There are a lot of “best running socks” on the internet.
Apparently, every sock is the best, unbelievably comfortable, will prevent blisters, keep your feet dry, last forever and somehow make you run faster.
Please.
No one is going to tell you their socks are shit.
We take a slightly different approach.
We sell running socks from a range of brands, including Balega, Feetures, Thorlo, Smartwool, Injinji, Lightfeet and our own Australian-made GearSocks range.
This makes us different.
Because we get to see a lot of different socks. When you sell just your own brand you’re always saying you’re the best because it happens to be the only one on the shelf.
The truth is, there isn't one best running sock.
The best sock depends on what you're doing, how you like your socks to fit, the conditions you're running in and, quite frankly, what your feet like.
So we’ve removed all the BS to provide you with the our take, based on our experience, as to the best running socks in Australia — including what they're good at, who they're for and, importantly, why they might or might not be the right choice.
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Category |
Our Pick |
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Best Overall Running Sock |
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Best for Long Runs |
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Best Everyday Running Sock |
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Best for Hot Weather |
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Best Merino Running Sock |
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Best for Trail Running |
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Best for Blister-Prone Feet |
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Best Lightweight Running Sock |
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Best Cushioned Running Sock |
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Best Australian-Made Running Sock |
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Best Value |
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Best Running Sock If You Don't Know What You Need |
Before getting into the individual socks, let's clear something up.
The flashy stuff is great, but it’s like those at the gym types - all show, no go. A running sock doesn't need to look flashy, nor technical to be technical. The important stuff is what happens between your foot and your shoe when you're running. It is how the fibres work together, how the machine has knitted the sock, the tension used etc.
A good running sock should stay where you put it. It shouldn't bunch up underneath your foot, slide down your heel, twist around your toes or leave a heap of excess fabric floating around inside your shoe.
Some runners prefer a snug, locked-in feel. Others want a softer, more relaxed fit.
Neither is automatically right, nor does it mean it’s a bad sock if you don’t like it. It just means that sock is not for you. The important thing is that the sock works with your foot and your shoe.
Feet sweat. Quite a lot, actually. A good running sock helps move moisture away from the skin and manages the environment inside your shoe. That's particularly important when you're running for a long time or in hot, humid or wet conditions.
This is one reason performance socks generally use technical fibres or blends rather than ordinary cotton. But again, like cooking, it’s how all those ingredients come together. We talk more about how to prevent blisters is our Preventing Blisters Guide.
More cushioning isn't automatically better. A thick, plush sock can feel fantastic, but it also takes up more room inside your shoe. A lightweight sock gives you more direct contact with the shoe and can feel faster and less noticeable, but your feet can feel a little beat up over longer distances..
The trick is finding the combination that works for your feet and your shoes.
Running socks get abused. They get washed, dried, sweated in, dragged through trails and repeatedly rubbed against the inside of your shoes. A sock can feel brilliant on day one. The real test is whether it still feels good after you've actually used it. This can be tough to tell when buying, but as a general rule ultra thin socks, including those made of merino, will wear quicker and you know what - that’s okay. They’ve done their job. Take a look at our durability guide as to how long socks should last for.
Merino wool is popular because it can help regulate temperature and manage moisture while also resisting odour. Synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester are commonly used for durability, moisture management and fit. And then there are blends, which combine different fibres to get the characteristics the manufacturer is looking for.
There isn't one magic fibre.
Now let’s get onto why you’re here.
Best for: Runners who want one sock that can handle pretty much everything.
If we had to recommend one GearSocks pair to someone who simply said, “I need a good running sock,” the Glide would be the obvious place to start.
It's designed as a performance sock rather than a sock that only exists for running. That makes it particularly useful for people who train across different sports — running, gym, walking, training and everything in between.
The fit is secure without being too tight and the construction is designed for performance rather than simply looking good when you pull it out of the packet.
The good
The catch
The Bamboo Glide has a firmer feel than some of the more relaxed running socks on the market. It isn’t tight, but if you like a sock that feels barely there and loose around the foot, it may not be your thing.
If you want your sock to stay put, that's exactly the point.
Our verdict: The best all-rounder for someone who wants one performance sock rather than a drawer full of socks for different occasions. A good price too (under $25).
👉 GearSocks Bamboo Running Socks
Best for: Long-distance runners, marathon training and runners who like a precise, secure fit. Balega has built a strong reputation around blister resist technology and is particularly well suited to runners who don't want their socks moving around inside their shoes. That becomes increasingly important as the kilometres pile up. A sock that feels fine for 5km can feel very different after 25km.
The Blister Resist fit and targeted support make it a strong choice for longer running where keeping everything in place becomes increasingly important. We discuss the advantages of ‘The Ferrari Effect’ where you race thinner, but train thicker making the Balega Blister Resist are worthy winner.
The good
The catch
The additional volume isn't for everyone. If you prefer a firmer, ultra light next to skin feel, Balega may not be your thing.
Our verdict: One of the first socks we'd look at for serious long-distance running.
Best for: Runners who want comfort and versatility for regular training.
Balega has been part of the running sock conversation for a long time, and there's a reason.
The brand has a strong reputation for comfortable running socks with cushioning and a comfortable fit. Different Balega models give runners different levels of cushioning and construction, so it's less about finding the Balega and more about finding the Balega that suits you.
For everyday training, they're an easy recommendation.
The good
The catch
Some Balega models are relatively plush.
If you prefer a very lightweight sock or have a shoe that already fits tightly, you may prefer something thinner.
Our verdict: A very safe choice for runners who put comfort near the top of the list.
Best for: Australian summer running, warm-weather training and runners who prefer a lighter, softer sock.
Australia isn't exactly short of hot running conditions. A sock that feels fantastic on a cool winter morning isn't necessarily the sock you want when it's 30°C and you're halfway through a long run.
The Thorlo Experia is designed around a lighter, breathable feel, making it a strong option when you want to minimise bulk and keep things comfortable in warmer conditions.
The good
The catch
If you prefer a heavily cushioned sock, this isn't it.
Our verdict: A great option when the temperature goes up and you don't want a lot of sock between your foot and shoe.
Best for: Cooler weather, longer runs, runners who like natural fibres and people who want a versatile wool performance sock.
Merino wool gets a bad rap from people who associate wool with thick winter socks or those that sell their own brand that……yes you guessed it - that isn’t wool.
Modern Merino running socks are a different proposition. Merino can help regulate temperature, manage moisture and resist odour, which is why it's used in performance socks for everything from running to hiking.
The Smartwool Run takes that natural fibre and puts it into a performance-focused running sock.
The good
The catch
If your priority is the absolute lightest possible sock for a hot-weather race, a lightweight synthetic sock may make more sense.
Our verdict: Merino is seriously underrated as a running-sock material, particularly when conditions aren't scorching.
Best for: Trail runners, hikers and anyone who spends time away from smooth pavement.
Trail running gives socks a harder job. You're dealing with dirt, rocks, grass, moisture, uneven terrain and often much longer periods on your feet.
A more substantial sock helping to keep debris away from your skin. Longer socks can provide additional protection from vegetation and trail debris.
That's where Bridgedale comes into its own. It's built for people who aren't particularly interested in the looks, but more about getting the job done.
The good
The catch
You probably don't need this much sock for a quick 5km road run.
Our verdict: When the road disappears and the trail starts throwing things at your feet, reach for something built for it.
👉 Bridgedale Trail Running Socks
Best for: Runners who experience rubbing between their toes or simply prefer individual toe separation.
Injinji takes a completely different approach. Instead of putting all five toes into one section of the sock, each toe gets its own little compartment. It looks strange the first time you put them on. Initially it feels strange too.
Then you run in them.
For runners who experience friction between their toes, that separation can be a genuine game changer. Injinji recommends giving new users some time to get accustomed to the unique fit.
The good
The catch
They're not for everyone.
Some people love toe socks immediately. Others put them on and wonder what on earth they've done.
Our verdict: If you've tried everything else and your toes are still rubbing together, Injinji is absolutely worth trying.
Best for: Runners who like a lightweight sock with a more structured feel.
The Balega Ultralight brings something slightly different to the running-sock category.
Its performance socks use anatomical shaping, cushioning zones and an integrated arch-support band, with performance fibres used across the range.
They're particularly appealing if you like the feeling of a sock that feels secure around the foot rather than loose and floppy.
The good
The catch
The structured fit won't necessarily suit someone looking for a super-soft, relaxed sock.
Our verdict: A strong choice for runners who want a lightweight sock with a more technical feel.
👉 Balega Ultralight Running Socks
Best for: Runners who want maximum comfort and cushioning.
Some runners want to feel everything through their shoes. Others would quite happily put a mattress under their feet.
Thorlo is for the second group.
The brand is well known for its cushioning-focused approach, making it a very different proposition from an ultralight running sock.
If you like plenty of padding underfoot, particularly for longer periods on your feet, Thorlo is worth considering.
The good
The catch
More cushioning means more volume. Make sure your shoes have enough room for the sock, particularly around the toes.
Our verdict: If your idea of a good running sock involves plenty of cushioning, don't be talked into something paper-thin just because it's called a “performance” sock.
Best for: People who want performance socks built for people who actually use them.
GearSocks isn’t built around being Australian-made.
It’s built around being for the doers.
The runners who get out before work. The people who train when they’d rather stay on the couch. The hikers, athletes, weekend warriors and everyday people who put their gear through tough stuff.
Australian-made just happens to be a pretty bloody good bonus.
GearSocks takes a practical approach to performance. No magic claims. Just properly made performance socks designed to be worn, worked in and put through their paces.
And yes, they’re made in Australia. That’s something we’re proud of — but it’s not the whole story.
Our verdict: Performance first. Australian-made is the bonus.
👉 GearSocks Australian Made Running Socks
Best for: Runners who want a genuine performance sock without paying too much for stuff they don’t need.
There are some excellent premium running socks available. But a bigger price tag doesn't automatically mean a better sock. If you're running once every now and again, you don't necessarily need the most sophisticated sock on the planet.
You need one that fits properly, stays put, manages moisture and survives being washed repeatedly. You can wear it running, walking, to the gym.
That's where Sof Sole makes a strong case.
Our verdict: Spend money where it actually makes a difference. A good running sock doesn't need to come with a massive marketing department attached.
Sometimes. If you're running 5km once every now and again and your normal socks aren't causing any problems, you may not need to spend a fortune.
Seriously.
But if you're running 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 80 or more kilometres a week, things change.
A poor-fitting sock can create friction. A sock that holds too much moisture can become uncomfortable. A sock that moves around inside your shoe can become increasingly annoying as the kilometres accumulate. That's when a properly designed running sock starts making more sense.
The trick is not to buy the most expensive sock. It's to buy the right sock.
Technically?
No. You can run in ordinary socks. But running socks are designed to deal with things ordinary everyday socks aren't necessarily designed for: moisture, friction, repeated movement, temperature changes and long periods inside a running shoe.
And if you've ever finished a long run with a hot spot developing on your foot, you'll understand why the humble running sock deserves a little more attention.
No. It means more cushioning. That's it.
A heavily cushioned sock can be fantastic for one runner and horrible for another. Your shoe fit matters too. A thick sock takes up more space inside the shoe, while a lightweight sock leaves more room.
If your shoe already fits perfectly, changing sock thickness can change how that shoe feels. That's why there's no universal “best” level of cushioning.
For road running, it's mostly personal preference.
No-show and ankle socks can feel light and unobtrusive, while quarter and crew socks provide more coverage.
For trail running, a taller sock (crew) can offer some extra protection from dirt, grass and debris. And, let's be honest, crew socks also look pretty bloody good right now.
You don't need to overthink it.
You want one sock that does almost everything: Go GearSocks Bamboo Glide.
The Bottom Line
There isn't a magic running sock. There isn't one sock that is going to suit every runner, every foot, every shoe and every distance. The best running sock is the one that fits your foot, works with your shoe, suits what you're doing and disappears from your thoughts once you start running.
Because that's really the goal. You shouldn't be thinking about your socks halfway through a run. If you do they’re the wrong socks for you.
Shop our range of running socks →
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