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. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to toss the old workout socks from your drawer and treat yourself to some new models for long trail days. We’ve tested the following socks that provide sustained comfort for higher mileage and harder efforts.
Drymax Lite Trail Running Crew ($19)
Fabric composition: 52% Drymax Olefin, 32% polyester, 11% elastane, 5% nylon
Drymax’s most popular model has evolved somewhat, with enhanced padding underfoot as well as increasing what was already impressive overall durability in the toebox. The Lite Trail Running Crew socks are also inherently hydrophobic and combine with a dual-layer moisture removal system which utilizes proprietary Drymax Olefin fabric to keep your feet cool and dry in hot conditions. The combination of these technologies is a fabric that has stronger moisture management and lighter weight than any other material. Drymax fibers have antimicrobial treatment molecularly infused into them for longer lasting odor control over the lifetime of the sock. Additional construction elements like a 3D fit system and dynamic arch band ensure that the fit is secure and they stay in place. New colorways are available, with a total of five to choose from. Lite Trail socks also come in Mini and Quarter Crew options, all available at www.drymaxsports.com.
Darn Tough Prism Micro Crew Lightweight Running ($23)
Fabric composition: 53% merino wool, 44% nylon 3% Lycra spandex
The inherent performance qualities of wool are well established, and Darn Tough does an exceptional job of combining high percentages of wool with synthetic fibers to enhance their fit, feel and overall function. Their Prism socks have the best odor control and softness retention of any of socks in our test group. The wool provides plush comfort, with a high density knit that improves the fabric’s overall durability in addition to enhancing softness. They are built with a thinner top surface for increased ventilation and soft terry loop cushioning on the bottom surface. We like the micro crew height that is taller than a quarter crew, but lands lower on the calf than regular crew heights. The performance fit has second-skin conformity to the foot, with increased elasticity in four key regions to prevent slipping or bunching, and True Seamless technology across the toes for an undetectable feel. Prism socks are only made in one colorway but are crafted on both men’s and women’s lasts. Available at www.darntough.com.
Hollow Run Ankle ($40)
Fabric composition: 49% Peruvian baby alpaca fiber, 48% nylon, 3% elastane
A new company on our radar this year is Hollow, using Fair Trade and Responsible Wool Standard certified alpaca wool sourced in Peru but based in Wisconsin and manufactured in North Carolina. Alpaca fibers have a semi-hollow core, giving them a much lighter weight than merino wool, while maintaining natural thermoregulatory properties and antibacterial resistance. Alpaca wool is naturally smoother than merino wool, and these socks have a buttery soft feel that makes them ideal for all-day use even when you’re not working out. The absorption rate of alpaca wool is approximated at 8% (compared to 30% for sheep wool), so moisture management is highly effective on hot days, and this is further enhanced by wicking nylon fibers. These socks stay securely in place thanks to a small amount of elastane, and have light padding in impact areas to enhance overall comfort. Peruvian alpaca wool comes at a premium price, and these socks aren’t cheap, however, they have a 99-day money back guarantee. They can also be purchased in bulk, with four pairs for the price of two. Hollow Run socks come in no-show height in addition to the ankle height, and both are available at www.hollowsocks.com.
Smartwool Run Mid Crew ($23)
Fabric composition: 54% merino wool, 43% nylon, 3% elastane
We tested the targeted cushion version of this sock, but be attentive to the specs when ordering, as the same sock model also comes in a zero cushioning option. This mid-crew height model is made from ZQ-certified merino wool, crafted with Indestructawool technology that wraps the merino fiber around a nylon core for enhanced moisture-wicking and durability. They also feature the construction elements Smartwool is known for such as reinforcement in high wear zones, a flat knit Virtually Seamless toe and an elasticized 4 Degree elite fit system across the midfoot for security. These have a thin profile with light compression that gives them an impressive second skin feel, and ventilation zones across the top of the foot for breathability. In true Smartwool fashion, Run Mid Crew socks are available in colorful block patterns as well as striped options, and are made on male and female lasts. All are available at www.smartwool.com.
Farm to Feet Greensboro Light Cushion ($24)
Fabric Composition: 50% US merino wool, 46% US nylon, 4% US Lycra spandex
The names of many Farm to Feet models reflect the company’s North Carolina heritage, and their products are all made in the Tar Heel State by American workers using 100% American-sourced materials. The Greensboro is a three-quarter crew height multisport sock that is fully capable of providing comfort and performance for high-mileage trail running, and its wool content gives it strong thermoregulatory properties along with odor resistance. They have a moderately thin overall profile for a next-to-skin feel, but light cushioning is added along the base of the foot for some impact absorption. Reinforced construction in high stress areas adds to their durability, and slight compression from the Achilles through the arch provide a secure and supportive fit. Seam knitting in the toe box is completely flat to prevent friction, and the sock has an overall smooth feel. The Greensboro is a unisex model that also comes in low cut and quarter crew heights, with three color options available at www.farmtofeet.com.
Rabbit Mini Crew Socks – Trail ($22)
Fabric composition: 72% polyester, 23% nylon, 5% elastane
Given their combined credentials of comfortable apparel and footwear, it was practically inevitable that Rabbit would also include socks in their lineup. Their trail-specific Mini Crew is a 6″ sock that includes a moisture-wicking synthetic yarn blend with breathable mesh zones in the foot and ankle, and seamless toe and heel construction. During our testing, the sock had a sleek dress-sock-like feel, and the crew collar stayed in place during extended activity. Targeted arch compression in the midfoot combines with anatomical left/right foot design for a natural and secure fit. The top collar has an extended pull tab along the Achilles that, at first, seemed like a design accent, but proved quite functional for pulling the socks on or taking them off. While not a cushioned model, Rabbit also makes similar socks with both light and medium cushioning. Mini Crew Trail socks come in two eye-catching color patterns and are available in unisex sizing at www.runinrabbit.com.
FITS Original Light Cushion No Show Sock ($21)
Fabric composition: 73% merino wool, 21% nylon, 4% polyester, 2% Lycra
Summer trail running can mean excessive heat, and with heat comes blisters. However, Fits Original Light Cushion No Show is knit with a fine gauge merino wool that offers temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties. This model stays hidden in the shoe but maintains its shape and form to keep the foot protected without shifting around. A narrow compression collar at the top keeps the sock firmly in place during long training runs. During our testing, the softness of the merino wool felt a bit thicker due to the heavier merino wool content in the fabric, however, this also meant our feet felt more cushioned and secure without overheating. And with cushion zones located in the heel and toe box, along with their patented Y-Line construction (extended heel and toe seams that act like ergonomic guessets), there is added protection and stretch for those who have a tendency to beat up their toes on rocky and rooty trails, while keeping the heel secure on descents. Fits socks are made in the US and available at fitssock.com.