When thinking about your exercise gear, the best athletic socks may not be the first item that comes to mind, but they may significantly impact whether you’re lifting weights, jogging, or cycling. The best athletic socks for men may assist avoid injury in addition to keeping your feet comfy while you work out, but only if you pick the right pair. Finding the best men’s sports socks isn’t always straightforward because there are so many alternatives on the market.
I am here to assist in combing through all the possibilities seems a little daunting, as I have done that for the past six years. I will provide all the in-depth analysis you want to comprehend the goods you’re thinking about. Before shopping, being fully aware of what to search for will help you save time and ensure that you get precisely what you want.
Best Athletic Socks for Men
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Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Socks ($22)
The Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Socks bring comfort to your workout with extra cushioning under the heel and forefoot and a snug, supportive arch band. They are my personal favorites.
These socks are made of 64% Cotton, 33% Polyester, 2% Spandex, 1% Nylon, and Dri-FIT technology helps your feet stay dry and comfortable.
The Cushioning under the forefoot and heel helps soften the impact of your workout while the band around the arch feels snug and supportive. Its highly breathable knit pattern on top adds ventilation, and the reinforced heel and toe are made to last.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly Breathable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Thin
- Not great for large feet
Available on Nike’s store and Amazon
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Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks Multipack ($10.98 – $42.00)
These socks are great and have soft, breathable moisture control fibers, arch compression support, and stability. The heel and toe are reinforced to be durable, making these socks one of the favorites for men because of their durability.
For people like me who like variety, they also have a lot of colors.
Pros
- Incredible design
- Highly comfortable
- Insanely durable (mine lasts 13 months and counting)
Cons
- Not that great for athletics
- Might feel tight
Available on Amazon and Dickies store.
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Saucony Men’s Multi-Pack Mesh Ventilating Comfort Fit Performance No-Show Socks ($8.38 – $44.10)
These socks have many great qualities like; dry moisture management, ultra-wicking fibers, air mesh venting, and targeted arch compression. The sole is also cushioned, providing maximum comfort for exercise and walking.
The Saucon Men’s sock is made of 98% Polyester and 2% Spandex and is suitable for machine wash.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Great ventilation
Cons
- Thin
- Not that great durability
Available now on Amazon and U-Buy
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Adidas Creator 365 Basketball Crew Socks
These lightweight, moisture-wicking socks are great for basketball and tennis as well. They provide excellent arch support and have all-around ankle cushioning.
They are made from 60% Polyester/17% Polypropylene/12% Cotton/8% Nylon and 3% Spandex.
They also have 360 degrees of cushioning, compression, and protection around the ankle, and Polypropylene is added to the heel and toe areas to repel moisture and aid in blister reduction.
Pros
- Great support and comfort
- Suitable for a wide variety of sports
- Awesome moisture retention
Cons
- A little thin
- Not durable enough
Available on Adidas and Amazon
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Drymax Low Cut Running Socks ($33)
These are some of the best athletic socks for men with moisture-wicking Drymax fabric that handles sweat like a pro. The hydrophobic inner coating of the dual-layer material lies next to your skin and carries sweat to the outer layer of the fabric, where it can dry faster. The fabric comprises polyester, nylon, and spandex, making it soft, robust, and flexible.
These socks are soft and cushioned, with no seams to cause blisters and three thickness levels to choose from, depending on your needs.
Pros
- Great comfort
- Breathability
- Enhanced performance
- No blisters
- Best for winter
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Costly
- Not suitable for machine wash
Available on Amazon and the official Drymax store.
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Balega Silver No Show Running Socks
These great socks are known for fighting stinky odors and fighting blisters. Made from polyester, nylon, and Elastane, these socks stay put due to the high heel tab and extra deep pocket.
The mesh they use provides enough ventilation that I’ve used these multiple times without washing. They are also very comfortable.
Pros
- Maximum comfort
- Great support
- Fights blisters
- Great for running
Cons
- They can run small
- Expensive
Available on Amazon and Balega stores.
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Gold Toe Men’s Holiday Novelty Dress Crew Socks ($12)
These great athletic socks are loved because of their customized holiday feel, making them perfect for holidays.
Nothing feels like being on a good run in your fresh holiday-themed socks. Their entire cushioned foot provides comfort for all-day wear and is made with high-quality fabric that prevents shrinkage. Their moisture control quality makes them sweat-proof.
Pros
- Enviable moisture control
- High quality
- Good for sweaty feet
- Great comfort
- Amazing price
Cons
- Not durable enough
Available on Amazon
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Bombas Men’s Performance Running Ankle Socks ($16.50)
Bombas’s men’s performance socks are one of the great socks for running. While cushion-free, it’s soft and comfortable, with unique performance yarns that wick away sweat while you run.
These socks have a unique honeycomb arch support system and a seamless toe. They are made from 54% Polyester, 28% Nylon, 13% Cotton, 5% Spandex.
Bombas donates one pair of socks to organizations that support the homeless for every purchase you make, which is an excellent option for many.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight and breathable
- Ideal for running
Cons
- Low quality
- Too thin for my liking
Available on Bombas
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PUMA Men’s 8 Pack Low Cut Running Socks ($12-20)
These socks have excellent arch support and a comfortable toe. They are also built for sweat retention due to mesh ventilation. Their cushioned sole is also made for durability.
The PUMA socks are made from 98% Polyester and 2% Spandex.
Pros
- Great for running
- Highly flexible
- Highly durable
Cons
- Can feel too tight
- Terrible packaging
Available on Amazon and Puma store
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Adidas Men’s Cushioned II 3 Pack Crew Socks ($18)
One of the best athletic socks for men, the Adidas men’s cushioned II socks are budget-friendly crew socks that are perfect for those on a tight budget. They could be as low as $11 but usually between $15-24. You have to hurry, though, before the promo ends. Oh, have I mentioned you could try it before buying, and there is a free return policy? Follow our affiliate link to try.
They’re nearly entirely constructed of breathable, moisture-wicking polyester, with a smidgeon of spandex tossed in for added flexibility.
According to reviews, they feature excellent cushioning and don’t chafe or rub. They come in a handy six-pack with three colors (white, black, or heather gray). This is a plus to us, who love different varieties of colors.
They are made from 61% Polyester, 35% Cotton, 35% Elastane, and 4%
Pros
- Comfortable
- Excellent build quality
- Breathability
- Durability
- Affordable
- Keeps sweat away
Cons
- They could appear tall for people who want shorter socks
- Not great for wide feet
Available on Amazon or at the Adidas online store.
What to Consider When Buying Athletic Socks for Men
Material
Although cotton may seem like an excellent material for men’s sports socks, it is not always the best option. That’s because cotton has poor absorbency, making the socks slide about on your feet and irritate you.
Because it helps regulate temperature, wool, a natural material, is perfect for athletic socks because it keeps your feet comfy no matter how hot or cold it is outside. Wool socks help keep your feet dry when you climb, run, or ride a bike since they are very absorbent.
If money is tight, wool and cotton blends are a decent choice. These socks cost less than wool but often perform better than those made entirely of cotton.
Synthetic-material socks maintain their form better than natural fibers since they are constructed of synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, or flexible spandex like Lycra. Synthetic fabrics may be heated in hot weather while being incredibly durable, able to drain moisture from the skin, and drying rapidly.
Seams
Although seams may not appear crucial, they can significantly impact how comfortable the socks are. When exercising or jogging, look for sports socks with seamless toes to reduce friction and reduce your risk of developing blisters or other skin irritations. If you decide on a pair of socks with seams, check to ensure they are flat and do not chafe your toes.
Length
There are several lengths available for men’s athletic socks. The ideal alternative to select primarily depends on personal preference.
A few inches above the ankle bone, ankle-length socks are worn. These frequently work best in warmer temperatures because your calf isn’t covered. But when you walk, particular socks may slide inside your shoe, which may be painful when working out.
Socks that are crew-length reach the mid-calf. These frequently provide the best fit and are less prone to sag into your shoe.
Conclusion
With so many workout socks available, choosing the best athletic socks can be overwhelming. I have picked the best options for you based on important factors like durability, affordability, and comfort.
All you have to do to pick the one that works best for you right now.