12 Best Socks for Sweaty Feet, According to Podiatrists

Jun 04, 2023

By Kristine Thomason

The feeling of water-logged shoes has to be one of the top 10 most unpleasant sensations, but the best socks for sweaty feet can make all the difference. It’s easy to blame this uncomfortable situation on particularly hot weather or an intense workout, but the type of socks, be it a no-show style or a calf-length crew sock, you wear—in addition to your running or walking shoes of choice—matters a lot.

And no, it’s not just about mitigating foot odor (though no one wants smelly feet) or preventing athlete’s foot. Wearing the right socks is also important for your foot health—especially if you have hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive perspiration. “If the excess sweat remains against the skin, it encourages overgrowth of germs like bacteria and fungi,” board-certified podiatrist Byunghee Kevin Kim, DPM, of Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center tells Glamour. “Wet skin is also more easily damaged, which can lead to blisters and infection,” not to mention painful chafing.

As for what makes a sweat-ready sock? According to multiple podiatrists whom Glamour polled, these are the features you should be looking out for:

From running socks you can get on Amazon to classics adored by hikers to comfy picks for daily wear with your favorite white sneakers, these are the best socks for sweaty feet, according to podiatrists and editors who’ve legit sweated in them for hours (just so you don’t have to).

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Smartwool Everyday Light Cushion No Show Socks

Smartwool

REI

Zappos

A true leader in responsibly sourced merino wool apparel, Smartwool makes socks that will make your your feet feel blissed out. Its aforementioned signature fabric has excellent moisture-wicking properties, says Suzanne Fuchs, DPM, ​​a board-certified podiatrist in Palm Beach, Florida. “The socks are known for their breathability, odor resistance, and comfort.” This low-cut style features a touch of cushioning throughout the bottom of the foot, along with built-in arch support, for everyday comfort.

Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough

REI

Zappos

Another fantastic merino wool sock, this lightweight style has a great profile for hiking since it rises up your shin to prevent boot blisters. While knee-length socks may offer more coverage if you plan on wading through prickly shrubbery, Dr. Fuchs confirms that this style, among others from the brand, has superb “moisture-wicking capabilities, breathability, and cushioning for added comfort.”

The wool material also acts as a temperature regulator, board-certified podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM, tells Glamour. “It maintains a consistent temperature in the feet, which is helpful for extreme cold and hot climates.”

As the name suggests, these cuties are wildly durable and sure to keep your feet comfy for years to come.

Bombas Merino-Wool-Blend Running Ankle Socks

Bombas

As a longtime fitness journalist and an avid runner, I’m very picky about the feel of my athletic socks. Bombas is one of my favorite brands for all of my sock needs (everyday anklets! no-shows!), and it truly delivers in the sporty, sweat-wicking department. I personally own multiple pairs of this particular merino-wool-blend style, and I consistently reach for them before heading out on a run. (Senior commerce editor Talia Abbas, another longtime long-distance runner, agrees, though she prefers to wear her Bombas in the cooler months since they tend to be on the thicker end of the spectrum.)

This particular model features Bombas’s signature ankle tab (which keeps blisters at bay), strategic cushioning, and a unique honeycomb arch support that cradles the foot. And yes, they’re made of merino wool blended with polyester and spandex to offer a little more stretch and a contoured fit. One more reason to love the brand: For every pair of socks purchased, Bombas donates a pair to homeless shelters.

Balega Hidden Dry No-Show Tab Socks

Balega

REI

Another one of my running go-tos, Balega makes fantastic socks for both fitness and everyday wear. These ultrathin, lightweight socks are great for keeping your feet nice and cool. Dr. Fuchs also loves that they’re “made of a blend of synthetic materials and are designed with moisture management technology. They have a seamless construction to prevent friction and irritation, and they offer excellent breathability and cushioning.”

Sockwell Incline II Micro Moderate-Compression Socks

Sockwell

Board-certified podiatrist Jason Hymowitz, DPM, says that—along with Smartwool, Balega, and Bombas—Sockwell is one of the brands that have helped his patients with hyperhidrosis, thanks to designs that feature sweat-wicking technology, breathability, and antibacterial properties. In addition to a high-performance fabric (consisting of merino wool, bamboo rayon, stretch nylon, and spandex), this moisture-wicking sock also features compression—which may be beneficial for people with sweaty feet, as it prevents rubbing, according to Dr. Hymowitz.

Feetures Elite Light-Cushion No-Show Tab Socks

Feetures

REI

Zappos

“Feetures socks are made with a blend of synthetic materials and feature targeted compression and ventilation zones,” says Dr. Fuchs. These socks use the brand’s signature iWick fabric, which the brand says offers moisture-wicking properties and excellent breathability. This particular style also has high-density cushioning, which offers comfort without excessive bulk.

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Allbirds Anytime Crew Socks

Allbirds

Allbirds may be best known for its machine-washable sneakers, but don’t sleep on its sustainably made socks. The brand has three styles to choose from (no-show, ankle, or crew), and each is constructed with a moisture-minimizing blend of recycled nylon, tree-made Tencel Lyocell, organic cotton, and a touch of spandex for stretch. Reviewers rave about the crew sock in particular if you’re looking for something to wear in warmer climates. “These socks are perfect for keeping feet dry under hot conditions,” one customer wrote on the brand’s site. “It is truly moisture-wicking, and you will feel how it keeps your feet dry through the day.”

Coolmax EcoMade Everyday Low Socks

REI

“CoolMax socks have consistently received positive feedback from my patients with sweaty feet,” says Daniel Pledger, DPM, founder of ePodiatrists. “Their unique blend of moisture-wicking fibers ensures that sweat is quickly drawn away from the skin, leaving your feet drier and more comfortable. The socks also feature mesh panels that enhance breathability and prevent excessive moisture buildup.”

Swiftwick Aspire Zero Tab Socks

Swiftwick

Amazon

Another one of my and Abbas’s tried-and-true favorites, Swiftwick makes socks with high-performance fibers that move moisture—namely nylon, spandex, and its signature Olefin fiber. This particular pair offers light compression and cushioning to support the foot while remaining ultrathin and breathable. As one reviewer wrote, these socks are the “perfect fit” and have great “moisture-wicking capability, for hot, humid weather.”

Drymax Walking Mini Crew

Drymax

Amazon

“Drymax is another brand I highly recommend for individuals dealing with sweaty feet,” says Dr. Pledger. “Their socks are designed with a dual-layer moisture-removal system, which effectively moves moisture away from the skin to the outer layer, where it can evaporate quickly.”

Dr. Fuchs is also a big fan of the Drymax brand, noting that its effective sweat-wicking system helps keep feet dry and prevent blisters.

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Icebreaker Multisport Light Micro Socks

REI

Icebreaker

Another merino wool superstar, Icebreaker makes a wide range of high-quality clothing and gear (think everything from base layers to undies) featuring the breathable, temperature-regulating fabric. So it’s no surprise that the brand’s sock selection is also top-notch, including this multisport pair, with strategic “breathe zones” for effective ventilation.

“My feet sweat continually, so I was looking for a good summer sock to keep them dry. When I found these, I was so impressed with the fit and the comfort level, as well as their ability to keep my feet drier than they have ever been,” wrote one happy customer.

Saucony Inferno No-Show Socks

Saucony

Amazon

Across the board, sports and performance styles are often your best bet when it comes to sweat-minimizing socks. Board-certified podiatrist Byunghee Kevin Kim, DPM, takes that concept one step further: “As a podiatrist, I recommend brands that make both shoes and socks optimized for good foot health, such as Asics, Brooks, New Balance, and Saucony,” he says. This pair certainly fits the bill: It features Saucony’s RunDry Pro moisture-management technology to keep feet fresh, along with built-in arch stability.

And while we’re talking about high-quality footwear, it’s important to note, “even if you wear socks that do a great job of wicking away sweat and drying quickly, those socks can’t perform well on sweaty feet if you wear shoes that don’t allow the sweat to evaporate,” says Dr. Kim. “When in doubt, look for the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is given to products found to promote good foot health.”

Lululemon Power Stride No-Show Sock With Active Grip (3-Pack)

Lululemon

This no-show sock is also built for performance, thanks to its arch support, the breathable fabric, and a grippy tab that keeps it locked in place during any activity. If you’re looking for something with a higher profile, I love Lululemon’s ultrathin Find Your Balance Studio Tab Sock for sweaty indoor workouts. For running, Abbas is a fan of this snug-fitting pair of socks that features breathable mesh ventilation throughout.

Save when you shop the best socks for sweaty feet with these Lululemon promo codes.

Stance Run Ultralight Tab Sock

Amazon

I recently tried out these running socks and very quickly added them to my list of favorites. These lightweight, breathable socks feature a unique knit fabrication that offers a decent amount of overall cushioning without feeling bulky. I was impressed after returning from a long, sweaty run to discover these comfy socks were pretty much entirely dry, thanks to the breathable material and strategic mesh. (Abbas agrees and says she runs in the ankle-length version.) As always, I also love the ankle tab, which helps keep blisters at bay.

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