Socks may seem like a small detail in an outfit, but they play a significant role in comfort and style. It is the most commonly worn item as winter approaches because nobody likes to come into contact with the cold floor. They are essential for many activities, including walking, running, and gym workouts. Wearing the best women’s socks contribute to the body’s comfort throughout the day, no matter what you’re doing.
If you are someone who wears compression socks, you might not wear them again after reading this study. They might be hurting your performance. New research suggests there is a lack of scientific evidence that supports claims that these socks help people run better. Instead, study authors found that the tight fabric reduced the oxygen a runner’s lower leg muscles receive.
Also, if you or someone you know have stinky feet and can’t shake that odorous smell, the study suggests wearing socks coated in zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). These specialized clothing items have shown the ability to prevent bromodosis (foot odor) and pitted keratolysis (a bacterial infection that leads to smelly feet).
And to make your job easier, StudyFinds has chosen the top five best women’s socks for you after reviewing 11 expert sites. From everyday wear to athletic performance, these socks have been chosen for their high quality, comfort, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for cozy socks to wear around the house or durable socks for outdoor activities, you will find a pair on this list that meets your needs. Of course, you may completely disagree with it, but let us know which socks are your favorite in the comments below.
The List: Best Women’s Socks, According to Experts
1. Balega Hidden Comfort Socks
Runners World names this pair number one and says, “The Balega Hidden Comfort is one of the most popular running socks and for good reason. They are seamless, moisture-wicking, and somehow manage to be both plush and breathable at the same time. The fit is on the looser side, but they won’t slide around or fall down thanks to the heel tab, and they are great for newbies and amateurs alike.”
“Using Balega’s proprietary blend of synthetics, Drynamix, the Hidden Comfort socks keep your feet dry inside your running shoes. They help wick away moisture and speed up the evaporation process,” says Running Reviews. “There are meshed areas that allow greater airflow through the socks. With reinforced toes and heels, you will get the support and protection where you most need it.”
“Athletes are obsessed with these socks; some reviewers even say that these are their all-time favorite pair to run in. Made by the brand Balega, they’re well-loved for their second-skin feel, structured fit, and ventilated weave. With a cushioned sole, your foot strike will thank you,” mentions Elle.
2. Barefoot Dreams: Cozychic Heathered Socks
Good Housekeeping mentions that these are the best fuzzy socks for women and explains, “Slouchy, fuzzy socks are a classic part of lounging at home during colder months, and this pair from Barefoot Dreams captures that comfy feeling. They stay in place despite the slouchy style and barely shrank in our tests. Consumer testers loved the stylish look of these socks, giving them high scores for appearance, with multiple testers raving about their perfect fuzzy texture. Our analysts found the fabric to be undeniably soft in our evaluations, but the top seam may cause discomfort for some users, particularly those with a higher forefoot.”
“We know it might seem impossible to improve slipping into a pair of cozy socks after a long day, but we would like to introduce you to cult-favorite brand Barefoot Dreams,” notes Instyle. “They don’t bunch or fall down while walking. Each colorway is speckled with white to create a delicate heathered look. Pick between six different shades, and if we do say so ourselves, they make great holiday gifts, too.”
This fuzzy pair meets The Candidly‘s comfort criteria: “House socks must be cozy, but not too thick, so as to work for any weather or season. They must have a slightly loose elastic top, so as not to gouge into your upper ankle. They mustn’t have those hideous bottom treads or grips, as this interrupts the ability to take them effortlessly from house, to couch, to bed. And these are those socks. As evidenced by their deeply compelling name, they are indeed cozy and they are indeed chic.”
3. Bombas Lightweight No Show Socks
If you’re looking for a good no-show option, Good Housekeeping says this is the one for you: “Silicone grippers in the back and a thick elastic band around the ankle work together to help increase your confidence that these socks are likely to stay on your feet. Testers unanimously praised the comfortable feel of the cotton fabric, with one calling it ‘so thin and breathable, yet substantial enough to stay put.’ This pair fared well in our evaluations, outscoring other no-show socks in various Lab tests with their respectable abrasion resistance, but they shrank more than some socks we tested. If you’re between two sizes, consider sizing up for a more comfortable fit in the long term.”
Wear Testers says these are perfect for those who run hot: “They show more wear than my Bombas Cushioned No Show socks of the same age but clearly have plenty of wear and washes left. If you gravitate towards thinner no show socks, this is the Bombas offering you want.”
“Bombas seem to be everybody’s favorite socks. If you haven’t tried them yet, what are you waiting for? The brand, which donates a pair for every pair purchased, offers no-shows in several varieties. These lightweight ones are great for summer, but it also sells cushioned, performance, and merino wool styles, as well as a low-cut design that pairs especially well with flats,” writes Elle.
4. Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks
Good Housekeeping says while these are a little thicker than others, they “have stay-put grippers in the back and thick elastic around the ankle, meaning they won’t slip down in your shoes. Testers loved the cushioned sole and soft cotton blend, with one raving ‘these are the most comfortable socks I’ve ever worn.’ Testers also appreciated how this pair stayed put and hidden in a variety of shoes, from running sneakers to heeled booties.”
“I’ve had one of my pairs for almost two years and it’s a long way from wearing out. And at $13 a pair (less if you buy a pack), they’re exceeding my durability expectations,” writes Wear Testers.
“Over the years, I’ve tried just about every option you can find at Target, Nordstrom or Amazon, and have always just accepted that wearing no-show socks means settling for the fact that they’ll inevitably ride down and bunch up. Enter these miracle foot accessories from Bombas, which completely changed everything. They’re cut in some sort of magical way that holds them firmly in place, have extra cushioning at the toe and heel (so they’re insanely comfortable) and last much longer than the other hole-prone no-show socks I’d been wearing of years,” states Fashionista.
5. Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks
The Wirecutter loves these, especially for hiking. “Its micro-crew height is taller than an ankle sock but a few inches shorter than the average crew sock, rising just above the top of a standard pair of hiking boots. The Darn Tough Light Hiker is constructed with highly breathable merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex, which means your feet won’t feel sweaty during summer hikes. And while these socks are among the most durable we tested, Darn Tough’s unparalleled lifetime warranty will save you in a pinch: You can send back any item, at any time—even if it’s just a worn-out sock—and the company will replace it for free.”
“We love the little mountain peaks at the cuff of this sock, along with its lightweight versatility. The Darn Tough Women’s Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Cushion Sock is a great sock for low cut day hikers, providing a lower calf height than a traditional crew height sock,” writes Ski Essentials. “With a performance fit to minimize shifting, bunching, and slipping and the trademarked True Seamless™ toe construction, all done in Darn Tough’s long wearing fine gauge knitting, you’ll be able to love these socks hike after hike, day after day, and through every season.”
“The name of the brand says it all — these socks are darn tough. The crew hiking socks combine comfort with durability and can stand up to all sorts of elements. We love that they’re made in the USA and have plenty of cushioning to keep your feet happy. Customers seem pretty pleased with their durable style,” adds Today.
You might also be interested in:
Sources:
- Today
- Good Housekeeping
- Instyle
- Ski Essentials
- Wirecutter
- Wear Testers
- Runners World
- Running Reviews
- The Candidly
- Elle
- Fashionista
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
