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We Walked for Miles to Test the Best Walking Socks From Asics, Saucony, and More

Our top picks offer plenty of plush cushioning and blister protection

Three people standing side-by-side on a wooden floor wearing various recommended walking socks

Verywell Fit / Joy Kim

Finding a reliable pair of walking shoes is only half the battle. Without high-quality socks, moisture starts to build up in your shoes while you walk, causing athlete's foot and unwanted odors, says podiatric surgeon Diana Valencia, DPM. Add friction and you're left with painful blisters, too. The best walking socks are comfortable, supportive, and sweat-wicking, to keep your feet cool and dry.

When choosing socks, it's important to consider which materials they're made of, Valencia says. Other key features include a snug fit and a budget-friendly price tag. To find the top walking socks, we first asked experts like Valencia for tips on what to look for when shopping. Then, we tested 27 expert-approved pairs of walking socks in the Verywell Testing Lab and in the real world. Our favorite pairs earned high scores for their impressive fit, comfort, cushioning, blister protection, and overall value. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this story for accuracy and the best way to evaluate walking socks.

Best Overall

Asics Cushion Quarter Running Socks

Asics Cushion Quarter Running Socks

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Cozy and comfortable

  • Snug but not too tight

Cons
  • May be too thick for hot weather

Key Specs

Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Ankle | Sold As: 3 pairs | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thick | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

Best if you prefer a thick, well-cushioned sock for cozy comfort, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Why We Love Them

Given their high-quality and budget-friendly price, Asics' Cushion Socks could have doubled as our best budget pick. But the socks earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in all of the key categories we tested for, making them an obvious choice for our best overall slot. The socks excelled compared to all other socks we tested—even their more expensive counterparts.

We also loved the socks’ comfy cushion and moisture-wicking materials, great for added support and blister protection. They kept our feet warm and cozy without any overheating or excess sweating. This pair is also super budget-friendly, making it an even better value. Snug but not too tight, the pair provided the perfect fit.

Potential Flaws

  • Asics' Cushion Socks may be too thick for those in warmer climates or those prone to sweaty feet.

Best Budget

Saucony Performance Athletic Socks

Saucony Women's Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Come in many colors

  • Can be purchased in bulk

  • Secure and supportive

Cons
  • Off-set heel tab impacts fit

Key Specs

Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Ankle | Sold As: 8 pairs | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thin | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

People who have issues with sweaty feet will appreciate the cool comfort of these walking socks.

Why We Love Them

These Saucony Women's Performance Heel and Tab Performance Socks are not only budget-friendly, but we found that these socks helped us say goodbye to sweaty feet. Our feet remained cool and comfortable with each step and stride in these delightfully comfortable walking socks.

We also appreciated that these socks provided enough cushioning to keep our feet stress-free, but did not bunch or feel bulky in our shoes. Plus, we were pleasantly surprised that we remained blister-free even after long walks in these socks.

Available in an eight-pack, the Saucony Heel Tab Socks come out to less than $2 per sock—an amazing overall value. And they also excel in quality and comfort.

Potential Flaws

  • Although we found the socks to be generally comfortable, the heel tab did hit at an awkward spot on the ankle, so it might not be the perfect fit for everyone.

Best for Sweaty Feet

lululemon Power Stride Sock

Lululemon Power Stride Sock

Lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    4.5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Super lightweight

  • Snug but not too tight

  • Heel tab for extra protection

Cons
  • Not thick enough for cold weather

  • Pricier than other options

Key Specs

Material: Nylon, elastane | Length: Ankle | Sold As: 3 pairs | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thin | Cushioning: Minimal

Who They're For

Best if you have sweaty feet, prefer a thin and lightweight sock, or live in warm weather.

Why We Love Them

lululemon’s Power Stride Socks are super lightweight, making them the perfect choice for those with sweaty feet. Plus, they’re made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials for added odor and blister prevention. They’ll keep you cool and comfortable, even in the hottest summer months. The socks are supportive but not overly thick or padded. And we appreciate the added support in the ankle and heel areas.

In fact, these lululemon socks are one of the most comfortable pairs of socks we have ever worn—so comfortable that they felt like a second skin during long, sweaty strolls. With a perfect fit, these socks offer solid stretch and comfortable compression. The lightweight, versatile socks are great for gym and everyday wear—similar to the leggings the brand is known for—in addition to walking.

Potential Flaws

  • These socks are on the higher end of the price spectrum.
  • While these socks keep your feet cool and comfortable, they may not be suited for winter months or cold weather.

Best for Long-Distance Walks

Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock

Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock

Zappos

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Great arch support

  • Cushioned but not bulky

  • Secure and supportive

Cons
  • May generate excess heat

  • Expensive

Key Specs

Material: Polyester, nylon, Lycra | Length: Crew | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thick | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

People who spend a lot of time walking or tend to log a lot of miles will appreciate these cushioned and supportive socks that protect against blisters.

Why We Love Them

When you’re walking for miles, comfort, support, and blister protection are essential. That’s why Wrightsock’s Endurance Crew is perfect for long-distance walks. Impressed by its fit and comfort, we found the socks to have plenty of arch support and cushioning without any uncomfortable bunching in the shoe.

On a long-distance trek, you need support in all the right places—this pair delivers just that. The socks are also double-layered, which provides extra padding and protection against blisters.

Potential Flaws

  • The one downside of this feature is that it may lead to hot spots, especially for those with sweaty feet or when walking in warmer climates.

Best for Cold Weather

Stance Crew Socks

Stance Crew Divide ST Socks

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    4/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Cozy and comfortable

  • Snug but not too tight

  • Cute design and color

Cons
  • Limited padding

  • May be too thick for hot weather

Key Specs

Material: Wool, polyester, nylon, elastane | Length: Crew | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: No | Thickness: Thick | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

Anyone who is a fan of winter hikes will appreciate these comfy, cozy socks that work overtime to insulate your feet and keep them blister-free.

Why We Love Them

Don’t let the winter months put a stop to your outdoor activities. Instead, choose a quality pair of socks that will keep your feet warm on cold weather walks. We found Stance’s Staple Divide Socks to be comfy and cozy without feeling too thick or bulky.

Wool works to insulate the feet, while other performance materials make the sock breathable—keeping your toes comfortably warm. These socks are super comfortable and kept our feet blister-free after miles outside in the crisp climate. 

Potential Flaws

  • We loved that the socks are insulated for cold weather, but wearing them in warm weather was a sweaty mistake. 
  • These socks don't have much padding—but they're still super comfortable.

Most Versatile

Balega No-Show Running Socks

Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Heel tab for extra protection

  • Comes in many colors

  • Mesh construction for optimal breathability

Cons
  • Expensive

Key Specs

Material: Polyester, nylon, elastane | Length: No-show | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thin | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

Avid walkers, runners, or weightlifters looking for a high-quality sock that will last will fall in love with these comfy and breathable versatile socks.

Why We Love Them

Great for walking, running, working out, and even all-day wear, Balega’s Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks were an easy choice for our most versatile pick. The socks are cushioned yet breathable (which is a balance that can be hard to find). We appreciate that the socks can tolerate most activities and outdoor weather conditions. 

The socks’ contoured fit provided comfort, while the heel tab helped with blister protection. Delivering support in all the right places, these socks felt comfy and cushy. And the top mesh construction allowed for optimal ventilation and breathability, regardless of climate. 

Potential Flaws

  • The price per pair is rather high, but for a versatile, high-quality sock, we think these socks are worth the investment.
Person wearing Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks on a wood floor

Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini

Best for Travel

Bombas Marl Ankle Socks

Bombas Women's Marl Ankle Socks

Dick's

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.7/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Blister Protection
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Cozy and comfortable

  • Cute design and colors

  • Snug but not too tight

Cons
  • Breathability isn’t optimal for warm weather

Key Specs

Material: Cotton, polyester, rubber, spandex | Length: Ankle | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thick | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

Anyone planning to travel or a walking adventure would be wise to snag a pair of these comfortable and supportive walking socks.

Why We Love Them

We appreciated how comfortable and supported we felt walking miles in Bombas’ Ankle Socks. We found these socks to be the perfect companion for all of our adventures. We found them to be comfortable, durable, and top-notch quality.

The socks deliver cushioning to areas of the foot that often require additional support, like the heels and toes. It’s important to have this kind of foot support while traveling because you never know how long or far your journey will take you. Soft enough to wear to sleep, we found these socks to feel like mini blankets for the feet.

Potential Flaws

  • Although the socks are extremely cozy and comfortable, they don’t offer great breathability or ventilation, making them less suitable for warmer weather.

Best Wool

Darn Tough Micro Crew Sock

Darn Tough Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Cushioning
    4.5/5
  • Blister Protection
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Cute design and colors

  • Cozy and comfortable

  • Snug but not too tight

Cons
  • Expensive

  • May be too thick for hot weather

Key Specs

Material: Nylon, wool, spandex | Length: Crew | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thick | Cushioning: Minimal

Who They're For

People who enjoy the outdoors—especially in colder weather—will fall in love with these wool performance socks that work double-time to keep feet warm and dry.

Why We Love Them

Whether you’re traveling to the mountains, hiking the backcountry, or living in a cooler climate, a quality pair of wool socks is essential when dressing for cold weather walking. Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks feature a combination of wool and performance materials that kept us warm and dry on all of our chilly outdoor adventures. 

Snug but not too tight, these socks provided cozy comfort without excess overheating. We also appreciate that while not super cushioned, the socks deliver enough support for long, hilly walks.

Potential Flaws

  • These socks are undeniably expensive, but we think it's worth it because of the socks' long-lasting durability and lifetime warranty. 
  • It is important to note that Darn Tough’s socks may be too thick for hot climates—when worn in warmer weather, our feet did overheat.

Best Cushioned

Thorlos Max Cushion Ankle Socks

Thorlos Women's Max Cushion Ankle Socks

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Breathability
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Odor Control
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Secure and supportive

  • Cozy and comfortable

  • Thick padding

Cons
  • Socks may feel bulky in sneakers

  • May be too thick for hot weather

  • Expensive

Key Specs

Material: Acrylic, nylon, elastic | Length: Ankle | Sold As: 3 pairs | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Very thick | Cushioning: Maximum

Who They're For

These socks are ideal for anyone who wants cozy comfort combined with good shock absorption from their cushioned walking socks.

Why We Love Them

Socks with extra cushion often provide additional protection for high-impact areas, good shock absorption, plush comfort, and welcoming warmth. Thorlos’ Max Cushion Distance Walking Socks feature thick padding in the heel, forefoot, and top of the arch—helping to reduce blisters, pain, and pressure. 

During test walks, we felt secure and supported in these socks because of their extreme cushioning. The heel part especially had a very thick and supportive cushion which was really comfortable. Ideal for outdoor walking during cold winter months, we like these socks for snug warmth and cozy comfort.

Potential Flaws

  • Because these socks are thicker than other options, we did find that they felt a little bulky and may not be suited for warmer weather.
  • These socks are expensive, but we think they're well worth it for their heavy-duty, durable design.

Best for Hiking

Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Socks

Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Cushion Socks

REI

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Aesthetic design

  • Cozy and comfortable

  • Snug but not too tight

Cons
  • Expensive

Key Specs

Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex | Length: Crew | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thick | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

Those who frequently hike or take long walking adventures will fall in love with these comfortable and warm socks the help prevent blisters, keep the feet dry, and stay in place.

Why We Love Them

Whether your next outdoor adventure includes hiking or backpacking, choose a pair of socks that will prevent blisters and hot spots and won’t slip down or bunch up. Darn Tough’s Coolmax Socks do just that; they’re also super cozy, comfortable, and cushioned.

We found this pair of socks to be a perfect fit for any hiking boot—added thickness provides light warmth, and the crew height prevents uncomfortable chafing. While insulated, these socks will still keep your feet dry and temperature-regulated. The thickness and cushion are also great for additional support while hiking on rocky trails and hilly terrains

Potential Flaws

  • While the price per pair is high, we still think the durable, protective, and supportive socks are worth every penny.
Person wearing Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Cushion Socks with running shoes

Verywell Fit / Karen Chen

Best for Hiking Runner-Up

Smartwool Hike Light Ankle Socks

Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks

Smartwool

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Offers great compression

  • Comes in a variety sizes

  • Noticeable arch support

  • Some slight piling

Key Specs

Material: Merino wool, nylon | Length: Ankle | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Medium | Cushioning: Light

Who They're For

These socks are ideal for people who wear low-cut hiking boots or do a lot of walking and are looking for a wool sock that stays in place.

Why We Love Them

From the moment we donned these walking Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Socks, we fell in love with the fabulous fit, with no extra fabric bunching up or uncomfortable seams. We also love that this sock comes in so many different sizes, which is probably why it fits so well. Too many times, walking socks come in limited sizes.

We also appreciate that these socks stay in place no matter whether we were wearing sneakers or boots, or just wearing the socks by themselves around the house. And, the noticeable arch support comforted our feet while keeping them warm and cozy.

Potential Flaws

  • There was some pilling on the bottom of the sock, but not enough to affect our passion for these walking socks.

Best Compression

CEP 3.0 Compression Running Socks

CEP Women's 3.0 Compression Running Socks

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Comes in many colors

  • Secure and supportive

  • Snug but not too tight

Cons
  • Expensive

  • May be too thick for hot weather

Key Specs

Material: Polyamide, spandex | Length: Knee-high | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Thick | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

People looking for quality compression socks will appreciate that these socks provide just the right amount of compression without being too restrictive.

Why We Love Them

Compression socks help circulate blood flow from the feet to the heart while working to reduce excess swelling that often results from hours of sitting or standing. Whether you spend long days sitting at a desk or live a highly active lifestyle, you may benefit from a pair of quality compression socks like CEP’s Athletic Compression Run Socks. 

Comfortable but not constrictive, we love that these compression socks provide just the right amount of cushioning and support in all the right places. And we didn't get any blisters while wearing these socks. That said, it is important to note that while rare, compression therapy can create adverse side effects in people with diabetes, neuropathy, and other health conditions. If you have any concerns, check with your doctor before wearing compression socks.

Potential Flaws

  • Our feet did get rather hot and sweaty during a 2-mile walk in 90-degree weather, but this wasn't a deal-breaker.
  • Despite the super high price per pair, we highly recommend this pair for those looking for quality compression socks. 

Best Waterproof

Sealskinz Mid Length Sock

Sealskinz Cold Weather Mid Length Sock

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Cushioning
    4.5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Snug but not too tight

  • Length provided added protection

  • Extremely durable

Cons
  • May be too thick for hot weather

  • Expensive

Key Specs

Material: Polypropylene, wool, acrylic, nylon, polyester, elastane | Length: Mid-calf | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Very thick | Cushioning: Medium 

Who They're For

Anyone looking for waterproof socks that not only wick away moisture but also repel water will appreciate these cozy yet durable socks.

Why We Love Them

Waterproof socks have dual action—they wick away excess moisture from the inside and repel water from the outside environment. So whether you deal with sweaty feet or walk in damp areas, Sealskinz’s Mid-Length Socks are a great option. 

We love that these socks feature a unique three-layer construction for optimal insulation, durability, and moisture control. We also appreciated that these socks conformed to our feet and provided just the right amount of cushioning during test walks. But, these socks are best for cold weather, providing an extra layer of warmth and coziness to the feet.

Potential Flaws

  • Used in warm weather, these socks may generate some excess heat inside the shoe. But because of their thick three-layered construction and waterproofing design, your feet will remain dry and blister-free.

Most Breathable

Nike Everyday Plus Cushion No Show Socks

Nike Everyday Plus Cushion No Show Socks

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.7/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4.7/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Stay in place and do not wrinkle

  • Heel lines up perfectly

  • Excellent ventilation

  • Limited colorways

Key Specs

Material: Polyester, cotton, spandex | Length: Low | Sold As: 3 pairs | Moisture-Wicking: Yes | Thickness: Medium | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

People who are looking for a breathable, versatile pair of walking socks that prevent odor and stay in place will appreciate these comfy socks.

Why We Love Them

We appreciate the great fit these Nike Everyday Socks provide. They are not overly tight and yet still stay in place. While testing these socks, they kept our feet warm even during the colder months, and the heel lines up perfectly with the toes without any uncomfortable seams—a rare find in some walking socks.

We appreciate the heel support and extra cushioning these socks provide as well as how they kept our feet as dry as possible when running or doing any heavy-duty activities. Plus, the band around the arch provided just the right amount of compression and gave us great stability during our long runs and squat workouts. We also loved that the knit pattern helped with ventilation and odor prevention.

Potential Flaws

  • There is not much to dislike about these socks, but we would like to see more colorways, especially since the white can get dirty more easily.

Best Fit

Alo Half Crew Throwback Sock

Alo Unisex Half Crew Throwback Sock

Alo

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.8/5
  • Offer a soft and close fit

  • Keep feet blister-free

  • Hold their shape well

  • Do not provide a lot of stability

  • Do not have a compressive arch

Key Specs

Material: Nylon, Lycra, cotton | Length: Half crew | Sold As: 1 pair | Moisture-Wicking: No | Thickness: Medium | Cushioning: Medium

Who They're For

Anyone who prioritizes the fit of their socks and wants to avoid loose or baggy socks will find these Alo socks the perfect pick.

Why We Love Them

These Alo Yoga Halfcrew Throwback Socks are a dream—the fit is soft and close, but not so much that they leave marks or hurt our feet. We especially liked that these socks fit like fluffy gloves for our feet that kept them free of blisters. Plus, the toe-through-the-heel fit cupped around the contours of our feet perfectly.

As a bonus, these socks offer great padding on the bottom of the foot and all around. We also appreciated the height of the sock, too—it's a perfect half-crew length that hits above our ankle for warmth without going all the way up the calf. And the socks hold their shape well without becoming loose or baggy.

Potential Flaws

  • If you need a sock for stability while walking, these probably aren't the ones for you. But if you have a neutral foot and a neutral gait and your shoes are supportive, then these are great socks.
  • These socks also lack a compressive arch. They do function well without it, but if this kind of support is a priority for you, you may want to pick a more supportive one on our list.

Compare

Fit Comfort Cushioning Blister Protection Value
Asics Cushion Quarter Running Socks
Best Overall:
Asics Cushion Quarter Running Socks
5 5 5 5 5
Saucony Women's Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks
Best Budget:
Saucony Performance Athletic Socks
4.5 5 5 5 5
Lululemon Power Stride Sock
Best for Sweaty Feet:
lululemon Power Stride Sock
5 5 4.5 5 5
Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock
Best for Long-Distance Walks:
Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock
5 5 5 5 5
Stance Crew Divide ST Socks
Best for Cold Weather:
Stance Crew Socks
5 5 4 5 5
Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks
Most Versatile:
Balega No-Show Running Socks
5 5 5 5 4
Bombas Women's Marl Ankle Socks
Best for Travel:
Bombas Marl Ankle Socks
4.7 5 5 4.5 5
Darn Tough Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock
Best Wool:
Darn Tough Micro Crew Sock
5 4.5 4.5 4.5 5
Thorlos Women's Max Cushion Ankle Socks
Best Cushioned:
Thorlos Max Cushion Ankle Socks
4.5 5
Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Best for Hiking:
Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Socks
5 4.5 5 5 3.5
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks
Best for Hiking Runner-Up:
Smartwool Hike Light Ankle Socks
5 5 5
CEP Women's 3.0 Compression Running Socks
Best Compression:
CEP 3.0 Compression Running Socks
4.5 4 5 5 4
Sealskinz Cold Weather Mid Length Sock
Best Waterproof:
Sealskinz Mid Length Sock
4.5 4 4.5 5 4.5
Nike Everyday Plus Cushion No Show Socks
Most Breathable:
Nike Everyday Plus Cushion No Show Socks
5 4.7 5
Alo Unisex Half Crew Throwback Sock
Best Fit:
Alo Half Crew Throwback Sock
4.8 5 5

Walking Socks We Also Tested

In total, our experts tested 32 pairs of walking socks, but we only included 15 in our final list of recommendations. While these didn’t make our top picks list, our testers did highlight some valuable features. 

  • Under Armour’s Women’s Essential No Show Socks: We loved the contoured fit of these socks, but when compared to other socks from the brand, this pair felt thin—lacking comfort and cushion for support and long-term blister protection. 
  • Allbirds Anytime Crew Sock: We fell in love with the well-designed heel of these socks. They stayed on the heel of our feet and never shifted around or off our foot—which is a fantastic feature for a walking sock. But these socks aren't particularly soft and did start to show some wear after a few washes.
  • Uniqlo Colorful Socks: These walking socks performed well when it came to moisture-wicking capabilities, but they fell short in every other category and they started to fray as soon as we put them on.

Where We Stand

After testing and evaluating 32 pairs of walking socks, Asics' Cushion Quarter socks emerged as the clear winner for their comfortable supportive fit, moisture-wicking capabilities, and budget-friendly price. That said, we continue to test and evaluate each pair of walking socks at home and will update our recommendations if another sock emerges with notable features or we notice anything substantial that hasn't been included.

Feet wearing bright yellow walking socks with text listing benefits of good socks
The right walking socks can provide cushioning, prevent blisters, and absorb sweat.

Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin

What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Socks

  • Fit: More often than not, walking socks have an anatomical fit—meaning they have a left and a right sock. Each one is stitched to perfectly fit the shape of each foot so that it doesn’t slide around and provides support in the right areas. Choose a walking sock thin enough to fit in your shoe comfortably. And, if you’re on the cusp of a size recommendation, Evan Lynch, running coach and manager at Jackrabbit in New York City, suggests sizing up.
  • Support: Finding support for your feet when walking goes beyond the shoes you wear. Socks can also provide moderate support to minimize pain or discomfort when engaging in physical activity. Check for padding on the instep, heel, and sole before buying a pair. Look for socks with varying degrees of compression in the mid-foot and that leave your arch feeling supported, says Lynch. 
  • Material: The material of your walking socks plays a major role in how well they breathe, their moisture-wicking properties, and how they feel in your shoes. Select a pair made with synthetic materials that draw moisture away from your skin and help fight against blisters, Lynch says. Look for blends of polyester, nylon, and spandex, as they’re lightweight and breathable. You also should avoid cotton socks because they can lock in and absorb moisture—making them generally uncomfortable.
  • Price: A pair of high-quality walking socks will likely cost you more than your average pair of cotton socks. The performance fabric, in addition to the longevity, typically correlates with the price tag. 
Feet wearing lululemon Daily Stride socks while standing on wood floor

Verywell Fit / Ashleigh Morley

How We Tested the Walking Socks

The Verywell Fit team tests many products in The Verywell Testing Lab, but some products better lend themselves to at-home testing. This type of testing allows us to evaluate products long-term through consistent, real-world use to get the most accurate insights. Walking socks fall into this category, so 11 of our fitness editors tested each pair of socks. Here is what we considered during our testing.

  • Fit: While evaluating the socks in our test, we considered the fit of each pair. We noted where the seams were, how they felt on our feet, and if they slipped when were walking. We also considered whether they fit true to size.
  • Comfort: Nothing is worse than an uncomfortable sock, so we paid special attention to the comfort level of each pair of socks we tested. We considered how our feet felt when we first put them on and how they felt when we completed our walks. Our expectation was that the socks maintain their comfort level throughout the entire testing process.
  • Cushioning: The amount of cushioning and support a walking sock provides while you are wearing it is a crucial part of its overall performance, especially since walking puts so much stress on the feet. We looked for socks that provided just the right amount of cushion without being too thin or too bulky. Only the socks that provided cushiony support made our list.
  • Blister Protection: When evaluating the walking socks on our list, we considered how well they defended against blisters. This involved evaluating the socks' material, their moisture-wicking capabilities, and how secure they were on our feet.
  • Overall Value: Walking socks are performance socks, so a high-quality pair can get expensive. For this reason, we evaluated the price of the sock in comparison to the quality and performance it provided. We wanted to ensure that every pair of socks on our list provided good overall value.

Our Experts

  • Diana Valencia, DPM, podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot & Ankle Center
  • Evan Lynch, running coach and manager at Jackrabbit in New York City
  • Saylee Tulpule, DPM, podiatrist in Maryland and Washington, DC
  • William D. Spielfogel, DPM, podiatrist in New York City and foot and ankle expert for The Good Feet Store
  • Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT, clinical director of Therapeutics Unlimited in Sparta, New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you wear socks while walking?

You should definitely wear socks while walking, says Saylee Tulpule, DPM, a podiatrist in Maryland and Washington, DC. Socks cushion the bottom of your feet, absorb moisture and sweat, and can act as a barrier between the foot and shoe to prevent blister formation. Socks also can help prevent fungal infections and odor, says William D. Spielfogel, DPM, a podiatrist in New York City and foot and ankle expert for The Good Feet Store.

What's the best material for walking socks?

Socks made from blends of polyester, nylon, and spandex are ideal as they’re both lightweight and breathable. These materials will draw moisture away from your skin and help fight against blisters—the socks will feel more comfortable, too.

Are thick socks better for walking?

Thick walking socks generally have more cushioning than thin socks, so they may feel more comfortable when you’re walking. However, thick socks may cause your feet to overheat and sweat in warmer weather, so very cushioned socks may not be a good choice for summer walking. They also may not work for people with wide feet who won’t have a lot of extra room in their walking shoes.

Should you wear compression socks while walking?

Compression socks promote vein circulation and blood flow in the legs and feet back to the heart, says Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT, clinical director of Therapeutics Unlimited in Sparta, New Jersey. Wearing them while walking and standing can help to prevent blood clots, swelling, and varicose veins. But if you don’t have these issues, you probably don’t need to wear compression socks while walking. Talk to a healthcare provider for advice on when to use compression socks and how long you can safely keep them on.

How much do high-quality walking socks cost?

You can expect to pay between $10 to $60 for quality walking socks. Less expensive options may lack support and durability, both of which are important when choosing a pair of socks for walking. Higher-priced items are great when you're looking for a more specific type (like compression) or a name brand. But the cheapest socks on our list, ASICS Cushion Quarter, also scored the highest during our test and were priced at $10 when we published this list.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente is an experienced fitness writer who is passionate about making great product recommendations. She participated in our real-world walking socks test, testing and evaluating products hands-on. Lululemon’s Power Stride Sock was her favorite pair—the most lightweight and comfortable socks she’s ever worn. As a fitness enthusiast, Michelle knows how quality activewear can truly elevate your workouts—keeping you focused and committed.

2 Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. Rabe E, Partsch H, Morrison N, et al. Risks and contraindications of medical compression treatment – A critical reappraisal. An international consensus statementPhlebology. 2020;35(7):447-460. doi:10.1177/0268355520909066