The Comfiest Socks: Who Makes The Best Pairs?

Comfortable socks are an important part of any outfit, especially when you're going to be on your feet all day. The best socks will be breathable, moisture-wicking, and provide ample cushioning and support. Many brands offer socks with these features, including Darn Tough, Smartwool, Balega, Asics, Saucony, and Dickies. When choosing the most comfortable socks, it's also important to consider the material, length, and thickness of the sock, as well as the type of activity you'll be doing. For example, if you're going to be walking or running, you'll want a sock that provides good arch support and blister protection. On the other hand, if you're dealing with sweaty feet, you'll want a lightweight and breathable sock that helps to keep your feet dry and cool.

Best socks for sweaty feet

When it comes to socks, comfort is key. But if you're prone to sweaty feet, you'll want to look for socks that are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Here are some options for the best socks for sweaty feet:

Merino Wool Socks

Merino wool is a popular choice for sweaty feet because it is highly breathable, allowing your skin to breathe, and insulating your feet during temperature changes. It also wicks moisture away from your feet, keeping them dry and warm. Some brands that offer merino wool socks include Darn Tough, Smartwool, REI, and Feetures.

Synthetic Blend Socks

If you're looking for a non-wool option, a synthetic blend such as polyester and nylon or polyester and spandex is a good choice for sweaty feet. These blends are lightweight and breathable, helping to wick away sweat and keep your feet cool. Some brands that offer synthetic blend socks include Nike, Drymax, Strideline, and Feetures.

Seamless Construction Socks

The construction of the sock can also make a difference when it comes to sweaty feet. Seamless construction socks have a seamless toe, which means you won't have a seam rubbing on the top of your feet during runs, hikes, or workouts. This can help prevent hot spots or blisters caused by excess sweating. Brands like Feetures and Balega offer seamless construction socks.

Targeted Compression Socks

Targeted compression socks use compression to ease muscles, promote comfort and support, and keep your feet cool and dry. They are designed to anatomically fit the natural shape of your foot. Feetures offers a range of targeted compression socks for sweaty feet.

Other Tips for Sweaty Feet

In addition to choosing the right type of sock, there are a few other things you can do to help with sweaty feet. Wear socks that are higher than your footwear to encourage airflow and moisture evaporation. Also, make sure your socks fit properly and align with the toe seam, heel cup, and correct height to prevent excess sweating and chafing. Finally, avoid cotton socks, as they can absorb and retain moisture, leading to blisters and odour.

Best socks for hiking

When it comes to hiking socks, you want to look for socks that will keep your feet comfortable and dry. Here are some of the best hiking socks on the market:

• Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion: These socks are durable, comfortable, and provide good warmth. They are also quick-drying and have a lifetime warranty.
• Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion: These socks are great for cold weather hiking as they are made with a high percentage of merino wool, keeping your feet warm and dry.
• Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew: These socks are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for warmer weather. They also have excellent drying capabilities and are very durable.
• Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew: These socks are comfortable and provide superior wicking capabilities. They are also quick-drying and have good durability.
• REI Co-op Merino Wool Expedition: These socks are great for cold weather hiking as they provide warmth and comfort. They are also durable and have good wicking capabilities.
• Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew: These socks are great for preventing blisters as they provide good breathability and moisture management.
• Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew: These socks are made with synthetic fibres and are ideal for those who don't like wool. They provide good breathability and drying capabilities.
• Balega Hidden Comfort: These socks are budget-friendly and provide good breathability. They are also comfortable and have a no-show design.
• Sockwell Circulator: These socks provide good compression support and are made with a blend of merino wool, bamboo rayon, nylon, and spandex. They are comfortable and provide good breathability.
• REI Co-op Lightweight Merino Crew: These socks are made with merino wool and provide good cushioning and breathability. They are also quick-drying and have a good value for the price.

Best socks for travel

When travelling, socks are essential to keeping your feet happy. The right pair of socks can help prevent painful blisters, provide extra support, and keep your feet warm. Here are some of the best socks for travel:

Best Overall: Balega No-Show Running Socks

These socks are comfortable, versatile, and offer soft cushioning while maintaining breathability. They have a built-in heel tab for easy wear and prevent blisters on the heel. They are crafted from high-volume, impact-resistant 200-needle-count yarn and have mesh material on top for added ventilation. They conform to your feet with a perfect fit and come in a variety of fun colours.

Best Waterproof: Sealskinz Mid Length Sock

These socks are ideal for cold and wet weather conditions. They have a three-layer construction that wicks moisture away from your feet, with a merino wool lining to keep them warm. They provide the perfect amount of cushioning and conform to your feet without feeling too tight or loose. However, they may feel bulky inside your shoes, so consider your shoe size to prevent tightness.

Best for Walking Tours: Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock

The Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock offers extra cushioning and support, making it ideal for long-distance walks or runs. It provides arch support and double-layer padding, ensuring your feet stay comfortable all day. The built-in stabilizer zone prevents the sock from slipping down in your shoe, and the hidden cushioning means it doesn't feel bulky.

Best for Hiking: Darn Tough Micro Crew Sock

The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks are a great choice for hikers. They are lightweight and take up minimal space in your luggage, but still provide comfort and support. Made from merino wool, they keep your feet warm and dry in various conditions. They have a snug fit, so they'll stay up whether you're wearing sneakers or hiking boots. They are also guaranteed for life, making them a worthwhile investment.

Best Compression: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

For long travel days, the Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are a great option. They offer a secure and comfortable fit, helping to relieve stiffness and swelling. They are easy to put on and won't slide down or rub uncomfortably. They come in a wide range of sizes, accommodating those with wider calves. However, they may be a little long and bunch up around the knee for those with shorter calves.

Best for Sweaty Feet: Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Socks

If you're prone to sweaty feet, the Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Socks are a great choice. They are lightweight and thin, keeping your feet dry and cool even in hot conditions. The full-contact fit moulds to the natural contour of your feet, providing a perfect fit. They are comfortable and breathable, making them suitable for the gym, running, and everyday wear.

Best socks for walking tours

When it comes to walking tours, you'll want to look for socks that offer comfort, support, and blister protection. Here are some of the best socks for walking tours:

Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock

The Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock is an excellent choice for walking tours as it offers extra cushioning and support. They are designed for long-distance walks or runs and provide arch support to make you comfortable throughout your tour. These socks have a built-in stabilizer zone, so you don't have to worry about them slipping down in your shoe. They are made with a blend of recycled polyester, nylon, and lycra, which provides a balance of comfort and durability.

Darn Tough Micro Crew Sock

The Darn Tough Micro Crew Sock is a great option for walking tours, especially if you're travelling to colder destinations. They are made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and lycra spandex, which keeps your feet warm and dry. These socks have a snug fit and provide enough support for long, hilly walks. They are also backed by a lifetime warranty, making them a worthwhile investment.

Balega No-Show Running Socks

The Balega No-Show Running Socks are versatile and comfortable, making them suitable for walking tours. They offer soft cushioning while maintaining breathability, and they have a built-in heel tab to prevent blisters. These socks are crafted from high-quality yarn and feature mesh material on top for added ventilation. They conform to your feet, providing a perfect fit without any uncomfortable bunching.

Asics Cushion Quarter Running Socks

The Asics Cushion Quarter Running Socks are an excellent choice for walking tours as they provide superior fit and comfort. They have a snug fit and won't slip or cause any discomfort. These socks are made with breathable fabric that wicks away sweat, keeping your feet dry and comfortable during your tour. They come in a pack of three, offering great value for your money.

Saucony Performance Athletic Socks

If you're looking for budget-friendly socks that keep your feet cool and comfortable, the Saucony Performance Athletic Socks are a great option. They are designed to help prevent sweaty feet and provide enough cushioning to keep your feet stress-free. These socks come in an eight-pack, making them extremely affordable, without compromising on quality and comfort.

When choosing socks for walking tours, it's important to consider the material, fit, cushioning, and blister protection. Look for socks made with breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics, such as merino wool or synthetic blends. Ensure that the socks have a snug fit to prevent blisters and provide adequate support. Additionally, consider the thickness of the socks based on the climate and your footwear.

Best socks for compression

Compression socks are designed to improve circulation and reduce leg fatigue. They are especially useful for people with diabetes, those who are pregnant, athletes, and people who work long hours sitting down or standing up. When shopping for compression socks, you will notice a number between 15 and 30 followed by "mmHg", which stands for millimeters of mercury and indicates the level of compression. The higher the mmHg, the more compression.

Best Overall: VIM & VIGR Stylish Compression Socks

These compression socks offer a wide variety of styles and colours, as well as wide calf socks, open-toe socks, sleeves, and tights in three compression levels (15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, and 30-40 mmHg). They are available in nylon, cotton, and merino wool fabric options.

Best for Flying: Wellow Compression Socks

Wellow compression socks are recommended by Lara Heimann, a physical therapist and CEO of LYT Yoga, who uses them for flights longer than five hours to prevent swollen ankles and calves. They are made primarily of viscose from bamboo and come in a range of colours and patterns.

Best Less-Expensive Option for Flying: Wanderlust Air Travel Compression Socks

These compression socks are recommended by Strategist contributor Alice Gregory, who says they keep her legs from feeling heavy and feet from feeling swollen after a long flight. They are available in black, white, and grey.

Best for Athletes: Compressport Pro Racing Socks v4.0 Ultralight Run High

These compression socks are recommended by Team RunRun coach Alex Giraudineau, who finds them comfortable and breathable. He also noticed that he doesn't experience any pain in his achilles tendon after long runs, which he attributes to the added stability from these socks. They offer compression between 10 and 30 mmHg.

Best for Recovery: Bombas Women's Performance Compression Socks

With a compression level of 20-30 mmHg, these socks are extra cushiony and perfect for treating your legs after a long run.

Best for Pregnancy: Bombas Women's Merino Wool Blend Everyday Compression Socks

These merino wool compression socks are stretchy, warm, breathable, and soft. They help reduce swelling and improve circulation and are recommended by Liza Corsillo, a senior writer at Strategist, who used them during her pregnancy.

Best Multipack: Blueenjoy Compression Socks

This affordable multipack of six pairs of compression socks is recommended by Lisa Barlow, a cast member of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. They are available in a variety of colours and patterns.

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