Running in Your Stocking Feet
Great running shoes can only provide a great run with socks, which also measure up. Running socks are designed to enhance the fit of your shoes and protect the foot from friction. Moisture managing fibers help keep the feet dry, to regulate temperature and prevent friction from forming blisters. We have grouped these 13 sock styles by their thickness and purpose, as they meet different specific needs. All of these are quarter high, the most popular height among runners, though most are also available in a crew or taller style as well. Let your shoes perform by wearing a sock, which does likewise.

CUSHIONED

Many of the mid-weight socks have a level of cushioning, but a few sock styles are very thick, to cushion the foot. With these, care must be given to make sure that the shoe size allows enough room to prevent the foot from being squeezed too much, to the point of compression injuries.

DeFeet Levitator $13

DeFeet is known to runners for the inexhaustible variety of graphic designs on their thin, vented, Aerator socks. The Cush 3D expands the line with a cushioned option to enhance shoe fit and function. The ankle has the same closely knitted cuff as the Aerator, ensuring the durable stay in place fit. The cushioning is not as extreme as some, offering a moderate amount, perfect for runners looking for full length cushioning without the extra bulk. Sizes: Women - S 6 - 8, M 7 - 9, L 9.5 - 11.5; Men - M 7 - 9, L 9.5 - 11.5, XL 12+

Thorlo Light Running $11

The Light Running is the thinnest Thorlo sock. Renowned for cushioning the Light Running maintains the Thorlo legacy. The smooth interior moves moisture from the foot, and the well cushioned sole conforms to the foot providing fit of the sock, improves the fit of loose shoes - especially for narrow feet, and adds additional protection to the foot. Sizes: Women - 9 (4 - 6), 11 (6.5 - 10), 13 (10.5 - 13); Men - 11 (5.5 - 8.5), 13 (9 - 12.5), 15 (13 - 15)

FITTED

Fitted socks are designed to fit each individual foot, or have regions which allow for a specific fit.

ASICS Hera Quarter Sock $12

The Hera is a sock designed to fit the narrower profile of a woman(1)s foot. Variation in the knit, positioning each sock to a specific foot, allows them to efficiently channel moisture away from the foot. Moderately cushioned, it is well suited to training or racing. Sizes:Women - S 6 - 8, M 7 - 9, L 9.5 - 11.5

Brooks Burn Quarter Sock $14

The Brooks Burn is designed to mirror the fit characteristics of Brooks running shoes, in this case, the Universal platform, which fits from the low arched to medium high arched feet. The LintoeAE construction creates a minimal inside seam, to reduce potential friction. Ribbing through the instep and arch, vented top, and thin cushioning underfoot, provide added comfort and performance. Sizes: Women - S (4 - 6), M (6.5 - 10), L (10.5 - 13); Men - M (5.5 - 8.5), L (9 - 12.5), XL (13 - 15)

Injinji Tetratsock $10

Blisters can really ruin a run, or especially a race. The Injinji design is unique - the appearance is like a glove for your foot, with a fit for each toe. This design improves the overall fit of the sock, smoothing potential hot spots. Runners who experience blistering between the toes will especially appreciate the protection from wrapping each toe individually. The feeling is not particularly noticeable while running, whether you need the protection or not. The effect is further enhanced by CoolMax moisture management. Sizes: Women - S (6- 8.5), M (9 - 11.5), L (12+); Men - S (5 - 7.5), M (8 - 10.5), L (11 - 13.5), XL (14+)

Medium Weight

Medium weight socks satisfy the needs of most runners. Some have a bit more cushion in the bottom, others distribute the thickness uniformly, but none greatly affect the fit of the shoe.

Balega Enduro $9

Fit is paramount to the effectiveness of a running sock. Balega knits their socks with an additional bit of bulge in the heel to seat the sock securely onto the foot, keeping it in place. The Enduro offers an extra measure of cushioning along the bottom, with a thinner vented region over the instep and toebox, and a seamless toe construction minimizing friction. Sizes: Women - S 6 - 8, M 7 - 9, L 9.5 - 11.5; Men - S 4.5 - 6.5, M 7 - 9, L 9.5 - 11.5, XL 12+

Feetures Light Quarter $8

The light Quarter is a thoughtfully designed technical sock. Sporting a touch of full length cushion in the sole, vented top, supportive arch band, and external seaming to reduce friction. It is lightweight and has a seamless toe, which makes it a good choice for runners preferring a light/mid-weight sock, or for racing. Sizes: Women - S 4 - 6, M 6.5 - 9.5, L 10 - 13; Men - M 5 - 8.5, L 9 -12.5

Gold Toe Endurance Coolmax Alta Low Cut $11/2 pack

The Gold Toe Endurance Coolmax Alta Low Cut offers performance and medium cushioning for serious runners. The CoolMax polyester is designed to manage moisture while providing a smooth, blister-free fit. Sizes: Women - shoe size 6 - 9; Men - shoe size 9 - 12

Second Wind Active Dry Mini Crew $8

Second Wind socks have been among the more effective performance socks. Drylon, a hydrophobic fiber moves moisture to the outer layer of the sock for evaporation, keeping the foot dry and cool. Moderately cushioned, vented, and featuring external seams, they have lasting durability. Sizes: Women - S 5 - 7, M 7.5 - 9.5, L 10 - 12; Men - S 3.5 - 5.5, M 6 - 8, L 8.5 - 10.5, XL 11 -13, XXL 13.5-16

SmartWool Light Mini Crew $11

SmartWool are made from Merino wool. This fact reverses all of the negatives of a wool sock, itching, shapelessness, or smell. The natural moisture transfer of wool keeps feet cool and dry. The Light Mini Crew stays in place and does not bunch, thanks to the Smart Fit System(1)s contour, ankle design and supportive arch, and the cushioned sole enhances to the fit and comfort. Sizes: Women - S 4 - 6.5, M 7 - 9.5, L 10 - 12.5; Men - M 6 - 8.5, L 9 - 11.5, XL 12 -14.5

SuperSox Medium Weight Coolmax and Duraspun Quarter $7

SuperSox Medium Weight Coolmax and Duraspun Quarter running socks reduce friction and moisture to improve foot comfort. Fit is critical to making sure there are no wrinkles inside your shoes, which is addressed by sizing and the design of the knit through the arch, at the toes, and at the ankle. The looped pile under the foot allows more foot contact to draw the moisture away while providing additional cushioning. Sizes: Medium 9-11 (Women 6 - 9.5; Men 5 - 7), Large 10 - 13 (Women 10+; Men 7 - 11)

THIN

Thin socks provide the least weight and protection, but work ideally with close fitting racing shoes. They are also good for runners who might prefer running with no socks, but need something to handle the moisture and provide minimal protection.

New Balance 2nd Skin Racer $10

The 2nd Skin Racer is an ultrathin racing sock engineered for racing performance. Each sock is designed to fit only one foot, either left or right. The heel pooches out noticeably, so that the heel seats into the sock and holds the sock in place. The knit varies with vented regions and ribbing through the arch for support. Sizes: Medium 9-11 (Women 6 - 10.5; Men 3.5 - 8.5), Large 10 - 13 (Women 11 +; Men 9 - 12)

Puma Microfiber Socks $11/2 pack

Puma jumps into the flood of technical sock offerings with a unique approach that goes beyond their distinctive cat logo. The polyester microfiber offers smooth, blister reducing performance and moisture management aimed at preventing foot related problems. The contrasting pairs, one of black and one of white, allow you the choice of fashion, for day or evening racing. Sizes: Medium 9-11 (Women 6 - 10.5; Men 4 - 6.5), Large 10 - 13 (Women 11+; Men 7 - 11)