes?
The best running socks for athletes may just be the Running Socks by Thirty 48. There are many different reasons for this and they include the fact that they come made with cushioning on different areas of the sock, not just one area, they come with CoolMax fabric, they can be used with different medical devices such as night splints or compression socks and, of course, they come in multiple different colors to choose from.
q: Why is it so important to have ventilation and moisture wicking socks for athletes?
The main reason for it is so important to have these major features with athletic socks is because these features allow for their feet to remain dry all day, every-day, and all night. Athletes are always running around playing their baseball, football, basketball, and other games, and even those who are runners have sweaty feet constantly. However, these features that come with these athletic socks can prevent moisture from entering the feet and this keeps the athletes not only from worrying all day about their feet sweating but they also keep them comfortable the whole time they are wearing them.
q: Are thick socks better for athletes compared to really thin socks?
Most of the time yes. This is because the thicker the socks, the better they are with protection from blisters, protection from moisture, and also keeping their feet warm when it is cold outside.
q: Should athletes worry about price over quality?
No, and the reason for this is because they need their socks to be high-performing to keep them going throughout the day and night without having to worry about holes appearing on their socks and without having to worry about their socks either bunching up or crumbling down while playing their game. Many athletes have enough money and don’t have to worry about the price, although they are still human and also like to save money when they can.
