Socks are often a wardrobe afterthought, but it's worth going the extra mile and searching for a pair that will last you longer than a few laundry cycles. A proper pair of high-quality socks will keep your feet healthy, warm and dry. Plus, they're another chance to show off your unique style.
The Shop TODAY team spoke to experts and shared some of our favorite picks that we think are the best women's socks around. Go on, stock up on some durable, long-lasting socks that you'll hold onto for a while. Keep scrolling or use the links below to jump to a specific category.
What to look for when shopping for women's socks
First and foremost, the role of a sock is to provide "a nice layer between the foot and the shoe," says podiatrist Dr. Ernest L. Isaacson. "A sock should do what you think it should do, which is basically to provide comfort, absorb sweat and maybe look good, as a fringe benefit," he says.
So what exactly do you need to consider to make sure your sock checks those boxes? Here's what the experts say to keep in mind when shopping for socks.
Material. How you plan on using the socks, whether for hiking or all-day comfort, can help determine the material that you should be looking for. "If it's just an everyday sock, then generally it's a blend of natural [like wool or cotton] and synthetic materials, which tend to do well, because they provide both a level of comfort and also a level of sweat absorption," Isaacson says. For more athletic activities, like runs, walks or HIIT workouts synthetic materials are the way to go. "Synthetic materials are so much better at wicking moisture away from the feet and keeping things more comfortable," Isaacson adds. Natural materials tend to bunch up more, which can potentially cause blisters or discomfort.
Cushioning. "Cushioned socks are generally more comfortable, especially when extra cushion is added to the bottom of the foot; however, a sock that is too thick can be hot and cause shoes to fit differently," says Dr. Ashley Lee, a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists who recommends cushioned socks if you do a lot of walking.
Shoes. The shoes you plan on wearing, such as loafers or boots, will also determine the sock style. For instance, you might prefer a no-show sock with a loafer, but a crew or knee-high sock with boots.
Quality. Lee recommends that no matter what, you purchase the highest-quality socks you can afford. "High-quality socks use a superior moisture-wicking fabric, which can help to prevent sweating — which can lead to athlete's foot and blisters," Lee says. "A high-quality sock also will ‘hug' your arches, giving you support. Quality socks also often are labeled right and left, which will help to maintain the shape and fit of the sock over time."
Construction. Look at the construction as you're purchasing. While some things that may not seem like a big deal at the store, they can effect how your feet feel. "If you have a sock that has an annoyingly prominent seam, then that's going to build up during the day," Isaacson says.
Sizing. Finally, while shoe sizes generally correspond to sock sizes, if you're wearing a thicker, cushioned sock, you may want to go up a size.
Best short socks, according to editors
"Nothing makes me more irrationally angry than my socks falling down in my shoe," says associate editor Shannon Garlin. "These ankle socks have a silicone strip that helps it fit snugly and stay in place. They're my new favorite socks and I get sad when they're all in the hamper."
“These OV socks are my go-tos,” says Privette. “I literally have every color and pick up new pairs often. They feel like you’re walking on a cloud and are extremely durable. My all time favorites for a reason.”
These socks are designed to be worn for casual exercise, so they’re perfect for walks or long days on your feet. Shoppers have raved about how “soft” and “comfortable” they are, and many, like Privette, say that they own multiple pairs.
Pricey but oh so worth it; you’ll look forward to pulling on this pair of Bombas Merino Wool Quarter socks daily. With thick merino wool, these socks promise to keep your feet dry and warm while supporting the arches of your feet with their often-used honeycomb support design.
“Bombas socks deserve all the hype,” production associate Audrey Ekman says. “They have the perfect amount of cushioning and arch support and the pair I have has lasted me years.”
Best crew socks, according to editors
"I never thought I would get complimented on my socks — until I started wearing these," shares writer Emma Stessman. "Multiple people have asked me where I got them! The retro striped design makes them perfect for casual wear, but they're also super functional too. They are slightly cushioned, have Bombas classic arch support and never fall down.
Stessman also loves these socks from New Balance. "It doesn't get more classic than these," she shares. "They're cushioned, soft, they stay in place and they're designed to be fast-drying. What more could you ask for? They're also perfect for pairing with your favorite dad sneakers."
For those of us that see little point in having matching socks, there are Solmate socks. Several years ago, my local library sold these intentionally mismatched, colorful socks as a fundraiser, and I've been obsessed ever since.
Hand-knit from eco-conscious cozy materials and made in the U.S., these socks are warm, comfortable and fun.
Best workout socks for women
"A couple of years ago a friend introduced me to Feetures for running and I've never looked back!" shares associate editor Sierra Hoeger. "They're comfortable and don't cause blisters, which is the last thing I want to worry about on a run."
The socks combine targeted compression, an anatomical design and max cushioning to keep your feet feeling comfortable with every step you take. It also has a no show tab at the back to help prevent blisters as your heel rubs against the back of your shoe.
These socks are a favorite of multiple editors on the team, including Stessman and editor and producer Julie Ricevuto. She shares, “These socks are my best protection against blisters while running. They are no-show but still stay put and don’t slide down while you run.”
These award-winning no-show socks are just what your workouts need. “[I] loved the compression feeling and quality — these are the most comfortable socks I’ve ever worn and they kept their shape even after washing,” says senior vice president of commerce Ashley Parrish.
With their honeycomb design supporting the arches of your feet and their breathable, cushiony fabric, Bombas is a favorite of many — whether they're looking for stability in Pilates, preventing shoe chafing or even just a comfy set of indoor slippers.
Several years ago, my mom made the mistake of gifting her children Bombas socks for Christmas, and now we expect them every year. The Bombas ankle sock is made for workouts or everyday wear.
The brand’s name says it all — these socks are darn tough. The crew hiking socks combine comfort with durability and can withstand all sorts of elements, the brand says. We love that they’re made in the USA and have plenty of cushioning to keep your feet happy.
“These are the best hiking socks hands down,” says production coordinator Camryn Privette. “I used to get blisters before switching over to these. On my last 40 mile backpacking trip, these kept my feet cool, blister free and happy. The best part is that they have a lifetime guaranteed so you can always return them for a brand new pair at any retailer.”
Frequently asked questions
There’s no shame in admitting that you waste time every morning attempting to find a pair of matching socks, but it may be time to organize your socks so that doesn’t keep happening. Brown loves using a drawer divider to keep the sock section organized.
“Fold smaller pairs together and lay longer socks in a stack,” Brown says.
While you don’t have to, Brown says wearing socks with shoes like Uggs, loafers or slippers will help preserve them and keep them odor-free. In this case, the right socks can also help with wicking moisture away and help to prevent athlete’s foot.
“If your feet don’t sweat a lot, I think it is fine to go without socks in an Ugg with the wool liner; however, wearing socks may help to minimize odor,” Lee says. “With loafers, I usually recommend a no-show sock to help prevent blistering.”
If you get cold at night or want to keep moisturizer on your feet and off your sheets, you likely wear socks to bed. But in general, Lee recommends not wearing socks to bed because constrictive socks at night can irritate toes and even cause athlete’s foot if feet get hot and moisture gets trapped.
“For people who wear socks to bed because their feet are cold, I recommend a loose pajama or cozy sock,” Lee says.
While socks do not need to be turned inside out when washing, it does help to ensure the insides get nice and clean.
“Make sure your socks aren’t balled up from taking them off before you wash them,” says stylist Samantha Brown.
How we chose
We asked our editors to share their favorite socks for every activity. All of the above options are Shop TODAY-approved picks that are also shopper favorites, have high ratings or are brand bestsellers.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Ernest L. Isaacson, DPM, is a podiatrist at Paragon Podiatry in New York City.
- Samantha Brown is a professional and celebrity stylist based in New York. She has worked over 1,000 fashion shows.
- Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists. She is is double board-certified with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in foot surgery, as well as ankle and rear-foot reconstruction surgery.
