Top Running Sock Brands for Maximum Comfort and Performance

When it comes to enhancing your running performance, choosing the right pair of socks is just as important as picking the perfect shoes. A good pair of running socks can provide essential support, moisture management, and cushioning to ensure your feet stay comfortable and blister-free during your runs. With numerous options available on the market, selecting the best brand can indeed be challenging. To help guide your choice, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best running sock brands. Explore our selections and find the perfect fit for your running needs below.

Illustration of running socks

Best brands of running socks in 2025

Balega

Balega is a leading brand in the running sock market, renowned for its technical excellence, comfort, and performance. Their Enduro Quarter socks feature advanced technologies like Drynamix moisture management and V-Tech Arch Support System, ensuring feet remain cool, dry, and blister-free. With a hand-linked seamless toe and extra deep heel pocket, Balega socks provide a superior fit. The company is committed to community and charitable projects, embodying the spirit of 'ubuntu,' and has achieved Climate Neutral Certification. Balega's products are part of the Implus family of brands, distributed across over 70 countries.

Feetures

Feetures is a renowned brand in the athletic socks market, particularly excelling in the production of high-quality running socks. Founded in 2002 by Hugh Gaither and his sons, the company has leveraged its extensive experience in hosiery manufacturing to create technically advanced socks with features like targeted compression, moisture-wicking capabilities, and blister prevention. Feetures has seen consistent growth, with demand for their running socks increasing significantly during the pandemic, and the company now boasts an estimated annual revenue of $12.9 million and employs 63 people. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a strong presence in over 1,000 specialty running stores and a loyal customer base. With a focus on sustainability, Feetures also uses yarn made from upcycled plastic bottles.

Smartwool

Smartwool, founded in 1994 in Colorado, USA, is a leading producer of high-quality running socks, particularly known for its merino wool products. The company holds a significant market share, with a stronghold in the specialty sock market, where it commands around 70% of the market. Smartwool's merino wool socks are ZQ Certified, ensuring high standards in sustainability. After being acquired by VF Corporation in 2011, Smartwool continues to focus on outdoor activities and has a diverse range of stylish and functional sock designs. Smartwool's commitment to quality and sustainability makes it a preferred choice for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. For further details, visit their official website.

Swiftwick

Swiftwick, founded in 2008, is a renowned producer of high-performance socks, particularly excelling in the running segment with its superior moisture-wicking and contoured compression fit technologies. The company, based in Nashville, Tennessee, has seen revenue growth faster than the industry average, despite having a small market share. Swiftwick's socks are crafted with seamless toes and y-shaped heel pockets, enhancing durability and comfort. With a revenue of $4.3 million and a growing employee base, Swiftwick continues to innovate, offering products like the Pursuit Zero and Aspire One, which are highly praised for their durability and softness. The company's focus on quality has made its socks a favorite among runners, with some models lasting up to three years without showing significant wear.

Darn Tough

Darn Tough is renowned as one of the best producers of running socks, celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and durability. With over 200 employees and annual revenue exceeding $50 million, the company sells more than five million pairs of socks each year. Their socks, made from a blend of 65% Merino wool, 33% Nylon, and 2% Lycra, offer superior comfort, moisture-wicking properties, and a lifetime guarantee. The brand's ultra-lightweight running socks, although thin, demonstrate remarkable longevity and resistance to wear, even after multiple wash cycles. Darn Tough's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified their reputation in the outdoor and athletic communities. For an in-depth look at their socks, read this Darn Tough Socks review.

Nike

Nike is a leading producer of high-quality running socks, known for their innovative designs and advanced features such as moisture-wicking capabilities, specific cushioning, and blister prevention. The demand for Nike's running socks is expected to grow, contributing to the athletic socks market's anticipated CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034. In 2023, the men's segment, which includes Nike's products, held over 53% of the athletic socks market share, generating USD 3 billion in revenue. Nike's commitment to performance and comfort aligns with the rising trend of sports and fitness activities, further fueling the demand for their athletic socks. The brand's strong presence in both online and offline distribution channels, with the online segment expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.4%, enhances its market reach.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a leading brand in the athletic socks market, particularly renowned for its high-quality running socks. The company's innovative products, such as those featuring moisture-wicking technology and specific cushioning, are expected to contribute to the segment's growth, with running socks anticipated to garner a 5.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2034. As part of the broader athletic socks market, which is projected to reach $12.8 billion by 2034 with a 5.8% CAGR, Under Armour's commitment to comfort, performance, and durability positions it as a key player. The brand's focus on meeting the evolving needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts drives its market presence. With the global athletic socks market valued at $6.8 billion in 2023, Under Armour's innovative offerings are crucial in this growing sector.

Saucony

Saucony is a notable brand in the athletic socks market, particularly renowned for its high-quality running socks. The brand, though having a relatively low brand awareness of 40% among U.S. sneaker owners, enjoys a loyal customer base with 60% of its owners likely to purchase Saucony again. Saucony's running socks, such as the Inferno series, are popular for their breathable designs, moisture-wicking properties, and comfort, making them a favorite among runners. In the broader athletic socks market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2032, Saucony competes with major players like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. Despite its niche presence, Saucony's products are highly regarded for their performance and comfort. To explore their range of running socks, visit their collection online.

ASICS

ASICS is renowned as one of the top producers of running socks, known for their high-quality, performance-enhancing products. The demand for running socks, including those from ASICS, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, driven by the increasing popularity of running as a fitness and competitive activity. ASICS running socks are designed with features such as moisture-wicking capabilities, specific cushioning, and blister prevention, making them a favorite among runners. The global athletic socks market, which includes ASICS products, is expected to reach a valuation of $12.8 billion by 2034. ASICS' commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has solidified its position in the market.

Injinji

Injinji is a leading brand in the multiple toe socks market, particularly renowned for its innovative and comfortable running socks. The company's patented five-toe sock design enhances foot freedom and natural function, making it a favorite among athletes, especially runners. Injinji's products, such as the Liner + Runner Mini-Crew, feature a blend of materials like CoolMax, nylon, and Lycra, ensuring comfort and performance. By 2023, Injinji had established itself as a key player, with the Asia Pacific region driving significant growth due to celebrity endorsements and e-commerce expansion. Injinji's socks are highly regarded, with the brand being the #1 sock worn at the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run from 2014 onwards.