If you’ve ever tried to do a hard workout while wearing the wrong pair of socks, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether you struggle with sweaty feet, need extra cushioning to prevent rubbing and blisters in your rugby boots, or need better insulation when exercising outdoors during the cold winter months, there’s a sock to suit your workout.
Forget the jokes about how it’s lame to get socks for Christmas or your birthday; a pair of really great workout socks can be life-changing for sports enthusiasts and gym fiends. Not sure which socks are best for your workout or sport? We’ve rounded up athletic socks of all kinds, including crew socks, hiking socks, wool socks, performance socks and more. Check out this buyer’s guide to the best socks for every sport.
Material matters
When it comes to socks, the material it’s made form matters big time. Especially if you’ll be using that sock for sports and workout sessions. When investing in socks for sports and workouts you should avoid cotton socks. Cotton absorbs an incredible amount of water and easily causes blisters. Merino wool, on the other hand, is a fiber you can wear year-round thanks to its ability to regulate temperature, move moisture, and resist odours. A sock with a mix of synthetic fabrics—nylon, polyester, and spandex— will offer good value and durability, plus prevent irritation.
For walking or running
Runners obsess over every detail of a running shoe to make sure they’re comfortable and efficient. But, many of us will still jam an old cotton sock between that pricey shoe and our foot. But, believe it or not, the humble sock, plays an important role in keeping you dry and warm (or even cool) during your run.
We all know that one of the most irritating things that can happen on a run or walk is when your socks constantly slip down off of your heels and into your running shoe. To prevent this from happening choose a pair of socks with a high heel tab (an extra piece of fabric above the heel that keeps the socks in place). Look for a sock that offers blister resistance and heel support so you don’t wear them out after a run or two. Trail runners will want to invest in taller socks which offer more protection against debris on trail runs while road runners may prefer a lower, ankle or quarter-length sock which can feel more breathable on long runs.
Falke Silver Run anklet sock.
For the best odour control sock we like the Falke Silver Run anklet sock. Running shoes are breeding grounds for bacteria, which of course means your socks are going to stink. While wool will cut down on the odours, you can also boost comfort and smell fresh with this pair from Falke. The sock’s moisture-wicking fibres are covered in silver ions to help kill germs. Runners will also like the mesh panels for ventilation as well as the sensitive cuff for comfort and to keep out dirt.
thicker cushioning underfoot, and the breathable top panel kept us cool during an extended bout of muggy 90-plus degree days. Available in a slew of neon options, it’ll add a pop of color to your next virtual race—dudes, be bold and go with bright lilac and watermelon. We just wish the Silver was available in more cuff heights. A seamless toe helps prevent blisters, while ankle and arch support keeps the sock in place while you run.
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For lifting weights
If you’re tempted to wear any old pair of gym socks to your resistance workout, think again. It’s recommended that weightlifters or those who do a lot of resistance training wear calf-high socks to help prevent scrapes and cuts from picking up barbells or other objects off the ground. Plus, if you’re using ropes in your workout, taller socks will prevent you from rope burn.
Sexy socks Ribbed Active Banded sock.
But that doesn’t mean you should reach for that old pair of calf-high socks in the back of your sock drawer. Spring for a new pair to ensure your calves are protected as well as your feet. We like Sexy socks Ribbed Active Banded sock. These bamboo socks are ribbed for just enough compression, padded on the toes and heels to provide cushioning at key impact points, and offer arch support for added structure. What’s more, the breathable bamboo material will keep your feet cool in summer and warm in winter while also boasting anti-odour and anti-bacterial properties.
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For hiking
If you’re hitting the trails for a hike you’ll need to invest in a pair of longer socks. They’ll keep your lower legs safe from ticks and scratches while offer comfort from often hard-wearing hiking boots. Look for a sock made from wool or mohair to keep feet warm in winter and cool in summer. These materials have better anti-bacterial properties so you can get away with wearing them more than once a multi-day hike.
Falke Advance Hike wool sock.
Falke’s Advance Hike wool sock is a great choice for avid hikers. The sock is full cushioned to provide support on long hikes and a boasts a thermal wool blend and mesh construction for effective ventilation and to ensure your feet and warm and comfortable while you walk. The sock also boats an ergonomic left and right fit to ensure your feet are properly supported throughout the hike while anti-tick and mosquito protection ensure you don’t pick up any undesirable passengers along the way.
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For cycling
Your feet can sweat up to a cup of perspiration during a hard bike ride. Which is why it’s so important to wear the right socks when you’re training for that big race or hitting the road for a sweat session. Look for cycling socks with moisture-wicking properties with undetectable toe seams that won’t chafe. You’ll need a pair of socks that are thin enough to fit inside snug cycling shoes while also being able to keep your feet cool or warm during long rides.
Falke Advanced Bike (AB Coollayr Tech) socks.
If you’re a keen cyclist then you will appreciate the Falke Advanced Bike (AB Coollayr Tech) socks. Featuring the new COOLLAYR yarns technology, which offers heat reduction of up to 1 degree Celsius combined with the Drynamix Yarn for rapid moisture transfer and Polyamide Mesh construction for lightweight, effective ventilation, the AB Coollayr is a must for any cyclist. Silver Fibre Technology offers anti-microbial properties for fungal protection and will keep feet fresh, while the hand-linked toe seam prevents friction and blisters and the reinforced heel and toe construction ensures durability. A soft elastic arch support prevents sock from sliding and provides gentle arch support and the sensitive cuff and ankle elastication provides stability without constriction.
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