The Best Socks for Sweaty Feet of 2023 (2024)

• Our Picks

• We Also Tested

• How We Selected

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Health

If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile sock that will also combat sweaty and stinky feet, lululemon Power Stride Socks are our top pick with a perfect 5-star rating. They’re designed to hug the contours of your foot, providing a truly no-show fit while alsofighting moisture and odors.

No-show socks have an annoying tendency to slip to the bottom of your shoes when you are active, but these are an exception. The built-in arch support and reinforced heel and toe keep them in place whether you’re on your feet all day at work or going on long-distance runs.

The socks are primarily made of nylon, with a bit of elastane to provide the perfect amount of stretchiness. Wash the socks on cold, and have no fear if you need to wash them frequently. As our tester noted, “They've been washed 12-15 times so far, and the gel ankle cushion is still like brand new, which can be the first thing to go sometimes. And no pilling at all, either, or shrinking.”

Price at time of publication: $58

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Nylon, Elastane | Fit: No-show | Quantity: 5-pack}

Our tester gave the Under Amour Essential socks a perfect score for breathability, noting that they were amazing at keeping her feet dry. And at $22 for a six-pack, these socks also offer great value at less than $4 per pair.

Made out of a blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex, these no-show socks might be a bit on the thin side for cold weather, but they’re a great option for warmer weather. “I would buy these for wearing in the summertime and engaging in light activities,” noted our tester. “They would be really great travel socks because they're so lightweight and have a barely-there feeling.”

These socks also feature compression for your arches as well as extra padding on the heel, making them a great choice for runners and athletes. There is also a wide variety of colors available, from simple white or black, to subtle blues and purples, to bright neons.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex | Fit: No-show| Quantity: 6-pack}

If you’re looking for a sweat-proof sock for hiking and other outdoor activities, be sure to give Patagonia’s Lighweight Merino Performance Crew socks a try. These socks feature the durability and quality of wool, combined with the stretchiness and snug comfort provided by nylon and spandex.

Our tester was surprised at the softness and breathability of these socks. “After wearing them for several runs and hikes, I grew to really like them because of how breathable they were. My feet weren't sweaty at all, even with a thick wool and nylon fabric,” she observed.

Patagonia uses Responsible Wool Standard certified wool to make its products. This standard can only be met by reaching certain sustainability goals during the wool production process, ensuring that the sheep, workers, and land are respected throughout the manufacturing process.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Style: Spec | Materials: Merino wool, nylon, spandex| Fit: Crew| Quantity: Single pair}

Stance Run Light socks also received a perfect score from our testing team. The socks provide amazing fit and comfort during workouts while keeping your feet dry and odor-free. “I love how form-fitting these are,” noted our tester. “They mold to your feet like couture, but they don't suffocate them. The band at the top also is amazing—snug but not tight. They stayed up but weren't bothersome.”

These no-show socks are made from a blend of nylon, polyester, and elastane, which are perfect if your feet sweat excessively during exercise. They provide a bit of compression for extra arch support and feature a seamless toe closure to keep blisters at bay.

We reviewed the light version, but if you want more or less padding, Stance also has ultralight and medium cushion options, as well as a variety of colors and patterns. At $15 per pair, they’re on the pricier side, but the quality, comfort, and sweat resistance are well worth the cost.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Nylon, Polyester, Elastane | Fit: No-show | Quantity: Single pair}

If you prefer crew socks, FITS Casual Crew socks are a sweat-proof option. The socks feature arch compression and a lightly padded sole, resulting in a superior fit and all-day comfort. As our tester noted, “These socks strike the perfect balance of comfort and support.”

FITS Casual Crew socks are made from a blend of Merino wool, nylon, polyester, and Lycra. This winning combination of fabrics results in a supportive, warm, breathable, and odor-resistant sock. The crew fit makes these socks ideal for chilly outdoor treks or long work days. Keep in mind, though, if you’re not used to compression, these might feel a bit tight at first.

Merino wool blends always come with a slightly higher price point than other fabrics, but there’s a good reason. Regarding durability, comfort, and versatility, these socks are hard to beat, especially if you’re looking for a sweat-proof sock that qualifies as “casual work attire.”

Price at time of publication: $23

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Merino wool, Nylon, Polyester, Lycra | Fit: Knee-high | Quantity: Single pair}

Bombas socks are well-known for their quality and comfort, and their Performance Ankle Socks are no exception. Made from a blend of polyester, nylon, cotton, and elastane, these socks are ideal for athletes who want more support and less moisture. They feature a seamless toe for blister prevention and a tab at the ankle to prevent chafing. We also love the gentle arch compression and cute honeycomb design.

If you’re looking for a thick, supportive ankle sock that also wicks away moisture and keeps your feet feeling cool, search no more. To sweeten the deal, for every pair of socks that is purchased, Bombas donates a pair of socks to homeless shelters, medical service professionals, Title 1 schools, and other organizations that serve those in need.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Cotton, Elastane | Fit: Ankle | Quantity: Single pair}

If you wear no-show socks frequently, you’ve probably noticed an annoying problem: They tend to fall down and get lost in your shoes, especially if you’re exercising. Not these. The Balega Silver Compression No-Show socks stay in place while providing ventilation, support, and moisture-wicking comfort.

Made from a blend of polyester, nylon, and elastane, these socks feature compression, medium cushioning, an extra deep heel pocket, and a seamless toe, making them a great choice for runners, cyclists, or people who are on their feet most of the day. “The heel tab makes it easier to slip the sock on and off while protecting the back of your ankle from blisters,” noted our tester. And to top it all off, the fabric is antibacterial, offering a layer of defense against those pesky microbes that thrive in sweaty environments.

One tip from our tester: follow the size chart.” I'm a size 8, which usually translates to a medium-size sock for every other brand I've ever tried,” she shared. “According to Balega's size chart, I was at the upper end of a small, so I ordered a small, but I was worried they wouldn't fit right. I was wrong, and they fit perfectly.” So be sure to check the sizes before you order.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Elastane | Fit: No-show | Quantity: Single Pair}

Darn Tough’s Coolmax Crew Hiking socks were designed with one goal in mind: to keep your feet dry and comfortable on long outdoor hikes. The seamless toe, wicking fabric, and comfortable cushioning make them perfect for avid hikers whose feet need a little extra breathing space.

Our tester walked over 11 miles per day in these socks, in both hot and rainy conditions, and was impressed with their comfort, breathability, and odor control. “Despite wearing the socks for long days that involved a lot of walking, they only had a slight foot/sweat smell, which I would expect,” she noted. “Those days, I walked 11 miles each. The other three days involved much shorter amounts of walking. On those days, there was no detectable smell at all.”

The price tag might seem high, but if you buy hiking socks regularly, you probably won’t suffer from sticker shock. Spending $20-$30 per pair is pretty typical for quality hiking socks. If you’re planning a long trek, sock comfort, and quality can make or break your adventure. These socks won’t disappoint in either of those departments.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Lycra | Fit: Crew | Quantity: Single Pair}

Nothing kills a good workout habit like blisters, and if your feet tend to sweat a lot, you’re more prone to experience them. If you find yourself fighting off blisters on a regular basis, you need to try Bombas Merino Wool Running Ankle socks.

Our tester gave these socks a perfect score for breathability, comfort, and odor control. “These are probably one of my favorite pairs of socks,” she noted. “They fit perfectly, with no digging around the toes or sliding around the heels.” That perfect fit, combined with the blend of Merino wool, nylon, and spandex, makes them a blister-proof sock option. If you tend to get blisters on your toes, you’ll appreciate the seamless toe.

At just over $20 per pair, these socks are definitely on the pricier side, but the quality, durability, and comfort they offer are well worth the investment. They fit true to size and are easy to care for—just machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low.

Price at time of publication: $66

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Merino Wool, Nylon, Spandex | Fit: Ankle | Quantity: 3-Pack}

These socks from Brooklinen are designed for lounging, and they definitely fulfill their purpose. Our tester gave them a perfect 5 for comfort and odor control. “They have a fuzzy interior that really helps make them so comfy, but the outside is still a traditional stretchy sock,” noted our tester. “Also, they form to your feet and aren't all loose.”

The socks have a simple but stylish design, with a contrasting toe and heel, and are available in a variety of colors. The polyester/acrylic blend makes them easy to wash. If you plan to order more than one pair, Brooklinen offers discounts if you order a pack of two or three pairs. Just keep in mind that Brooklinen socks run on the small side, so if you’re between a size 8 and 9 (women’s) or 9 and 10 (men’s), consider ordering the next size up.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, Acrylic, Other | Fit: Crew | Quantity: Single Pair}

Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No-Show Running socks wick moisture and hold up for the long haul, despite their thinness. Our tester gave them a perfect score of 5 for breathability, noting that they kept her feet dry even on very hot days. “These were the thinnest socks I tried in the test, but they didn't feel cheap,” she noted. “They feel well made and were an ideal workout sock for me—my feet stayed cool and dry through all my runs or gym sessions.”

The socks are 92% nylon and 8% spandex, and the manufacturers note that the socks might shrink in the wash. However, the spandex allows the socks to stretch back to their normal size when you wear them. For best results, wash the socks inside out and hang dry.

These socks have very little cushioning and are a true minimalist option, but nevertheless, they offer amazing comfort and moisture protection. And unlike a lot of other thin socks out there, you can rest assured they will stay in place on long runs or workouts.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Nylon, Spandex | Fit: No-show | Quantity: Single Pair}

If you’re a runner who also happens to have very sweaty feet, the Bombas Performance Running Quarter socks should be first on your list to try. Our tester rated them a perfect 5 for comfort and odor control, which are two huge priorities when it comes to running.

These socks are a bit on the thicker side, and breathability was one potential downside, according to our tester. “My feet did breathe a sigh of relief when I took them off at night,” she noted. “I wish the socks were a little bit more breathable.” However, despite the thickness, the socks retained zero odors and moisture.

Made from a blend of polyester, nylon, cotton, and spandex, these socks feature a quarter-rise height, which hits just at the top of your ankle. They also have specially designed vents for added airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry even on long runs and hot days.

Price at time of publication: $108

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Cotton, Spandex | Fit: Quarter | Quantity: 6-pack}

Saucony’s Performance Tab Socks scored just shy of a perfect 5, with high marks for breathability, overall value, and comfort. “For the quality of these socks, this is a great price,” noted our tester. “I have half a mind to buy more sets of these in white and black and just have a sock wardrobe overhaul and only wear these.”

The socks are made primarily from polyester, with a bit of spandex for extra stretch. They feature cushioning in the heel and sole, a heel tab, extra arch support, and mesh ventilation for extra dryness. They are available in a wide variety of colors and designs, from neon to solid white or black. The price is also hard to beat: just $15 for eight pairs or less than $2 per pair.

Keep in mind these socks are on the cushiony side, so if you’re looking for something more minimalist, they might not fit the bill. Other than that, there’s not much to criticize.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Fit: No-show | Quantity: 8-pack}

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can you tell which socks are best for sweaty feet?

  Socks will provide maximum defense against sweat if they do three things: wick away moisture, fight odors, and fit your foot well. When you’re sock shopping, look for words like “wicking,” “ventilation,” “sweat-proof,” and “breathable,” and choose socks made with synthetic fabrics or Merino wool as opposed to cotton or linen.

• What material is best (and worst) for sweaty feet?

  You might have noticed that none of the socks on our list are 100% anything. That’s because the right blend of fibers is essential for maximum wicking powers. “Wear wicking socks made of natural or acrylic fiber blends that draw the moisture away from your feet instead of trapping it,” suggests Dr. Parthasarathy.

  Although 100% cotton might be a good choice for certain clothing items, it’s not the best if you have sweaty feet. As noted by Dr. Parthasarathy, “I would avoid 100% cotton socks since they absorb moisture but do not wick it away from the skin, which could make the problem worse.”

• Are thin or thick socks better for sweaty feet?

  This really depends on your preferences, as well as your intended use for the socks. For example, if you need a pair of socks for a winter hiking trip, you’ll probably want a thicker sock, whereas a thin sock will be a good match if you live in a hot climate and need an everyday work sock. When it comes to fighting odors and moisture, the most important factor is the material, not the thickness.

• How many pairs of socks do I need?

  Changing your socks frequently is key to preventing odors and other problems caused by sweaty feet, so having at least two pairs on hand per day is ideal. As suggested by Dr. Parthasarathy, “It is a good idea to change socks during the day. Make sure you have an extra pair of socks with you and change them mid-way through the day and especially right after workouts.”

• Why are my feet so sweaty?

  Sweaty feet aren’t unusual, but if you are concerned about how much your feet sweat, it’s best to consult a podiatrist. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be easily treated.“According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, less than 40% of people with excessive sweating seek medical care,” noted Dr. Parthasarathy. “A podiatrist can help control this condition with treatments, which can include prescription antiperspirants, prescription creams and wipes, nerve-blocking medications, Iontophoresis, and Botox injections.”