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Best Socks For Sweaty Feet in 2023

 

The best socks for sweaty feet use this kind of fabric to keep your feet from becoming damp and uncomfortable as you exercise.

Sweaty feet can increase discomfort and the likelihood of blisters while working out, so we’re reviewing the best socks to prevent this.

We chose Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light No Show Tab socks as our first choice. They use temperature-regulating Merino wool and Tencel fibers, provide targeted compression, and use thin cushioning to reduce chafing.

Here are our eight top picks.

Top 3 Best and Favorite

 

Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light No Show Tab

 

  • Anatomical design
  • Targeted Compression
  • Thin cushioning
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Rockay Razer

 

  • Made from recycled materials
  • Mesh zones for breathability
  • Polygiene anti-odor technology
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Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Quarter

 

  • Mesh panel on the top of the foot
  • Y-heel design
  • Contours to your foot
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Best Merino No Show

1. Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light No Show Tab

Merino wool is the perfect sock fabric as it wicks away moisture, dries quickly, and keeps the temperature stable within the shoe.

This sock is made from a blended material containing 25% Merino wool and 25% Tencel fibers, which is an effective combination for softness, moisture reduction, and strength.

As well as offering moisture-reduction and temperature-regulating properties, these socks have targeted compression. This improves circulation in the feet and provides a close fit that prevents chafing. An anatomical fit and seamless toe also reduce the chance of chafing, making this an almost blister-free sock.

The cushion is thin but sufficient. It offers a lighter feel and increases the breathability of the sock. It also takes up less space, allowing for a better and more comfortable fit. A thin, under-ankle heel tab prevents friction on the back of the ankle.

These socks are machine washable and have a lifetime guarantee. Some individuals may find that the socks are slippery inside their shoes, but this can be remedied by ensuring that your foot is properly laced in.

PROS:

  • Anatomical design
  • Targeted Compression
  • Thin cushioning
  • Seamless toe

CONS:

  • Some may find that the socks slide inside their shoe
 

Most Environmentally Friendly

2. Rockay Razer

Rockay is a newer brand, but they make high-quality products that come with a lifetime guarantee. If your socks end up with holes in them for any reason, the company will replace them free of charge. That speaks to the durability of these socks.

These socks are made from recycled materials. Every pair of socks you buy removes 13 plastic bottles from the ocean.

It features mesh zones for optimal ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry in warm weather. Even if your feet do get a little damp, their Polygiene Stay Fresh technology prevents odor-causing bacteria from growing, keeping your feet fresh. This is not only handy for hygiene, but it actually means that you don’t have to wash these socks after every use. In the long run, this helps to save water.

An arch brace provides support in the sock, and maximum cushion provides comfort and stability. There’s also a seamless toe for less chance of blisters due to chafing.

PROS:

  • Made from recycled materials
  • Mesh zones for breathability
  • Polygiene anti-odor technology
  • Built-in arch support

CONS:

  • Only one length available
 

Best Quarter-Length

3. Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Quarter

If you prefer socks that end just above the ankle, then consider the Feetures High Performance Ultra Light Quarter. These socks have features that are designed to improve your performance, whether you’re running, cycling or cross-training.

They’re very thin, which creates a second-skin feeling and minimizes weight. It also takes up less room in your shoes, so it promotes breathability and comfort. Another element that improves the ventilation is mesh panels on the top of the foot.

To get a better fit, Lycra bands around the foot help the sock to stay contoured to the foot and prevent blisters. A seamless toe and Y-heel prevent chafing and iWick moisture-wicking fibers keep your feet dry.

PROS:

  • Mesh panel on the top of the foot
  • iWick moisture-wicking fibers
  • Y-heel design
  • Contours to your foot

CONS:

  • Some people may find the socks to be a bit tight, especially if you have wide feet
 

Top Micro Crew

4. Darn Tough Stride Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock

Like their name, these socks are tough and durable. If you’re looking for a micro-crew length sock—slightly shorter than a regular crew length—these are a good choice.

Made from a combination of Merino wool nylon and Lycra spandex, the sock has many features to improve performance while you’re wearing it. Merino wool keeps your feet warm in the cold and cool in the heat while keeping them odor-free. It’s also quick-drying and soft against the skin.

Fine gauge knit creates a performance fit that lowers the chance of blisters due to slipping or bunching up.

There’s extra layering in the heel and at the big toe and little toe for durability in the most vulnerable parts of the sock. True Seamless toe technology also adds extra comfort.

These socks come with a lifetime guarantee, so if they develop holes or unravel for any reason, you can get them replaced or refunded.

PROS:

  • Performance arch support
  • Flex windows
  • Odor-resistant
  • True Seamless toe

CONS:

  • Some people may find the socks to be a bit thin
 

Best Outdoor Sock

5. Icebreaker Merino Hike Light Crew Socks

If you exercise primarily outdoors, this sock will keep your feet comfortable even if the weather changes in the blink of an eye.

They are made from Merino wool, which regulates temperature and will keep your foot ventilated and dry when you need it most. There is also a “breathe zone” ventilation panel for better airflow.

The heel and toe are reinforced as they’re high-wear areas. Despite this, the toe is seamless to prevent chafing and reduce bulkiness. There is also a wide cuff to prevent discomfort.

There is also extra support in the instep to provide a slightly better fit and comfort, as well as Achilles support which prevents the sock from sliding down and causing friction.

These socks also come with a lifetime guarantee.

PROS:

  • Reinforced heel and toe
  • Achilles support
  • Ventilation panel
  • Heel and forefoot cushioning

CONS:

  • People with large calves may find that the socks are tight around the calf
 

Best 2 Pack

6. Salomon XA 2-Pack

Salomon socks are made for performance, just like their other apparel. This 2-pack is a great deal as their socks are of high quality, comfortable, and cushioned.

The Techno PE fabric is polyester yarn, which has impressive moisture-wicking properties, making them an excellent choice for sweaty feet. Removing the moisture so quickly helps to maintain a comfortable foot environment and will prevent friction and blisters.

There are also Friction Free fibers in the fabric that keep the sock in its place, so you don’t have to interrupt your run or workout to keep pulling your socks up. These fibers also create a band around the arch for extra support.

Extra cushioning under the foot makes the socks very comfortable. The only thing that some may feel is missing is compression.

PROS:

  • Made from Techno PE
  • Friction Free fiber
  • Added cushioning
  • Mesh panel on the top of the foot

CONS:

  • These socks don’t provide any compression
 

Top For Hiking

7. Darn Tough Kelso Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock

Sweaty feet in hiking boots can not only make you feel uncomfortable but they can also make your shoes feel less stable on your feet. The Darn Tough Kelso Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock is ideal for spending long hours in a hiking boot.

Merino wool delivers softness and light but effective cushion. It wicks away moisture effectively, preventing sweat from sticking around. It’s also naturally antimicrobial so it will help prevent odors.

The sock’s performance fit prevents bunching and slipping which will reduce the chances of friction that causes blisters. True Seamless design means there are no hotspots when you’re wearing this sock and it’s so light to the touch that you may forget that you’re wearing it.

These socks are ideal for hiking whether the weather is cold or warm, as the Merino wool regulates temperature and keeps your feet in the optimal state. You will get a lifetime guarantee on each pair of these socks that you buy.

PROS:

  • True Seamless
  • Light cushioning
  • Moisture-wicking fabric
  • No slipping or bunching

CONS:

  • The cuff may be tight on muscular calves
 

Best For The Office

8. Feetures Be Bold Cushion Crew

For everyday use, Feetures Be Bold Cushion Crew is a good option. They are a good length for wearing under work pants, and they are smartly patterned. Plus they have some practical and comfortable features.

These socks use targeted compression to improve blood flow in your feet when you’re spending time behind your desk. An anatomical left and right design helps the socks to conform to each specific foot more enhanced comfort.

It’s a thin sock so it fits comfortably into business shoes without chafing. The Perfect Toe means there’s no irritating seam to cause blisters.

They are also made from recycled materials, so you’ll be doing some good for the environment when buying these socks, not just for your feet.

PROS:

  • Zone-specific compression
  • The Perfect Toe
  • Anatomical design
  • Thin cushioning

CONS:

  • May be too tight around the calf
 

FAQs

Why is Merino great if you have sweaty feet?

Aside from the fact that Merino wool is soft and helps to prevent friction blisters, it’s able to absorb moisture—up to 30% of its own weight—and it won’t feel wet.

But Merino also dries very quickly and this, along with its thermoregulating properties, is why there’s a long history of it being used as a base layer.

Merino may be thicker than cotton but it’s more breathable and it has natural antibacterial properties. This helps to prevent foot odor, as well as the growth of any bacteria. It’s actually impossible for bacteria to grow on Merino wool! This means that the wool requires fewer washes to stay fresh.

The thermoregulating properties of Merino allow you to wear the socks in all weather conditions. If it gets wet, it will still insulate the heat—even if the temperature drops to 14 degrees Fahrenheit—while getting rid of the excess moisture. But they’re lightweight and will keep you cool when the temperature gets to +86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Merino wool doesn’t lose its shape or stretch. It remains flexible so it can conform to your foot shape and then return to its original shape when you take the socks off.

What about cotton?

For many years, cotton was used for the majority of socks, but it’s also the main reason that people complain about foot odor and sweaty feet.

While cotton absorbs moisture, it’s not great at evaporating the moisture into the air. Cotton retains heat—almost traps the heat—and this allows bacteria to grow, which creates the odor.

The smell of stinky feet won’t go away until the socks have been put into the laundry. But wearing cotton socks that have absorbed moisture are also the reason why one may have blisters and they can be made worse as your feet will be damp.

Wearing cotton socks, in particular, can make the potential for blister formation much worse in comparison to wool or synthetic socks, because cotton socks absorb sweat. This only serves to keep your feet damp for extended periods, which then exacerbates blister formation.

Ben Drew

Ben Drew

Ben is an avid road and trail runner, and has completed multiple marathons and ultras. A former running store owner, he now shares his knowledge and experience writing these articles.

The Wired Runner
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