For such an innocuous piece of kit, your socks are a key player for walking and trail running. Long gone are the days when you’d go for a run in a pair that didn’t feature some serious breathable, temperature management technology let alone an anti-chafe build. But it makes sense to be very particular about what you wear with your trail shoes. After all, many a long-distance run has been destroyed by an unwise selection from your sock drawer – that pair that you wear with your Sunday best simply will not do the job.

Instead, look for lightweight, performance apparel that goes about its job without letting you know it’s there. It’s worth mentioning that the sporting brands in the running for top honours in this instance have really got to grips with this piece of clothing and if there are any differences, they’re tiny! Look for elements like flat toe seams, ventilation, anti-bacterial qualities and of course, looks.

Seamless construction: This feature makes a world of difference for a more comfortable fit.

Breathability: Temperature management is hugely important in aiding comfort and performance.

Compression: For some runners, socks that offer compression will help with recovery.

Antibacterial qualities: Wear them longer with less pong! Which, of course, also means you’ll need to wash them less – good for the environment.

Material: It's tit for tat in regard to materials. Lightweight merino offers excellent temperature regulation and antibacterial qualities. Synthetic alternatives can (but not always) be cheaper, more durable, and can also benefit from antibacterial treatments.

Pros: Great construction, seamless, breathable, lightweight

Cons: Finding them in retail outlets can be tricky

It’s not by chance Bridgedale has rapidly established itself as a key player in this competitive market. Hugely popular with the trail walking crowd, the unobtrusive Lightweight T2 (also available in men's and women's low-cut) has attracted attention for all the right reasons.

From a technical point of view, expect Merino Sport Fusion Technology which provides resilient padding, moisture wicking, odour control and durability on the trails. The Sport Fit gives supportive compression for stability and balance around the ankle and mid foot and the zero debris cuff gives an extended close fit to prevent debris getting in and this means your sock won't slip down or bunch in your footwear.

And you thought they were merely socks!

Cons: Can wear a little quickly

For a sock that does as it promises – you can’t see it with your running shoes on – it sports a lot of tech and represents good value. It’s made from a blend of synthetic fibres and merino wool, which is naturally breathable and odour resistant. There’s an anti-chafe cuff, high performance flex zones and, perhaps most important of all, they are guaranteed for life. Nice.

Pros: Softest in the test, which you may (or may not) like

Cons: On the steeper side when it comes to cost

Comfortable and soft to the touch, these feature three key technical features. The Tencel fibres provide that soft feel, while the Coolmax fibres wick moisture away. As ever, there’s not much to report in that apart from that slightly softer warmer feel, they just do what socks do.

Cons: Just a little thicker than others, but we’re talking fine margins

These are always a favourite with us. The price is superb and we challenge you to find a trail runner who has never worn a pair, such is their popularity and competitive price point. As you’d expect, they’re not short on tech, namely a Merino wool blend and its natural anti-bacterial qualities.

Pros: Suitable for just about every distance

Cons: Can wear a little too quickly

An everyday kind of offering at an everyday price. These socks are 50% merino wool and provide a lightweight feel.

Pros: They’re waterproof, say no more!

Interesting. This is a brand that really gets to work if bogs, river crossings and very wet days are on your agenda. Certainly, there’s a slightly unusual feel to the socks but after that initial wariness you’ll love them. Yes, our test team were dubious initially but found themselves raving about them (if it’s wet outside that is). Warmth, comfort and dry feet.

Pros: Comfortable, everyday kind of socks

Cons: You’ll wear them everywhere…to work, shopping and therefore you’ll wear them out!

You’ll be aware of the sporting underwear this brand has – sports bras, men’s underpants – but perhaps less so of the sock range. Well, here they are and like its underwear, these running socks are fantastically comfortable.

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