We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Why Trust Us?
We all know the importance of a good running shoe, but a quality sock can be the difference between a PR and limping across the finish line. Good running socks are seamless, moisture-wicking, and won't fall down. Some runners prefer to wear higher socks for this reason, but warm runs and fashion-forward joggers call for no-show socks that stay put. We rounded up all the best no-show socks to keep you running all year long.
The 8 Best No-Show Running Socks of 2024
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Best Women's Pack
Bombas Running Ankle Sock
Read more
8
How to Choose
The biggest issue with socks of any length is getting a pair that doesn't fall and bunch up inside your shoe on your run. While this is much less of an issue with tall socks, the closer to no-show they get, the bigger the chance they have of falling down, and causing you discomfort.
When looking for a no-show sock that will stay up, there are three key things that you want them to have: a heel cup, which helps the sock form snugly against the silhouette of the heel without leaving any loose fabric on the outside; a heel tab, which sits above the heel of the shoe and both provides extra padding to prevent rubbing; and an arch lock, which is a band of compression around the arch of the foot that helps prevent chafing, slipping, and blistering. Moisture-wicking materials and a seamless toe area also help keep your socks in place without causing annoyances while you run.
How We Selected
To find the best no-show running socks out there, we used a combination of our own experience testing socks throughout the years as well as reviews from people that have worn and loved these models. We chose socks that work for all speeds, foot sizes, preferences, and weather—because we know that no matter how cold it may be, your ankles need to breathe. Despite being barely visible over your shoes, these are guaranteed to stay put through your longest, fastest, and toughest runs.
Still dealing with blisters? Check out our favorite products to treat blisters and keep them at bay.
1
Best Overall
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
1
Best Overall
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Puffy tab prevents it from falling
Cons
- On the looser side
The Balega Hidden Comfort socks are like vanilla ice cream—basic, but comforting and reliably good. This is a medium cushioned sock and doesn't have any compression, so it won't feel tight.
The lack of compression doesn't mean they'll fall down, though. Thanks to the heel tab and seamless, moisture-wicking material, these socks stay in place and prevent blistering. They come in lots of fun colors, and can take you from your every day runs to race day.
Key Specs
| Sizes | S-XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 34 |
Pros
- Great padding underfoot
- Relaxed feel
Cons
- Can get a little hot in summer
This Swiftwick sock offers the best of both worlds with a super cushioned bottom and a lightweight, breathable top. There is some compression around the mid-foot, which helps to keep it from twisting, but it’s relaxed in the toe area so it won’t feel pinched and tight. For those who like a bit more cushioning, this is a great option to give you more comfort on your sole without compromising on breathability.
Key Specs
| Sizes | S-XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 9 |
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lots of color choices
Cons
- Doesn't last as long as a premium running sock
Plenty of running socks cost over $14 for a single pair, but this Saucony pack offers six pairs for that price. While they may not last as long as those premium socks, they still work great for your regular runs. They have a small tab to keep them from falling and light compression in the arch, which holds them in place.
Key Specs
| Sizes | Men's 6-17 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 21 |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Best for Summer
Balega Ultralight Socks
Pros
- Lots of color options
- Breathable and lightweight
Cons
- Arch support can feel a bit tight
The Ultralights feature the same soft feel as the Hidden Comforts, but with a snugger fit and a bit less bulk. They have some more compression throughout the foot as well as an arch lock that helps to keep the sock motionless against the foot, but they're generally looser than most compression socks. Since these are more lightweight, they're great for summer running and make a good race sock.
Key Specs
| Sizes | S-XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 26 |
Pros
- Great for racing
- Very low profile
Cons
- Material can feel a bit stiff
If you want a super-low profile racing sock to wear every day, this Swiftwick fits the bill. It sits lower on the ankle than most running socks, and you barely feel it on your foot. There isn't much stretch, which helps to prevent slippage, but the material is soft and won't chafe even on long runs and races. These are a top choice to wear with spikes because of the close fit, and the outside of the sock has a bit of a grip, which keeps it in place.
Key Specs
| Sizes | S-XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 12 |
6
Best for Race Day
Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light
6
Best for Race Day
Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light
Pros
- Heat regulating
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Some may feel they are too snug
Merino wool may make you think of cozy hiking socks, but wool is not a heat trapper—it's a temperature regulator, which means that it's great for all seasons (even summer). These Feetures Merino wool socks are super thin and lightweight, and they fit snugly with compression through the arch.
They're not only comfortable, but the arch compression also prevents them from moving around in your shoes. This makes them a great choice for race day, or for those wary of blisters.
Key Specs
| Sizes | S-XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 11 |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Women's Pack
Bombas Running Ankle Sock
7
Best Women's Pack
Bombas Running Ankle Sock
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Ethical company
Cons
- Expensive
If you need to stock up, Bombas is a great place to do it. Not only are these socks incredibly comfortable, but Bombas also donates a pair of socks to people in need for every pair that you buy. This pack comes in a bunch of fun colors, and has the signature Bombas honeycomb arch that feels like a hug for your foot with every step.
The tabs are slightly taller on these than other no-shows, but they're also looser, so the extra height keeps them in place without feeling suffocating.
Key Specs
| Sizes | S-L |
|---|---|
| Colors | 4 |
8
Best Wool
Smartwool Cushion Low Ankle Socks
8
Best Wool
Smartwool Cushion Low Ankle Socks
Pros
- Cushioned bottom
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Can be too snug on ankle
If you want a bit more cushion and a more generous fit but are still interested in wool, you may enjoy this model from Smartwool. They use a targeted cushion design, which gives you the extra padding where you need it (heels, ball of foot, toes, and tab) while leaving the top of the sock light and breathable. This gives you all the comfort without making your feet feel bulky and hot.
Key Specs
| Sizes | S-L |
|---|---|
| Colors | 9 |
Gabrielle Hondorp
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
