The 13 Best Walking Socks of 2025, Tested

November 13, 2025

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Choosing the right walking footwear isn’t just about high-quality shoes—it’s also about finding the right socks to keep your feet protected, comfortable, and supported through every mile. The best walking socks help regulate foot temperature, wick away moisture, and prevent foot fatigue, says pedorthist Jerick Sobie, CPed. When shopping, remember that different types of walking require different types of socks. And if you’re an avid walker, having various sock options will ensure comfort and support for everyday walks, fitness, hiking, traveling, and more.

To help narrow down your search and find the absolute best walking socks on the market, we consulted with fitness experts to learn more about the key features to look for when shopping. We then tested 43 expert-approved pairs of walking socks, wearing them during fitness walks, treadmill sessions, long-distance runs, hikes, and more. Our favorite pairs earned high scores for fit, comfort, cushioning, breathability, quality, and value.

lululemon Unisex Daily Essential Crew Socks

Credit: lululemon

Pros

Plush cushioning reduces impact on feet
Snug fit doesn’t shift or bunch
Durable fabric holds up to intensive use

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for strength training, treadmill runs, hikes, fitness walks, and everyday wear, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Why We Love Them

With a plush feel and bunch-free fabric, lululemon’s Unisex Daily Essential Crew Socks ran away with our top title. They have ample cushioning that extends around the heel, toes, and footbed, curbing impact and fatigue as we walked on uneven pavement, hiked in sweltering conditions, and ran on the treadmill. We love the supportive fit, which provides just enough stretch for every area of the foot and keeps the socks from falling down the ankle.

Even when wearing these socks throughout an active day, including walking two to three miles and playing with kids at the playground, they remained comfortable and secure, with no pressure points or skin irritation. During higher-intensity walks, 10-mile hikes, and long-distance runs, they prevented blisters and hot spots, helping us bounce back quickly between workouts. After frequent laundering, these durable socks still look as good as new, with no signs of pilling, thinning, or stretching, cementing their standing as the best socks for walking overall.

Potential Flaws

These socks are made of mostly cotton, so they’re not particularly moisture-wicking and may not be the best choice for sweaty feet. However, they work great for those with sensitive skin.

Most Valuable Insight

“These socks have a soft, supportive, and cushioned feel, and they stay comfortably in place, even during fitness walks and long-distance runs in warmer weather. No zones were too tight or loose, or were lacking stretch.” —Gabrielle A., Verywell Fit product tester

Credit: Amazon

Pros

Arch compression prevents foot fatigue
Durable and breathable
Snug fit doesn’t shift, bunch, or leave marks on the skin

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for dedicated hikers and fitness walkers who want cushioned support and all-day wearability, whether they’re exploring the trails or walking around the neighborhood.

Why We Love Them

Smartwool’s Hike Ankle Socks ticked all of our boxes, with top-notch cushioning for long hours on our feet. Their snug, true-to-size fit is stretchy enough to keep the toes comfortable, with arch compression to offset fatigue while preventing slippage. We liked that the ankle band was secure enough to stay put, but didn’t leave marks on our ankles, even after hours of wear. These socks are incredibly comfortable, so much so that we even opted to wear them while lounging around the house.

Their thick, padded soles offset fatigue, soreness, and achiness on our longest walks, while the breathable wool blend keeps our feet cool and blister-free for all-day wear. Even after intensive use and several washes, these durable socks (and their ample cushioning) maintained their shape, with no thinning or pilling in sight. Overall, their quality, comfort, and compression blew us away, making them one of the best merino wool walking socks we tested.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Smartwool.

Potential Flaws

While we think these socks’ quality is well worth the price, they’re not the most budget-friendly option we tested.

Most Valuable Insight

“These are one of the best products I’ve ever tested. I wore them during long days and never felt as though I had to take them off.” —Danielle A., Verywell Fit product tester

Feetures Merino 10 Max Cushion Tab Socks

Credit: Zappos

Pros

Comfortable, bunch-free fit
Built-in ankle tab prevents blisters
Breathable design keeps feet cool

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for long outdoor walks, fitness walks, and recovery days, especially for individuals living in warm climates or who exercise outdoors in hot weather.

Why We Love Them

Feetures’ Merino 10 Max Cushion Tab Socks rightfully earned their place among our top picks after keeping our feet cool and comfortable while walking up to 18,000 steps in warm weather. On our longest treks, these socks protected our feet against hot spots and blisters, thanks to an ankle tab that prevented friction and irritation. Their thick cushioning kept foot fatigue and discomfort at bay as we walked on cement surfaces, even after multiple wears and washes.

We loved these socks’ comfy, bunch-free fit, which securely hugged our feet without squeezing or feeling restrictive. Despite being made of a thick merino wool blend, these socks are very breathable, leaving our feet cool and dry after warm-weather walks. Additionally, they retained their perfect condition after intensive use, with no pilling, thinning, stretching, or discoloration.

Potential Flaws

These socks had no glaring flaws in testing, but their no-show cut may not be ideal for wearing inside hiking boots.

Most Valuable Insight

“I was able to completely forget about my feet when going on long walks. Nothing is worse than being distracted by the discomfort of tight or thin socks, and I never had that issue with these.” —Abby M., Verywell Fit product tester

Darn Tough Men's and Women's Element No Show 2-Pack Socks

Credit: Darn Tough

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for long-distance walkers and treadmill runners who want a no-show sock that provides all-day protection against blisters and overheating.

Why We Love Them

Darn Tough’s Element No Show Socks shine across the board with cloud-like cushioning, blister protection, and exceptional breathability, all while remaining hidden. While we walked on uneven terrain and ran up to 7 miles on the treadmill, these socks stayed snugly in place with no shifting or bunching while preventing friction and hot spots. We even wore them with our everyday sneakers that tend to irritate our big toes, and they effectively protected them while preventing any jamming.

These socks provide excellent airflow, helping to control moisture during long-distance runs in hot weather. Their thermoregulating properties also make them a comfortable choice for all-day wear, regardless of the weather. Despite intensive use and multiple laundry cycles, these well-made socks showed no signs of pilling, thinning, or stretching.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Darn Tough.

Potential Flaws

While these socks aren’t the most budget-friendly option we tested, we’d gladly pay full price for their excellent quality, cushioning, and breathability.

Most Valuable Insight

“These are exceptionally comfortable and well-cushioned. My whole foot feels like it’s been wrapped in a soft, supportive hug.” —Gabrielle A., Verywell Fit product tester

Credit: Amazon

Pros

Silky-soft fabric
High-quality design
Stay securely in place

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for walkers with circulation issues, varicose veins, severe swelling, or who have been told to wear compression socks by their healthcare provider.

Why We Love Them

Smartwool’s Run Low Ankle Socks kept our sweat levels in check throughout warm-weather walks and workouts. Even in high temperatures, these socks wick away moisture and help regulate our body temperature, keeping our feet consistently cool. The silky-soft fabric is free of irritating seams and pressure points, providing all-day protection from blisters and friction.

Since they’re not cushioned, these socks made us feel connected to our walking shoes and the ground, but still comfortable throughout long, active days. Extra heel support kept them securely in place, even as we ran on the treadmill and walked on uneven pavement. We also love these socks’ high-quality construction, which resists pilling, thinning, and stretching after repeated use and laundering.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Smartwool.

Potential Flaws

Since these walking socks aren’t cushioned, they may not be the best choice for exercisers who require impact absorption. They’re a better choice for walkers and runners who prefer a more grounded feel in their shoes.

Most Valuable Insight

“My feet felt great wearing these during more leisurely walks and errands, and also during higher-intensity workouts. There was good airflow throughout my workouts, even in hot weather.” —Gabrielle A., Verywell Fit product tester

Credit: Feetures

Pros

Come in an array of colors
Back and front tabs limit friction
Breathable design keeps feet cool

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for those who want lightweight walking socks for short strolls and light fitness activities in warm weather.

Why We Love Them

Feetures’ Elite Ultra Light Tab Socks are ultra-thin and breathable for cool, comfy feet on warm outdoor walks. Whether we were strolling to the grocery store or exceeding our daily step goal, we loved the lightweight, moisture-wicking material that fit comfortably in our tightest-fitting shoes (without squeezing our toes). The only extra material you’ll find is on their cushioned front and ankle tabs, which prevent blisters and irritation.

Although these are the thinnest walking socks we tested, they weren’t so thin that we felt friction from the inside of our shoes. These socks are available in a vibrant variety of colors and shades, helping them stand out in the sea of athletic socks we tested. Despite their lightweight fabric, these socks kept their shape, color, and ultra-comfy fit after multiple wears and washes.

Potential Flaws

These socks are too thin to provide enough support for hiking or high-impact workouts. They’re a better choice for breathable comfort during casual walks and errands.

Most Valuable Insight

“I like how lightweight and breathable these socks are, while still protecting my feet. I would gladly wear these on hot summer days since the fabric is so breathable.” —Abby M., Verywell Fit product tester

Thorlo EXRUN003 Experia X SPEED Performance Cushion Ankle Socks

Credit: Amazon

Pros

Super secure fit
Soft fabric with flat, non-irritating seams
Mesh sections help prevent odors

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for walkers who want moisture and odor control during low-impact workouts.

Why We Love Them

Thorlo’s Experia X SPEED Performance Cushion Ankle Socks are the breath of fresh air that toasty feet need to stay dry for mile after mile. Their arch and ankle band compression provides a super secure fit that prevents shifting and sliding throughout our walk-run intervals. With their soft fabric and flat seams, we experienced no irritation, and their quality remained consistent even after several washes and wears.

These walking socks are breathable, featuring mesh sections for ventilation, which kept our sweaty feet comfortable and dry after walking on the treadmill. They managed our sweat levels during outdoor runs and walks, preventing overheating and uncomfortable moisture. We also noticed that they remained odor-free, with a fresh detergent smell, even after we had sweated heavily in them.

Potential Flaws

These socks are relatively thin and lack cushioning, making them unsuitable for hiking and high-impact exercise. But their second-skin feel works well for walking on the treadmill and flat terrain.
The ankle compression may be too tight for those with flat or more sensitive arches.

Most Valuable Insight

“My feet are typically very sweaty, but I found that these socks absorbed the sweat well. When I took off the socks after treadmill walking, they were moist, but my feet were dry. I would recommend them for folks with hot feet, who prefer a more lightweight feel without bulky cushioning.” —Anja W., Verywell Fit product tester

Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks

Credit: Amazon

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for avid walkers, hikers, and runners who want a high-quality, versatile sock that can do it all.

Why We Love Them

Do you want one sock that can truly do it all? Enter Balega’s Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks. We tested these during long walks, treadmill runs, strength-training workouts, and more, and they remained equally comfortable during all activities. The sock conforms to the shape of your foot as soon as you put it on, and the lightweight fabric doesn’t budge—no matter how quick or intense your movements are.

During testing, we also noticed that these socks provide the perfect balance of cushioning and breathability. The mesh upper delivers ventilation, while the well-padded bottom absorbs impact and adds comfort. Plus, the ankle tab makes it easier to slide them on and off, while also protecting the back of our ankles from rubbing against our sneakers—no blisters here.

Potential Flaws

These socks are pricier than other options. But for a versatile, high-quality sock, we think they’re worth the investment.

Most Valuable Insight

“These socks are incredibly comfortable. They are both cushy and comfortable, while also being breathable, making them perfect for summer walks and runs. They provide cushion in the places you need it most, and I love the heel tab for both easy on and off and also for protecting the heel of the feet against rubbing against shoes.” —Isabella B., Verywell Fit product tester

Balega’s No-Show Running Socks conformed to the shape of our feet without moving or bunching.
Credit: Verywell Fit
The socks have padded bottoms to absorb impact and heel tabs to prevent blisters.
Credit: Verywell Fit

Credit: Under Armour

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for travelers with low and normal arches who want lightweight, breathable support during long travel days and long-distance outdoor walks.

Why We Love Them

Whether you’re sightseeing, strolling through a museum, or dashing through the airport, reliable walking socks are a must-pack for frequent travelers. Under Armour’s UA Performance Tech Socks are our go-to for travel days, offering standout breathability and supportive cushioning at a budget-friendly price. Their sweat-wicking fabric delivers a lightweight feel that keeps our feet cool and comfortable. With extra heel and forefoot cushioning, these socks absorbed impact during long strolls, saving us from our usual post-walk foot fatigue.

We were impressed by the combo of lightweight breathability and ample support, as walking socks don’t tend to provide both. These socks have a snug fit that was a great match for our narrow feet and didn’t bunch or shift, even as we walked through the airport on long travel days. The quarter length also helps curb friction and blisters, earning top marks for comfort.

Potential Flaws

These socks’ arch support hits at the front of our tester’s high arches, rather than the middle (where we want the most support). However, this isn’t an issue for people with flat or normal arches.
After several wears and washes, these socks showed slight pilling, although the fit, softness, and cushioning remained in great condition.

Most Valuable Insight

“They are so lightweight and breathable, and I never felt like my feet were hot or sweaty after a walk, yet they provided cushioning that breathable socks sometimes lack. Due to how breathable they are, I could actually continue comfortably wearing the socks after a long walk.” —Teresa M., Verywell Fit product tester

Credit: Lightfeet

Pros

Keeps feet warm in cold weather
Targeted cushioning around heels and toes
Excellent blister protection

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for winter workouts and cold-weather hiking, especially for athletes prone to blisters.

Why We Love Them

Lightfeet’s Evolution Quarter Socks provide the friction protection and support we need for a long day on the trails. We were particularly impressed with how well these socks prevented blisters, even while walking and running around 50 miles weekly. They kept our old blisters from reappearing while preventing new ones from forming—a major perk for our blister-prone feet. They also have targeted cushioning around the heel and toes, which effectively absorbs impact during high-impact workouts and walking on hard surfaces.

We experienced zero shifting or movement during sprint intervals, thanks to the arch and cuff compression, which provided a supportive yet non-restrictive feel for our feet. They also have exterior seams, which prevent irritation on and off the trails. In cold weather, we loved how these socks kept our feet cozy and warm without friction.

Potential Flaws

These socks weren’t breathable enough to keep our sweaty feet cool, especially in warm weather. They’re best suited to cold conditions and athletes who don’t sweat much.

Most Valuable Insight

“I put a lot of mileage on my feet, so I get awful blisters. These socks kept old blisters from popping and protected against new blisters. That’s a huge win for me. Plus, they didn’t move around at all, even during sprint/walk interval workouts.” —Anja W., Verywell Fit product tester

Thorlo WMX Moderate Cushion Ankle Walking Socks

Credit: Thorlo

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for individuals who want fatigue and blister protection while standing for extended periods or taking long-distance walks.

Why We Love Them

Thorlo’s Moderate Cushion Ankle Walking Socks pampered and protected our feet throughout our most active days, from outdoor walks to a 7-hour strongman competition. Their slip-free, bunch-free fit stayed comfortable in our sneakers, thanks to a structured heel that prevents shifting. In fact, when we slipped these socks on, we felt like they were custom-made for our feet.

These socks are particularly well-cushioned around the heel, forefoot, and toes, with moderate mid-foot compression for added support. Despite the plush cushioning, they kept our feet secure as we squatted and ran with heavy sandbags, striking the ideal balance of comfort and stability. They also kept our feet cool and dry, even after 7 hours of competing, thanks to their moisture-wicking material.

Potential Flaws

After a few laundry cycles, these socks became slightly fuzzy, indicating they may start to pill after several uses. But their cushioning didn’t thin or flatten, and their overall quality wasn’t a major concern.
This 3-pack of walking socks is on the pricier side. However, their features and quality justify the price, especially for those with blister-prone feet, such as hikers and walkers.

Most Valuable Insight

“During the strongman contest, I barely even thought of my feet or my socks, not just because I was focused on other things, but they were comfortable enough that even after all that moving around and being on my feet for hours, my feet never felt tired, hot, or uncomfortable. I would chalk this up to the socks being supportive and helping keep fatigue low.” —Robert T., Verywell Fit product tester

Credit: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Pros

Arch compression prevents foot fatigue
Lightweight fabric with targeted cushioning
Ventilation panels provide excellent breathability

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for committed walkers and runners seeking high-performance socks that help prevent blisters during intense workouts.

Why We Love Them

Swiss brand On specializes in high-performance running gear, and their Elite Run Sock Low didn’t disappoint during long-distance walks, runs, and other activities that can be hard on feet. We love these socks’ lightweight fabric with targeted cushioning around the big toe. We’re prone to blisters in this area, but didn’t develop any while wearing these.

Their secure fit is ideal for lengthy walks and didn’t shift or bunch, even as we trekked off-road terrain for up to 8 miles. Plus, the arch compression prevented our feet from feeling any fatigue. They also have ventilation panels for excellent breathability, preventing overheating during our most intensive fitness walks and summertime workouts. Their high-quality material is ideal for dedicated exercisers, and we’re confident that it will withstand significant mileage.

Potential Flaws

These socks tend to run large and were a bit long in the foot for us. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing down.

Most Valuable Insight

“These socks are so nice, light, and secure. I plan to continue wearing them into the summer months, and I’m confident they’ll keep my feet as cool as possible during long walks.” —Christine D., Verywell Fit product tester

Credit: Bombas

Key Specs

Who They’re For

Best for Bombas sock lovers who prefer a mid-length sock that offers serious arch support for all types of walking.

Why We Love Them

We love most Bombas socks, but this silky-soft quarter-length pair is our favorite for walking. Bombas’ Quarter Socks offer pillowy cushioning, breathability, and maximum comfort. And despite being well-padded, they never felt bunchy or too thick during our test walks. We also never felt sweaty or overheated inside our shoes.

During testing, we appreciated the high-quality durability—especially given the budget-friendly price. We wore them dozens of times, washing and drying them after each wear, and they still look and feel as good as new. Between the snug and supportive fit and cloud-like cushioning, we think these are among the best options from this well-loved brand.

Also available in men’s sizes at Bombas.

Potential Flaws

The socks’ ankle elastics may be too tight if you have thicker ankles, although this didn’t detract from their ultra-comfy fit.

Most Valuable Insight

“I honestly cannot find a single thing wrong with these socks. They fit perfectly, with just the slightest amount of compression towards the front of the sock, near the toe box. I have worn these socks every day, even when it’s hot out, and they’re amazing. They make my feet happy.” —Donna F., Verywell Fit product tester

Walking Socks We Also Tested

We tested a total of 43 pairs of walking socks, but only 13 made it to our final list of recommendations. The following socks have some notable features; however, they didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements.

We loved the soft fabric of Allbirds’ Trino Tubers Cushioned Socks, but struggled to find a comfortable fit. The socks kept slipping down during our walks, so the buttery-soft feel wasn’t enough to win us over.
Despite being ultra-thin, Gonii’s Ankle Socks lack the breathability and ventilation we were looking for. They aren’t comfortable enough for long walks, especially in warmer weather.
We considered recommending Farm Feet’s Damascus Crew Socks for hiking, but they were simply too tight for comfort. We never developed blisters, but just couldn’t get past the restrictive feeling.
Darn Tough’s Crew Socks felt silky-smooth, but they ended up being a little too much. The slippery feel had us sliding around on our shoes. We felt uncomfortable and unsteady during our walks.
Lightfeet’s Predator Quarter Socks impressed us with excellent cushioning and breathability, but the bulky look and tight cuff left us wanting more.
While we liked Nike’s Jordan Everyday Ankle Socks for their soft, stretchy feel and stylish design, they weren’t breathable enough to handle spring and summer walks or high-intensity workouts.
We were pleased with Wellow’s Aerolite Socks’ Y-shaped heel and anti-blister tab, but they weren’t enough to overlook the lack of breathability (even in cold weather) and the uncomfy fit across the toes.

What We’ve Updated

Since publishing our initial fully tested roundup of the best walking socks, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested 15 new pairs of walking socks, wearing them during fitness walks, hikes, long-distance runs, and more. We evaluated each pair for its fit, comfort, cushioning, breathability, quality, and value, and have included these new insights in this article.
Based on our new testing insights, we’ve reworked some of our superlatives, replacing six of our picks, including Best Walking Socks Overall, Best Cushioned Socks for Walking, and more.
Based on our testing insights, we’ve added five new superlatives, including Best Lightweight Walking Socks and Best Trail Walking Socks.

The right walking socks can provide cushioning, prevent blisters, and absorb sweat.

Verywell Fit

What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Socks

Activity: Different activities require different sock materials, thicknesses, and padding. On shorter walks, you can get away with a thinner sock made from lightweight, breathable materials, while your feet will benefit from more padding and support on longer walks or hikes.
Temperature Control: Choosing climate-appropriate socks actually matters, says running coach Alexa Duckworth-Briggs. If you exercise outdoors in ultra-cold conditions, look for thermal socks with insulating properties. If you walk, run, or hike outdoors in warm weather, look for thinner, lightweight socks.
Material: Materials make all the difference in the feel and comfort of your socks, says Sobie. Synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and polyester, are generally well-suited for breathability and durability. But if you’re in colder temperatures, you may want to try merino wool socks. Cotton socks are a great option for those with sensitive skin and those who tend to run cold.
Arch Support: According to Sobie, choosing socks with arch support can make it easier to tackle longer distances by preventing foot fatigue. Just ensure you’re comfortable with the arch compression level, as overcompression can feel restrictive.

We tested socks based on their comfort, fit, and support.

Verywell Fit

How We Tested the Walking Socks

We tested 43 walking socks at home, wearing them during workouts, fitness walks, hikes, runs, and more. All socks were worn for various walks, including a casual walk of 2 to 3 miles, a brisk walk of 2 to 3 miles, and a distance walk of approximately 5 miles. When testing walking socks, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.

Fit: When evaluating the walking socks, we first consider the fit of each pair and whether they’re true to size. We also pay attention to any uncomfortable seams or irritation throughout the sock. We prioritize options that strike a balance between a snug yet non-restrictive fit.
Comfort: Next, we evaluate the comfort level. Socks earn a high score in this category if they’re snug and secure (without being restrictive) and keep our feet at a comfortable temperature with no overheating or excessive sweating.
Cushioning: Cushioning can make or break a sock’s ability to protect your foot during walks—especially long ones. During our test walks, we consider how the thickness of the sock affects its level of support. Our highest-ranking socks provide the ideal level of padding in the heel, forefoot, or entire foot length, tailored to our activity level, without bunching.
Breathability: For those who tend to get sweaty, breathability is a non-negotiable requirement. During testing, we consider how well the socks handle sweat during our workouts, evaluating their ability to keep our feet dry. We also check the socks’ airflow and moisture control, prioritizing pairs that keep us cool under sweaty conditions.
Quality: We’re looking for socks that are built to last, so we check how they hold up to multiple wears and washes. Are there signs of pilling, thinning, or stretching, or are the fit, softness, or cushioning affected by laundry cycles? Our favorites remain in top condition throughout the testing period (and beyond).
Value: When our testing is complete, we check the price of each pair to determine a value score. Accounting for each of the above-tested categories, we consider whether we’d pay full price for the socks. We only include ones we’d personally recommend to a friend or family member.

Verywell Fit research and testing process.

Verywell Fit

Our Experts

We consulted the following experts to learn what key features to look for and avoid when shopping for and testing walking socks. While we always choose products independently, expert input helps inform our decisions.

Jerick Sobie, CPed, board-certified pedorthist and co-owner of Lucky Feet Shoes
Alexa Duckworth-Briggs, running coach and sports massage therapist at On the Run Health and Fitness
Kaleigh Ray, ACSM-EP, running biomechanist and ACSM-certified exercise physiologist at Treadmill Review Guru

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of socks are best for walking?

The best socks for walking are typically made from synthetic materials, such as nylon and polyester, for optimal breathability. However, if you prefer a natural, non-synthetic option, merino wool is also typically sweat-wicking, and cotton is ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Are thick or thin socks better for walking?

According to Duckworth-Briggs, thin socks are best for shorter walks on flat surfaces. However, for longer walks on challenging terrain, opt for thicker socks with added cushioning. You should also consider the temperature you’re walking in: Thin socks make more sense in hot weather, while thick socks can keep you warm in the cold.

What socks do podiatrists recommend?

Podiatrists recommend socks made of moisture-wicking fabrics, like merino wool or synthetic blends, to prevent friction and blisters. Additionally, for some people, compression socks can provide valuable support for walking longer. If your healthcare provider recommends compression socks, follow their advice. Otherwise, pay attention to what level of compression feels good for you.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Megan Foley is a Verywell Fit writer and professional ballet dancer who loves researching and reporting on today’s top fitness products. As a Manhattanite, she walks long distances daily, whether she’s heading to dance class, picking up groceries, or meeting friends for coffee. She relies on well-cushioned merino wool crew socks to make her walks more comfortable, keeping her feet cool and supported after long rehearsals. For this article, Megan reviewed data from the Verywell Fit testing team to assess the walking socks’ fit, comfort, cushioning, breathability, quality, and value.

Additional reporting contributed by Amanda Berkey, M.Ed.

Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., is a Verywell Fit writer who believes in providing straightforward, trustworthy product recommendations. A former personal trainer and group exercise instructor, Amanda understands that top-notch workout gear can make all the difference in helping you feel your best during your workout. For this article, she reviewed insights from our experts and the Verywell Fit testing team.

The 13 Best Walking Socks of 2025, Tested

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Who They’re For

Why We Love Them

Potential Flaws

Most Valuable Insight

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Walking Socks We Also Tested

What We’ve Updated

What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Socks

How We Tested the Walking Socks

Our Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of socks are best for walking?

Are thick or thin socks better for walking?

What socks do podiatrists recommend?

Why Trust Verywell Fit

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