The 17 Best Workout Socks for Getting Your Sweat On

If you’re anything like us, slipping into fresh fitness apparel is often enough to motivate you to exercise. Socks aren’t typically the thing people get super pumped about. Still, they’re essential for most workouts, helping control odors and prevent blisters while keeping your feet as comfy as possible.

Personal trainer Dianna Falzarano is partial to pairs with good elasticity that keep their shape, though the height depends on the activity and your personal preferences. For instance, she says, “I like having the support past my ankle while strength training.”

We compiled expert picks, checked our sock drawers, and researched today’s best workout socks, selecting options that excel for material, cut, support, compression, and overall feel.

Our Top Picks

BEST OVERALL:

Bombas Women’s All-Purpose Performance Quarter Sock at Nordstrom (See Price)

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BEST BUDGET:

Hanes Women’s Comfort Fit Ankle Socks at Amazon ($11)

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BEST FOR RUNNING:

Feetures Elite Light Cushion Quarter Socks at Zappos ($18)

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BEST FOR CYCLING:

Paplus Ankle Compression Sock at Amazon ($13)

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BEST FOR STRENGTH TRAINING:

Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Training Crew Socks at Nike.com ($28)

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BEST FOR HIIT:

Saucony Performance Athletic Socks at Amazon ($16)

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BEST FOR WALKING:

Lululemon Women’s Daily Stride Ribbed Comfort Crew Socks at Lululemon ($18)

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BEST FOR YOGA :

Zando Yoga Socks with Grips at Walmart ($13)

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BEST NO-SHOW:

Athleta Everyday No Show Sock 3-Pack at Gap.com (See Price)

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BEST TAB:

Stance Athletic 3-Pack Tab Socks at Nordstrom ($40)

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Best Overall

Bombas Women’s All-Purpose Performance Quarter Sock

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Bombas

VIEW ON NORDSTROMVIEW ON BOMBAS.COM

Materials: Polyester, nylon, Supima cotton, elastane | Sizes: S, M, L

Falzarano is partial to Bombas socks. “I’ve been using them for a few years now, and each pair keeps its shape and elasticity,” she tells Byrdie. “I don’t have to worry about them falling in my sneakers or not feeling comfortable while I’m working out.” These all-star workout socks can be worn for a wide range of fitness activities. From hiking and running to golf and dance cardio, they’ll keep your feet dry, cool, and endlessly comfy—they’d work as streetwear socks with casual sneakers too. We also like that a pair of Bombas socks is donated for each pair purchased.

Best Budget

Hanes Women’s Comfort Fit Ankle Socks

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Amazon

$11 AT AMAZON AMAZON$12 AT TARGET TARGET$11 AT WALMART WALMART

Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: 5–9, 8–12

On a budget? Pick up a pack of Hanes Comfort Fit Socks. You’ll get six non-bulky, over-the-ankle socks for under $15, each with arch support and zoned cushioning. What’s more, they’re designed to adapt to your body temperature to cool you off while you sweat.

Best for Running

Feetures Elite Light Cushion Quarter Socks

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Amazon

$18 AT ZAPPOS ZAPPOSVIEW ON FEETURES.COM$18 AT REI REI

Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: S, M, L

We highly recommend Feetures for runners. These athletic socks are cushioned only where you need to prevent unnecessary bulk, while targeted compression may help with blood circulation and to minimize soreness.¹ The brand also boasts The Perfect Toe®, a trademarked seam-free toe area that eliminates bunching and irritation.

Best for Cycling

Paplus Ankle Compression Sock

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Amazon

$13 AT AMAZON AMAZON

Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: S/M, L/XL

Whether you like biking around town, competing in cycling races, or feeling the burn right at home on an elliptical machine, Paplus is the way to go. These ankle-high compression socks are designed to encourage blood flow and improve your reaction time by targeting different areas of your feet and ankles with varying firmness levels.

Best for Strength Training

Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Training Crew Socks

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Nike

$28 AT NIKE.COM NIKE.COM$28 AT MACY’S MACY’S$28 AT KOHLS.COM KOHLS.COM

“Nike mid-calf socks are my go-to when strength training,” Falzarano tells Byrdie. She likes having support over her ankles during weight-bearing exercises and appreciates that they stay securely in place. “The bonus is that since the socks are higher, I don’t have to worry about them falling down.”

Best for HIIT

Saucony Performance Athletic Socks

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Amazon

$16 AT AMAZON AMAZON

Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: S, M, L

What about HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts? We stand behind Saucony Performance Athletic Socks. They have targeted cushioning in areas that see the most impact, and the woven mesh ventilation keeps your feet cool as you work up a sweat.

Best for Walking

Lululemon Women’s Daily Stride Ribbed Comfort Crew Socks

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Lululemon

$18 AT LULULEMON LULULEMON

Materials: Nylon, polyester, cotton, elastane | Sizes: S, M, L

As the name suggests, Lululemon’s Daily Stride Socks are designed to support your stride. If you ask us, these are the perfect walking socks. They have built-in arch support and cushioning above the toes to help prevent blisters and calluses. And instead of being identical, each pair has one left and one right to accommodate the natural shape of your feet and toes.

Best for Yoga

Zando Yoga Socks with Grips

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Amazon

$13 AT WALMART WALMART

Materials: Cotton, elastane | Sizes: One size

These are the best socks for yoga, barre, and other studio workouts where shoes aren’t required (or not allowed at all). Sticky silicone grippers are dotted all over the soles to keep you from slipping on hard floors, and the crew length can be pulled up over your leggings. We also appreciate that they’re breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying.

Best No-Show

Athleta Everyday No Show Sock 3-Pack

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Athleta

VIEW ON GAP.COM

Materials: Cotton, nylon, spandex | Sizes: S/M, M/L

If you’re partial to no-shows, these below-the-ankle workout socks from Athleta are your best bet. They have just enough cushioning to keep your feet comfy in sneakers without feeling too thick or bunching up. There’s also supportive compression under the arches and ventilated panels over the top to encourage airflow.

Best Tab

Stance Athletic 3-Pack Tab Socks

PHOTO: 

Amazon

$40 AT NORDSTROM NORDSTROM$40 AT ZAPPOS ZAPPOS$40 AT BLOOMINGDALES BLOOMINGDALES

Materials: Nylon, polyester, cotton, elastane | Sizes: S, M, L

Stance makes our favorite ankle socks with heel tabs. These athletic socks are easy to pull on and off, plus the cushioned tabs minimize friction on the back of your heels to keep blisters at bay. They also have supportive arches, seamless toes to prevent discomfort, and odor-control technology that ensures your feet stay fresh no matter how hard you sweat.

Best Crew

Skims Sport Crew Sock

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Skims

VIEW ON SKIMS.COM

Materials: Cotton, polyamide, elastane | Sizes: 6+, 8+

We also like these lightly compressive crew socks from Skims. They’re pretty basic (in a good way), with no visible logos except on the soles, which makes them all the more versatile. Designed to feel comfy in active sneakers or flat shoes, you can wear these sporty-casual socks while working out or with loungewear, athleisure outfits, or jeans.

Best Odor-Control

Balega Silver No Show Running Socks

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Amazon

$20 AT AMAZON AMAZON$19 AT TARGET TARGET$29 AT WALMART WALMART

Materials: Polyester, nylon, elastane, encapsulated silver ions | Sizes: S, M, L, XL

These workout socks have a clever solution for funky foot smells. Encapsulated silver ions are woven in to kill odor-causing bacteria, while moisture-wicking fibers help your feet stay dry.² But that’s not all we love about them. The thoughtful design has several comfort features, like seamless toes, cushioned heel tabs, arch support bands, and ventilated panels.

Best Cushioned

Adidas Originals Trefoil 2.0 3-Pack Crew Socks

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Amazon

$18 AT NORDSTROM NORDSTROM$18 AT ADIDAS.COM ADIDAS.COMVIEW ON CHAMPSSPORTS.COM

Materials: Polyester, cotton, spandex | Sizes: M, L

Adidas Trefoil 2.0 Socks are great for those who prefer thicker, plusher workout socks. They have extra cushioning on the soles and forefeet, plus compressive bands to support your arches. We like that you can pull the crew-cut tops up to your mid-calves or wear them slouchy for a more laid-back look.

Best Breathable

Polo Ralph Lauren Half-Cushioned Sport Ankle Sock

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Amazon

$26 AT AMAZON AMAZON$26 AT MACY’S MACY’SVIEW ON RALPHLAUREN.COM

Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Sizes: One size

If breathability is a top priority, we recommend Ralph Lauren Sport Ankle Socks. The mesh tops promise to encourage airflow to prevent hot, clammy feet—but don’t worry, they’re definitely not too thin. These socks are cushy under the heels and foot pads and compressive under the arches.

Best Compression

Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks

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Comrad

$28 AT AMAZON AMAZON$28 AT NORDSTROM NORDSTROMVIEW ON COMRADSOCKS.COM

Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Over-the-calf compression socks might improve circulation in your lower legs, potentially minimizing fatigue and preventing muscle soreness.¹ We like this pair from Comrad, which has stronger compression around the ankles and gradually decreases tightness up the leg. These workout socks also feature sweat-wicking materials with silver ions woven in to eliminate foot odors.²

Best Basic

Old Navy Women’s Performance Quarter-Crew Socks 3-Pack

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Old Navy

VIEW ON GAP.COM

Materials: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Sizes: S/M, L/XL

Looking for simple, versatile socks for various workouts and everyday wear? This affordable three-pack from Old Navy is a stellar choice. These crew socks have supportive arch bands and cushioning only where you need it, while the cotton-blend fabric wicks away sweat and stays breathable when things heat up.

Best Sustainable

Quince Everyday Cotton Solid Crew Socks 4-pack

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Quince

VIEW ON QUINCE.COM

Materials: Organic cotton, polyester, rubber, spandex, nylon | Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL

There’s a lot to love about these socks. The seamless toes and compressive arches provide comfortable support during your workouts. We also applaud the sustainable design, which is made primarily of organic cotton in facilities that strive for fair working conditions and an eco-friendly supply chain.

What to Look for When Buying Workout Socks

• Material: One of the most important attributes of workout socks is the material. Whether you opt for nylon, cotton, polyester, or a stretchy blend containing spandex or elastane, you’ll want a lightweight, breathable fabric that wicks away moisture. The best options typically feature a slightly thicker material on the sole and a lighter mesh fabric on the forefoot. Some also use silver or copper ions to control odors.
• Style and Cut: Workout socks for women come in various cuts and styles. The right option depends on the activity, but it’s mostly a matter of preference. For instance, Falzarano says, “I love a biker short and mid-calf sock combo when lifting.” Crew socks go over the ankles, no-show socks are designed to be concealed within your shoes, and ankle socks will peak out a few inches over the top.
• Compression: Compression socks have a slightly tighter fit, typically going over the ankles and sometimes over the calves. They’re meant to help with blood circulation, prevent swelling, and alleviate discomfort from high-impact or otherwise strenuous workouts, like running, cycling, and HIIT.¹ Some workout socks have one or two compressive components, like arch bands or cuffs.
• Support and Comfort Features: The best women’s workout socks have added details, such as padded soles, cushioned heels, ribbed arch bands, and seamless toes. These offer extra support and comfort during intense, high-impact workouts.

FAQ

• What material is best for workout socks?The best material for workout socks is breathable and moisture-wicking to encourage airflow and draw sweat away from your feet. In many cases, it’s a combination of fabrics. For example, you might find athletic socks made of naturally breathable cotton blended with nylon for durability and spandex for added stretch.
• What’s the difference between gym socks and normal socks?Gym socks are usually thicker than everyday socks and dress socks, as the added cushioning can help prevent friction that causes calluses and blisters. Some workout socks also have compressive bands on the arches to provide support, and others have built-in odor-control technology to keep funky smells at bay.
• Are thick or thin socks better for working out?Generally speaking, thick socks are better for working out. The extra cushioning can offer support and protect your toes and feet from painful rubbing. To account for this, people often get running and hiking shoes a half-size bigger than their normal size. That said, socks for barre, yoga, and other low-impact activities that don’t call for sneakers can be thinner.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer with several years of experience creating fitness, beauty, and lifestyle content. She has personally worn socks and other workout attire from most brands featured here. Her buying guides have appeared on HGTV.com, People, Travel + Leisure, Brides, and U.S. News & World Report.

Meet the Expert:

• Dianna Falzarano is a certified personal trainer and the founder of Dynamic Fitness LLC.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough workout socks from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.