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. The sport of ultrarunning increases demand on your running socks, with a premium on sustained comfort—from thermoregulation during temperature swings and moisture-wicking and low friction for blister prevention, as well as durability to meet the challenges of long mileage. The team at UltraRunning reviewed the following socks to find out which will keep your feet cool and comfortable while building up the mileage.
Darn Tough Element Micro Crew Lightweight Running ($22)
Fabric composition: 55% Merino Wool, 42% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex
The favorite brand for long-distance hiking has become increasingly well known for their high-quality running socks. The Element Micro Crew has a high percentage of wool fibers which provide inherent durability, odor resistance and insulation, while the synthetic elements enhance their overall comfort, moisture-wicking ability and fit. This is a sock that can be worn comfortably all year long, hitting a sweet thermoregulatory spot of staying cool enough in the summer, but providing nice insulation in the winter. The top surface is light and thin for maximal venting, while a soft underfoot adds a bit of rebound and cushioning. Darn Tough’s performance fit gives the Element a light compression and the ability to stay in place more securely than the brand’s hiking socks. These are available in three color options, each with a retro stripe accent around the calf. Available at www.darntough.com.
XOSkin 5.0 QRT Crew ($25)
Fabric composition: 65% RapiDriCopper, 20% Nylon, 15% Elastane
The foundational element of XOSkin socks is the use of RapiDriCopper fibers along with Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) molecules built into the fabric. They combine to create extremely fast moisture transfer, very low friction and high durability, while the copper adds additional antibacterial qualities for skin health and odor management. Other socks use PTFE or copper fabrics in high-impact areas, but XOSkin takes the unusual step of completely covering the entire foot. This model is form-fitting, anatomically shaped for right and left feet, with an instep band to distribute pressure and decrease fatigue across the arch and another compression zone located in the rear foot Achilles region. Light padding in the heel and forefoot provides a bit of cushioning, and dual air channels on the top portion allow maximum air flow. These socks are available in eight color options at www.xoskin.us.
Swiftwick Aspire Five ($19)
Fabric composition: 79% nylon, 18% olefin, 3% spandex
The Aspire is primarily marketed as a cycling sock, but it works well for runners who prefer super thin socks with a bit of compression support, particularly in hot conditions. This new model has a 5” crew height, which sits lower than a standard 7” crew to keep feet cool. Other Aspire options include a 2” (ankle height) and 12” (full calf height). Aspire socks are knit with moderate compression that contours to the foot, providing a small amount of resistance to swelling, with additional support through an arch band to reduce fatigue. A large percentage of olefin fibers wick moisture effectively and have low friction, while ventilation throughout the sock is efficient due to upper channels and a mesh footbed. Available in six color options at www.swiftwick.com.
Smartwool Trail Run Singletrack Print Crew ($27)
Fabric composition: 53% merino wool, 14% nylon, 28% recycled nylon, 3% elastane, 2% polyester
Whenever we want to add some flair to our kit, Smartwool seems to have a wealth of fun styles to choose from. The Singletrack Print evokes a mountain landscape, while delivering performance elements that allow for full-day adventures. A high merino content provides quality odor resistance and is built with Indestructawool technology that wraps wool fibers around strong nylon filaments for optimal durability over repeated use. These durability zones are enhanced in the forefoot and heel, which adds a bit of cushioned thickness along with enhanced strength. These are relatively thin socks that have comfortably light compression, with mesh ventilation zones for moisture management and breathability, plus an elasticized flex zone at the ankle joint to further stabilize the fit. The Singletrack Print only comes in one color scheme and is available at www.smartwool.com.
Ridge Merino Minaret Lightweight Merino Wool Hiking Crew ($19)
Fabric Composition: 59% merino wool, 38% nylon, 3% spandex
Named for the signature skyline in Ridge Merino’s home of Mammoth Lakes, CA, this is a lightly cushioned, three-quarter height crew sock that is primarily intended for multi-day hiking, but doubles well as a trail running sock in cooler conditions. Fabric composition is similar to several others we tested, combining a high merino wool content (the highest by percentage in this test group) with nylon fibers to enhance moisture-wicking efficiency and overall durability. The top side of this sock is thin and breathable for thermoregulation, while the bottom half has reinforced wear zones and a light layer of cushioning for strength and comfort. A small amount of spandex helps the Minaret hold its position with a stable fit, and we were also impressed with how these socks retained their shape and softness, along with odor resistance, after testing them for several consecutive days between washings. Available in two color options at www.ridgemerino.com.
CEP Ultralight Short Compression Socks ($22)
Fabric Composition: 69% polyamide, 16% elastane, 15% polypropylene
We find true compression socks ideal for speed workouts, and while some appreciate their support to help diminish muscle fatigue in long-distance events. This short version provides security around the foot and ankle while leaving your calves open to breathe, but if you prefer a full knee-height option, that is also available. As with all CEP socks, these provide graduated compression of 20 to 30mmHg from bottom to top, and the Ultralight series models are 25% lighter than CEP’s standard compression footwear, making them great for hot days. The fabric is built with hydrophobic fibers for moisture management with smooth, seamless construction overall for blister prevention. Light padding underfoot adds a touch of comfort without adding bulk. As with many compression products, pay attention to the sizing, as CEP foregoes traditional sizing in favor of a Roman numeral system that is based on the circumference of your calves. Ultralight Short Compression socks are available in three color options at www.cepcompression.com.
Runur Ultra Sock ($19)
Fabric Composition: 87% cotton, 11% nylon, 2% spandex
Runur Athletics is a company created by distance runners. Their Ultra Sock is distinctive for two primary features: first, they are made from cotton, giving it the closest skin feel to an old-school gym sock. These also have the most underfoot padding of any socks in our test group, particularly through the toe box and heel. However, their performance capacity is solid, as these socks wick moisture effectively, stay securely in place on sloppy terrain and include a plantar fasciitis band that provides targeted support underfoot. Their relative thickness causes them to run warmer in hot conditions, but they have balanced overall friction resistance. Interestingly, these socks are offered in two color options but only one size, which has a stated range of men’s 6–12 and women’s 7–13. In our testing, we found the fit much more suited to a men’s size 11 tester than a women’s size 9, so if you’re on the small side of the range, these socks may feel too big. Available at www.runur.run.
Gorewear Essential Merino Sock ($23)
Fabric Composition: 39% merino wool, 29% polyamide, 27% recycled nylon, 5% elastane
This wool blend sock includes merino yarn that is spun around a recycled nylon core for added strength and moisture transference. Thin and lightweight, these socks provide an almost barefoot feel against the skin, with tension bands that help keep the fit secure in wet conditions or irregular terrain. One exception to the barefoot feel is a thin seam across the toe box. We wore these socks for up to 20 miles without discomfort, but the seam may become noticeable with higher mileage. Open mesh knitting on the upper foot has great breathability and moisture transfer properties, while reinforced construction in high-wear areas at the heel and forefoot add comfort and durability. These are available in five solid color options at www.gorewear.com.