Ask ten runners what makes the perfect running sock and you'll probably get ten different answers.
Some swear by thick, cushioned socks that make every kilometre feel softer. Others won't wear anything unless it's so light they forget it's even there. Some won't run without merino wool. Others want the coolest, quickest-drying sock they can find.
Who's right?
Probably all of them.
This is a question we get asked all the time and despite socks, for some being a boring item, lets face it we spend a lot of time trying to get it right. In our ProLab series we discuss the best running socks for everyday runs, marathons, Hyrox and more.
There’s a particular kind of silence you get on Mt Bogong in winter.
It’s the sort of silence where you can hear your own breathing, the crunch of snow under your boots and, occasionally, the quiet voice in your head asking why you thought carrying 30 kilos up a 1,986-metre mountain was a good idea.
At 1,986 metres, Mt Bogong is Victoria’s highest peak. In summer, it’s a serious walk. In winter, throw in snow, ice, crampons, mountaineering boots and a pack loaded with enough equipment to make a small expedition, and things get considerably more interesting.
So naturally, one of our team decided it was the perfect place to test a pair of GearSocks Buffalo Lightweight Hiking socks.
Best moisture-wicking running socks for most runners: Smartwool Run and Thorlo Experia.
There. We could finish here. But then you wouldn’t know what the hell moisture wicking means. And let’s be honest, it’s one of those phrases that sounds impressive until you actually stop and think about it.
Moisture wicking. Who talks like this?
We tested the best running socks across Aussie conditions — heat, humidity, cold mornings, stairs, trails, and everything in between — to figure out which ones actually hold up. From lightweight race-day options to cushioned long-distance socks and tough-as-nails trail pairs, this guide breaks down the top performers and helps you choose the right sock for your running style.
If you want the full breakdown — testing notes, comparisons, pros and cons, and our top picks for 2026 — you can dive into the complete guide below.
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