Best Nike Running Socks Reviewed & Rated for Comfort

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Dry Cushion Training
Test Winner: Dry Cushion Training
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Running socks are a piece of running gear that some runners may deem optional or unnecessary. Studies show, however, that constant running, if not done right, can damage the blood vessels, disrupt blood flow, lower oxygen levels, and cause severe nerve pain and nerve damage. This can be avoided by the right amount of compression, which is exactly what running socks provide, as they tighten around the base of the foot, allowing arteries to widen. The right running socks will absorb adequate force at high impact areas and give your weaker spots, such as your ankles, the support they need to keep performing at its best. For a runner, choosing the right set of socks is everything!

Standout Picks

Dry Cushion Training
The Unisex NIKE Dry Cushion Training Sock is ideal for ventilation. It features absorbent fabric, mesh panels, and compression arch support. This item is created with a sweat-absorbing material. This keeps your feet dry during physical activity. It has mesh panels that allow for air circulation and ventilation. Arch compression promotes a snug fit that prevents slipping and friction within the shoe. This helps to prevent bruising and blisters.
Amazon Link
$29.63
Elite Lightweight
The NIKE Unisex Elite Lightweight Running Sock has a superior grip. It features advanced gripping technology, underfoot traction and compression arch support. If your concern is reducing friction and blisters, then look no further. This product has advanced gripping technology. Not only does it prevent the sock from slipping off your foot, but it also stops the sock from shifting within your shoes, yielding traction.
Amazon Link
Performance Cushion Crew
The NIKE Performance Cushion Crew socks are a choice for the road and for the trail. They feature compression arch support, reinforced heels and toes and a premium fabric blend. These socks offer a comfortable fit, great arch support, and durability. There are elastic bands at the top that allow them to remain in place during physical activity. It is also reinforced at the heels and toes.
Amazon Link
Dri-FIT Low-Cut Training
The NIKE Dri-FIT Low Cut Training Sock is great for sweat wicking. It features soft, absorbent fabric, ribbed cuffs, and reinforced heels and toes. This item is made of soft absorbent material. This assists in keeping feet comfortably dry during intense activity. Alternatively, it decreases slipping with ribbed cuffs and a compression arch. The material is quite durable and reinforced in the toes and heel areas.
Amazon Link
$35.99
Everyday Plus Footies
The NIKE Everyday Plus Footie provides ideal comfort. It features great ventilation, a micro-nylon fabric blend, and is very durable. If you’re looking for a sock that is comfortable, has great ventilation, and is durable enough to be worn every day, you are in the right place. This item has a micro-nylon fabric mix, an arch band to keep your sock in place, and a high silhouette to reduce slipping.
Amazon Link
$27.94
Dry Cushion Low Training
The NIKE Dry Cushion Low Training sock is a great fit. It is anatomically crafted and features a unique fabric blend and Dri-FIT technology. This item has a special blend of fabric that promotes sweat absorption so your feet stay dry during physical activity. It is created in the form of the human foot to produce a more natural fit. It also has great ventilation that keeps feet cool.
Amazon Link
Elite No-Show Tab Running
The NIKE Elite No-Show Tab Running Sock is great at sweat wicking. It features a lightweight fabric that is well ventilated and has strategic cushioning throughout. If you’re looking for comfort, look no further. This selection has strategically placed cushioning that absorbs force in high impact areas. It doesn’t show in footwear and the material is lightweight and ventilated, keeping you dry and comfortable during physical activity.
Amazon Link
Everyday Lightweight Footie
The NIKE Everyday Lightweight footie is an ideal selection for comfort. It features cushion at high wear areas, a breathable fabric blend and great ventilation. If your desire is to cushion your high wear areas and retain good ventilation, this selection is a great option. The material offers a snug fit that is comfortable and is reinforced at the toes and heel for extra support.
Amazon Link
$19.77
Performance Cushioned Training
The NIKE Performance Cushioned Training Sock is a great selection for breathability. It is well ventilated and features arch support and ribbed cuffs. This selection has great arch support. Its fabric is very absorbent which ensures your feet are dry during physical activity. It’s very comfortable and offers added support in high wear areas. It features ribbed cuffs which hold the sock in place, preventing friction.
Amazon Link
$29.99
NIKE Elite Lightweight No-Show Socks
The NIKE Elite Lightweight No-Show Sock is a great choice for ventilation. It features mesh vents, lightweight fabric, and manually adjustable cuffs. This is a lightweight sock that does not show. You can manually adjust the cuff as well as the heel tab for a fit that is custom for you. Mesh vents promote good ventilation, keeping feet cool during physical activity.
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Criteria Used for Evaluation

Materials

Many running socks utilize one or more synthetic or natural materials. Commonly used materials include:

Cotton
This material is natural, very lightweight, and adept at moisture control. It is durable and has great ventilation. It is the most common of the fibers used in items such as socks and is usually combined with synthetic fibers such as nylon to create a sweat-wicking environment.

Polyester
This synthetic fiber is known for its durability. It maintains its quality, even in high wear conditions. It can hold color for long periods of time and it dries rather quickly. On its own, this fiber can be quite harsh to the touch. It usually needs to be blended with cotton and other fabrics for comfort.

Nylon
This material is synthetic but strong. It is also very flexible. It will increase the durability of any item as well as offer added elasticity.

Spandex
A very minute amount of this synthetic material can be added to an item to increase elasticity or to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.

Natural materials increase sock comfort and synthetic materials help socks to maintain their shape and reduce the chances of them stretching out of shape. Ideally, some or all of these materials are combined to produce a unique fabric blend.

Compression

When running, the heel-to-toe action can take a toll on specific parts of your feet. High impact areas endure large amounts of force and work for long periods of time. This can leave them sore and fatigued, making them even more susceptible to injury. For this reason, many running socks are fitted with a compression arch. A compression arch does two main things. It will apply significant force to your feet and it will support your weak spots. The force applied to your feet during compression will improve circulation and blood flow by forcing the blood back up toward the heart. The pooling of blood and a buildup of waste materials have the potential to become a major issue. As with any piece of machinery your “gear” or feet can weaken over time. The arch will support not just the natural arch of your feet but your ankles as well. The combination of the two helps to keep your feet steady; it improves your ability to absorb the force from running, and it will also help your sock to maintain a snug fit.

This snug fit is necessary to reduce friction. A sock that is not fitted and moves around on your feet or inside of your shoe can increase the friction that naturally occurs when running and cause skin irritation and blisters. A well supported foot can mean a shorter recovery time after workouts and competitions.

Breathability

During intense activity, we sweat, and it’s not limited to our faces, underarms, or back. Our entire body sweats, which includes our feet. Getting a sock that has good ventilation will ensure that your feet are dry and cool while you work or work out. Wet feet with constant friction can cause painful blisters. When our feet sweat and it’s not absorbed or allowed to dry by means of ventilation, it can also produce odors and create an environment that breeds fungus and bacteria.

You can achieve ventilation in two ways: by using the right fabric and by including mesh vents. Some fabrics breathe well, while others do not; some are absorbent, while others are not. Natural materials such as cotton and wool are lightweight, allowing air to pass through freely. They are also very absorbent. Combined with synthetic materials, they aid in wicking sweat away from the skin and keeping feet dry during intense activity. Mesh vents are slips of fabric inserted in the sock that alleviate moisture and promote a dry,cool atmosphere within the shoe.

Dri-FIT is a feature exclusive to NIKE. It is a microfiber blend that works in conjunction with your body’s natural functions to keep you dry. Its base is polyester, which is a synthetic material that dries at an impressive rate. The technology takes moisture that has been absorbed and evenly distributes it across the material allowing your feet to dry at an increased rate. Because it utilizes natural processes, the system does not slow down. The material used does not wear out as polyester is made of non-biodegradable plastic. Since this technology exists in a thin inner lining, it will last as long as your sock does.

Comfort

If you are going to be engaged in prolonged physical activity, be it on a professional level or for health and recreation, you have to take care of your “gear.” You have to make sure it is well maintained and able to perform at its best when you need it to, even more so, when you expect it to. As a runner, good quality, comfortable socks are a must.

When we run, tremendous amounts of force are applied to specific parts of our feet. Our toes and heels bear the brunt of the burden. That makes it so important to get a sock that not only offers comfort to the touch but has extra cushion in these high impact, high wear areas. Comfort starts with the fabric used. Most running socks are fiber blends; however, you want to select a sock that has a high cotton or wool count. These natural fibers are not only gentle on the skin but very absorbent, which keeps your feet dry.

Synthetic materials such as polyester can be harsh and uncomfortable. The second element is added cushion. Most cushioned socks have an extra layer of material which lessens the friction that naturally occurs while running. This decreases the occurrence of bruises and blisters on the feet. These types of socks can help reduce swelling, inflammation and pain, especially in professional athletes, and it will also reduce recovery time. Some socks have a unique feature called anti-slip technology. They are developed with treads in the sole and are specially fitted to your heel. This ensures they will not rotate around your feet and you will have added traction within your shoe. In order for this to be effective, you must ensure you have the right size. A proper fit eliminates the friction that naturally occurs when running and prevents irritating injuries such and blisters or bruising of your feet.

Durability

Reinforcing socks adds to their durability. High wear areas on a sock such as heels and toes can be quickly and easily damaged after continued use. There are three main ways to reinforce a sock. You can double stitch the fabric, hand sew the fabric, or the most popular way is to insert a heel pocket, toe pocket, or both. Double-stitched fabric uses either two separate threads, the original and another more sturdy one, or the current thread is doubled. A hand-sewn reinforcement is when an additional stitch is added after the sock is competed. A heel pocket insert is an extra piece of fabric that is inserted and is always in the shape of the area you are trying to reinforce. All these methods ensure durability and decrease the chances of holes and tears in your sock.

You can also blend a sturdy fabric into the high wear areas and at the sole of the feet. This will not only improve the sock’s durability, but it will also increase comfort and reduce friction at the toes, heels, and soles of the feet.

10 Best Nike Running Socks

1. Dry Cushion Training

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$29.63
Dry Cushion Training
Amazon Link

The Unisex NIKE Dry Cushion Training Sock is ideal for ventilation. It features absorbent fabric, mesh panels, and compression arch support. This item is created with a sweat-absorbing material. This keeps your feet dry during physical activity. It has mesh panels that allow for air circulation and ventilation. Arch compression promotes a snug fit that prevents slipping and friction within the shoe. This helps to prevent bruising and blisters.

Material
This product has a unique cotton blend that absorbs sweat during intense activity to keep your feet dry and provide increased ventilation.

Ventilation
Its mesh panels promote ventilation and absorb sweat so feet stay cool and dry during physical activity.

Cost and Value
This product can range very high in price; however, it comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Amazon Link
$29.63

2. Elite Lightweight

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Elite Lightweight
Amazon Link

The NIKE Unisex Elite Lightweight Running Sock has a superior grip. It features advanced gripping technology, underfoot traction and compression arch support. If your concern is reducing friction and blisters, then look no further. This product has advanced gripping technology. Not only does it prevent the sock from slipping off your foot, but it also stops the sock from shifting within your shoes, yielding traction.

Underfoot Traction
Specially engineered fabric promotes increased underfoot traction. This ensures that your foot will not slip and slide within the shoes.

Advanced Gripping Technology
Lycra is placed in the arch and the area surrounding the ankle. Anatomic construction gives the sock a natural feel and fit.

Cost and Value
This item is reasonably priced. Cushion, fabrics, and cuts all work together to ensure proper grip and increased traction when engaging in an intense activity.

Amazon Link

3. Performance Cushion Crew

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Performance Cushion Crew
Amazon Link

The NIKE Performance Cushion Crew socks are a choice for the road and for the trail. They feature compression arch support, reinforced heels and toes and a premium fabric blend. These socks offer a comfortable fit, great arch support, and durability. There are elastic bands at the top that allow them to remain in place during physical activity. It is also reinforced at the heels and toes.

Material
This selection has a premium blend of fabric that promotes comfort. It is on average 76% cotton, 21% polyester, 2% nylon, and 1% spandex.

Arch Support
Its arch support promotes a snug and secure fit. It also assists in good circulation, freeing the blood flow.

Cost and Value
This selection offers good quality at an affordable price. Fabric blends give comfort that lasts with reinforced construction.

Amazon Link

4. Dri-FIT Low-Cut Training

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$35.99
Dri-FIT Low-Cut Training
Amazon Link

The NIKE Dri-FIT Low Cut Training Sock is great for sweat wicking. It features soft, absorbent fabric, ribbed cuffs, and reinforced heels and toes.

This item is made of soft absorbent material. This assists in keeping feet comfortably dry during intense activity. Alternatively, it decreases slipping with ribbed cuffs and a compression arch. The material is quite durable and reinforced in the toes and heel areas.

Absorbent Fabric
This feature helps to keep feet dry and comfortable during physical activity. This product is made up of 49% polyester, 45% cotton, 4% nylon, and 2% spandex.

Ribbed Cuffs
This is a rough area at the top of the sock that creates a snug fit. It keeps the sock in place and prevents it from slipping, thereby reducing friction.

Cost and Value
The price can get a bit high; however, the fabric is a good quality cotton blend.

Amazon Link
$35.99

5. Everyday Plus Footies

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$27.94
Everyday Plus Footies
Amazon Link

The NIKE Everyday Plus Footie provides ideal comfort. It features great ventilation, a micro-nylon fabric blend, and is very durable.

If you’re looking for a sock that is comfortable, has great ventilation, and is durable enough to be worn every day, you are in the right place. This item has a micro-nylon fabric mix, an arch band to keep your sock in place, and a high silhouette to reduce slipping.

Material
The micro-nylon spandex material is soft and breathes well, allowing for great ventilation. This helps to keep your feet dry during physical activity.

Grip
There is a silicone print on the inside of the heel to prevent your sock from sliding off your feet.

Cost and Value
This product has a very low price range and comes in small, medium, and large sizes, as well as a wide variety of different colors.

Amazon Link
$27.94

6. Dry Cushion Low Training

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Dry Cushion Low Training
Amazon Link

The NIKE Dry Cushion Low Training sock is a great fit. It is anatomically crafted and features a unique fabric blend and Dri-FIT technology.

This item has a special blend of fabric that promotes sweat absorption so your feet stay dry during physical activity. It is created in the form of the human foot to produce a more natural fit. It also has great ventilation that keeps feet cool.

Material
This product is 52% polyester, 25% cotton, 21% nylon, and 2% spandex.. It also has the Dri-FIT technology. Air is able to circulate throughout, keeping feet cool.

Cushion
Cushion in high impact areas absorbs the force exerted on your feet during physical activity.

Cost and Value
This product has a very low price range and comes in size 6 - 10. It also comes in a variety of colors.

Amazon Link

7. Elite No-Show Tab Running

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Elite No-Show Tab Running
Amazon Link

The NIKE Elite No-Show Tab Running Sock is great at sweat wicking. It features a lightweight fabric that is well ventilated and has strategic cushioning throughout.

If you’re looking for comfort, look no further. This selection has strategically placed cushioning that absorbs force in high impact areas. It doesn’t show in footwear and the material is lightweight and ventilated, keeping you dry and comfortable during physical activity.

Cushion
Toes and heel areas are cushioned, promoting comfort and absorbing force at these high impact areas during physical activity.

Arch Support
The arch promotes a snug fit which prevents the sock from shifting or sliding in the shoes. This reduces friction, which can cause skin irritation and blisters.

Cost and Value
This item can range pretty high in price; however, it has an anatomic shape which promotes a more natural feel.

Amazon Link

8. Everyday Lightweight Footie

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$19.77
Everyday Lightweight Footie
Amazon Link

The NIKE Everyday Lightweight footie is an ideal selection for comfort. It features cushion at high wear areas, a breathable fabric blend and great ventilation.

If your desire is to cushion your high wear areas and retain good ventilation, this selection is a great option. The material offers a snug fit that is comfortable and is reinforced at the toes and heel for extra support.

Reinforced
This item is reinforced at the toe and heel for durability in high wear areas. The added stability will reduce friction.

Material
The fabric is a 70% cotton, 27% nylon, and 3% spandex blend. This enhances the breathability of the sock during intense activity.

Cost and Value
The cost of this item can get pretty high; however, its multiple features for comfort are well worth the investment. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes.

Amazon Link
$19.77

9. Performance Cushioned Training

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$29.99
Performance Cushioned Training
Amazon Link

The NIKE Performance Cushioned Training Sock is a great selection for breathability. It is well ventilated and features arch support and ribbed cuffs.

This selection has great arch support. Its fabric is very absorbent which ensures your feet are dry during physical activity. It’s very comfortable and offers added support in high wear areas. It features ribbed cuffs which hold the sock in place, preventing friction.

Material
This product is 70% cotton, 28% nylon, and 2% spandex. This fabric blend promotes the absorption of sweat during intense activity to keep your feet dry and provide increased ventilation.

Ribbed cuffs
Ribbed cuffs keep the sock in place and prevent it from slipping, thereby reducing friction. Friction can cause blisters and other painful injuries.

Cost and Value
The cost range can get pretty high, but it does offer multiple options in the single item. It also comes in a variety of men’s and women’s sizes.

Amazon Link
$29.99

10. NIKE Elite Lightweight No-Show Socks

Where to buy
Amazon Link
NIKE Elite Lightweight No-Show Socks
Amazon Link

The NIKE Elite Lightweight No-Show Sock is a great choice for ventilation. It features mesh vents, lightweight fabric, and manually adjustable cuffs.

This is a lightweight sock that does not show. You can manually adjust the cuff as well as the heel tab for a fit that is custom for you. Mesh vents promote good ventilation, keeping feet cool during physical activity.

Material
This item is made of 51% polyester, 43% nylon, and 6% spandex. This fabric blend allows it to fit seamlessly into footwear without showing or slipping off.

No Show
This is especially useful during warmer seasons. as wearing enclosed shoes without socks can promote sweating inside the shoes. A moist environment can also create a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria.

Cost and Value
This item is very reasonably priced and comes in black, which is a very neutral color.

Amazon Link

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