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From fuzzy, to no-show, to compression, treat your feet right with these top-rated pairs for every occasion.
So much effort goes into picking out the right pair of shoes (like walking shoes!), but generally, very little consideration goes into choosing socks. Why is that? They’re often an afterthought—something we buy in bulk without any real research—but they actually play a major role in our comfort and the ease of our daily activities. For example, they can be the key to more enjoyable workouts, workdays, and even a good night’s sleep. It’s time to give socks for women the spotlight they deserve.
When it comes to picking your perfect pair, it’s all about finding the right construction and materials—but wading through seemingly endless options doesn’t exactly make the process easy. Thankfully, online reviews exist and can help guide you to a reliable pair...or two, or three. “Next to your shoes, your socks are your most important piece of gear,” adds fitness expert Michelle Stanten in her book Walk Off Weight.
The socks we’ve selected below are beloved by happy shoppers, who felt compelled to praise them due to their positive experiences. There are wool socks; athletic, dressy, and casual styles; slip-ons with functional pull tabs; and more that topped our list. Once you’ve made a selection, Stanten says, “If possible, try out a few [pairs of socks]. Be sure to take them with you when you go shoe shopping.”
So, whether you’re prepping for yoga class, going for a walk, or just hoping to stay warm, go ahead and treat your feet to these pairs of top-rated socks for every season. You won’t regret it.
We chose the best socks for women by conducting our own research for the best-selling picks as well as considering feedback from reviewers and verified customers who have shared their own insights.
There’s one pair of socks that keeps coming up as a favorite among runners, walkers, and gym-goers: Balega’s Hidden Comfort. The South African company only produces socks, so it makes sense that they know a thing or two about them. Hand-linked seams, sturdy heel tabs, proprietary Drynamix fabric, and plenty of color choices elevate Balega’s socks above the competition and deliver a more comfortable fit. They even come pre-shrunk.
And customers can’t get enough of these things. Hidden Comfort socks boast 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 4.8 out of 5 stars on REI, with buyers raving about their superior construction. “I didn’t even realize before wearing the socks that I could use some relief,” one reviewer notes. “I love them.”
With 4.8 stars on Amazon and a sturdy heel tab, CelerSport’s performance socks are ideal for walking. Buyers particularly love the way these socks fit: “GONE are my days of that horrible feeling when my footies slowly slip down my shoe until they’re off my heel completely,” one reviewer says. “They just slide right on as if they were made for my feet. No kidding.”
Darn Tough has been spinning socks in the heart of Vermont for nearly 40 years, and hikers have been trusting them this whole time. It’s the details that set these pairs apart, from the ethically sourced Merino wool (great for moisture wicking) to the fine gauge knitting (for undetectable seams). Oh, and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon doesn’t hurt. One happy customer says “they are comfortable, warm and durable, All Darn Tough socks will long outlast the cheaper ones we all have in our drawer.”
There’s plenty to love about these Under Armour ankle socks, from the anti-odor fabric to the left-right design that ensures a more accurate fit. But we’ll let the reviewers take this one: “It’s like walking on carpet, even on hard surfaces,” one Amazon reviewer writes. Another says “they seem to hold up really well, too—no pilling or thinning.”
If you’re looking for a pair that works just as well at the office as it does at home, try these. The bamboo fabric cushions the feet while staying breathable, and you can choose from dozens of colorways. It’s no wonder they have over 5,000 Amazon reviews and 4.5 stars. “I’m throwing away all my old socks, because these are seriously THE best socks I have ever worn!!” one shopper raves. “When they arrived, I noticed the softness right away.”
Sure, you could get more pairs for a similar price, but this multipack from Old Navy delivers on both style and performance. They’re also beloved by shoppers, with almost 1,000 reviews and 4.9 stars out of 5. “I buy these every few months,” one reviewer writes, and “I come back for them all the time!” Better yet, some of these packs are on sale for $6—that’s a buck per pair.
Bombas is a relative newcomer in the sock space, but it’s already a favorite among shoppers and a recipient of Prevention’s 2019 Walking Awards. The brand’s gripper socks are the perfect solution for fans of yoga, barre, and pilates, who often require a tight grip on a slippery studio floor. Although they’re not available on Amazon, they’re worth it—Bombas donates one pair of socks to homeless shelters for every pair sold. One Bombas reviewer says they “originally bought them for a stretch session that required grip socks, but they also play a major part in my home. These socks are great for hardwood floors. Less slipping and foot pain.”
Socks can be a statement piece as much as any other article of clothing. This brand sells some of the most adorable socks on the market, and you’ll love any of these iconic painting ankle socks from their artist series. One Amazon customer raves “great idea to have art on socks, I love them!! Sometimes it’s the only way to let your “artistic”-side out at work when you are number crunching. Feel nice and soft on your feet, not too thick or thin, and fabulous art reproductions.”
We get it—some shoes just look better without socks. Most no-shows couldn’t hold up a full day of wear, but this four-pack is up for the challenge. An elastic band around the edge keeps them in place, while mesh panels work to wick sweat away. So far, over 2,000 reviewers have raved about these no-shows: “It’s ridiculous that I’m so happy over socks,” one writes. “Perfection!”
On cold winter nights (or just ones when you want to feel extra cozy), there’s nothing better than a pair of warm, fleece lined socks. This top-rated pair of slipper socks, which features grippers to prevent slipping, has over 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon. “They’re just snug enough to not fall down,” one reviewer says. Another: “To make the long story short, these are perfect.”
On rainy, slushy days, rain boots are a must, but it can be tough to keep your feet warm inside of them. These fold-over socks from Hunter do the trick, hence their five-star rating. They’re “a must-have,” one buyer says. “Even wading through cold, icy water, your feet aren’t cold at all.”
If you’re looking for a luxurious way to stay warm around the house, this elevated basic from Nordstrom is ideal. “What’s not to like?” one reviewer notes. “Really soft and lightweight. Perfect for layering or just plain loafers.”
Thanks to the addition of copper, these performance socks will not only keep your feet dry, but they’ll also keep them smelling fresh. Added cushioning in the footbed, along with arch compression, will keep you secure and comfortable for the duration of your workout. Many customers also report these comfy socks helping with arthritis pain as an added bonus. One Amazon customer says “holy wow!! My feet were completely dry at the end of the day!! Plus these are super comfortable, and the tab on the heel is a great added bonus.”
Compression socks improve blood flow, making them ideal for workouts and for people with certain medical conditions. With nearly 6,000 reviews and 4.4 stars out of 5, these three-packs are some of the most-reviewed socks on Amazon, and buyers are big fans. The socks are “perfectly supportive,” one says, “yet didn’t leave my legs with painful marks.”
These socks might seem a bit out there at first, but they‘re actually quite useful. Over 600 Amazon reviewers note that they’re ideal for avoiding blisters inside boots and wicking away sweat on summer hikes. And if you’ve been meaning to try out some of those infamous toe shoes, this is your chance. One happy Amazon reviewer says “I have always suffered with blisters and needed to strap up my toes for every medium to long walk. I have little toes that tuck under their neighbor causing horrible pinch blisters and digging in nails...well not anymore! These socks are pure genius for me.”
These festive-looking socks are made with high-quality wool, cotton, polyester, and Spandex. They have over 12,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.6-star rating. “These socks are super soft and comfy!” one buyer writes. “They are not so thick that they won’t fit in shoes but not too thin as to be cheap.”
✔️ Stay-in-Place Features: If you are looking for a sock that will stay in place and won’t slip off your heel, look for styles that have silicone grips or elasticized hemlines. Other features like heel tabs and compressive bands around the middle of each sock will also help socks stay where you want them to.
✔️ Cut: Depending on what shoe accompanies your sock on any given day, you may want to consider the cut of your sock before buying. Some no-show socks are low-cut and can fit almost any type of shoe, but if you wear mostly higher-cut shoes, you might be better off with an option that comes up a bit higher, especially if the interior of your shoes can be abrasive on your skin. Plus, there’s a whole category for socks accompanying boots of any height.
✔️ Cushioning: If you tend to work on your feet for the whole day or you do yoga in your socks, consider opting for a style with added cushioning for a little extra support. Some designs even feature arch support, so take that into account on your sock shopping trip.