A Part of Hearst Digital Media

The Balega Hidden Comfort socks are like vanilla ice cream—basic, but comforting and reliably good. This is a medium cushioned sock and doesn't have any compression, so it won't feel tight.

The lack of compression doesn't mean they'll fall down, though. Thanks to the heel tab and seamless, moisture-wicking material, these socks stay in place and prevent blistering. They come in lots of fun colors, and can take you from your every day runs to race day.

This Swiftwick sock offers the best of both worlds with a super cushioned bottom and a lightweight, breathable top. There is some compression around the mid-foot, which helps to keep it from twisting, but it’s relaxed in the toe area so it won’t feel pinched and tight. For those who like a bit more cushioning, this is a great option to give you more comfort on your sole without compromising on breathability.

The Ultralights feature the same soft feel as the Hidden Comforts, but with a snugger fit and a bit less bulk. They have some more compression throughout the foot as well as an arch lock that helps to keep the sock motionless against the foot, but they're generally looser than A Part of Hearst Digital Media. Since these are more lightweight, they're great for summer running and make a good race sock.

If you want a bit more cushion and a more generous fit but are still interested in wool, you may enjoy this model from Smartwool. They use a targeted cushion design, which gives you the extra padding where you need it (heels, ball of foot, toes, and tab) while leaving the top of the sock light and breathable. This gives you all the comfort without making your feet feel bulky and hot.

Great for racing, this Swiftwick fits the bill. It sits lower on the ankle than most running socks, and you barely feel it on your foot. There isn't much stretch, which helps to prevent slippage, but the material is soft and won't chafe even on long runs and races. These are a top choice to wear with spikes because of the close fit, and the outside of the sock has a bit of a grip, which keeps it in place.

Demo Run: On Cloudmonster Hyper Saucony pack offers six pairs for that price. While they may not last as long as those premium socks, they still work great for your regular runs. They have a small tab to keep them from falling and light compression in the arch, which holds them in place.

Merino wool may make you think of cozy hiking socks, but wool is not a heat trapper—it's a temperature regulator, which means that it's great for all seasons (even summer). These Demo Run First Impression: On Cloudboom Strike are super thin and lightweight, and they fit snugly with compression through the arch.

They're not only comfortable, but the arch compression also prevents them from moving around in your shoes. This makes them a great choice for race day, or for those wary of blisters.

If you need to stock up, Bombas is a great place to do it. Not only are these socks incredibly comfortable, but Bombas also donates a pair of socks to people in need for every pair that you buy. This pack comes in a bunch of fun colors, and has the signature Bombas honeycomb arch that feels like a hug for your foot with every step.

The tabs are slightly taller on these than other no-shows, but they're also looser, so the extra height keeps them in place without feeling suffocating.