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Looking for comfortable socks to keep your feet happy? We researched more than 40 pairs of top-selling socks for women before selecting 16 of the most in-demand options to put through extensive side-by-side testing. From long walks and the afternoons at the gym to dinner parties and lounging around home, we wore each pair in a variety of everyday scenarios. We tested to see how they held up to wear and tear, if they were breathable, how comfortable they were when worn, and yes, even how they smelled. We also looked at each pair's style and versatility for use because we understand that fashion and function go hand in hand. With so many products to choose from, including many socks that appear very similar, it can be challenging to figure out which ones are the best for your feet.
Don't see what you're looking for here? If you prefer different sizes and styles of socks, we've also tested the best men's socks around. Need a little more out of your footwear? We've tested dozens of specific performance-based socks, like these top-rated hiking socks, the best running socks, and even premier ski socks. We've also tested the best walking shoes for keeping your feet comfortable.
Editor's Note: This article was updated on November 4, 2024, to ensure comparative accuracy as our lineup evolves, including fresh test results for the five newest additions of best-selling women's socks to the collection and update results based on the retest of five previously included pairs.
If you are looking for the right combination of style and function, then the Dickies Dri-tech Crew is an ideal choice. The cotton/polyester/spandex blend feels soft against the skin and yields a perfect stretch. Although the Dickies Dri-tech is not a running-specific sock, it breathes really well and dries out quickly, making it a reasonably good choice for athletic endeavors and active days. It utilizes moisture-wicking technology and has ventilation channels engineered to increase air circulation during exertion. In addition, we liked the design options and found them to be both fashionable and versatile, allowing one to incorporate the socks into any number of different outfits to suit varying needs.
After months of wearing the Dri-tech, we noticed the fabric started stretching out slightly and losing some of its form. This is typical of cotton blends and was not uncommon among the range of products we tested. For folks with larger or more muscular calves, we must note that the elasticized fit may prove too tight for comfort over hours of consistent wear. But overall, the Dri-tech stood out as one of our favorites because of the pair's decent cushioning and soft, stretchy feel against the skin, plus its respectable performance across all other metrics - all at a very accessible price point. This is a reliable sock that is easy to incorporate into your average daily routine. While our test team also really loved the midweight Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion for its exceptional cushion and support, its much higher price tag kept it from unseating the Dickies Dri-tech Crew from its position at the top. For a true balance of cost versus performance, we think you'll be very happy with the Dickies. If you need a sock for your daily workouts or a more active commute, you may prefer an athletic style like the Feetures High-Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab socks. While they still cost more than the Dickies per pair, the total cost runs substantially less than the Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crews, and they still get rave reviews from our testers.
The Amazon Essentials Casual Crew is a comfortable and stylish sock that comes in a pack of six for a great price. They come in a variety of colors, and their classic calf-height design makes them versatile enough to match different outfits that can be worn on a variety of occasions. The fabric feels soft on your feet, made predominately of cotton with a mix of synthetic materials to give it that slight amount of elasticity and stretch to hold its position. The small band of elastic at the top provides a snug fit without being too tight and helps ensure that the socks stay in place without sliding down the calf. They are a great choice for everyday casual wear and light activities, presenting a good mix of comfort, durability, and value.
For more demanding activities like running or hiking, the Amazon Essentials Casual Crew socks are not going to be your best option. They don't offer enough cushioning or moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet happy or dry while on the trail or mid-workout. Where these socks shine is that sweet middle ground between price, performance, and fashion. If you seek a set of easy-to-wear crew socks at a budget-friendly price that will pair easily across numerous outfits and deliver a decent degree of comfort throughout the day, the Amazon Essentials Crew socks are definitely worth considering. The only other socks that really outshine them when it comes to multi-faceted use at a great price are our top award winners, the Dickies Dri-tech Crew. That said, the HUE Sport Mini Crew multipack also delivers excellent value if you are looking to fill out your sock drawer to meet the demands of an average week. Need a similarly balanced option for more athletic-inspired activities that won't break the bank? Check out the very well-priced Under Armour Essential No Show.
This inexpensive multipack offers a lot of bang for your buck. It's often easy to question the durability, quality, and performance of budget products, but we were really impressed by the Under Armour Essential No Show. These no-show athletic-style socks performed above average in all our tests, striking a nice balance between price point, comfort, and quality. The fabric felt surprisingly nice and smooth against our skin, and the cut delivered on its no-show promise — they proved virtually invisible in our shoes. Although the 100% polyester material isn't as breathable as cotton or other more enhanced poly-blend materials, the sock dried quickly and did a decent job of wicking moisture during use. Even after weeks of use, these socks kept their shape and didn't stretch out. Happy feet plus a happy wallet? This is the combo we are always on the lookout for.
The polyester construction of the Under Armour Essential No Show socks does have its downsides. It's less breathable than natural fibers like cotton or wool by nature, so we found our feet tended to get sweaty when these UA Essentials were worn. This was especially true on warm days since these socks don't have any extra moisture-wicking features or mesh ventilation built into their design. Also, despite claims of odor control, this sock got stinkier than most in testing. Polyester is notorious for holding onto odors and trapping bacteria and sweat when compared to its cotton and wool counterparts. There is no denying that this problem exists here. All things considered, we still think the Under Armour Essential No Show is a great budget option that won't disappoint if they get regular washings. If you're looking for a sock that doesn't latch onto odors quite so dramatically, the Bombas Original Ankle Socks was one of our top performers in our odor retention testing and a great all-around athletic choice. If you can afford to spend a bit more, our favorite no-show athletic socks by Feetures, the High-Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab, offer exceptional breathability, which in turn gives them a leg up on odor control as well. Or, for a top-of-the-line high-performance quarter-height running sock, you can't go wrong with the Balega Blister Resist Quarter.
Darn Tough has a history of making great socks out of durable material and backing them with a lifetime warranty. The Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion is one of the most comfortable socks we had the pleasure of testing. Their thick, cushioned material makes them our preferred choice for any activities in which we are on our feet all day and need that extra support. Although these are marketed more towards outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking, you don't have to be an outdoors person to incorporate these socks into your rotation. They are perfect for wearing around the house or around town and pair well with a variety of casual outfits. They are designed with soft terry loops underfoot and targeted padding on the ankles and at the Achilles. The Coolmax Micro Crew is engineered to move moisture out and away, keeping your feet cool even while engaged in sweaty activities with a synthetic blended material that dries quickly.
The biggest downside to these socks is the cost. The Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushions are pricey. The good news is they come with a lifetime warranty, so you can easily return them and get credit for a new pair if they wear out. Made from a blend of predominately nylon and Coolmax polyester material, they do a great job of wicking away moisture once you get moving. However, given their thickness and warmth, they may not be the right pick for hot summer days. Generally, we'd say they are best suited for colder temperatures when a bit of extra warmth around the feet is welcome. All things considered, the Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushions are high-quality, super comfortable socks with a generous lifetime warranty that are sure to serve you well for many years to come if you are prepared to make an investment. If you want a cushioned sock that's slightly more breathable and cut only to ankle height, check out the summer-ready Balega Blister Resist Quarter. Or, for a top-tier hiking sock with deep cushioning made out of natural materials, we wouldn't hesitate to direct you back to Darn Tough and their superb Hiker Full Cushion socks.
Best Everyday Athletic
Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab - Women's
The Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab is made from predominately polyester with a small amount of nylon and spandex to give it that stretchy yet snug fit. It has a seamless toe design that not only enhances comfort by reducing friction and the chance of developing a hotspot but also contributes to breathability by eliminating extra layers of fabric that could trap heat and moisture in this area. Such design features make these Feetures a great choice for moving around in warm conditions. We found the thin material dries out quickly after getting wet, and its mesh-integrated construction across the top provides extra ventilation and added breathability. We also really liked the large heel tab, which prevented the sock from sliding down into our shoes and allowing the fabric to bunch underfoot. But, besides the slightly raised heel tab, the sock is truly “no-show,” barely noticeable inside the shoe, making it a versatile choice when moving between the gym and the office. The material is also far stronger than we expected, considering how thin it is, making this a high-value product even at its elevated per-pair cost out the door.
One disadvantage of the Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab is that the thin fabric doesn't offer much cushioning. There is little extra padding underfoot to protect you against extended pounding on the pavement if your activities include such prolonged physical efforts. Also, after several consecutive days of wear without washing, we noticed this pair got smellier than many others under the same conditions. Polyester materials notoriously hold onto odor more than natural fibers like cotton, so we mostly blame the materials for this problem, and we appreciate that there are at least complimentary design elements to aid in creating airflow around the foot. Still, this sock is one that will need a regular wash to keep odors at bay. That said, it is a reliable option for active wear or general day-to-day use. For stronger odor management, you may want to consider a predominately cotton ankle sock, like the high-performing Bombas Original Ankle Socks, which are soft, super comfy, and provide great cushioning. Or, for your most active, sweat-heavy days, you may want to grab a pair of the top-caliber Balega Blister Resist Quarter socks, which are sure to deliver on all counts.
The HUE Sport Mini Crew 6-Pack offers above-average comfort and a snug fit in an everyday casual high-ankle/low-calf design. The soft fabric feels cozy against our skin, and the mini crew length is perfect for providing just enough coverage without being too tall. They fit well without slipping down the ankle and pair perfectly with a wide variety of shoe styles, from sneakers to casual dress shoes. This versatile daily wear design is made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex, which creates a nice balance of softness, stretch, and durability to withstand regular rotation in your wardrobe. These are not super thin, so you will find they deliver a bit of cushioning for extra comfort, particularly in the heel and toe areas, albeit relatively light. For such a respectably low price, these are great no-frills socks suitable for everyday casual needs.
Although we love cotton for its soft and cozy feel, it tends to hold onto moisture and dries slowly once absorbed. We found the breathability of the HUE Sport Mini Crew socks to be lacking compared to some of the other options we tested, although on par with other cotton options in the lineup. One reason is likely the midweight thickness of the material, which is great for cushioning and comfort but less conducive to airflow. While the HUE socks are suitable for everyday wear, we don't think they would be the best choice for intense physical activities or very hot weather. For such demanding days, we think a shorter sock like the Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab or the Bombas Original Ankle Socks is likely to prove most comfortable. Or, if you have the budget and prefer a taller sock, you can enjoy even more cushion and better breathability with a top performer like the Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion. Two other highly functional everyday crew options that are worth considering are the mighty comfortable Dickies Dri-tech Crew and the low-cost yet well-designed Amazon Essentials Casual Crew socks, both of which offer similarly fashion-friendly options at a great price.
For hiking, the Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion is our top dog. We love its thick bottom side cushioning and reinforced heel and toes to protect our feet on the trail and keep some pep in our steps. This durable sock is built not only for comfort and support but also to last through years of backpacking and hiking, with a lifetime warranty to back that up. The crew cut works great with hiking boots, and the mixed Merino material is soft and comfortable against the skin. We find these socks run true to size and are equally compatible with narrow or wide feet. If you need a premium sock to log some serious trail miles, this Darn Tough pair is the cream of the crop. They are our go-to for day hikes and backpacking trips, and our testers noted these often end up as the pair of choice for nights under the stars as well.
Unfortunately, with so much extra padding, the Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion is less breathable. So, these may not be the right choice for those who run hot or when hiking in hot conditions. They are also quite pricey and not very versatile in other less outdoor-themed settings, given their thick, thematic look. But what these do well, they do really well: keeping your feet warm, dry, and supported. If you are looking for a durable, boot-ready, cool-weather sock with exceptional cushioning and wicking capabilities, the Darn Tough Hiker is the way to go. Another great option that is slightly less thick is the Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion. Or, if you don't want to go tall, you may want to consider a high-performance athletic sock like the Balega Blister Resist Quarter.
The Balega Blister Resist Quarter is our top choice for running. Its material feels soft and comfortable against your skin, and the padding is exactly where you need it to be. On long trail runs or hikes, your foot feels protected and cushioned from hazards like rocks and roots. The material across the top of the foot is thinner while it becomes more ventilated under your arch. Men's and women's sizes are available to ensure you can find an impeccable fit. Our testers were impressed with the durability shown by this pair of small yet hardy athletic socks and found themselves reaching for this protective foot layer on every trail run, be it one mile or 100, in any season.
Despite how much we love the Balega Blister Resist, these socks might not be ideal for folks with extra-sweaty feet or on hot summer days. Their mid-weight cushioning. We never felt uncomfortable wearing them on hot days, likely due to the thermoregulatory properties of the mohair wool, but there are certainly thinner options on the market if you are willing to sacrifice padding. Still, if you need a durable, comfortable, top-notch running sock that will protect your feet against the wear and tear of the road, the Blister Resist from Balega is the one we recommend above all the rest. As for those hot summer days, you might want to consider a lower-cut yet highly breathable option like the Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab.
Socks are one of the most basic yet important items of your everyday attire. Having a comfortable medium between your foot and shoe can greatly impact your day. Comfort is key and the highest priority in our intensive testing and evaluations. We researched over 40 top sock brands before buying the most promising 16 pairs to test side by side. We wore them on long walks, out on the town, and around the house to see how they would perform in different shoes and different environments. We used a diffuser to test breathability and checked how stinky they got after multiple back-to-back days of wear. We tried them on with different outfits and asked our friends to wear them and rate their style and versatility. And we washed them and wore them on repeat to see if they could withstand the everyday abuse.
Our side-by-side comparative testing was divided into the following four metrics:
Comfort and All Day Performance (40% of overall score weighting)
Breathability (25% weighting)
Odor Retention (20% weighting)
Style and Versatility (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Review Editor, Whitney Clark is our lead tester for women's socks. Whitney spends much of her time walking to various cliffs and crags, climbing mountains in Patagonia, or running around dirt trails in California's Owens Valley. Living in an area of the West that has extremely hot summers and shockingly cold winters, Whitney understands the value of having the right sock for the right moment. Through decades of trials and tribulations, she has learned the correlation between having a fun, successful day out and a good pair of socks.
We wore these socks everywhere for months to see which ones were the most comfortable, the most breathable, and the most versatile.
How to Choose a Women's Sock
Finding the perfect pair of socks can make a significant difference in your comfort, whether you're working out, heading to the office, or lounging at home. It is important first to consider your specific needs, the materials, and the features that will best suit your lifestyle, and invest in quality options for the desired results. We believe that finding the right socks can greatly enhance your comfort and performance, no matter the activity.
What Type Of Sock Do I Need?
There are many different types of socks out there, but typically, most people wear no-shows, ankle, or crew. Here are some important differences to be aware of. No-show socks barely peek out or cannot be seen in your shoe. They pair nicely with casual and athletic shoes and have low-cut features and silicone grips on the heel to prevent slipping. Ankle socks are often best for athletic activities like running or casual wear with a variety of shoes. They provide a balance of ankle protection and breathability as there is no additional fabric on your calf. And finally, we have crew socks, which are great for everyday wear, hiking, and activities when extra coverage is required. They usually extend up to mid-calf and offer more protection and warmth.
What Material Do I Need?
Socks come in a variety of different materials, and it is important to familiarize yourself with them. Many of the casual socks on the market are made of cotton as it's extremely soft, breathable, and comfortable. However, cotton retains moisture and can lead to sweaty feet and odor. Wool has excellent insulation, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant qualities but can be quite expensive and may cause itching for some people. Finally, we have synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex, which are durable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. These fibers are less breathable and may retain odors.
Many socks use a combination of fibers that are often manufactured for a specific purpose. For instance, cotton socks are generally for comfort and lounging, while synthetic and wool socks are often made for athletics and high-output activities that may produce sweat. Some socks have features like mesh panels for added breathability or extra cushioning underfoot. Typically, shoppers seek different socks for different occasions, as there are varied styles to serve a range of purposes.
To choose the right product, identify your main activities and whether or not you need a breathable or fast-drying sock. Pick your style (no-show, crew, etc) and go from there. There are a lot of options on the market, but we strongly believe that if you follow this guide, you'll find the best sock to meet your needs.
Analysis and Test Results
No one wants blisters from fabric rubbing against the skin on your feet, which is why we spent back-to-back days walking, running, and lounging in each pair. We wore each sock for six miles, walking down a dirt trail to find which ones held up to our standards. We evaluated comfort and all-day performance, tested breathability, smelled odor retention, and examined style and versatility to rate each product comparatively and fairly.
What's the Best Value?
Socks are unlikely to be the piece of your wardrobe that breaks the bank. However, getting six pairs of one type for the same price as one pair by another brand can leave you scratching your head as to why anyone would ever pay double digits for a single pair. Well, we can tell you. The Darn Tough Coolmax has exceptional value because that high price tag comes with a top-tier product paired with a lifetime guarantee. If the socks wear out, Darn Tough lets you return them for a new pair. On the other end of the spectrum, a less expensive but still quality product is the Under Armour Essential No Show. It performed well in all of our testing and can be purchased in multipacks at an affordable price. The Amazon Essentials Casual Crew also offers exceptional bang for your buck as they are available in inexpensive multipacks, are super comfortable, and are great for all-day wear.
Comfort and All Day Performance
Comfort reigns supreme for our feet and is the most important factor in finding a pair we're happy with. They can be cheap, fashionable, smell good, and breathable, but if they are uncomfortable, we just can't call them a good buy. We walked for six miles of trails in every pair of socks in similar conditions to see how the various options performed. We lounged around home to gauge coziness and roominess. We looked at the material, stretch, and fit and analyzed how they all felt on our feet.
With its combination of mostly nylon and Coolmax polyester, the Darn Tough Coolmax Crew scored highly in this metric and feels nice on your skin. It has seamless toes, leaving plenty of room to wiggle and the perfect amount of stretch. A soft terry underfoot keeps the bottom of your foot well-cushioned. The Dickies Dri-tech also felt pleasant and perfectly cushioned on our feet. We enjoyed wearing them hanging out around the house or at the office all day as well as on a sweaty, 5-mile run.
Socks with thicker material like the Bombas Original Ankle gave the bottom of our feet a nice cushion, and the ankle cut made them a good choice for use during moderate exercise like running. The Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab was another favorite with a slightly thinner material than the Bombas. It also impressed us by staying firmly in place on a long 6-mile run without even starting to slip down our heels.
We found the CelerSport Low Cut Running to be almost too thin for running in warm temperatures with sweaty feet. However, they are not a bad option when you want a thinner sock to wear at work or the gym or even just when you are lounging around the house on a warm day. The Under Armour Essential No Show also proved to be comfy for all-day wear and strikes a nice balance between performance and value.
Breathability
Having breathable clothing is important, especially if you plan to do any exercise, have sweaty extremities, or live in a warm environment. A breathable layer should wick away moisture while you're sweating and dry out quickly so you aren't left with wet feet all day. It's important to note that the thickness of a sock doesn't necessarily tell you how breathable it is. Breathability has more to do with the type of fabric used rather than its thickness. For example, cotton is more breathable than polyester, but it absorbs moisture and stays wet longer than its poly-blend counterparts. The best sock usually combines these two materials, giving you the best of both worlds.
To test breathability, we wore each pair running and hiking in warm temperatures. We used a diffuser to measure how much moisture permeated through the fabric. We also timed how long each pair stayed wet in a controlled environment. Not surprisingly, the cotton socks allowed more moisture to escape but stayed wet longer. Most of the socks we tested are for casual wear and don't have fancy-wicking properties like many high-end sports socks on the market. However, a few of the socks we tested stood out above the rest for their ability to breathe, wick moisture, and dry quickly. One of the best performers during our testing was the Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab. Its predominately polyester fabric with ventilated mesh panels allows maximum airflow and keeps our feet cool and dry on long runs. Not surprisingly, another high performer was the Balega Blister Resist Quarter. It is made with a combination of wool, nylon, and polyester fabrics and does an excellent job of wicking moisture and drying quickly.
Though the Darn Tough Micro Crew is thicker than most other socks we tested, they are engineered with ventilation channels and moisture-control fibers to help with airflow. They handily kept our feet cool and dry after hours of walking around in warm temperatures. The Gold Toe Texture Crew is made of thin polyester and nylon materials, which makes them breathe relatively well and dry quite fast. The Champion No Show saturated more quickly than other polyester socks but also dried quite quickly because it's so thin. The Bombas Original is made of thicker, mostly cotton fabric that pulls sweat away from your feet but also holds in extra warmth during exercise.
Odor Retention
Stinky socks can be embarrassing, and if you don't have access to a regular washer and drier, how the material smells after extensive use matters. As a natural fiber, cotton doesn't retain odor as much as synthetic polyester does, so not surprisingly, the ones that performed the best are made of mostly cotton. To test odor retention, we wore each pair for several consecutive days without washing them. Luckily for us (and our friends), most of them didn't smell too bad.
After many days of use without washing, we could barely detect any odor from the Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion. This sock was engineered to handle multi-night trips and long trail days, so it stayed relatively soft and didn't get that 'crunchy' feel that often happens when dirt and grime build up on the fabric.
The Bombas Original, the Amazon Essentials Casual Crew, and the HUE Sport Mini Crew 6-Pack also proved to be less smelly. They're made predominately of cotton and resist taking on strong odors even after days of use without washing. The high breathability and wicking fabric of the Darn Tough Coolmax contributed to the pair becoming too smelly after repeated wear.
Style and Versatility
We recognize that style is subjective, and so we asked as many of our friends and family to weigh in on each pair. We also considered each product's versatility across outfits, activities, and situations. The products that scored the highest in this metric could easily look just as good and work as well at the gym as at a casual dinner out.
The Dickies Dri-tech was a favorite for its cool patterns and color options, in addition to its super comfortable and functional design. The HUE Sport Mini Crew 6-Pack is another pair that comes in plenty of classic colors, with a casual crew cut that looks good with a variety of outfits. It can be easily dressed up with pants and a tank top or worn to the gym with shorts and a T-shirt.
We also really liked the Hanes Athletic Crew for its style and versatility. It's hard to go wrong with a basic white cotton sock, and this one is a tried and true product that has been around for ages. The FGZ Women Thin Bootie also has a classic look with its neutral color and wide cuff that sits nicely on the calf. Many of the low-cut socks we tested are also quite versatile, as they barely pop out of the tops of most shoes. Those include the Bombas Original, Under Armour Essential No Show, Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab, CelerSport, and Champion No Show with low ankle designs and the super-low cuts of the Wernies No Show and IDEGG No Show.
Conclusion
As small as they seem, socks are an important part of our everyday attire. Having a comfortable medium between your foot and your shoe can make a big difference in your overall comfort and the happiness you experience throughout the day. With thousands of similar-looking socks available, knowing which ones will work best for your feet and lifestyle can be hard. We hope our rigorous tests and careful evaluation of details have helped you find the perfect sock to keep your feet nice and happy.