It’s tempting to trim your mileage as winter sets in, but the idea of not running just because it’s cold outside is absurd. You’re a runner—of course you’re going to keep running. You’re going to log your miles in the snow and the freezing rain, and when the freezing rain/snow turns to slush, you’ll press on. Staying comfortable through this season means building the right kit to keep you warm and dry when the weather turns. And a good winter kit begins with your socks, the base protection for your feet. We’ve picked some of our favorite winter running socks, plus some tips for choosing the best socks to get you through the coldest, wettest miles.
Best Winter Running Socks
The Expert: I’ve been hiking and trail running for as long as I can remember, often in terrible weather and conditions that require a variety of clothing styles and layering techniques. I've been testing and reviewing running gear and apparel for nearly a decade, which helps me understand the nuances of fit, materials, technical details, and intended use. My gear reviews and other work has appeared in Backpacker, Lonely Planet, Outside, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Backpacking Light, and The Trek, among other outlets. I am the cofounder of Backpacking Routes, a website that connects backpackers with long-distance trails across the country.
How to Choose Winter Running Socks
Material
Just like you’d want to avoid cotton socks for warm-weather running, the same goes for winter. Most manufacturers turn to merino wool for their winter socks. It’s thinner and softer than your typical wool and has the ability to wick moisture away from your skin while trapping air between the fibers to help insulate against the cold. While merino is incredibly comfortable, it’s not particularly durable, so most brands blend it with a synthetic material like polyester to boost its longevity and structure. But the best thing about merino wool is that its temperature-regulating properties make it a good option for warm-weather running too, so don’t stuff these socks in the back of the drawer when the trails start to thaw.
To Waterproof or Not to Waterproof?
You can find plenty of waterproof running socks out there, and we recommend our favorite in this list. But waterproof socks are meant for only the most extreme weather. The typical waterproof sock sandwiches a waterproof layer between two knit fabrics, which means they’re still sort of breathable, but not as much as straight merino /polyester socks, so they’ll trap heat. This is great when it’s 2 degrees and you’re running through streams. It’s overkill when it’s 33 degrees and sunny.
Sock Length
No-show, quarter-crew, mid-crew, crew, over-the-calf: Most brands give you multiple options for length, even with winter-minded models. Sock length is largely a personal choice, but consider a few things before deciding. Will knee socks cover enough skin to allow you to run in shorts through the winter? If you run in tights and go with low-cut socks, will there be a gap between the fabrics around your ankle? Just think about how much skin you want exposed. And remember, some manufacturers make really great-looking (or straight-up weird) tall socks, and winter is the perfect time to break them out.
How We Selected
Our team of experienced testers and editors spent many hours and miles running and racing on the road and trail, and in cold and wet weather, wearing these socks. We evaluated them on performance, price, comfort, value, warmth, and durability to compile this list. We aimed for versatile picks adequate for a variety of conditions and temperatures.
BEST FOR TERRIBLE CONDITIONS
DryMax Cold Weather
Pros
- Olefin, 10% Polyester, 9% Elastane, 8% Nylon
- Tall height covers most of your lower leg
Cons
Key Specs
| Materials | 73% Olefin, 10% Polyester, 9% Elastane, 8% Nylon |
|---|---|
| Height | OTC |
| Colors | Black |
These tall socks rise above your calf to protect your lower leg in the worst conditions. DryMax also gives the front shin an extra layer of insulation to stymie wind chill. A proprietary, dual-layer fiber transfers sweat to the outside of the sock, so the inside never gets soaked. Meanwhile, the seamless toe box and arch and ankle band help reduce the chance of getting blisters.
BEST COMPRESSION SOCKS
Lily Trotters Compression Socks
Pros
- Good compression without feeling constricting
- Won't roll down or pinch
Cons
- Compression can feel like overkill
Key Specs
| Materials | 93% The Best Advanced Treadmills for Runners |
|---|---|
| Height | OTC |
| Colors | Striped navy, striped maroon |
We gave Lily Trotters a Gear of the Year award a few years ago out of respect for the socks’ ability to slide on and off easily while still providing plenty of supportive squeeze. They have ample compression to stay firmly in place while running without gripping your calves too much. When worn with tights, their knee-high length gives you an added layer of warmth without any bulk. And the S’mitten patterns are great for winter, with a cozy seasonal vibe that feels at home in a holiday 5K or lounging by the fire.
BEST ARCH SUPPORT
Wigwam Synchroknit Surpass Lightweight Mid-Crew
Pros
- Warm and quick-drying
- Targeted support at the arch
- Light compresssion
Cons
- Tighter fit than other socks of the same size
Key Specs
| Materials | 49% All About 75 Hard |
|---|---|
| Height | Mid-crew |
| Colors | Black, teal |
The biggest winter footwear challenge is to keep the blood flowing to your feet without overcrowding or overheating them with ski-sock- level bulk. It’s a fine line that these Wigwam socks are able to traverse on all but the coldest, windiest days. Warm but lightweight, the socks are made of a polyester blend that dries quickly and feels soft against the skin. They’re cushioned where you need the comfort at the heel and toe, but stripped down through the arch for a tighter, better fit that feels like a gentle foot massage. Moderate compression through the mid-calf gives you a sense of added support. They’re thick enough that you won’t want to wear them in summer, but ideal for early-morning runs during the rest of the year.
BEST BREATHABILITY
Fits Performance Trail
Pros
- Just like youd want to avoid cotton socks for
- Added breathability zones
Cons
Key Specs
| Materials | 50% Overkill on warmer, dry days |
|---|---|
| Height | Quarter-crew |
| Colors | Advertisement - Continue Reading Below |
Some runners will add gaiters to their kit if they’re often faced with mud or slush. No need if you’re wearing the Performance Trail sock, which has a high cuff “scree guard” designed to keep the elements out. The Performance Trail is built from a slightly heavier wool for colder temps, but still has mesh zones for added breathability. Even with the thicker wool, the sock has a snug, contoured fit that won’t bust the seams of your trainers.
MOST VERSATILE
Smartwool Run Cold Weather Crew Sock
Pros
- Body-mapped construction
- Barely-there toe seams
- Custom-feeling fit
Cons
Key Specs
| Materials | 56% Merino, 41 % Nylon, 3% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Colors | Blue, black, burnt orange |
Smartwool has made a legacy name for itself with technical hiking, running, and ski socks, and this model has a combination of warmth, fit, structure, and durability for an excellent all-around winter sock for a range of temperatures and conditions. It has a form-fitting, no-slip construction that hugs your foot and provides arch support without too much tension, as well as body-mapped mesh sections for breathability and venting. This sock doesn’t feel like overkill on warmer days, but is still plenty protective on colder runs.
BEST WATERPROOF OPTION
Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Wool Crew
Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Wool Crew
Pros
- Will keep your feet dry in the snow
- As breathable as waterproof gear gets
Cons
- Merino, 37% Nylon, 2% Spandex
Key Specs
| Materials | Outer - 78% Nylon, 15% Polyester, 7% Spandex. Inner - 40% Merino, 40% Acrylic, 17% Polyester, 2% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Colors | Gray |
If wet slush is your winter-running Kryptonite, having a good set of waterproof socks is the antidote. And Portland-based Showers Pass makes one of the most effective we’ve tested. The Crosspoint has plenty of protection so you can hop through a stream without risking soggy feet. The knit exterior gives it the feel of a normal sock, while a breathable waterproof membrane blocks out the elements. Add to that the wicking properties of merino wool, plus a reinforced toe and heel, and you’ve got the ultimate snowpocalypse-ready footwear. Just remember to save the Crosspoint for only your coldest runs—it’s pretty warm in temperatures above freezing.
BEST LIGHTER WEIGHT WINTER SOCK
Swiftwick Pursuit Ultralight
Pros
- Made of soft merino
- A Part of Hearst Digital Media
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Running Shoes - Gear
Key Specs
| Materials | 63% Merino, 35% Nylon, 2% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Colors | Black, gray |
These luxurious-feeling socks captured a 2020 Gear of the Year award and the enthusiasm of our staff for their comfort and versatility. Made of a lightweight merino wool that feels cool in warm weather, cozy when it’s cold, and soft and dry against your feet no matter the conditions, they’re the perfect all-season sock. True to the Ultralight name, the socks’ fabric feels warm without any bulk, so your feet won’t become crowded or numb once you’ve laced up your shoes. And the socks come in four height options, from the no-show Zeros to the calf-high Sevens, so it’s easy to find a pair that fits your style and need for winter coverage.
BEST FOR BLISTER PREVENTION
Injinji Ultra Run Crew
Pros
- Separated toes for increasing movement
- Mesh panels on top for breathability
Cons
- winter sets in
Key Specs
| Materials | 67% How to Prep for Running When Its Cold Out |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Colors | Electric blue |
Toe socks are a somewhat polarizing sock style, but if they work for you, they really work. Giving each toe its own separate home, Injinji socks protect against blisters caused by skin-on-skin friction. Though they take some getting used to and a little extra time to put on, many runners swear by the natural feeling they lend. The Ultra Run Crew has a mesh top for breathability and venting, protective and cushioning terry in the toes and underfoot, and added arch support, all in a blend of CoolMax, nylon, and Lycra for performance and moisture control.
BEST ODOR RESISTANCE
Darn Tough 1/4 Cushion Sock
Pros
- Health - Injuries
- Warm and quick-drying
Cons
- Lower cut might allow drafts
Key Specs
| Materials | 61% Merino, 37% Nylon, 2% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Height | 1/4 Crew |
| Colors | Black, blue, tan, gray |
Darn Tough is another legacy athletic sock brand, and with a lifetime guarantee, they’re a sure bet for everything from lightweight crew socks to heavy winter hiking socks. These socks are slim but still cushioned where you want it, with a performance fit that eliminates bunching and a cross-woven cuff that prevents them from slipping down. These are a lower cut (quarter-crew) for runners who prefer less fabric around their ankles and calves, and these socks are made with a warm merino that still feels lightweight and smooth. They have incredible odor-resistance thanks to the high percentage of merino, and are good for multiple wears without washing… if that’s your thing.
SMOOTHEST FEEL
Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks
Pros
- Mohair for cushioning
- Sweat wicking
- Seamless toe box
Cons
Key Specs
| Materials | 32% Nylon, 32% Polyester, 30% Mohair, 4% Microfiber, 2% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Height | 1/4 Crew |
| Colors | Blue, black, burnt orange |
These sleek socks feel like next to nothing against the skin, and are made with mohair and Drynamix (a polyester with specialty moisture-management properties to help push sweat away from your feet) for a smooth feeling perfect for runners who want to forget they’re wearing socks. They have a seamless toe box, and the mohair resists shrinking while still being soft and cushioning. These socks are comfortable for winter running but are also wicking enough for summer and warmer-weather runs.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION
Danish Endurance Long Distance Crew Running Socks
Pros
- Affordable
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Best for Blister Prevention
Key Specs
| Materials | 65% polyester, 33% nylon, 2% elastane |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Colors | Black, light blue, dark blue |
These affordable socks come in a three-pack of crew-height socks for a wallet-friendly alternative without losing the athletic design, materials, and support of name-brand socks. These socks are made primarily with polyester and nylon, which gives them good structure and support, but you don’t have the insulating properties of a sock made from merino. These socks do have ribbing across the top of the foot for form-fitting stretch, but they don’t have the same arch support and underfoot padding as other socks on this list.
BEST FOR HIKING AND RUNNING
Point6 Southwest Light Crew
Pros
- Races - Places
- Side ventilation weave for breathability
Cons
- Lower cut might allow drafts
Key Specs
| Materials | 60% Merino, 35% Nylon, 5% Elastic |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Colors | Dark gray striped, light gray striped |
These socks have a midweight blend of cushioning and breathability, with naturally quick-drying properties from the merino wool. They have a durable, reinforced toe and heel to prevent wear and add extra protection for long runs, and the taller cuff height and fitted ankle brace stitching sits comfortably inside 7/8-height running tights without bunching or sagging. These socks don’t hold their shape as well as other brands, so be prepared for some stretch through continued wear.
Q&A
RW: Seamless toe box?
MS: Hiking socks can absolutely work for running. Running socks and hiking socks both have supportive arches and reinforced toes and heels for high levels of activity, but hiking socks are made for activities with a lower output. This means many hiking sock models will feel too warm and thick for running. Running socks tend to have a slimmer fit and more of an emphasis on sweat-wicking properties. I have some pairs of slimmer hiking socks that I wear for running, but typically I keep them separate.
RW: Compression can feel like overkill?
MS: My go-to length for winter running socks is a crew sock, which comes up to about six inches on my calf. This length is more than enough to cover gaps between my running shoes and pants, and are perfect when over-the-calf (OTC) or boot socks feel like overkill. I typically stay away from ankle socks or no-show socks in the winter as my ankles get too cold.
RW: Any go-to material?
MS: I look for a wicking merino blend for my winter running socks—same as my hiking socks. Merino is naturally odor resistant, retains warmth when wet, and helps wick sweat away from your feet to help with comfort and prevent blisters. Most of my favorite socks have between 50-65% merino, and the rest is a durable polyester / elastane blend, like we mentioned above.
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
