6 Most Comfortable Athletic Socks Reviews (Ankle Length, Crew, and No-Show)
Often a much-ignored sports gear, a pair of socks can make or break your game. They cushion your ankle and feet, provide excellent support, keep your feet cool, and also keep those nasty odors in check. They even protect your skin when you are trying to break into a new pair of sports shoes.
Finding the best men’s athletic socks becomes more crucial for those involved in high-intensity sports like running, cycling, etc. However, today, the market is flooded with different types and sports-specific athletic socks. The best mens sports socks are also available in various fabrics, styles, lengths, comfort, etc. They also vary in price, starting at just $9 to going all the way up to $50.
With so many options to consider, shopping for a pair of socks can become a nightmare. So how do you land up with the right pair?
If you are struggling to select the most comfortable athletic socks, we are here to help you out.
The review team at PassionateRunners got hold of some of the highest-rated best men’s athletic socks. First, they reviewed the best mens sports socks by trying out each pair themselves and noted what other users had to say. Then, they challenged these socks on different parameters. Based on how well they faired out, our team has shortlisted the six best mens sports socks that stood the test of extreme conditions.
Apart from reviewing the best athletic socks for men, in this article, we will also cover why you should be looking out for athletic socks and the factors you must consider before making the purchase.
So let’s dig into the detailed reviews of the best men’s athletic socks to find you a pair that keeps your mind and feet cool.
Also, check out the best cooling towels to wick away the sweat while you enjoy a good workout session.
At a Glance
- Our Best Overall Pick – Saucony Men’s Multi-Pack No-Show Socks
- Best Budget and High Quality Athletic Socks – ASICS Unisex Cushion Low Cut
- Best Men’s No Show Athletic Socks – Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks
Table of Content
- Best Men’s Athletic Socks Compared
- 6 Mens Athletic Socks Reviews
- Are Athletic Socks Worth It?
- Buying Guide
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Best Men’s Athletic Socks Comparison Table
6 Mens Athletic Socks Reviews With Pros & Cons
1. Saucony Men’s Multi-Pack No-Show Socks
 |
Check price on Amazon |
Coming from one of the oldest sports brands, Saucony, our first pair can be called the best men’s no show athletic socks, perfect to be worn with low ankle shoes. These socks are cut out to endure the most rigorous sports activities and offer ideal support to your feet without compromising on comfort.
Features:
Design: What makes Saucony’s socks the best mens sports socks is the Airmesh Venting construction that allows optimum airflow to your feet to keep them cool and dry.
Support: If you are a runner who loves trail running, these socks also offer targeted arch compression to keep your ankle from overstretching on uneven grounds. This engineered compression also prevents the bunching of socks and keeps them from slipping.
Comfort: These high quality athletic socks come with a cushioned sole that helps mitigate the impact of a jump or brisk run. They do so while also keeping the socks thin and comfortable to wear with your sports shoes.
Fabric: Made of 98% polyester and 2% spandex, the Run Dry Management of these best men’s no show athletic socks offers ultra-moisture-wicking capability. So even if you have the sweatiest feet, these pair of socks provides comfort that lasts long.
Color: A little bit of style doesn’t hurt, right? These socks are available in a wide range of colors. You can go for the conventional whites or blacks or opt for the assorted packs with colorful stripes.
Maintenance: These socks are easy to maintain and can be machine washed.
Pros
|
Cons
|
2. Dickies Men’s Multi-pack Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks
 |
Check price on Amazon |
Second up is Dickies best athletic crew socks. Again, this brand has been delivering solution-based products that meet the requirements of both men and women.
These are the best mens sports socks that are built to last and have rightfully earned their Dickies badge. If you want an affordable pair of socks that offers design innovation without compromising quality, these best men’s athletic socks should certainly be on your list.
Features:
Fabric: These best men’s athletic crew socks are 78% cotton, 19% polyester, 2% spandex, and 1% nylon. The Dickies men’s crew socks feature Dri-tech moisture control that helps to keep your feet dry, cool and odor-free throughout the day.
Design and support: These best men’s athletic crew socks come with an arch compression that fits snugly around your feet to protect them from jerks and also to keep your feet stable.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or arch pain in general, these best men’s athletic socks can offer maximum support and comfort. In addition, the ventilation channels are engineered in a way to bolster air circulation around your feet.
Cushioning: The reinforced cushioning at the heel and toes also keeps your feet protected and prevents shoe bites, making these the most comfortable athletic socks.
Length: These best while athletic socks are available in crew length as well as in no-show, quarter, and boot length. Hence, they can be used as athletic socks or work wear.
Color: You can buy these best athletic crew socks in different colors or go for an assortment if you like variety.
Pros
|
Cons
|
3. ASICS Unisex Cushion Low Cut
 |
Check price on Amazon |
ASICS has been in business for more than 50 years and produces sportswear by collaborating with active athletes to understand their needs better. Their designs and technology are based on scientific research and innovative approach. This approach is also reflected in their best low cut men’s athletic socks. Highly rated for their cloud-like feel and extra breathability, these best men’s athletic socks are a steal deal. Let’s take a look at their features.
Features:
Fabric: Constructed from 92% polyester, 5% nylon, and 3% spandex, these socks offer excellent moisture management. This synthetic blend also makes these socks one of the most durable athletic socks on our list.
Design: These best mens sports socks are suitable for summer as they have a thin construction that will keep your feet cool even after an intense workout. The elastic material offers an overall good fit and prevents slips. The mesh on top also bolsters the breathability of these socks to give you happy feet.
Cushioning: These best low cut men’s athletic socks come with a cushioned sole to offer extra comfort while you run and also keep your sole protected.
Color: These are the best black athletic socks that are available in white, black, and grey.
Pros
|
Cons
|
4. Gold Toe Men’s 656s Cotton Crew Athletic Socks – Best White Athletic Socks
 |
Check price on Amazon |
One of the common issues that all of us face with socks is that our toes peep out of the socks after few uses. The Gold Toe men’s crew socks took care of this common complaint. These best athletic crew socks come with reinforced toecaps to prevent wear-outs. These are also the best athletic socks for big feet. Here are the top features.
Features:
Fabric: If you are in search of the best cotton athletic socks, look no further. Made of 79% premium cotton, 11% polyester, 9% nylon, and 1% spandex, these socks keep your feet from overheating after a long run or a high-action game. This blend also makes these pairs one of the most durable athletic socks in cotton fabric.
In addition, the Aqua FX moisture control absorbs all the sweat from your feet to cool them down faster.
Comfort: The Gold Toe socks are also the most comfortable athletics socks as they are fully cushioned and work well to absorb the shock. They come with a smooth toe seam that does not cause friction or lead to hot spots.
Length: These best men’s athletic crew socks are pretty versatile. You can pair them with your shorts for a good run or the gym. You can also wear them to the office.
Odor-control: If you sweat profusely, you might want to give these pairs a pass as the dominant cotton fabric can lock in the moisture and make your feet smelly.
Color: These cotton socks are also available in an array of colors. You can select from classic blacks, khakis, blues, or assortment. If you want to invest in the best white athletic socks, these are a good buy.
Pros
|
Cons
|
5. Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks
 |
Check price on Amazon |
If you want the best mens sports socks that are good-looking and ensure optimum performance for long runs, you must check out the Balega no-show socks.
Features:
Fabric: Composed of 85% Dynamix fabric, it works pretty well to wick away all the sweat from your feet and keep you easy breezy all day. The fabric blend is thin enough to prevent overheating, yet its moderate thickness offers good comfort.
Design: The most striking feature of these best men’s no show athletic socks is its hand-linked seamless toe box. Not only does it give the socks a smoother finish, but it also minimizes friction and prevents blisters.
Additionally, these best men’s athletic socks come with a reinforced high heel tab and deep heel pockets to keep the socks in place inside your shoes.
Comfort: The reinforced microfiber mesh on top also offers better ventilation to keep the feet dry in a warm climate. The nylon, neofil, and elastane blend keep the socks stretchable and offer a better grip.
Cushioning: These socks are also one of the most comfortable athletic socks as they come with high impact-resistant cushioning and 200 needle-count fabric for complete foot protection.
Affordability: Though these are the best men’s no show athletic socks, they are quite expensive. So, if the price is a factor for consideration, you may want to check out other options on our list.
Color: One prime reason for having Balega on our list of best mens sports socksis the vibrant color options. You have neon orange, teal, electric pink, purple, and many others to choose from.
Pros
|
Cons
If you reside in a hot and humid climate and the heat prevents you from enjoying an outdoor run, do check out our reviews on the best treadmill under 1000. |
6. NIKE Dry Cushion Crew Training Socks
 |
Check price on Amazon |
These best athletic crew socks are from one of the most popular brands in the athletic arena – NIKE. These best white athletic socks have been made ultra-comfortable to keep your feet dry and cool during a rigorous training session.
Features:
Design: These socks come with good arch support by offering a secure and snug fit. So even if you are involved in action-packed games or high-intensity training, these socks will keep your feet impact-resistant and prevent your arch from stretching and aching. These are also one of the best athletic socks for big feet.
Fabric: These best cotton athletic socks are 49% polyester, 43% cotton, 6% nylon, and 2% spandex. Their sweat-wicking technology helps keep the feet dry by absorbing moisture from your feet and eliminating any odor. Despite having cotton in their composition, they do keep your feet cool in hotter climates.
Color: These classic NIKE socks are available in two colors – black and white. If you are specifically looking for the best black athletic socks, you must consider these.
Durability: The NIKE dry cushion crew training socks feature reinforced heels and toes that prevent the socks from wearing out and add to longevity. So if you plan to invest in the best black athletic socks, expect them to be with you for a long period.
Cushioning: What makes them the most comfortable athletic socks is the terry foot padding that not only works as an excellent shock absorber but also keeps the feet warm in a colder climate.
Pros
|
Cons
|
Are Athletic Socks Worth It?
You may wonder if you even need to invest in athletic socks or if your current pair is good to go? Well, athletic socks are indeed one of the essential pieces of sports gear that you must own. Here are a couple of benefits that you can enjoy with the best athletic socks for men.
Support and cushioning
If you are into sports or like to go for a run too often, you probably know how much a twisted ankle can hurt. Athletic socks come with mild compression to offer proper ankle support without feeling too tight. Some of the best men’s athletic socks also come with arch support to prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis. Moreover, athletic socks have slight padding through the sole or come with an extra heel tab to absorb the impact while you work out.
Comfortable fit
Athletic socks are engineered to give you a comfortable fit inside your sports shoes. They prevent your feet from sliding around and mitigate the chances of blisters. Some of the best athletic socks for big feet also are constructed with deep heel pockets for a better fit.
Sweat control and breathability
One of the most important reasons men wear athletic socks is to help keep their feet dry. The most comfortable athletic socks are made from a moisture-wicking synthetic blend that quickly absorbs sweat from your feet and releases it in the air. Certain athletic socks also feature an engineered mesh to allow better breathability.
Controls odor/anti-microbial
From sweat comes the foul odor that everyone despises. So if you have sweaty feet, you should definitely invest in high quality athletic socks. Not only do they keep the foul odors at bay, but some socks are also made from anti-microbial fabric that prevents the growth of bacteria around your feet.
Regulate temperature
Your feet tend to heat up after a workout which can make you uncomfortable. The athletic socks are made of breathable fabric that prevents your feet from heating up and sweating excessively.
How Do I Choose Athletic Socks?
Not sure what to look for in athletic socks. Here are some of the features you must factor in when you want to buy the best athletic socks for men.
Fabric
The first and the most crucial factor is the fabric of the socks. If you have really sweaty feet, you must strictly avoid cotton socks. Not only do they retain moisture and odor, but they can also lose their shape over time.
Instead, look for synthetic blends like nylon, spandex, polyester, and Lycra that are good at wicking moisture and keep your feet dry. They are also more durable, and some even come with sole padding to keep your feet warm in colder temperatures. You can opt for wool-based socks if you live in an extremely cold region.
Temperature Control
Your feet tend to heat up when you are involved in a high-intensity game or workout. Therefore, you must also check if your chosen pair of socks are good at temperature control. Look for the socks that come with a mesh design as it ensures breathability. However, if the temperatures in your area go pretty low, you must go for the ones with extra padding to keep your feet warm.
Length
The best mens sports socks are available in different lengths. Therefore, it comes down to your personal choice. You can go for ankle-length socks if you live in a warm area. You can also opt for no-show socks that stay hidden under your shoes. Then there are the best athletic crew socks that cover half of your calf. These are idle for warmer climates and offer a more comfortable grip.
Support and grip
Check if your preferred brand offers ankle and arch support. The best athletic socks for men often come with slight compression that prevents your arch from inflammation and pain. The compression keeps over-pronation in check and provides a non-slip grip. Check the cuffs for elasticity to ensure that they don’t bundle up while you run or jump.
Seamless design
It may seem insignificant, but the seams can define how comfortable your socks will be. Seamless designs can help prevent skin irritation and blisters by minimizing friction. In fact, the most comfortable athletic socks have a smooth design or hand-linked seams to prevent them from rubbing against the toes.
Durability
You must read a couple of socks reviews to check the durability of the pair you plan to buy. Synthetic socks are more durable and can withstand rough use. Some of them also come with reinforced heel pads and toes to prevent quick wear-outs.
Cushioning
Check for cushioning, especially on the impact zones such as the heel and below the ankle. Cushioned soles also work well to absorb the impact and protect your feet. If you suffer from Achilles tendon, go for ankle-length or crew-length socks or ones that have a tab on the ankle. At the same time, don’t obsess over padding because sometimes it can make the grip too tight and lead to sweating and skin irritation.
Cost
The best men’s athletic socks start at $9 and can go all the way up to $50. Therefore, some of the products we have listed also come in 3 or 6 pair bundles, making them quite economical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who makes the best athletic socks for men?
Ans: Several brands make high-quality and the most comfortable athletic socks. Some of the brands that we really liked are Saucony, Balega, and the famous NIKE.
Q. Are cotton socks good for sweaty feet?
Ans. If you suffer from sweaty feet, cotton socks are a big no-no. They tend to retain moisture and can turn smelly. Instead, you must go for moisture-wicking synthetic socks that help to keep your feet dry. If you live in a colder climate, you can also check socks made of Merino wool.
Q. What are the most comfortable athletic socks?
Ans: If we had to pick one, we would go for NIKE dry cushion crew training socks as the best athletic crew socks with better grip and greater coverage. In the no-show category, we vouch for Balega’s hidden comfort no-show socks.
Q. How to take care of your athletic socks?
If you want your athletic socks to stay comfortable for long, you must only wear clean and dry socks every time you work out. Damp or used socks can harbor bacterial growth and make your feet stink. Also, when you wash them, turn them inside out.
Follow the wash instructions on the label, as the elastic parts can wear out if you wash them with warm water.
Also, if your socks are already stinking, you can soak them in a blend of cold water with vinegar for 30 minutes and then wash them as usual.
Q. Should running socks be thick or thin?
Ans: Both thick and thin running socks work well for running. So, it’s more of a personal preference. The bottom line being, you must invest in a good quality sock that will offer protection, keep your feet dry, and offer enough cushioning to prevent impact.
Conclusion
These were our top picks for the best athletic socks for men. Finding the right pair can be confusing as the internet is full of mixed reviews. Therefore, we hope that we could answer all the questions regarding the bestsellers in the category. If you are still unsure which sock brand to go for, you can always refer to our buying guide. If you feel that we must include another brand in this list, do write to us.