Best Overall

lululemon Unisex Daily Essential Crew Socks

View on Lululemon

Key Specs

Material: Cotton, nylon, elastane Length: Crew Sold As: 1 or 3 pairs Moisture-Wicking: No Thickness: Medium Cushioning: Plush Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for strength training, treadmill runs, hikes, fitness walks, and everyday wear, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Why We Love Them

With a plush feel and bunch-free fabric, lululemon’s Unisex Daily Essential Crew Socks ran away with our top title. They have ample cushioning that extends around the heel, toes, and footbed, curbing impact and fatigue as we walked on uneven pavement, hiked in sweltering conditions, and ran on the treadmill. We love the supportive fit, which provides just enough stretch for every area of the foot and keeps the socks from falling down the ankle.

Even when wearing these socks throughout an active day, including walking two to three miles and playing with kids at the playground, they remained comfortable and secure, with no pressure points or skin irritation. During higher-intensity walks, 10-mile hikes, and long-distance runs, they prevented blisters and hot spots, helping us bounce back quickly between workouts. After frequent laundering, these durable socks still look as good as new, with no signs of pilling, thinning, or stretching, cementing their standing as the best socks for walking overall.

Potential Flaws

• These socks are made of mostly cotton, so they’re not particularly moisture-wicking and may not be the best choice for sweaty feet. However, they work great for those with sensitive skin.

Best Cushioned

Smartwool Hike Ankle Socks

$21 at Amazon View on Smartwool.com

Key Specs

Material: Merino wool, nylon, recycled nylon, elastane Length: Ankle Sold As: 1 pair Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thick Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for dedicated hikers and fitness walkers who want cushioned support and all-day wearability, whether they’re exploring the trails or walking around the neighborhood.

Why We Love Them

Smartwool’s Hike Ankle Socks ticked all of our boxes, with top-notch cushioning for long hours on our feet. Their snug, true-to-size fit is stretchy enough to keep the toes comfortable, with arch compression to offset fatigue while preventing slippage. We liked that the ankle band was secure enough to stay put, but didn’t leave marks on our ankles, even after hours of wear. These socks are incredibly comfortable, so much so that we even opted to wear them while lounging around the house.

Their thick, padded soles offset fatigue, soreness, and achiness on our longest walks, while the breathable wool blend keeps our feet cool and blister-free for all-day wear. Even after intensive use and several washes, these durable socks (and their ample cushioning) maintained their shape, with no thinning or pilling in sight. Overall, their quality, comfort, and compression blew us away, making them one of the best merino wool walking socks we tested. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Smartwool.

Potential Flaws

• While we think these socks’ quality is well worth the price, they’re not the most budget-friendly option we tested.

Best for Walking Long Distances

Feetures Merino 10 Max Cushion Tab Socks

$21

$17 at Amazon View on Feetures.com

Key Specs

Material: Nylon, merino wool, tencel, spandex Length: No-show Sold As: 1, 3, or 6 pairs Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thick Cushioning: Plush Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for long outdoor walks, fitness walks, and recovery days, especially for individuals living in warm climates or who exercise outdoors in hot weather.

Why We Love Them

Feetures’ Merino 10 Max Cushion Tab Socks rightfully earned their place among our top picks after keeping our feet cool and comfortable while walking up to 18,000 steps in warm weather. On our longest treks, these socks protected our feet against hot spots and blisters, thanks to an ankle tab that prevented friction and irritation. Their thick cushioning kept foot fatigue and discomfort at bay as we walked on cement surfaces, even after multiple wears and washes. 

We loved these socks’ comfy, bunch-free fit, which securely hugged our feet without squeezing or feeling restrictive. Despite being made of a thick merino wool blend, these socks are very breathable, leaving our feet cool and dry after warm-weather walks. Additionally, they retained their perfect condition after intensive use, with no pilling, thinning, stretching, or discoloration.

Potential Flaws

• These socks had no glaring flaws in testing, but their no-show cut may not be ideal for wearing inside hiking boots.

Best No-Show

Darn Tough Element No Show 2-Pack

View on Amazon $38 at Darntough.com

Key Specs

Material: Merino wool, nylon, spandex Length: No-show Sold As: 1 or 2 pairs Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Medium Cushioning: Plush Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for long-distance walkers and treadmill runners who want a no-show sock that provides all-day protection against blisters and overheating.

Why We Love Them

Darn Tough’s Element No Show Socks shine across the board with cloud-like cushioning, blister protection, and exceptional breathability, all while remaining hidden. While we walked on uneven terrain and ran up to 7 miles on the treadmill, these socks stayed snugly in place with no shifting or bunching while preventing friction and hot spots. We even wore them with our everyday sneakers that tend to irritate our big toes, and they effectively protected them while preventing any jamming.

These socks provide excellent airflow, helping to control moisture during long-distance runs in hot weather. Their thermoregulating properties also make them a comfortable choice for all-day wear, regardless of the weather. Despite intensive use and multiple laundry cycles, these well-made socks showed no signs of pilling, thinning, or stretching.  

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Darn Tough.

Potential Flaws

• While these socks aren’t the most budget-friendly option we tested, we’d gladly pay full price for their excellent quality, cushioning, and breathability.

Best Moisture-Wicking Ankle Socks

Smartwool Run Low Ankle Socks

$18 at Amazon View on Smartwool.com View on Altrarunning.com

Key Specs

Material: Merino wool, nylon, recycled nylon, elastane Length: Ankle Sold As: 1 or 3 pairs Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thin Cushioning: None Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers with circulation issues, varicose veins, severe swelling, or who have been told to wear compression socks by their healthcare provider. 

Why We Love Them

Smartwool’s Run Low Ankle Socks kept our sweat levels in check throughout warm-weather walks and workouts. Even in high temperatures, these socks wick away moisture and help regulate our body temperature, keeping our feet consistently cool. The silky-soft fabric is free of irritating seams and pressure points, providing all-day protection from blisters and friction. 

Since they’re not cushioned, these socks made us feel connected to our walking shoes and the ground, but still comfortable throughout long, active days. Extra heel support kept them securely in place, even as we ran on the treadmill and walked on uneven pavement. We also love these socks’ high-quality construction, which resists pilling, thinning, and stretching after repeated use and laundering. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Smartwool.

Potential Flaws

• Since these walking socks aren’t cushioned, they may not be the best choice for exercisers who require impact absorption. They’re a better choice for walkers and runners who prefer a more grounded feel in their shoes.

Best Lightweight

Feetures Elite Ultra Light Tab

View on Amazon View on Dicks Sporting Goods View on Feetures.com

Key Specs

Material: Nylon, spandex Length: No-show Sold As: 1 pair Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thin Cushioning: None Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want lightweight walking socks for short strolls and light fitness activities in warm weather.

Why We Love Them

Feetures’ Elite Ultra Light Tab Socks are ultra-thin and breathable for cool, comfy feet on warm outdoor walks. Whether we were strolling to the grocery store or exceeding our daily step goal, we loved the lightweight, moisture-wicking material that fit comfortably in our tightest-fitting shoes (without squeezing our toes). The only extra material you’ll find is on their cushioned front and ankle tabs, which prevent blisters and irritation. 

Although these are the thinnest walking socks we tested, they weren’t so thin that we felt friction from the inside of our shoes. These socks are available in a vibrant variety of colors and shades, helping them stand out in the sea of athletic socks we tested. Despite their lightweight fabric, these socks kept their shape, color, and ultra-comfy fit after multiple wears and washes.

Potential Flaws

• These socks are too thin to provide enough support for hiking or high-impact workouts. They’re a better choice for breathable comfort during casual walks and errands.

Best for Sweaty Feet

Thorlo Experia X SPEED Cushion Ankle Socks

$17 at Amazon View on Thorlo.com View on Roadrunnersports.com

Key Specs

Material: Recycled nylon, nylon, elastic Length: Ankle Sold As: 1 pair Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thin Cushioning: Minimal Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers who want moisture and odor control during low-impact workouts.

Why We Love Them

Thorlo’s Experia X SPEED Performance Cushion Ankle Socks are the breath of fresh air that toasty feet need to stay dry for mile after mile. Their arch and ankle band compression provides a super secure fit that prevents shifting and sliding throughout our walk-run intervals. With their soft fabric and flat seams, we experienced no irritation, and their quality remained consistent even after several washes and wears.

These walking socks are breathable, featuring mesh sections for ventilation, which kept our sweaty feet comfortable and dry after walking on the treadmill. They managed our sweat levels during outdoor runs and walks, preventing overheating and uncomfortable moisture. We also noticed that they remained odor-free, with a fresh detergent smell, even after we had sweated heavily in them.

Potential Flaws

• These socks are relatively thin and lack cushioning, making them unsuitable for hiking and high-impact exercise. But their second-skin feel works well for walking on the treadmill and flat terrain. 
• The ankle compression may be too tight for those with flat or more sensitive arches.

Most Versatile

Balega No-Show Running Socks

$17

$17 at Amazon

$51

$49 at Zappos $17 at REI

Key Specs

Material: Polyester, nylon, elastane Length: No-show Sold As: 1 pair Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thin Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for avid walkers, hikers, and runners who want a high-quality, versatile sock that can do it all.

Why We Love Them

Do you want one sock that can truly do it all? Enter Balega’s Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks. We tested these during long walks, treadmill runs, strength-training workouts, and more, and they remained equally comfortable during all activities. The sock conforms to the shape of your foot as soon as you put it on, and the lightweight fabric doesn’t budge—no matter how quick or intense your movements are. 

During testing, we also noticed that these socks provide the perfect balance of cushioning and breathability. The mesh upper delivers ventilation, while the well-padded bottom absorbs impact and adds comfort. Plus, the ankle tab makes it easier to slide them on and off, while also protecting the back of our ankles from rubbing against our sneakers—no blisters here.

Potential Flaws

• These socks are pricier than other options. But for a versatile, high-quality sock, we think they’re worth the investment.

Best for Travel

Under Armour UA Performance Tech Socks

$18 at Underarmour.com View on Holabirdsports.com

Key Specs

Material: Polyester Length: Quarter Sold As: 3 pairs Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thin Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for travelers with low and normal arches who want lightweight, breathable support during long travel days and long-distance outdoor walks.

Why We Love Them

Whether you’re sightseeing, strolling through a museum, or dashing through the airport, reliable walking socks are a must-pack for frequent travelers. Under Armour’s UA Performance Tech Socks are our go-to for travel days, offering standout breathability and supportive cushioning at a budget-friendly price. Their sweat-wicking fabric delivers a lightweight feel that keeps our feet cool and comfortable. With extra heel and forefoot cushioning, these socks absorbed impact during long strolls, saving us from our usual post-walk foot fatigue. 

We were impressed by the combo of lightweight breathability and ample support, as walking socks don’t tend to provide both. These socks have a snug fit that was a great match for our narrow feet and didn’t bunch or shift, even as we walked through the airport on long travel days. The quarter length also helps curb friction and blisters, earning top marks for comfort.

Potential Flaws

• These socks’ arch support hits at the front of our tester’s high arches, rather than the middle (where we want the most support). However, this isn’t an issue for people with flat or normal arches. 
• After several wears and washes, these socks showed slight pilling, although the fit, softness, and cushioning remained in great condition.

Best for Hiking

Lightfeet Evolution Quarter Socks

View on Lightfeet.us

Key Specs

Material: Polyester, silver-coated nylon Length: Quarter Sold As: 1 pair Moisture-Wicking: Somewhat Thickness: Medium Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for winter workouts and cold-weather hiking, especially for athletes prone to blisters.

Why We Love Them

Lightfeet’s Evolution Quarter Socks provide the friction protection and support we need for a long day on the trails. We were particularly impressed with how well these socks prevented blisters, even while walking and running around 50 miles weekly. They kept our old blisters from reappearing while preventing new ones from forming—a major perk for our blister-prone feet. They also have targeted cushioning around the heel and toes, which effectively absorbs impact during high-impact workouts and walking on hard surfaces.  

We experienced zero shifting or movement during sprint intervals, thanks to the arch and cuff compression, which provided a supportive yet non-restrictive feel for our feet. They also have exterior seams, which prevent irritation on and off the trails. In cold weather, we loved how these socks kept our feet cozy and warm without friction.

Potential Flaws

• These socks weren’t breathable enough to keep our sweaty feet cool, especially in warm weather. They’re best suited to cold conditions and athletes who don’t sweat much.

Best for Walking All Day

Thorlo WMX Ankle Walking Socks

View on Thorlo.com

Key Specs

Material: Acrylic, nylon, elastic Length: Ankle Sold As: 3 pairs Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thick Cushioning: Moderate Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for individuals who want fatigue and blister protection while standing for extended periods or taking long-distance walks.

Why We Love Them

Thorlo’s Moderate Cushion Ankle Walking Socks pampered and protected our feet throughout our most active days, from outdoor walks to a 7-hour strongman competition. Their slip-free, bunch-free fit stayed comfortable in our sneakers, thanks to a structured heel that prevents shifting. In fact, when we slipped these socks on, we felt like they were custom-made for our feet. 

These socks are particularly well-cushioned around the heel, forefoot, and toes, with moderate mid-foot compression for added support. Despite the plush cushioning, they kept our feet secure as we squatted and ran with heavy sandbags, striking the ideal balance of comfort and stability. They also kept our feet cool and dry, even after 7 hours of competing, thanks to their moisture-wicking material.

Potential Flaws

• After a few laundry cycles, these socks became slightly fuzzy, indicating they may start to pill after several uses. But their cushioning didn’t thin or flatten, and their overall quality wasn’t a major concern. 
• This 3-pack of walking socks is on the pricier side. However, their features and quality justify the price, especially for those with blister-prone feet, such as hikers and walkers.

Best for Blister Prevention

On Running Elite Run Sock Low

View on Dicks Sporting Goods View on On.com

Key Specs

Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane, polyester Length: No-show Sold As: 1 pair Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thin Cushioning: Minimal Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for committed walkers and runners seeking high-performance socks that help prevent blisters during intense workouts.

Why We Love Them

Swiss brand On specializes in high-performance running gear, and their Elite Run Sock Low didn’t disappoint during long-distance walks, runs, and other activities that can be hard on feet. We love these socks’ lightweight fabric with targeted cushioning around the big toe. We’re prone to blisters in this area, but didn’t develop any while wearing these.

Their secure fit is ideal for lengthy walks and didn’t shift or bunch, even as we trekked off-road terrain for up to 8 miles. Plus, the arch compression prevented our feet from feeling any fatigue. They also have ventilation panels for excellent breathability, preventing overheating during our most intensive fitness walks and summertime workouts. Their high-quality material is ideal for dedicated exercisers, and we’re confident that it will withstand significant mileage.

Potential Flaws

• These socks tend to run large and were a bit long in the foot for us. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing down.

Best Bombas

Bombas Women’s Quarter Socks 4-Pack

View on Bombas

Key Specs

Material: Supima cotton, polyester, nylon, elastane Length: Quarter Sold As: 4 pairs Moisture-Wicking: Yes Thickness: Thick Cushioning: Medium Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for Bombas sock lovers who prefer a mid-length sock that offers serious arch support for all types of walking.

Why We Love Them

We love most Bombas socks, but this silky-soft quarter-length pair is our favorite for walking. Bombas’ Quarter Socks offer pillowy cushioning, breathability, and maximum comfort. And despite being well-padded, they never felt bunchy or too thick during our test walks. We also never felt sweaty or overheated inside our shoes. 

During testing, we appreciated the high-quality durability—especially given the budget-friendly price. We wore them dozens of times, washing and drying them after each wear, and they still look and feel as good as new. Between the snug and supportive fit and cloud-like cushioning, we think these are among the best options from this well-loved brand. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Bombas.

Potential Flaws

• The socks’ ankle elastics may be too tight if you have thicker ankles, although this didn’t detract from their ultra-comfy fit.