Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. Longer days and higher mileage increase the demands of your running socks, with a premium on sustained comfort—from thermoregulation, moisture-wicking and low friction—as well as durability, to meet the challenges of ultra-long days on the trail. The following socks are all great options for keeping your feet cool and comfortable while building up the training miles.
Darn Tough Vert Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight ($22)
Fabric composition: 51% merino wool, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex
A new model in the Darn Tough lineup, the Vert uses the company’s lowest profile yarn that provides a second skin feel, and is ideal for long outings when temperatures rise late in the day. The top surface is light and thin for maximal venting, with light terry loops on the underside for a bit of cushioning and rebound. A nearly equal percentage of merino fibers and synthetic material combine the best elements of each: wool fibers provide odor resistance and insulation, moisture-wicking nylon enhances thermoregulation and a bit of spandex provides a mildly compressive performance fit that minimizes slipping or bunching. Vert socks have a truly seamless wrap around your foot, eliminating chafing and decreasing the chance for hot spots. We love the mountain sunrise artwork on this model, which is available in one color scheme and is offered in unisex sizing at www.darntough.com.
Smartwool Trail Run Neature Print Crew ($28)
Fabric composition: 53% merino wool, 42% nylon, 3% elastane, 2% other
That’s not a typo—the name is a combination of “nature” and “neat” because, well, nature is neat. This model continues Smartwool’s flair for whimsical outdoor artistry, with a Sasquatch and coyote awaiting your arrival just off the trailhead. Material construction is similar to other Smartwool performance socks, featuring Indestructawool technology that wraps wool fibers around strong nylon filaments, and is reinforced in high wear zones at the heel and forefoot for optimal durability. The lightweight yarn has a lightly compressive quality and incorporates mesh ventilation zones across the top of the foot for enhanced moisture management and breathability. An elasticized flex zone at the ankle joint further stabilizes the fit, while flat knit Virtually Seamless technology at the toes prevents chafing and hot spots. This is another one-color-only model offered in unisex sizing at www.smartwool.com.
Lé Bent Targeted Cushion Three Quarter Crew ($24)
Fabric composition: 46% nylon, 30% bamboo rayon, 21% merino wool, 4% elastene
A new company to us, Lé Bent was born in the culture of French Alpine sporting and has a full men’s and women’s apparel lineup for year-round adventuring. Much of their product line utilizes a signature blend of merino wool and bamboo rayon, which is the case with these socks. Bamboo adds softness and a smooth skin feel, and also enhances the natural odor resistance of merino wool. Definitive Fit technology provides targeted elastic support around the instep, ankle band and Achilles areas, and prevents the sock from bunching in key areas around the foot. The heel area is is contoured for a snug profile, while the top of the foot has mesh ventilation for breathability and impact cushion zones under the heel and forefoot add light cushioning. We found these to be the most versatile socks in our lineup for all-purpose activity, as they’re the most comfortable to just keep on all day after your morning run. Available at www.lebent.com.
Injinji Ultra Run Crew ($19)
Fabric composition: 67% nylon, 28% CoolMax EcoMade, 5% Lycra
For the toe sock fans out there, this Injinji model is specifically built to deliver sustained comfort and performance over long distances. Ultra Run socks have Injinji’s highest level of terry cushioning in the toes and footbed to absorb impact, with a ribbed knit fabric that ensures a secure ergonomic fit on irregular terrain, even in wet conditions. They utilize CoolMax material that is well established for its effective wicking and cooling properties, and EcoMade is a more eco-friendly variety made from 100% recycled resources—typically either textile waste or recycled bottles. We’ve worn several Injinji models over the years, and the Ultra Run feels like one of the most rugged we’ve ever tested. The thicker fabric and additional cushioning in these socks make them a good toe sock option for cooler temperatures, while still breathing well in warmer conditions. Available in five color options at www.injinji.com.
FITS Light Hiker Crew ($25)
Fabric composition: 65% merino wool, 27% nylon, 6% polyester, 2% Lycra spandex
FITS is a company that makes 100% of its products in the USA, with an innovative approach to sock construction, including deeper heel sockets and wider forefoot profiles than other running socks, to accommodate a variety of foot shapes. They also have a wider range of sizes than most companies, with options from S to XXL. Their running-specific models are all low cut or no-show, but their hiking collection includes a number of different height options as well as multiple trail-friendly designs, and we have found them equally capable of handling ultra-distance training days. They include a high percentage of fine gauge merino wool (the highest merino percentage in this test group) with cushion zones in the heel, arch and forefoot. Nylon and polyester aid in moisture-wicking, and are also crafted to provide light, tapered upward compression to aid circulation and muscle support. Available at www.fitssock.com.
Feetures Merino 10 Max Cushion Mini Crew ($22)
Fabric composition: 44% nylon; 27% merino wool, 26% tencel, 3% spandex
This is a long-standing model in the Feetures lineup, built with a fabric called Merino 10 which combines two highly sustainable elements—merino wool and wood-sourced tencel fibers—for an exceptionally soft skin feel. The current version has been redesigned with reinforced heel and toe areas, but maintains the targeted zone-specific compression support across the arch and midfoot, as well as the anatomical L/R construction. Merino 10 fabric is spun with 200-needle thread count for a slim profile, while generous high-density cushioning in the heel and forefoot enhance comfort, and a no-slip cuff offers gentle compression to keep them in place. Tencel is an impressive fiber in enhancing the natural moisture-wicking and drying speed of wool, and adds to its overall durability. We have been impressed at the ruggedness of these socks in comparison to their soft skin feel. Available at www.feetures.com.
Jogology Medium Cushion Crew ($17)
Fabric Composition: 43% polyamide, 34% recycled polyester, 18% viscose, 5% elastene
Another new brand to us, Jogology has recently expanded its running collection to include crew length socks in addition to their customary low-cut models. The company makes socks in three different cushion levels, and the crew height is offered in a medium cushion that balances comfort without excess bulk. These socks also place a bit of cushioning on the top surface of the big toe, which is thoughtful for those of us who tend to get hot spots from shoe uppers in the toe box area. Made from synthetic and recycled materials, this fabric wicks moisture very well, and is built with elastic support in the arch, and ventilation panels on top of the midfoot. These socks are built with anatomic left/right lasts for enhanced fit and have an arrow heel shape that cradles the rear foot without stretching. Available at www.jogology.com.