We tend to spend a lot of time, energy, and money on shoes. They’re a crucial piece of apparel, especially if you’re concerned with health and wellness.
With all this effort, we tend to lose sight that they’re not the only important thing.
The socks you’re wearing can either help or hinder your performance and your comfort while exercising or going about your daily business. If you’re looking for socks for sweaty feet, it’s even more critical that you put thought and research into finding something to help the issue.
We’ve found the best socks for sweaty feet and listed them in this article, so you don’t have to struggle to find information online.
We like the Darn Tough Run Now-Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight, but you may find something else on this list that’s more suitable for you. Here’s our top 10 list.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
Best Overall
| Best Overall |
Darn Tough Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight
|
| CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
Best Value Pack
| Best Value Pack |
Wigwam Attain Ultralight Low
|
| CHECK PRICE |
Best Merino
| Best Merino |
Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light Quarter
|
| CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
Best Overall
1. Darn Tough Run No-Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight
The no-show length of these socks helps to keep you cool and dry on the go. These socks come in both cushioned and non-cushioned, and they’re both thin and moisture-wicking.
What We Like
The Darn Tough Run No-Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight sock is so light and comfortable you will hardly feel them on your feet.
Made of Merino wool, these socks help to regulate the temperature of your feet, which can help immensely to stop your feet from sweating in the first place.
If they do sweat, the material is moisture-wicking and antibacterial, so your feet should be able to stay cool and relatively dry anyway.
Apart from Merino wool, the blend contains some nylon, which is also moisture-wicking, and lycra spandex, which makes them comfortably stretchy. They’re crafted with a fine-gauge knit and have a chafe-free cuff for impressive comfort.
Depending on your needs, you can choose from no cushion or lightly cushioned. Zero cushion socks are extremely light and have a next-to-skin feel. Lightly cushioned socks have a thin but comfortable layer of terry cloth underneath for comfort.
Some wearers report that the back tab of the sock tends to slip down the heel and into their shoe. However, this is more likely if you’re wearing a shoe with a high heel tab, so it’s not likely to happen to everyone.
Why We Like It
These socks are light, thin, and temperature-regulating. You can choose between uncushioned and lightly cushioned to suit your needs. They’re also short enough only to cover what’s necessary!
PROS:
- You can choose between cushioned or not cushioned
- Constructed from temperature-regulating Merino wool
- Fine gauge knit and chafe-free cuff for increased comfort
- Sustainably made
CONS:
- Some wearers report that the back of the sock slips down into their shoe
Best Value Pack
2. Wigwam Attain Ultralight Low
This 2-pack offers excellent value for your money, and these socks do a great job of keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
What We Like
If you don’t like the cuff design of our first choice, you may prefer this one. It’s still low-cut and ultralight, but the cuff is a little higher.
It’s made of a blend of nylon, polyester, spandex, and hydrotec fabric. It offers a nice stretch and moisture-wicking properties reinforced by the addition of Ultimax moisture-control technology to help sweat evaporate.
A section of mesh at the instep increases the airflow through the sock, keeping your feet even cooler.
A seamless toe reduces the chance of chafing and blisters. You should note that there’s no cushioning in this sock. It helps reduce heat in the shoe, but some might feel that it’s a bit thin.
These socks are not cushioned and don’t come in a cushioned option, which some people may find too thin for their liking.
Why We Like It
These socks are great for wicking away moisture, reducing friction, and keeping you cool and comfortable. They’re minimalist, but that helps to avoid overheating. The handy 2-pack makes them excellent value for your money.
PROS:
- Seamless toe offers a reduced chance of chafing
- Ultimax moisture-control technology keeps your feet dry
- A breathable mesh section at the instep for increased ventilation
- Non-cushioned design reduces heat in the shoe
CONS:
- Some may find that the uncushioned design is not suitable for their feet
Best Merino Socks
3. Feetures Merino 10 Ultra-Light Quarter
Merino wool is the first place for cool, moisture-wicking, and comfortable socks. These socks are our top choice as they’re designed to be top of the range.
What We Like
These socks are made of a blend of Merino wool, nylon, Tencel, and spandex. This gives them the best combination of comfort, moisture-wicking, and stretch.
The Merino wool helps to regulate temperature, so your feet stay cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
It’s also naturally sweat-wicking, as is nylon. Merino also has natural antibacterial properties, so it helps to eliminate any chance of odor-causing bacteria forming.
They also have targeted compression for a comfortable fit that stimulates circulation. An anatomical design and seamless toe increase the comfort of the socks.
In addition, high-density cushioning with reinforced heels and toes protects your feet where they need it most.
Some people find these socks slippery inside their shoes; however, this shouldn’t be a problem if your shoes are sized correctly and you get a good lockdown on your foot.
Why We Like It
The Merino wool in these socks keeps you at the perfect temperature all the time while wicking away sweat and neutralizing odor-causing bacteria.
PROS:
- Regulates temperature to keep you cool in summer but warm in winter
- Anatomical design for the perfect fit on each foot
- High-density cushioning with reinforced heel and toe
- Targeted compression for better fit and increased circulation
CONS:
- These socks may be slightly slippery inside your shoes
Most Breathable
4. Balega Hidden Dry
Balega socks are light and comfortable while providing excellent ventilation that helps to keep your feet dry, cool, and performing at their best.
What We Like
The Balega Hidden Dry socks are minimalist and ideal for use in hot summer weather. Their no-show design means they only cover what’s necessary.
Made of a blend including moisture-managing Drynamix fabric, these socks help remove moisture from your feet and move it to the surface of the sock to evaporate.
Mesh panels across the sock increase their breathability and help to speed up the evaporation of sweat.
The heel and toes are reinforced with extra cushion for comfort and shock absorption. A microfiber band in the midfoot provides light support and compression to the arch.
These socks run a little small and tight. If you want tight compression in the arch, order your regular size. If you want something less compressive, order a size up.
Why We Like It
The moisture-wicking fabric and mesh ventilation panels on these socks make them highly breathable. Excellent for summer use!
PROS:
- Drynamix fabric helps to remove any hint of moisture from your feet
- Strategically-placed mesh panels increase ventilation
- Reinforced heel and toe for support and cushion
- Microfiber band in the arch for light support
CONS:
- These socks run a little small and tight
Best Ankle-Height
5. Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle
Those who prefer more ankle coverage will appreciate the Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle.
What We Like
Made of premium quality Merino wool, this sock delivers excellent moisture management, antibacterial protection, and breathability. Mesh zones throughout the sock allow air to flow freely.
The ankle height is comfortable for most. It’s not so short that it feels like it may slide into your shoe, but not so long that it’s uncomfortable.
Indestructawool technology in the fabric makes these socks incredibly durable. While your toe rubbing against the sock won’t easily create a hole, the sock won’t chafe you, thanks to the Virtually Seamless Toe.
Some may find that the cuff is a little tight around the ankle and that it leaves marks when they take the sock off.
Why We Like It
The Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle socks offer everything you need in an ankle-height sweat-wicking sock. It’s comfortable, moisture-controlled, and temperature-regulating.
PROS:
- Premium Merino wool construction regulates heat and cold
- Virtually Seamless Toe for comfort and reduced risk of chafing
- Indestructawool technology increases the durability
- Mesh zones for a high level of breathability
CONS:
- The cuff may feel slightly tight around the ankle
Top for Running
6. Swiftwick ASPIRE Zero
These socks are designed specifically for running and cycling. They’re lightweight, streamlined, and excellent for sweaty feet.
What We Like
The Swiftwick ASPIRE Zero is a lightweight sock that’s thin enough to fit comfortably into any running shoe. Their low-cut design makes them unobtrusive and easy to wear.
Crafted from unique Olefin fibers, they wick moisture away from your skin so it can easily be evaporated. The thinly-knitted mesh footbed increases airflow through the sock, which is excellent for keeping you cool while running.
A Y-shaped heel provides a close fit and stops the sock from sliding on your feet. It also features a compression band in the arch for support and a better fit.
Some users may feel that there’s not enough cushioning in these socks to be comfortable wearing them. It also may make them wear out faster.
Why We Like It
These socks are lightweight enough to wear in close-fitting running shoes without causing hotspots or friction. They’re light, offer some compression, and wick moisture easily.
PROS:
- High-performance Olefin fiber wicks away moisture
- Strongly compressive arch support band
- Y-shaped heel for more snug fit that doesn’t move
- Thinly-knitted mesh footbed for ventilation
CONS:
- These socks are thin, and some may feel there’s not enough cushioning
Best Nike Socks
7. Nike Spark Lightweight
If you’re looking for Nike socks that will keep your feet sweat-free and match your Nike shoes, we recommend the Nike Sparks Lightweight.
What We Like
These socks have compressive bands in the arch area for a tighter, more compressive fit around the midfoot. As well as support, the socks offer extra cushioning thanks to extra material in the footbed and the ankle.
Sweat-wicking technology in the sock draws moisture away from your feet and allows it to be evaporated, cooling your feet down and lowering sweating.
This sock also features reflective elements around the cuff. This is an excellent safety feature if you’re wearing these socks at night, especially for running.
The low-profile ankle collar can slip into your shoes if you’re wearing high-backed shoes, which can be a chafing hazard.
Why We Like It
These Nike socks contour your feet and provide light comfort and support in all the right places. They’d go great with Nike shoes.
PROS:
- Thin, sweat-wicking material allows you to stay cool and dry
- Extra material in footbed and ankle for comfortable cushioning
- Contoured arch band for a snug and supportive fit
- Reflective elements around the collar help you to stay visible
CONS:
- Low-profile collar can slip down into your shoes
Most Comfortable
8. Thorlos Experia Pro Lite Ultra-Light Cushion No-Show Tab
These socks may be light and sleek, but they’re also comfortable enough to wear for long periods without discomfort or pain.
What We Like
Made from sweat-wicking NanoGLIDE fibers and designed with special ventilation panels, the Thorlos Experia Pro Lite Ultra-Light Cushion No-Show Tab socks are excellent at keeping your feet sweat-free.
Adding to the comfort of these socks is extra cushioning in the arch and instep. The Featherlite Thorlos padding is engineered to prevent friction, so your chances of developing blisters are less.
Some wearers of these socks have reported that they fray easily. If you notice stray threads on your socks, don’t unravel them.
Why We Like It
These socks are surprisingly comfortable thanks to the light, friction-free cushioning. They also have multiple sweat-combating properties.
PROS:
- Moisture-wicking NanoGLIDE fibers move moisture away from your skin
- Specially-designed ventilation panels keep airflow constant
- Cushioned arch and instep for light added support
- Engineered padding for blister reduction
CONS:
- Some wearers have reported that the socks fray easily
Top Crew-Length
9. Wrightsock Ultra Thin Crew
If crew-length socks are your preference, we recommend the Wrightsock Ultra Thin Crew, which offers great coverage and sits mid-calf.
What We Like
Made of a fabric blend including Dri-Wright II sweat-wicking fibers, this sock moves sweat away from the skin, so your feet don’t feel damp.
If there is a bit of dampness in the sock after wearing it for a long time, the seamless toe greatly reduces the chances of chafing.
The sock is lightweight and includes elastic arch support bands for light but circulation-boosting compression.
Those with large calf muscles may find that the sock fits perfectly on foot but is tight around the calf. Sizing up could cause the fit to be too big on the foot.
Why We Like It
This crew-length sock is ideal for sweaty feet as it uses special moisture-combating technology and has a friction-reducing seamless toe.
PROS:
- Dri-Wright II moisture-wicking fiber technology for dry feet
- Elastic arch bands offer extra support for the foot
- A seamless toe reduces the chance of friction and blisters
- Lightweight and well-ventilated
CONS:
- Those with big calves may find the socks tight
Best 3-Pack
10. Drymax Hyper Thin Running Mini Crew
This 3-pack is excellent value for your money. If you’re hard on socks, we highly recommend investing in some of these!
What We Like
With a dual-layer construction including Drymax Olefin, these socks do a good job of removing moisture from your skin and helping it evaporate, keeping your feet breezy and dry.
The midfoot is lightly compressive and features multiple mesh vents, providing impressive breathability.
An anti-slip, Y-stitch heel keeps the sock perfectly in place on your foot, without slipping down the heel. The sock also has a thicker-than-average ribbed cuff, which is comfortable, reduces pressure, and doesn’t chafe.
The only potential downside is that some users mentioned that the material is not as soft as other socks.
Why We Like It
Why buy one pair when you can buy three? This 3-pack is great quality and offers everything you need in socks for sweaty feet.
PROS:
- Dual-layer construction helps to remove moisture from the skin
- Multiple mesh vents increase the breathability of the sock
- Thick, comfortable cuff doesn’t chafe
- Anti-slip, Y-stitch heel for improved fit
CONS:
- Some have mentioned that the material is a little scratchy
Buyer’s Guide – Socks for Sweaty Feet
Moisture-Wicking Material
Materials like Merino wool, polyester, and polypropylene fibers—Olefin—draw moisture away from the feet and bring it to the sock’s surface to evaporate.
Some brands use their own blends, so it’s a good idea to find out what fibers they use in their blends to ensure that it’s moisture-wicking.
Breathability
Socks allowing airflow through the material are best for sweaty feet. Not only does this cool your feet down as air comes in, but it also allows warm air and moisture to escape.
Some socks have strategically-placed mesh panels that increase their breathability.
Seamless
A seamless construction helps to prevent friction. Look for socks with seamless toes, so there’s less chance of chafing, leading to blisters.
Thickness
Thinner socks are the better choice for sweaty feet. While thick socks offer warmth and cushioning, they also often hold moisture and aren’t very breathable.
If you find that thin socks have too little cushioning for you, you may want to add an insole to your shoes to increase cushioning while keeping the breathability.
Blister Protection
Many types of running socks come with “blister protection.” These are reinforced areas—usually in the toe and heel—which help to protect parts of the foot that are susceptible to friction and impact.
Arch Support
Most socks have some subtle built-in support for the arch. Usually, this support is a strip of elasticated material that runs underneath the arch and offers light compression and support.
FAQs
What Is the Best Sock Material for Sweaty Feet?
The best socks for sweaty feet are made of Merino wool. While other materials can be good for sweaty feet, Merino wool has some specific properties that make it an excellent material to reduce sweaty feet.
It’s highly breathable, moisture-wicking, and has temperature-regulating properties. It also offers good cushioning in addition to your shoes.
The worst material for sweaty feet is cotton, which absorbs moisture but doesn’t wick it away. Instead, you wear damp socks that could worsen your foot odor.
How Do I Stop My Feet From Sweating in Shoes?
Keeping your feet dry in your shoes starts with healthy foot hygiene. Make sure to wash your feet thoroughly and dry them off properly every day. If you struggle with sweaty feet, you may want to do this multiple times throughout the day.
Using a foot powder, cornstarch, or antibacterial cream before you put your socks on can help to keep your feet dry and healthy.
If your feet sweat a lot, it’s a good idea to wear different shoes on alternate days to allow each pair time to dry between wears.
Do Certain Socks Make Feet Stink?
Yes, socks made of non-breathable or non-moisture-wicking material can lead to foot odor as they trap sweat and encourage the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Feet Dry?
Keeping your feet dry helps to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause odor and fungi that cause infections. As bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments, choosing a sock that wicks away moisture keeps your feet healthier.
