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14 of the best socks for women in 2019

From running shoes to high heels, we've got your feet covered.
/ Source: TODAY

Finding a sole mate isn't easy.

Today, the world of socks is almost as extensive as the world of shoes. Hybrid socks serve ultraspecific needs for ultraspecific shoes. Some socks stay hidden while others make statements.

So we cut through the noise. Whether it's time to replace the basics or try a new solution, we've rounded up the best socks to wear with every type of shoe.

We spoke to both style and sports experts, including a SoulCycle instructor, an Instagram sensation and TODAY Style's own Bobbie Thomas. These hacks will keep feet comfortable and socks hidden — or very visible!

The best socks for Knee-High Boots

  • Nordstrom 2-Pack Knee High Socks, $16, Nordstrom

The online reviews for these simple knee-high socks say it all. They're durable, they stay put on calves of all sizes and they are comfortable enough to wear all day.

The best socks for Rubber Boots

  • Women's PrimaLoft Performance Socks, $20, L.L. Bean

On a rainy day when rubber boots are a necessity, it becomes important to make sure feet stay warm, comfortable and, most importantly, dry. These quick-drying, cushioned crew socks from L.L. Bean feel comfortable under any rain boots or wellies.

The best socks for Ankle Boots

  • Gipsy Arrow Pelerine Ankle Socks, $7, ASOS

Editor's note: The pair that was originally recommended is sold out, but we found this similar pair from the same site.

For those looking for a visible, stylish option, we asked Lexi Cross, one of the founders of @shoesofnyc, a popular Instagram account highlighting the coolest shoes on the streets of cities around the world, to share her insights. "It depends on the ankle boot," Cross said. "If you’re super fashion-forward and rocking a statement pointed-toe ankle boot then you could do a short fishnet sock to add a bit more personality. I like these from Asos, because they just barely show above the shoe."

  • Siocny Ankle No Show Athletic Short Cotton Socks, $10, Amazon

"If you’re keeping it classic, which is all good, too, I’d probably wear a sock that’s hidden," Cross said. "My trick, in this case, is to match the color of the sock to the shoe. I wear a lot of black boots, and these socks I buy in bulk from Amazon work great."

The best socks for Sandals and Party Shoes

  • Hue Women's Open Toe Cover Mule Liner with Cushion, $7, Amazon

Socks with sandals? No judgment here! To prevent slips, slides and even painful blisters, TODAY contributor Bobbie Thomas recommends these genius little socks from Hue. "The toe dividers keep these cushioned socks in place and are virtually invisible with pretty much all my summer sandals," she said.

  • Liza Sparkle Ankle Socks, $13 (usually $18), HappySocks

Feeling bold enough to try a fun pair of socks with your favorite party shoes? Cross recommends these sparkly, colorful socks. "I didn’t think I could pull off socks with sandals or pumps until I came across Happy Socks’ (Hysteria line)," she said. "I especially love the Liza Sparkle Ankle Sock with a white shoe for spring. Look at the fun toe detail! You could even wear these with a peep-toe shoe or sandals."

The best socks for Mules and Slides

  • Hue Women's Open Toe Slide Sandal Liner Socks, $7 (set of 2), Amazon

"These toeless socks have small grips on the bottom that will help hold them (and your foot) in place in mules and slides," Thomas said.

The best socks for Peep-Toe Shoes

  • Hue Women's Perfect Edge Peep Toe Liners, $16 (set of 3), Amazon

Peep-toe shoes somehow can pinch and squeeze like no other shoes in the closet. For that reason, we love these clever liner socks from Hue. They'll keep your feet comfortable without compromising that essential, well, peep of the toe.

The best socks for Flats and Heels

  • Polo Ralph Lauren 3-Pack of Liner Socks, $13, Amazon

For both heels and flat shoes, look for a simple, no-fuss, no-show sock. These no-show liners come in white, black and nude, which can work perfectly with a variety of shoes and styles — like pumps, ballet flats and loafers.

With your favorite pair of full-length or cropped work pants, wear heels with a pair of sheer, knee-high socks, like these from Shimera, to eliminate the need for full pantyhose. They come in four hues.

The best socks for Casual Sneakers

  • Converse Made for Chucks Socks, $20, Amazon

If you prefer socks to stay hidden, a pair of comfortable no-show socks should be your go-to. These no-show socks, featured in TODAY's Better Basics segment with lifestyle expert Jenn Falik, cover enough of the foot to stay in place while remaining out of sight. Best of all, they don't slip. Invisible socks? Win.

The best socks for Running Shoes

  • Nike Elite Cushioned No-Show Tab Running Sock, $18+, Amazon

To get the scoop on the best socks for running, we went right to an expert source: marathoner Brigitte Bradford, who logged more than 2,000 miles last year. "While training for my first marathon in 2012, I would run in whatever socks I found in my drawer. I had blisters and hot spots everywhere, but my feet finally got a break when my training partner introduced me to the Nike Elite Cushioned No-Show socks. It was a Cinderella moment — perfect fit, light and no blisters!"

Bradford, who is currently training to run her sixth marathon in May, said these have been her go-to socks for every long run and race for the past six years.

The best socks for Cycling and Spinning Shoes

  • Women's Original Ankle Socks 4-Pack, $46 (usually $48), Bombas

Charlee Atkins, master SoulCycle instructor and creator of Le Sweat and Le Stretch, recommends socks from Bombas to her cycling disciples. "They have the best socks for my cycling soul and sole (pun intended)," she said. "The blister tab on the back is essential for keeping the socks up while cycling and the extra cushion helps alleviate the aches and pains of constant pedal strokes for 45 minutes or more. Plus, the colors are fun!"

  • Sof Sole Women's No Show Athletic Sports Performance Socks, $20 (pack of 12), Amazon

"If you’re not into breaking the bank (...), then my other go-to (is) Sof Sole," Atkins said. "They are very lightweight, slide right into a cycling shoe and transfer into a regular shoe. Extra bonus: They don’t take up a lot of room in my sock drawer, especially since I have way too many pairs of socks."

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