Top 14 Running Socks
Triathlon is hard and sweaty, wet, and chafe-y. The very worst you could do is make your current issues worse by employing low-cost apparatus that further aggravates the situation. What are we talking about? Well, socks, of course.
You can get a three-pack of the poorest quality socks for £4, whereas the finest ones for triathletes come at a much steeper price – ranging from £5 to £18 per single sock.
However, you are aware that the excellent pair of socks will be worn ten times more than the low-priced pack, and you realize that you will be expecting the long run on Sunday anxiously if all of your “premium socks” are used up ahead of time. (We’ve all been there.)
Take the time to learn what kind of socks are best for a triathlon, then study our expert advice on how to tackle any type of foot issue related to the sport.
Refer to our convenient listing of contents to jump down to the item that will protect your foot (figuratively).
The best running socks for triathlon are ones that prevent blisters
This is a huge understatement, which is causing a wide range of issues, from minor such as skin irritation to more serious issues such as calluses and toenail loss, and even to the most severe like foot and lower leg injuries.
Most people concur that looking after your feet is essential in running activities – even the armed forces recognize this, just think of Lt. Dan in the movie Forrest Gump.
In conclusion, the primary goal of selecting the best pair of running socks for a triathlon should be to avoid developing any blisters, or soreness that can cause a domino effect leading to other issues.
What to look for in blister-preventing socks
Given the importance of foot care (Lt. Dan would be proud!), what measures can we take to avoid menacing foot problems that might end the season prematurely?
First, moisture control is paramount. It is possible to avoid most, though not all, foot-related issues by ensuring that your feet stay dry. In some cases, this means socks that can draw away moisture that is caused by external things such as rain, or internal things like sweat.
Find a sock that provides enough warmth for your feet so that they don’t get sweaty. Don’t choose a sock that is so hot it causes your feet to perspire. If you are jogging at a consistent speed and it is hotter than 40 degrees Fahrenheit and your circulation is normal, you should not be wearing overly warm socks.
It is preferable to experience a slight chill for ten minutes than to endure having clammy feet for 90 minutes, possibly resulting in painful blisters.
Good running socks reduce the likelihood of blisters by using only minimal irritants. Using Merino wool, which also absorbs moisture well, could be a great way to make your socks. Additionally, it might be beneficial to construct the shape of the sock with as few seams as possible, or not use any seams at all.
Search for socks with minimal stitching in the same manner as you would seek low-stitched running shoes if you intended to go without socks. Now that you have some professional advice, check out the article below for the top-rated running socks for a triathlon!
1. Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show NuWool Socks
To eliminate blisters, you’ve got to eliminate friction. These special socks wrap each toe, eliminating any friction between the toes to stop blisters from forming.
It could benefit certain athletes who often suffer from annoying blisters during the run even though it might add some extra seconds to their transition time.
2. Brooks Run-In Socks
“Using materials that can draw moisture away from the skin may not be sufficient in avoiding blisters resulting from sweaty feet, because if the moisture has nowhere to go, it will not evaporate within the shoe.” Look for a material that both pulls away perspiration and traps it, making managing sweat effortlessly.
3. Lorpen T3 Running Precision Fit
If it is raining or you like to cool off by spraying water on yourself on warm days, you should wear a sock that handles moisture in two ways: hydrophilic to draw moisture away from the foot and hydrophobic to repel the water and keep the foot dry.
Lorpen’s T-Series line is made up of three very thin layers which trap moisture from inside and prevent water from entering from the outside.
4. Balega Silver No-Show Socks
Silver isn’t just for finisher-medal bling anymore. It turns out that the ingredient is excellent for use in fabrics as well. Filled with antimicrobial properties, silver threads stop the bacteria and fungi that are responsible for the odour of smelly feet…which is not pleasant.
5. Icebreaker Run+ Ultralight Microstock
If you’re regularly getting new socks to replace your worn-out collection, think about buying a pair built for long-term use.
Clothing featuring tough combinations of merino wool, nylon, and lycra can maintain both its shape and sturdiness, even if you put it through a lot of activity or when it is machine washed and dried.
6. Lululemon Women’s Run Fit Power Stride No-Show Socks With Active Grip
Those desiring maximum security while wearing shoes should choose socks containing yarns specially created to hold the shoe’s insole in place.
This makes it possible to have comfortable footwear with a larger toe area without the need to tie them too tight, which may restrict circulation and cause irritation in the arch or top of the foot.
7. Darn Tough Men’s Run Ultralightweight Cushion Socks
When no-show socks go down behind the backing of a running shoe, it can be irritating to the least and might cause extreme discomfort due to chafing.
Choose a sock that is a quarter of the leg’s length, reaching up to the top of your shoe to remain secure. This material made from Coolmax is extremely lightweight and allows air to circulate, making it feel supportive while not too oppressive.
8. Smartwool PhD Run Cold Weather Mid Crew Socks
Today’s Merino wool mixes provide all the warmth of heavier wool socks but in a more lightweight, breathable form.
Fleece-lined socks that are designed for running can also be used to keep your feet warm while riding your bike when the weather gets cold. They will provide insulation while still allowing a full range of motion for your toes.
9. Balega Blister Resist
This shoe has the same fit as the Silver but also features extra cushioning at the back, front, and tip of the foot. It amounts to a more premium running sock that is tailored for runners who are constantly bothered by blisters.
Despite its superior volume and medium/high padding between the foot and shoe for blister protection, the sock remains light and wicks away moisture effectively.
The Balega Blister Resist is also distinct because it is made out of mohair, which originates from Angora goats.
The Blister Resist experienced no temperature extremes while in motion during temperate weather. We gave this running sock in the ankle cut height a run for its money on groomed dirt roads; yet, we can be sure in asserting that both the quarter-length and the full-length running sock types are suitable for even the toughest trails.
These lengths provide better protection for your lower legs due to their snug, supportive fit that won’t shift or gather at any point along the sock. The Blister Resist has been very popular with Outdoor Gear Lab, and Greatist, and even earned an REI Top-Rated recognition for being an excellent running sock.
One con with the Balega Blister Resist is that due to its high cushioning, it has a higher volume than normal socks.
This sock should not be chosen when enduring warm conditions such as those of desert racing or a lengthy run on a warm summer road, since the padding is quite thick.
We were amazed that it didn’t feel bulky, despite the high level of cushioning. Bear in mind the temperatures when selecting these running socks.
Lastly, for those who struggle with blisters—we feel you. This article on avoiding blisters, while centred around hiking, has aided a lot of folks to become more comfortable with their feet. Be aware that there are solutions out there, you don’t have to endure any suffering to keep enjoying running.
This sock provides a balance of medium to high cushioning, with padding on the heel, toe and forefoot to stop any irritation or chafing that could lead to blisters. If you experience difficulty with sore spots or need added thickness for longer sprints or on rocky or uneven paths, the Blister Resist would be a suitable alternative.
10. Thorlo Experia XCCU
Other economic running socks are available, but Thorlos Experias XCCU provides the ideal combination of fit, features, and comfort for a very reasonable cost, which is about half the rate of other top-end socks.
Many users have found success with the Thorlo Experia XCCU as evidenced by the high ratings–almost 2000 reviews on Thorlos have given it an average of five stars. Outdoor Gear Lab and Greatist are both fond of them.
The only issue we had was that the stitched seam was stopping right at the tip of the toes. The positioning of this seam could cause fitting difficulties if it migrates below the toe.
Despite not having the technical aspects as the Balega’s that are styled similarly, we believe the Experia is an outstanding running sock especially due to its budget-friendly cost. They’re also available in three-packs for even more savings.
11. Swiftwick Aspire Zero
The Swiftwick Aspire Zero is the ideal running sock for hot weather because of its slim profile, light to medium squeezing, sculpted fit and length of the cuff. Other reviews only support this assessment.
A downside for the runner who has a tendency to get blisters in spots on their heel or the part of their foot closest to their toes might be the lack of padding. But we didn’t experience any blisters in these socks.
The benefit of socks with no padding and slim design is that they improve ventilation, which may be suited to people who have feet that tend to sweat a lot.
Many reviews were conducted over an extended period and report that the Swiftwick Aspire is resilient even though it has a slim silhouette. No issues with capability were spotted during our tests of these socks. The Aspire Zero is top-rated by Outdoor Gear Lab and Runner’s World.
The ability of the sock to last a long time maybe because it is made up of 55% nylon and olefin, which is a synthetic material resistant to wear and tear. Swiftwick can utilize a large amount of nylon yet their socks do not have an overly smooth texture.
This sock design is straightforward yet not plain, having 5% more Spandex incorporated into it. Although the tops of these socks do not have a band, they go up a bit higher on the ankle than others of the same concealed length, allowing you to wear shoes with a higher top without having to worry about getting a blister.
If you are jogging in mild to sweltering conditions or have feet that get hot easily, you should consider wearing a more lightweight sock. The Swiftwick Aspire Zero offers a combination of thinness and sturdiness, making them perfect for running due to their snug fit. They provide the best of both worlds – thinness and durability – in a single sock.
12. Swiftwick Aspire Four
We trialled the Swiftwick Aspire Four on the neighbourhood paths and were thrilled with the way the socks hugged our feet, their moisture-wicking performance, and how quickly they dried.
They’re more minimal in padding underfoot than the Zeroes. But the higher cuff is on the dense side. The cuff has a two-layered fabric design, which was too warm to wear on very hot runs.
Surprisingly, Swiftwick’s most sought-after socks are ones that are designed specifically for cycling, not running.
This explains why double-layered cuff fabric is necessary to ensure that the sock does not slide down while riding. Whether someone wears bicycle socks or not, the Aspire Fours could be an ideal pick for those who prefer no padding and tight-fitting socks.
13. Wrightsock Coolmesh II Quarter
We appreciated that the Wrightsock Coolmesh II quarter socks provided an incredibly pleasant fit right away. Reviews commonly focus on how effective these socks are at preventing blisters, and we can certainly attest that we didn’t get any blisters while wearing them.
Outdoor Gear Lab and Gear Junkie are both big fans of the Wrightsock Coolmesh II.
We observed that these running socks had a shape that was not as tight as other running socks, having a larger, freer style. We tried running at a fairly loud to very loud pace with our feet in the middle, and there was some sliding and our socks became bunched up. This particular item may be more suitable for someone with a slender to average-sized mid-foot.
Despite being thin, these socks ran surprisingly hot. The Coolmesh II may be more suitable for a jogger who runs on flat surfaces or a hiker, who experiences less banging and jerking.
14. Smartwool PhD. Ultra-Light Cushion
It is very similar to putting together the Swiftwick Aspire Zeroes. The Smartwool Ph.D. These three references all enjoy Ultra-Light Cushion socks.
Our issue with these socks is the sizing. Despite being labelled as a size 13, which is considered to be in the middle of the XL sizing chart with sock sizes ranging from 12-14.5, these socks are surprisingly tight fitting.
The ill-fitting shoe created excessively warm areas of the foot after just thirty minutes of running. We were taken aback that the sizing was incorrect despite the terrific feedback we got from the press and customers. We did a retest with a bigger size, which fitted better, and thereafter formulated our assessment based on that replacement pair.
We discovered that the cushioning in the Smartwool PhD Ultralight falls between the Balega Blister Resist and the Aspire Zero, firmly in the lightweight group with the cushioning at the heel and the front piece of the foot, the front cushioning slightly encircles the front part of the foot to avert blisters and wear.
The other parts of the midfoot were very light in weight and allowed for good ventilation. These Smartwool PhD Ultralight Cushion socks lack a tab, and therefore, they are most suitable if combined with running shoes having a lower profile at the back or a more rudimentary style for outdoor activities.
We also saw that the tab and the ankle of the sock were beginning to come apart.
Although the Smartwool PhD socks had some appealing qualities, when measured against the Darn Tough Run Ultra Light, they didn’t quite match up as a superior Merino wool sock.
Reviewers have indicated that the sock does not fit snugly during running. We didn’t have enough to be dissatisfied with, however, we did still feel compelled to bring it up.
If you already use Smartwool for hiking or casual apparel, there’s no reason to look elsewhere for running socks. The running sock includes a two-year warranty, which is not a bad deal.
