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Our picks
Best Overall Socks for Sweaty Feet
Balega Compression Fit Performance No Show Athletic Running Socks
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Best Value Socks for Sweaty Feet
Saucony RunDry Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks (8-Pack)
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Whether you’re walking, running, hiking, or merely existing—sweaty feet are inevitable. But there are a slew of risks that come with that bodily function. If your feet overheat and sweat too much, it can cause blisters, chafing, and unpleasant odors. But sufferers of sweaty feet needn’t worry: it is completely normal.
“Sweating is a way for the body to cool itself,” says Sondema Tarr, D.P.M., a foot and ankle specialist at Direct Podiatry Arizona. That’s why it’s important to invest in some moisture-wicking socks, which ensure that your feet stay cool, dry, and ventilated. The best socks for sweaty feet won’t just absorb moisture, help lower your risk of developing toenail fungus, plantar warts, and athlete’s foot, among other issues, says Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a foot and ankle surgeon with New York’s Progressive Foot Care.
Meet the Experts: Sondema Tarr, D.P.M.,foot and ankle specialist at Direct Podiatry Arizona; Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Foot Care; Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Illinois; Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Centers in California; Jenifer Strong, sock expert at The LYCRA Company.
When looking for the best socks for sweaty feet, it’s most important to prioritize fabric, says Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates and Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Centers in California. Moisture-wicking materials like polyester blends and wool might be more expensive, but your dry feet will thank you for the splurge.
Ahead, find the best socks for sweaty feet, per podiatrist and editor recommendations—and say goodbye to unwanted moisture.
1
Best Overall Socks for Sweaty Feet
Balega Compression Fit Performance No Show Athletic Running Socks
Pros
Odor-fighting
Cushioning provides comfort and endurance
Excellent moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
Pricey
If you’re on the hunt for a moisture-wicking sock that keeps not only sweat but also odors at bay, this Balega pair is a must-have. Its friction-free yarn is imbued with silver ions, which help lower the risk of bacterial build-up that cause foot odor, as well as minimizes sweating before it starts. We also love how many brightly hued options this one comes in.
What a reviewer says: “Hate hot feet? These are for you, the fabric keeps you cool, doesn’t slip or bunch, has some support, and doesn’t feel like a big bulky, slimy, wad of cotton sock. Worth the money. I put holes through a lot of socks with my long 2nd toe, and these haven’t so far.”
Our Digital Director Allie Early adds: “I wore these for marathon training and during the race itself, and the thick cushion they offered really protected my feet!”
Fabrics | Drynamix, nylon, elastane |
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Sizes | S-XL |
Colors | 28 |
Pros
Available in tons of fun colors
Bulk packages for ultra-affordability
Long-lasting
Cons
Some reviewers complain of the socks slipping
Emily Goldman, Deputy Editor at Prevention can’t recommend these socks enough. “I searched for comfy, affordable socks that kept my feet dry despite hot summer days, and once I discovered Saucony socks, I never turned back,” she says. “I have about 15 pairs (I bought a big bundle!) and wear a different pair just about every day. Boy do they last this way!”
Buying in bulk seems to be the way, anyway, as a pack of eight socks will only cost you $16 (that’s only $1 per sock!), which is a veritable steal. Among their attributes are a cushioned heel tab, arch support, extended sizing, and moisture-wicking technology to keep your feet cool, dry, and odor-free. It’s no surprise it boasts a 4.8 rating from over 110,000 reviewers on Amazon.
What a reviewer says: “There is a reason these have almost 5 solid stars. They fit perfectly, and they’re soft on the inside but well-made. The heel tab is great to pull them on and off, and the price is very fair for the quality of sock you’re receiving. They don’t trap moisture and they’re cushioned, perfect for a long day’s wear. I’ve bought two packs and I’m going to buy two more for our household.”
Fabric | Polyester, spandex |
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Sizes | S-L |
Colors | 29 |
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Pros
Cushioned sole for extra comfort
Affordable
Don’t stretch out over time
Cons
Some reviewers complained they fell down in shoes
If you’re looking for a lightweight sock for daily wear, Jenifer Strong, a sock expert at The Lycra Company recommends looking for a poly-spandex blend like this pair from Puma. Not only is this fiber breathable, but it also “helps them stay in place, preventing uncomfortable bunching throughout the day.” Reviewers comment they love the shape of these no-show socks, which stand the test of time.
What a reviewer says: “They are the right thick and thinness. I can wear these socks without concern for comfort. My feet do not get too hot in these socks, which is a big plus.”
Fabric | Polyester, spandex |
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Sizes | 5-11 |
Colors | 13 |
Pros
Great alternative to wool in the winter
Lifetime guarantee for durability
Excellent moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
Pricey
“Coolmax EcoMade fiber is great for sweaty feet,” says Strong, a fiber expert at the Lycra Company. “This type of fiber is engineered with a special cross-section to wick sweat away from your feet so they stay cool, dry and comfortable.” Though many people complain of Coolmax socks being too thin, this pair—designed for all-weather hiking—is substantial enough to keep your feet comfortable and dry, despite its thick layers of fabric.
Dan Tough, the company behind this magical sock technology believes so strongly in their product that they even come with a lifetime guarantee. So, if you hike hard enough to get a toe-hole, just send them back and the brand will send you a new pair, no strings attached.
What a reviewer says: “I’m allergic to wool so it’s hard to find good, comfortable hiking socks, but these are great! I was a bit weary of the synthetic materials, but even in very hot weather, these kept me cool and dry. Also, my regular socks would slip in the shoe, these stay put!”
Fabric | Coolmax polyester, lycra, nylon |
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Sizes | S-L |
Colors | 2 |
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Pros
Excellent moisture-wicking fabric
Cushioned soles for comfort and shock-absorption
Compression for extra arch support
Anti-blister design
Cons
Some reviewers complain the fabric is too thin
This pair of Coolmax compression socks is a good choice for anyone with an active lifestyle, but they’re specifically designed for runners due to its arch compression, ankle flexibility, and fatigue-relieving foot cushioning.
What a reviewer says: “I have hot, sensitive feet. I can feel a pebble the size of a pencil tip in my shoe with normal socks. These socks absorbed impact and padded against tiny rocks in my shoes during a 22 mile, four-day hike to Machu Pichu. My feet never even got hot. I believe These socks are part of the future wave of comfortable yet breathable socks.”
Fabric | Coolmax polyester, bamboo viscose |
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Sizes | S-XL |
Colors | 8 |
Pros
Warm enough for winter months
Super soft for extreme comfort
Cushioned tab to prevent blisters
Cons
Not odor-resistant
My own personal recommendation is these Bomba ankle socks. I wear nothing but them all winter long because of their ability to keep my feet dry and cozy, even as I make the commute from cold air to hot subway and back again. They are softer and cushier than any sock has a right to be, mostly due to its heavily cotton-leaning poly blend. And that’s not even mentioning its high-tech honeycomb arch support, cushioned heel tab, and seamless shape. There’s a reason its a best-seller. Though I will warn, because of the high percent of cotton, it does retain odors more than other moisture-wicking socks. However, due to its comfort, I’m willing to accept that (especially because they’re washer and dryer friendly).
What a reviewer says: “I’m so particular about the fit and feel of socks and Bombas are my favorite! The amount of cushion, buttery soft material, and seamless toe are perfection.”
Fabric | Cotton, polyester, nylon |
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Sizes | S-L |
Colors | 10 |
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Pros
Material is naturally odor-resistant and sweat-wicking
Additional reinforcements at high-wear spots for comfort
Thick enough for hiking
Cons
Reviewers complain it runs big
One of the best materials for sweaty feet is wool, Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Center in Longwood, California tells us. Not only is it temperature regulating, but wool has naturally breathable fibers that are made to keep your feet dry. “These materials are the best at wicking moisture away from the feet. They cost a bit more, but are well worth the expense.” Oh, and did we also mention that it’s naturally odor resistant, too? We particularly like this merino wool pair from REI, which has added reinforcements at the heels, toes, footbeds and Achilles to provide long-wearing comfort.
What a reviewer says: “These are perfect wool socks for a day hike. Kept my feet cool and cushioned!”
Fabric | Merino wool, lycra |
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Sizes | XS-XL |
Colors | 3 |
8
Best Blister Protection Socks for Sweaty Feet
Heyoboy Anti-Blister Cushioned Odor-Resist Athletic Ankle Socks (5-Pack)
Pros
Extremely cushioned heel to prevent blisters
Mesh panels for ventilation
Arch compression for extra support
Cons
Reviewers complain they run small
If you are one of the many people who suffers from the dreaded ankle blister, opt for this pair with a cushioned heel that goes from collar to bottom to help prevent blisters before they start. The breathable mesh panels on the top of the foot help your feet stay cool while the cotton-spandex blend help wick away moisture and keep sweat at bay.
What a reviewer says: “Stays in place on the foot inside my sneaker all day. Pretty colors. Very comfortable, not too thick, not too thin... They stay in place without feeling tight. Also no sweating, stays nice and dry.”
Fabric | Cotton, spandex |
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Sizes | 6-11 |
Colors | 7 |
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Pros
Active grip tabs to lock socks in place
Good for working out
Thin, breathable fabric
Cons
Reviewers warn that the dryer can diminish heel grips
Lululemon is popular for its innovative athletic gear, and unsurprisingly, its socks are no exception. This pair of workout socks were specifically designed for training. Its magic lies in its 3D active grip tab (which is made for both left and right feet, specifically) to keep your socks locked in place no matter how hard you work.
What a reviewer says: “These stay in place, and the thin profile lets my feet breathe!”
Fabric | Nylon, elastane |
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Sizes | S-L |
Colors | 2 |
How to choose the best socks for sweaty feet
Make sure they fit. “When buying socks, regardless of the type of activity you plan to wear them for, it’s most important to find a pair that fits comfortably,” says Strong. This means everything should fit snugly, but comfortably. If they’re too large, they can trap heat that causes sweat. And if they’re too tight, they can cause uncomfortable friction.
Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics. “Wool, nylon, and polyester are moisture-wicking,” Tarr says, which means it won’t just absorb moisture, but will also let it evaporate to keep your feet dry. Strong and Graves agree, both recommending polyester blends like Coolmax, spandex, and lycra for keeping sweat at bay.
Choose a sock that fits your activity. If you need a thin daily sock, your needs are going to be different than someone looking for a hiking sock or running sock. Those who use their socks for more rigorous activities might look for features like cushioned soles, compressed arches, or blister-resistant styles.
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What to avoid when choosing socks for sweaty feet?
“Cotton socks are actually counterintuitive because they soak up sweat but they don’t wick the moisture,” explains Lockwood. If you do choose a cotton sock, make sure it’s blended with a moisture-wicking fabric. 100% cotton socks are to be avoided at all costs.
How we chose
To choose the best socks for sweaty feet, we consulted with four podiatrists, as well as a textile expert from Lycra for their input. We then looked at the most popular socks on the market and analyzed them based on elements like fabric, color, and size options. Reviews from real owners were considered as well to make sure we had the best view of how these socks perform for a variety of people with sweaty feet.
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Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.