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The 7 Best Socks For Sneakers
Take it from thousands of Amazon shoppers.
Whether you wear athletic shoes, slip-ons, high-tops, or hybrid loafers, the best socks for sneakers help to keep your feet comfortable and dry. Most sneaker-friendly socks will cut off at the ankle or below in order to remain predominantly hidden under your shoe, but if you like the look of a more prominent sock, there are plenty of options for that, too. No matter what type of sock you choose, the best fit for your needs will also be the correct thickness, design, and material, all of which go hand in hand.
How To Choose The Best Socks For Sneakers
Yes, you’ll be wearing your socks with sneakers, but what kind specifically? Answering this question first will help you to narrow down your options. For example, the best socks for running are thicker to cushion the impact and more moisture-wicking to handle sweat, while the best socks for casual slip-ons tend to be thinner and lower-cut.
You should also consider the material as you shop. All of the most common fabrics come with their own benefits, but as a general overview: Cotton is skin-friendly and breathable; bamboo is quick-drying and resists odors and bacteria; polyester is affordable and durable; wool is especially warm; and elastane (or spandex) helps your sock to fit securely and move with you.
According to both real reviewers and the aforementioned criteria, these are the best socks to wear alongside all kinds of sneakers.
Shop The Best Sneaker Socks
In a hurry? Here are the top picks for socks to wear with all kinds of sneakers.
- The Best Budget Socks For Sneakers: Hanes Low-Cut Socks
- The Best Socks For Running: CelerSport Ankle Athletic Running Socks
- These Comfortable Socks For All-Day Wear: Saucony Performance Ankle Socks
- The Best No-Show Socks: Wernies No-Show Sock Liners
- The Best Cooling & Sweat-Wicking Socks: Bam&bü No-Show Bamboo Socks
- The Warmest Socks For Sneakers: Merrell Performance Hiker Socks
- The Cult-Favorite Sneaker Socks: Bombas Originals Ankle Socks
1. The Best Budget Socks For Sneakers
- Also available on Hanes, $12
If you’re the type of person who’s looking for a good deal, Hanes low-cut socks are the way to go. This pack of 10 pairs is largely made from cotton for comfort, breathability, and durability, but it also contains Spandex for a form-fitting stretch. The socks’ ankle-height design works with sneakers of all kinds, while their thicker bottoms help to cushion your feet as you walk — all for roughly $1 a pair. They’re available in white and black.
One reviewer wrote: “Best socks ever! I’m literally in the process of getting rid of all my socks to switch over to these. They are an amazing price and so comfortable and durable.”
Material: 69% cotton, 28% polyester, 1% natural latex rubber, 1% spandex, 1% other fiber | Available sizes: 5-9 — 8-12
2. The Best Socks For Running
With more than 35,000 reviews and a near-perfect 4.7-star overall rating, it’s hard to ignore these CelerSport ankle socks — especially if you’re using them for running, sports, or working out. Their combed-cotton construction means they’re great for wicking sweat and optimizing airflow, while their extra-thick padding absorbs shock and their reinforced toe resists wear. Each sock also contains a compression band around the arch to support your feet while you move and a padded tab on the heel to prevent chafing. Snag them in five color options, including the black and gray combo pack shown above.
One reviewer wrote: “I love, love, love these socks. I wear them every day with my sneakers. They are soft, easy to put on, haven't shrunk, don't slide down into my shoes. They are perfect. This is my second order because I finally discarded all those useless 100% cotton socks.”
Material: 88.3% cotton, 10.7% polyester, 1% spandex | Available sizes: Small — X-Large
3. The Most Comfortable Socks For All-Day Wear
For those who are on their feet all day long, there are these Saucony performance socks. They’re a best-seller in their category because they incorporate several features to reduce foot fatigue, namely: mesh fabric for breathability, cushioning for comfort, arch support for compression, special seams to prevent chafing, and a padded tab to protect your heel. They’re also available in tons of cool colors, and everyone from nurses to owners of cleaning companies have attested that when you’re on your feet all day, these socks stay dry, comfortable, and supportive.
One reviewer wrote: “I’ll never buy any other sock brand again. I had always had issues with my socks slipping down into the arch of my foot until now!! They don’t slip, they hug your arch slightly and are the perfect weight! I am a teacher on my feet all day long and these are the best socks ever!”
Material: 98% polyester, 2% spandex | Available sizes: 5-7 — 10-13
4. The Best No-Show Socks
- Also available on Walmart, $27
Oftentimes, standard socks are too thick and too high-cut for lightweight slip-on sneakers and other styles. That’s where these no-show liner socks come in handy. Even though they’re mostly made from durable cotton, they’re still thin and low-cut enough to remain virtually invisible while you’re wearing them. They’re also made with silicone grips on the heels to prevent them from slipping down like so many other liners do. No wonder they're a best-seller with more than 60,000 reviews.
One reviewer wrote: “I had heard about these Wernies socks and decided to try them. And they are the perfect low but not too low. They don't cramp my toes and they aren't super thin. I will wear them with Keds and a slip on Sketchers Bob sneaker. I also have a lifestyle Rockport sneaker on the way and these socks will fit those too. Very happy with these socks.”
Material: 80% cotton, 17% polyester, 3% spandex | Available sizes: 5-8 — 8-11
5. The Best Cooling & Sweat-Wicking Socks
Because they’re made from fabric that’s derived from real bamboo, these Bam&bü no-show socks are cooling, wick away sweat, and help keep unwanted odors at bay. The seamless toe also prevents chafing, while the added spandex and low-cut design ensure near-invisible comfort in any sneakers. Last but not least, they come in your choice of four solid colors.
One reviewer wrote: “I love these socks! They are such a well made product, super soft, and my feet do not sweat with these like some others I have purchased before. I highly recommend these socks.”
Material: 98% bamboo, 2% spandex | Available sizes: 5-7.5 — 9.5-12
6. The Warmest Socks For Sneakers
These Merrell ankle socks are bulkier than the average sneaker sock, but if you’ve got a shoe that accommodates a higher cut (like a high-top sneaker or sneaker/hiking-boot hybrid), they’re as warm and cozy as they come. They have a reinforced heel and toe for durability, arch band support to reduce fatigue, and a 25% wool composition for extra warmth and breathability. They also come in two other styles: low-cut and crew socks.
One reviewer wrote: “I bought these for our trip out west to hike the national parks in Utah and Arizona. They fit great and washed up well. Super comfortable. Great value when one pair usually goes for $20. Recommend!”
Material: 59% acrylic, 25% wool, 15% nylon, 1% Lycra spandex | Available sizes: 4-10
7. The Cult-Favorite Sneaker Socks
- Also available on Bombas, $13
There are about 150,000 Google searches for the phrase “bombas socks” each month and that’s because there’s something special about this cult favorite. Yeah, they’re a splurge, but they’re also truly designed for comfort, plus the brand donates a pair with every purchase. One reviewer described them as “so comfortable,” adding that the thickness of the socks are “just right with sneakers.” In addition to the comfy honeycomb arch support system, they feature targeted zone cushioning, a Y-stitched heel, a seamless toe, and a blister tab around the cuff. Finally, since they’re made with both polyester and cotton, they’re durable as well as breathable. Choose from 10 colors, as well as packs of two.
One reviewer wrote: “They are the best socks I have ever worn, as the slightly tighter band around the arch is very supportive. You can just feel how well made they are. I also love the fact that it's a "buy one give one" scenario. I feel strongly we should help others (even if it is to just buy expensive socks). I'll never buy regular socks again.”
Material: 69% cotton, 27% polyester, 3% rubber, 1% spandex | Available sizes: One size
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