The 17 Best Workout Socks of 2025 for Getting Your Sweat On, Approved by Byrdie editors

Materials: Polyester, nylon, Supima cotton, elastane | Sizes: S, M, L

These all-star workout socks can be worn for a wide range of fitness activities. From hiking and running to golf and dance cardio, they’ll keep your feet dry, cool, and endlessly comfy—they’d work as streetwear socks with casual sneakers too. We also like that a pair of Bombas socks is donated for each pair purchased.

Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: 5–9, 8–12

On a budget? Pick up a pack of Hanes Comfort Fit Socks. You’ll get six non-bulky, over-the-ankle socks for under $15, each with arch support and zoned cushioning. What’s more, they’re designed to adapt to your body temperature to cool you off while you sweat.

Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: S, M, L

We highly recommend Feetures for runners. These athletic socks are cushioned only where you need to prevent unnecessary bulk, while targeted compression may help with blood circulation and to minimize soreness. The brand also boasts The Perfect Toe®, a trademarked seam-free toe area that eliminates bunching and irritation.

Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: S/M, L/XL

Whether you like biking around town, competing in cycling races, or feeling the burn right at home on an elliptical machine, Paplus is the way to go. These ankle-high compression socks are designed to encourage blood flow and improve your reaction time by targeting different areas of your feet and ankles with varying firmness levels.

Materials: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Nike mid-calf socks are our go-to when strength training. We appreciate having support over our ankles during weight-bearing exercises and like that it stays securely in place. Since the socks are higher, we also don’t have to worry about them falling down.

Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: S, M, L

What about HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts? We stand behind Saucony Performance Athletic Socks. They have targeted cushioning in areas that see the most impact, and the woven mesh ventilation keeps your feet cool as you work up a sweat.

Materials: Nylon, polyester, cotton, elastane | Sizes: S, M, L

As the name suggests, Lululemon’s Power Stride Socks are designed to support your stride. In our opinion, these are the perfect walking socks. They have ​​a 3D-knit PerformaHeel™ that fits perfectly to the foot and creates a supported, locked-in feeling. And instead of being identical, each pair has one left and one right to accommodate the natural shape of your feet and toes.

Materials: Cotton, elastane | Sizes: One size

These are the best socks for yoga, barre, and other studio workouts where shoes aren’t required (or not allowed at all). Sticky silicone grippers are dotted all over the soles to keep you from slipping on hard floors, and the crew length can be pulled up over your leggings. We also appreciate that they’re breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying.

Materials: Cotton, nylon, spandex | Sizes: S/M, M/L

If you’re partial to no-shows, these below-the-ankle workout socks from Athleta are your best bet. They have just enough cushioning to keep your feet comfy in sneakers without feeling too thick or bunching up. There’s also supportive compression under the arches and ventilated panels over the top to encourage airflow.

Materials: Nylon, polyester, cotton, elastane | Sizes: S, M, L

Stance makes our favorite ankle socks with heel tabs. These athletic socks are easy to pull on and off, plus the cushioned tabs minimize friction on the back of your heels to keep blisters at bay. They also have supportive arches, seamless toes to prevent discomfort, and odor-control technology that ensures your feet stay fresh no matter how hard you sweat.

Materials: Cotton, polyamide, elastane | Sizes: 6+, 8+

We also like these lightly compressive crew socks from Skims. They’re pretty basic (in a good way), with no visible logos except on the soles, which makes them all the more versatile. Designed to feel comfy in active sneakers or flat shoes, you can wear these sporty-casual socks while working out or with loungewear, athleisure outfits, or jeans.

Materials: Polyester, nylon, elastane, encapsulated silver ions | Sizes: S, M, L, XL

These workout socks have a clever solution for funky foot smells. Encapsulated silver ions are woven in to kill odor-causing bacteria, while moisture-wicking fibers help your feet stay dry. But that’s not all we love about them. The thoughtful design features several comfort elements, including seamless toes, cushioned heel tabs, arch support bands, and ventilated panels.

Materials: Polyester, cotton, spandex | Sizes: M, L

Adidas Trefoil Crew Socks are great for those who prefer thicker, plusher workout socks. They have extra cushioning on the soles and forefeet, plus compressive bands to support your arches. We like that you can pull the crew-cut tops up to your mid-calves or wear them slouchy for a more laid-back look.

Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Sizes: One size

If breathability is a top priority, we recommend Ralph Lauren Sport Ankle Socks. The mesh tops promise to encourage airflow to prevent hot, clammy feet—but don’t worry, they’re definitely not too thin. These socks are cushy under the heels and foot pads and compressive under the arches.

Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Over-the-calf compression socks might improve circulation in your lower legs, potentially minimizing fatigue and preventing muscle soreness. We like this pair from Comrad, which has stronger compression around the ankles and gradually decreases tightness up the leg. These workout socks also feature sweat-wicking materials with silver ions woven in to eliminate foot odors.

Materials: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Sizes: S/M, L/XL

Looking for simple, versatile socks for various workouts and everyday wear? This affordable three-pack from Old Navy is a stellar choice. These crew socks feature supportive arch bands and cushioning where you need it, while the cotton-blend fabric wicks away sweat and remains breathable even when the temperature rises.

Materials: Organic polyester, nylon, organic cotton, and spandex | Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL

There’s a lot to love about these socks. The cushioned footbed and springwave arch support provide comfortable support to your soles during your workouts. We also applaud the sustainable design, which is made primarily of organic cotton in facilities that strive for fair working conditions and an eco-friendly supply chain.