Wet, sweaty feet can be an uncomfortable experience even when you are wearing good shoes. If your feet sweat excessively or you engage in sports activities quite often, a pair of wicking socks is something you may want to consider. This type of socks makes the difference between having soggy, blistered feet and dry feet after long hours of activities.
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What are the Best Wicking Socks?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Wicking Socks and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available odorless socks that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these wicking socks.
We also wrote a brief wicking socks Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 6 odorless socks based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 1 Material: 52% Drynamixpolyester, Mohair, Wool, Acrylic |
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If you are out to avoid blisters, you might want to try Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women. This brand of socks is thick and heavily cushioned to protect the feet from blisters caused by friction in your boots. They wick moisture rapidly to ensure your feet remain dry and cool all day. While the socks are only ankle-high, they feature deep heel pockets to prevent them from sliding down the heel during the trek. Owing to these properties, Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women is my premium choice. They are noticeably more expensive compared to other brands, but they might be worth the extra cost.
Pros
- Anti-blister natural fiber,.
- Rapid moisture-wicking,
- Heavily-cushioned and soft for extra comfort,
- Soft and highly breathable,
- Elastic holds well after several washes,
- Deep heel pocket prevents sliding down
Cons
- May shrink in the dryer affecting the size
2. Saucony Men’s Multi-Pack Bolt Performance Socks
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 6 Material: 95% Polyester, 3% Rubber |
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Most hiking socks are heavily padded to offer extra support and maximum comfort. However, if you have wide feet, additional padding might make your shoes feel tight. To avoid that, you may want to consider the Saucony Bolt Performance socks. They are lightly cushioned on the sole to fit well without taking too much space inside the shoe. They are not slippery, so you do not have to worry about your socks sliding down your heel. The mesh ventilation allows substantial airflow around your feet so that you feel fresh throughout the day.
If you are on a budget and you need socks that can keep your feet dry during a workout, the Saucony socks might be it. They also offer comfort and dryness like the Balega premium wicking socks but are more affordable. However, if you do heavy miles, you will be disappointed, as they get drenched after long hours of wearing.
Pros
- Excellent breathability with Airmesh venting,
- Arch support system prevents bunching and slipping,
- Less expensive compared to other brands,
- Lightly-cushioned to offer impact protection.,
- Retains color and size even after several washes,
- Features ankle support for more comfort
Cons
- Too large for men with shoe size 9 and below,
- Moisture-wicking properties fail after long hours of use.
3. Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control Quarter Socks Multipack
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 6 Material: 54% Polyester, 45% Cotton, 1% Spandex |
See it in your local store:
The Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control Quarter Socks Multipack come in a pack of 10 pairs and they are thick enough to keep your feet warm while not allowing to get sweaty with moisture control fibers.
The sole is heavily cushioned to provide added support to your feet and keep you feeling relaxed. The socks have a reinforced heel and toe for durability and ribbed cuffs that prevent bunching. It is infused with spandex for a stretchy feel. It is great for sweaty feet as it wicks moisture. It is also ideal for active use as they keep your feet comfortable for long. However, as most wicking socks, they may shrink after a few warm washes.
Pros
- Keeps feet dry with moisture control fibers,
- Cushioned heel for comfort,
- Infused with elastic for stretch and a snug fit,
- Breathable with ventilation zones to keep your feet dry,
- Has reinforced heel and toe for support during activewear,
- Thick enough to provide warmth in a cold environment
Cons
- It may shrink after a few washes,
- Actual sizing may differ from displayed size
4. Under Armour Adult Charged Cotton 2.0 Crew Socks
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 6 Material: 67% Cotton, 22% Polyester |
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The Under Armour Adult Charged Cotton 2.0 Crew Socks are great for activewear and will hold up during your fitness sessions. The socks have a soft feel and are strategically cushioned to provide comfort and be flexible without extra bulk.
Each sock has moisture-wicking properties that move moisture from your feet and is quick drying. It also has an anti-odor technology that prevents your feet from smelling after a long day of activewear.
It has a precise heel pocket for improved fit and the dynamic arc support helps to reduce friction and foot fatigue during wear. It comes with an elastic ribbed cuff that keeps the sock from bunching and piling.
Pros
- Leaves no elastic marks on the legs,
- Do not shrink after washing,
- Soft cotton feel for extra comfort,
- Nicely-fitting across all sizes,
- Very light, thus fit for summer and daily use,
- Long enough to protect from abrasion by boots, Retain brightness after wash cycles,
- Arch support reduces pressure on the toes
Cons
- Feels tight for those with wide feet,
- Less padding can make them uncomfortable
5. Enerwear Cotton Moisture Wicking Extra Heavy Cushion Low Cut Socks
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 10 Material: 80% Cotton, 15% Polyester , 3% Nylon, 2% Spandex |
See it in your local store:
Most wicking socks tend to be a little tight for those with wide feet due to the extra padding in them. However, despite the heavy cushioning, Enerwear Low Cut Socks comfortably fit wide feet without making the shoes feel tight. So if an XL from Enerwear still feels tight, you can get a pack from Dickies Dri-Tech Mens Socks instead. The fabric Enerwear uses is highly breathable and thick at the same time, making them ideal for both warm and hot seasons. They are also reinforced on the heel and toe to offer extra support during long hours of trekking. The fabric features a blend of cotton and polyester that could be more durable than other materials. If you want extra cushioning on the heel and toe, Enerwear does it very well.
Pros
- Comfortable for wide feet,
- Well cushioned and soft to the touch,
- Reinforced heel and toe for durability,
- Low-cut design for hiking sneakers, Retains size after several wash cycles,
- Highly breathable while warm at the same time,
- Affordable pack of 10 pairs
Cons
- Hot wash and high temperature drying may shrink them,
- The spandex may be too tight around the ankle area,
- White socks lose elasticity with bleach
6. PowerSox Men’s 3-Pack Socks With Moisture Control
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 3 Material: 68% Polyester, 27% Acrylic |
See it in your local store:
Do you do heavy miles from time to time and need a pair of socks that can absorb all the sweat? Powersox could be the type of socks you need. Made of thick and dense fabric, they not only absorb moisture but also aerate your feet to keep them cool all day. However, if you don’t want your shoes to feel tight, you may want to consider lighter socks.
Pros
- Soft fabric that’s also durable, Moisture-wicking for long wearing,
- Retain shape and color through many wash cycles,
- Fits well on the ankles to prevent chafing, Highly breathable
Cons
- The women’s version tends to slide into the underfoot,
- Elastic wears out easily with regular hot washing
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best wicking socks is below:
Overall best wicking socks out there: Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Saucony Men’s Multi-Pack Bolt Performance Socks
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Wicking Socks
Overview
Not all socks labeled “Wicking” are the best choices. It’s essential to learn what to look for before getting a pair or two for your next activity.
Wicking Socks Material
Wicking socks should be as absorbent as possible. Anytime you want to buy these types of socks, you are out to fight the wetness in your feet, and the material should help you achieve this. There are quite a number of materials with good absorbent properties but based on my research finding merino wool tops the list. The fine, itch-free fibers of this material absorb moisture to keep your feet dry in all conditions. Moreover, the material is thermostatic so that your feet remain comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Polyester is also a good material when it comes to moisture-wicking as it’s not only breathable but also lightweight and quick-drying. Nevertheless, it retains odor, which is something you may want to avoid. It’s worth noting that plain cotton is not a suitable recommendation if you’re specifically looking for moisture-wicking properties. Cotton absorbs sweat, saturates quickly, and dries slowly which encourages dampness and odors.
Breathability And Ventilation
Sweat and odor go hand in hand, especially when it comes to your feet. That’s why breathability is an essential factor to consider. The best wicking socks would be those that allow a substantial amount of air to circulate your feet. Airflow not only pulls away moisture from the skin but also keeps your feet cool as it gets hotter.
Comfort & Fit
Apart from the material, size determines how comfortable you feel in your pair of wicking socks. It is necessary to look for manufacturer-specific size information before buying the socks. If they are bigger, they will bunch up over your toes, and if the socks are too small, they will slide down into the underfoot and feel tight. If possible, try the socks with your shoes on, to ensure they fit comfortably.
Height
In most cases, height is merely a style preference or personal choice when choosing socks. Some prefer ankle socks, while others want something almost knee-high. Nevertheless, if you’re going hiking in mid or high-cut boots, you may want to consider crew or quarter socks as they offer abrasion protection from your boot tops.
Weight
Depending on your foot volume, you can either go for lightweight or midweight hiking socks. If your feet are wide or have a high instep, thinner ones would do as they prevent tightness. For users with low-volume feet, socks with additional thickness are more suitable to cushion the heel and toes for maximum comfort.
Durability
When buying summer hiking socks, it is important to choose a brand that will serve you for many more summer seasons to come. Socks made of merino wool are durable, as well as those made of polyester and cotton. However, be sure to read customer reviews to find out whether the type of socks is long-lasting or not.
Questions and Answers About Wicking Socks
How do wicking socks work?
Wicking socks are designed to enhance evaporation instead of absorbing moisture. They allow sweat to travel along the fabric rather than being absorbed. In that way, the socks do not get drenched in sweat, thus preventing smelly feet and enhancing dryness.
When to wear moisture wicking socks?
Wicking socks are mostly won during activities such as excursions or workouts as more sweating occurs at this time. However, if you naturally have sweaty feet or are struggling with odor, changing to wicking socks might be of great help.
How do you wash wicking socks?
It all depends on the type of material and what is recommended by the manufacturer. Nevertheless, most wicking socks tend to wear out faster when washed with hot water or heat dried. In that case, you may perform cold washing with nicely-scented laundry soap.
