Best Socks for Sweaty Feet
Investing in the right gear won’t stop your flippers from sweating- but it can help wick away moisture and keep you comfortable all day. This type of socks is great for doing sports activities. The first line of defense lies in your first layer of gear: your socks.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
This was the most important thing that we looked at during our research. If a product claimed that it could wick away moisture- but it was also made from cotton materials- we knew that it wasn’t a product that was actually going to perform on what it claimed. There are three different types of unconventional fabrics that companies use to wick away moisture: bamboo, wool, and polyester. If you find a pair that uses any one of these materials- you are going to get a product that performs. We really couldn’t decide which material was better, because each one of that had their specific advantages and disadvantages. Materials such as wool and bamboo might be considered higher performing than polyester, but we discovered that they are a lot more difficult to care for, and often aren’t as durable and wear out faster than the standard polyester. Polyester, on the other hand, might not perform as well as the others, but it is a lot easier to care for and typically holds up for longer periods of time.
Comfort
Sure, you want socks to keep you dry- but probably not at the cost of feeling scratchy and uncomfortable. We were careful to read the reviews of what some of the past users had to say about these different materials– especially ones that were made with wool. Unsurprisingly, there were some wool options out there on the market that had a reputation of being too itchy and stiff, and we avoided those brands like the plague. It’s important to keep dry, but not at the cost of being itchy and raw. Bamboo, on the other hand, has earned the reputation of actually being a little bit softer than tradition cotton. If you decide upon a bamboo option, you can rest easy that it will feel nice against your skin. Polyester designs are pretty safe as well- with only one exception. Many past users that have reviewed products that are made out of polyester find that they sometimes can fit a little too tight, and shrink up when thrown into the washing machine.
Value
We made sure to keep an eye on the price because no one wants to spend more money than they need to. You have to be careful when shopping for specialty items because a lot of companies will try and charge you more unnecessarily so. The fact of the matter is that the materials used to make these products- wool, polyester, and bamboo- do not cost significantly more than cotton, so higher price points just don’t make any sense. We tried to select products that had competitive price points that did not eclipse what you would spend on your casual everyday designs.
Top 10 Picks
1. Fun Toes
Merino wool makes an appearance yet again with FUN TOES. This style uses the same type of moisture-wicking material, only they use just a little bit less, and sub in some more stretchy materials to ensure that you get a tight and comfortable fit for the duration of your warm or cold weather adventures.
Read moreMaterials
As we mentioned above, these also make good use of Merino wool. However, only about 50 percent of this design is made from this type of wool. It also uses 40 percent nylon, 9 percent polyester, and 1 percent spandex.
Comfort
The higher cut of these makes them perfect for wearing with boots as well as running shoes. As far as dryness- the Merino wool is the biggest factor in keeping you dry. This type of wool is incredibly fine and lightweight- so these won’t have the same amount of bulk as your least favorite and itchy holiday sweater. The nylon used is also great at keeping it securely in place no matter how active you are.
Value
When you purchase these they will come in a pack of 6. These cost about the same price as the PEOPLE SOCKS, but once you break it down to how much they cost per pair these are actually pretty affordable. If you were curious to try out Merino wool but were reluctant to pay a higher price tag- these are worth giving a try.
Summary
Merino wool is the perfect material to wick moisture away and not simply transferring it to the lining of your shoe. This brand has a long following of people that love using their products all year round- in the winter as well as the summer. If you were curious to try Merino wool- this is an excellent place to start.
2. People Socks
Here is a company that has only been around about 6 years, but is making quite an impact with their quality products. This design is made from a special type of material that will keep your paws dry in cold climates as well as in warmer weather. If you don’t let the weather dictate what you do outdoors- these are worth checking out.
Read moreMaterials
The material that is used to make these is what makes them so special. They use 71 percent Merino wool to make up the bulk of their design. This special type of sheep. Merino wool is some of the softest and finest wool that is out there on the market. The rest of the design is made from nylon and spandex to ensure that they stay in place all day.
Comfort
The cut of these makes them great for wearing with a pair of boots or with your running shoes. There are two things that you need to keep dry- something that stays in place, and something that wicks away moisture. The spandex material is sure to keep it snugly in place all day, while the Merino wool is perfect to wick away moisture. What makes wool the best materials is that it not only wicks away moisture, but it also absorbs it into the fibers so that nothing feels wet.
Value
One pack with get you 4 pairs, and they are set at a pretty reasonable price point. When broken down- each pair will cost you about the same that you spent on your morning latte. Some might find that is too expensive, but if you consider that quality of materials used, it’s actually a really good price point.
Summary
You might have tried everything to keep your paws dry while on a run, but we bet you have never thought to try wool. They might be set at a slightly higher price point than many of the others that you might find, but this brand has a long line of dry-footed customers behind them- making them worth giving a chance.
3. Bamboo Skateboards
Another type of material out there on the market that is designed to keep you dry is bamboo. The Bamboo Skateboards design has a lot of extra cushioning that will not only keep your flippers nice and comfortable, but they will also keep them dry.
Read moreMaterials
What makes these different is that they are made from bamboo- which has a lot of the same properties of Merino wool. Not only is bamboo great for wicking away moisture, but it also absorbs it so that you can say goodbye to soggy shoes at the end of a run.
Comfort
These will fit right down along your ankle and come up just over the top of your sneakers. The bottom of this unit is incredibly thick and durable so that you will have a little bit of extra padding with every step. The top, on the other hand, is made from a lighter almost mesh-like materials to keep air circulating that further prevents moisture from accumulating. Plus, not only are these offered in white, but you can also select to get them in black as well.
Value
One pack of these comes with 3 pairs. When you break down how much they cost per pair- they will set you back about the same amount that you spend on a cup of coffee this morning. Plus, Bamboo Skateboards stands behind their products. If you, for any reason, are not satisfied with this product, you can return it for a replacement or a refund without any questions asked.
Summary
For those that are curious about materials that aren’t cotton, bamboo is an excellent choice that will keep you comfortable and dry. With Bamboo Skateboards, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for dryness. If you were on the fence about trying something that uses unconventional materials, the price point is worth giving these a shot.
4. Copper Fit
The best way to keep high and dry doesn’t necessarily come with the type of material, but it comes from how that material is constructed. The Copper Fit design has an innovative design that allows air to circulate through to prevent moisture from even developing at all.
Read moreMaterials
The materials used for this design is 100 percent polyester. However, what makes this design just a little bit different is that the materials have been infused with copper so that any moisture that does develop will be wicked away by the copper. Polyester also makes it a lot easier to clean, and many users claim that these last a lot longer than their wool or bamboo counterparts.
Comfort
Users can select from a black or white design. The cut of these lies just below the ankle, so if you are wearing them with your running shoes they will just barely be visible. They have an elastic band that runs around the top of the arch to give you a little bit of extra arch support, and the top and sides are vented to promote airflow to keep your paws from overheating even on a really hot summer runs.
Value
These are some of the more affordable options to make this list. When you purchase this product, they come in a pack of three. When you break it down to find how much it cost per pair, it will set you back about the same price as your morning cup of coffee.
Summary
There won’t be any experimenting with unconventional materials with the Copper Fit design. It is made from tried and true polyester that has a smart design. For runners that want something that is incredibly lightweight, offers great support in the arches, and works hard to keep your paws cool and dry- this is an excellent option that offered at an incredibly affordable price.
5. MD
MD offers runners something that is made from bamboo, but it also is a lot thinner than many of the other bamboo options that are currently available on the market. These give you all of the extra paddings in the places that you would want and need it and skimp on the materials where you want to generate a little bit of airflow. They sit low on the foot and have a tighter cuff so that you won’t have to worry about them slipping down into your shoe.
Read moreMaterials
80 percent of these are made from rayon that is derived from bamboo. For the remainder, 18 percent is made from polyester, 1 percent from spandex, and 1 percent from latex. Any materials that are derived from bamboo are incredibly soft, and will not irritate the skin the way some of the other moisture-wicking materials such as wool have a tendency to do with some users that have sensitive skin.
Comfort
These are going to fit just a smidge above your ankle, which is perfect for those that want something that will sit low on their leg, but not so low that an enthusiastic run will leave it lost inside of their shoe. It comes in three colors- black, white, and grey. The cuff is a little bit more structured than you won’t find on most, which is perfect in preventing shifting and slipping.
Value
When you purchase a pack of these, you will receive 6 pairs. The cost of these, when broken down to cost per pair, is pretty standard for similar styles, and will likely set you back about the price of a cup of coffee.
Summary
If you like your gear to be as lightweight as possible- this is going to be a great choice. It fits tightly enough to avoid any bunching up, and the soft bamboo materials will not only feel soft and comfortable, but it will also help to keep you high and dry so that you can go all day long.
6. Dig Bamboo
Some runners just hate ankle socks because of the risk you run of them slipping down into your shoes. You won’t have to worry about that problem with the Dig Bamboo design- and you won’t have to worry about moisture, either. This model comes in various different colors and has a lot of extra padding for a smooth, dry ride.
Read moreMaterials
Dig Bamboo uses really high-quality fibers that were derived from bamboo trees. This means that the materials will be antibacterial as well as antimicrobial- because bamboo fibers wick away moisture naturally. The band at the top of this pair is made from elastic to ensure that it will stay firmly in place as you run or hike.
Comfort
What makes the Dig Bamboo a little different is that users can select from a number of different colors. Users can select grey, pink, black, light grey, and navy. The unit sits just above the ankle and below the calf offer a good deal of Achilles support. It actually has a built-in cuff area specially designed for the Achilles. In addition to a light and airy top design, it has a lot of extra padding in support in the toe box as well as the heel to give you added support in the places that you will need it while out on the trails.
Value
The cost of these runs pretty par for the course. When you make your purchase, they come in a pack of three. Breaking down the cost, each pair will likely set you back the same amount that you would spend on ordering breakfast. They are just a tiny bit more expensive per pair than some of the other, but not by much. Plus, with every pair that you buy- Dig Bamboo will actually plant a bamboo tree.
Summary
If you want something that sits up higher above your ankle and provides a lot of additional support in the places that you need it, but it also made with materials that will keep annoying moisture away from you and the lining of your shoes- this is well worth the price.
7. Dickies
Dickies is a brand that you most likely recognize. They were founded in the early 1900s and really picked up steam when they supplied uniforms to the US armed forces during World War II. With that in mind, you can bet that this product is made from high-quality materials, and it will be able to hold up to whatever you can throw at it.
Read moreMaterials
Dickes doesn’t use any unconventional materials such as wool or bamboo. These products are made from 78 percent cotton, 19 percent spandex, 2 percent spandex, and 1 percent nylon. However, their materials are coated with their special Dri-Tech moisture control to keep your puppies cool and dry no matter if you are on a hot job site or running along a wooded trail.
Comfort
Users can select from 4 different color options- black, grey, white, and navy. They sit a little higher on your leg than some of the others, but they still will sit just below the base of your calf muscle. The top is made from a loose-knit and breathable yarn, and the footbed provides a lot of added support. The toe box and heel have additional padding and arch support to keep it firmly in place, and the top has a mesh design to keep air circulating.
Value
Surprising, despite have the weight of the popular brand name of Dickies behind them- this is one of the most affordable options to make our list. These come in a pack of 6, and when you break it down to see how much they cost per pair- it will set you back about the same price that you would spend on a protein bar.
Summary
If you want something that comes from a trusted brand, and don’t use any of the unconventional materials that some of the other brands use- this is an excellent choice. It was designed for those working long hours on job sites in construction zones, so they can hold up to long runs on hot summer days without skipping a beat.
8. YingDi
The YingDi design is the perfect compromise between something that sits on the ankle and something that fits higher up on the leg. It uses copper fibers that are perfect for wicking away moisture to keep you cool and dry, but it also has a lot of added support and padding to keep you comfortable as well.
Read moreMaterials
These are made from 49 percent copper fibers, 49 percent SUPPLEX, and 2 percent spandex. What is important to note about this is that the SUPPLEX material is something that manufacturers use instead of nylon. SUPPLEX has a similar consistency of nylon and performs similar functions, but it is significantly softer and less irritating than nylon.
Comfort
This design is perfect for runners that want something that has a low profile, but not so low that it becomes lost in their shoes during the long run. It has a strong elastic band along the top to prevent slipping, as well as a band around the arch to support the arches as well as keeping it firmly in place. The toe box and the heel have a little bit more additional support as well. The top is made from lightweight mesh-like fibers that promote air circulation.
Value
When you make a purchase, you will receive 4 pairs in a pack. When broken down into how much you pay per pair, it will likely set you back just about as much as you would spend on a cup of coffee. These are priced just a smidge less than some of the other options out there on the market.
Summary
If you are curious about how copper fibers work in keeping you dry- this is an excellent place to start. It uses materials that are a little bit different than a lot of the others you might have already seen, and users are quite fond of the improve materials that feel incredibly soft and are easy to care for. Plus, they come in at a price that is slightly less than many of the others.
9. Balega
Just because you need something that is going to wick away moisture doesn’t mean you have to be a slave to the basic white design. What Balega is fun and color options that have a smart design that will keep moisture away from your skin and the inside of your shoe. It utilizes typical materials you would find in basic models but has a lot of design features to keep you high and dry on those long runs.
Read moreMaterials
This is made of up a number of materials, but the one that matters the most to keep you dry is the Drynamix Polyester- that makes up 48 percent of this unit. Other materials include 33 percent of nylon, 17 percent of microfiber nylon, and 2 percent of elastane.
Comfort
If you are looking for something that has an incredibly low profile to look like you aren’t wearing anything at all under your shoes- this is it. However, it does have a heel tab to prevent it from sliding down into your shoe. Users can select from a lot of fun colors that are unique to anything else you might find on the market. Bright colors include blue and orange, pink and red, powder blue and white, or solid black with grey accents. It as a lot of padding in the toe box as well as the heel and the top has a loose-knit kupi fabric to promote airflow.
Value
Hold on to your sneakers- these cost more the double of many of the other options out there on the market. One purchase gets you one pair, and they cost about the same as a pack of 3 of the more reasonably priced options. However, if you are looking for something that has superior construction and a sharp and trendy outward appearance- this will be well worth the padded price tag.
Summary
For those that want something that is bright and colorful, offers a stiffer construction than most to give you a lot of added support, and is designed to keep your paws high and dry- these are a great option if you are willing to pay the higher cost.
10. Under Armour
Under Armour is probably a brand that you are familiar with, and might already have some of their sports apparel in your closet. This product is great at wicking away sweat with a smart design and their ArmourDry and ArmourBlock technology found right in the fibers of the fabric.
Read moreMaterials
This model is made from 98 percent polyester with 2 percent spandex. Their polyester fabric is reinforced with their ArmourDry and ArmourBlock technology that keeps moisture away and odors and bacteria from ever forming.
Comfort
For runners that want something with a lower profile- this is an excellent option. It sits just above the ankle so that a little bit will she showing over your running shoes. The addition of spandex around the cuff prohibits it from slipping off and down into your shoe as your run or walk. Under Armour also adds some additional padding to the heel and the toes where there is more impact and wear so that you not only have more comfort, but they will wear more evenly.
Value
When you make a purchase, you will receive 6 pairs of this product. Breaking it down to the cost of a single pair- it will likely set you back the same amount of money that you would spend on a protein bar, making it one of the more affordable options on this list.
Summary
If you want to purchase a product from a trusted brand that has been in the business of making really great gear for all types of athletes since 1996- these are going to be well worth the affordable price point.
Sources
- Best Socks For Sweaty Feet, Sock Blog ,
- The Best Moisture-Wicking Socks to Keep Your Feet Cool, Buying Guide ,