ShoppingFootwear

The 7 Best Socks for Sweaty Feet That Will *Actually* Keep You Fresh All Day

Damp socks are the worst—here are the best socks for sweaty feet to keep your tootsies cool, comfortable, and free of funky odors.

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Photo: Comrad
Published Dec 23, 2024

Written by 

Danielle Calma

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Few things are worse (or downright gross) than walking around in damp socks. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also lead to fungus, blisters, and, let’s be honest, some not-so-pleasant odors. Whether you’re dealing with sweaty feet on the reg or simply trying to survive a hot and humid climate, the best socks for sweaty feet can make all the difference, keeping you cool, dry, and bacteria-free no matter where your day takes you.

Experts in This Article

Julie Schottenstein

double board-certified podiatrist at The Schottenstein Center in Miami

According to experts, the best socks for sweaty feet are made from moisture-wicking materials like polyester, nylon, or rayon—fabrics that draw sweat away from your skin and keep it from pooling inside your shoes. Bonus? Many of these materials also fight odor, meaning your gym bag might finally get a break. So, why suffer through another moment of sweaty discomfort? It’s time to level up your sock drawer and give your feet the TLC they deserve. Find your new “sole”mate below. Tried, tested, and stamped with a seal of approval from experts and online shoppers, these picks will help prevent wetness all day long.

The best socks for sweaty feet, at a glance:

– Best overall: Thorlo Experia Techfit Light Cushion Low-Cut Socks, $17– Best splurge: Balega Hidden Dry No Show Tab Socks, $20– Best budget option: Saucony RunDry Performance Heel Tab Socks (8 Pairs), $23– Best compression: Comrad Ankle Compression Socks, $17– Best for running: Feetures High-Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab Socks, $15– Best for hiking: Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks, $24– Best waterproof: Sealskinz Waterproof Mid Length Socks, $43

What to look for

There are two main things to look for when shopping for socks: material and comfort.

As mentioned above, fabric is the main culprit in causing your socks to get swampy. Double-board-certified podiatrist Julie Schottenstein, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM at The Schottenstein Center in Miami says to stick to synthetics like nylon and polyester. “Cotton holds moisture—we want to avoid moisture,” she says. On this note, socks with mesh panels or ventilated zones are a game-changer for breathability. These design features promote airflow and help regulate temperature, which is especially important if you’re active or live in a hot climate.

You’ll also want to think about comfort. Cushioned socks provide arch support while softening impact. They also work to prevent blisters and chafing. Extra points if they have a reinforced heel for added comfort. Those who spend a lot of time on their feet or are prone to foot swelling may want to opt for compression socks or slipper socks. The “hug” compression socks provide can help boost blood circulation and may even decrease swelling.

A good fit is non-negotiable. Socks that are too loose can bunch up and cause blisters, while socks that are too tight might cut off circulation. But some of the other features socks are designed with are primarily nice-to-haves (but some are really nice to have), so think about your lifestyle and shop accordingly.) For example, odor control—some socks come with anti-microbial or odor-resistant treatments to keep bacteria and funky smells at bay. This can be a lifesaver for anyone prone to foot odor or wearing socks for long stretches.

Shop the 7 best socks for sweaty feet

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Best overall: Thorlo Experia Techfit Light Cushion Low-Cut Socks — $17.00

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 17 | Material: 81% Thorwick Cool polyester, 18% nylon, 1% elastic

Dr. Schottenstein’s top pick, these Thorlo socks feature Thorwick Cool material—made from polyester, nylon, and elastic—that helps keep feet dry. “They are great at wicking moisture,” she says. “I wear them all day long, sometimes into the night, and I never have a wet foot.” What’s more, they have strategically placed mesh panels to offer extra ventilation, as well as thoughtfully designed “pads” to help prevent from rubs and blisters.

Pros:

  • Cushioning for protection against blisters
  • Mesh panels offer extra airflow
  • Sweat-wicking materials
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • According to some reviews, they can slip out of place
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Best splurge: Balega Hidden Dry No Show Tab Socks — $22.00

Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 9 | Material: 63% Drynamix polyester, 35% nylon, 2% elastane

These Balega socks also have Dr. Schottenstein’s approval. They’re breathable and moisture-wicking, thanks to a blend of polyester, nylon, and elastane. The seamless construction minimizes chafing, and they’re reinforced in the heel and toe for long-lasting durability. Plus, the pair’s deep heel pocket keeps the socks from slipping when you move.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Deep heel pocket prevents slipping
  • Seamless construction prevents blisters
  • Sweat-wicking fabric

Cons:

  • Thin compared to other featured options
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Best budget option: Saucony RunDry Performance Heel Tab Socks (8 Pairs) — $23.00

Sizes: S-L | Colors: 16 | Material: 98% polyester, 2% spandex

If you’re looking for budget-friendly socks, this multipack of Saucony socks will set you back just under $23 for eight pairs. The socks are made from a polyester-spandex blend and feature compression arch support throughout each sock. In addition to targeted arch compression, mesh ventilation panels help encourage airflow. Shop the multipack in pairs of eight, 16, and 24 in a variety of colors.

Pros:

  • Comes in pairs of eight, 16, and 24
  • Features woven-in arch support
  • Sweat-wicking fabric

Cons:

  • Limited size options compared to other featured items
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Best compression: Comrad Ankle Compression Socks — $17.00

Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: 92% nylon, 8% spandex

If you’re looking for socks that feel like a hug, these compression socks are an ideal pick. The fabric, which combines nylon and spandex, applies gentle pressure to your muscles, helping improve blood circulation and minimize swelling. The snug yet stretchy fit conforms to your foot, while also keeping the socks from rubbing or sliding down. And they come in longer options, too, so if you prefer knee socks or crew socks, they have them for you.

Pros:

  • Encourages blood circulation and minimizes swelling
  • Snug fit prevents socks from slipping or sliding down
  • Sweat-wicking fabric
  • Available in different lengths

Cons:

  • Air dry only
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Best for running: Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab Socks — $15.00

Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 9 | Material: 65% polyester, 32% nylon, 3% spandex

If you’re looking for socks that can go the distance without sweat, consider the Feetures Ultra Light No Show. The runner-approved socks are made from moisture-wicking polyester, nylon, and spandex, and their seamless toe construction and raised heel tabs prevent friction. Plus, these socks come with a lifetime guarantee, so if they do wear down or shrink, you can have them replaced free of charge.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Sweat-wicking material
  • Seamless toe construction fends off friction
  • Heel tabs for easy-on accesibility
  • Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

  • Not ideal for those who want thicker socks
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Best for hiking: Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks — $24.00

Sizes: S-L | Colors: 6 | Material: 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex

Planning a hike? Pack these hiking socks. The pair is lightly cushioned—perfect for rough or uneven terrain—and is made from merino wool, a material that’s naturally thermoregulating, and, as importantly, moisture-wicking. It also features nylon and stretchy spandex to stave off wetness.

Pros:

  • Made with naturally thermoregulating merino wool
  • Lightly cushioned
  • Length protects feet from gravel and dirt on trails

Cons:

  • Pricey
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Best waterproof: Sealskinz Waterproof Mid Length Socks — $43.00

Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: 35% merino wool, 35% acrylic, 23% polyester, 3.5% nylon, 3.5% elastane

Come rain, sleet, or snow, waterproof socks like this pair from Sealskinz will keep you dry. They’re made from three layers—a moisture-wicking inner layer, a second leakproof layer, and a soft and stretchy outer layer for comfort and support. Plus, the socks come up to the mid-calf to safeguard against freezing toes and wetness.

Pros:

  • Ideal for wet conditions
  • Features three layers for leakproof comfort and support

Cons:

  • The priciest option on the list
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ShoppingFootwear

The New Hoka Bondi 9 is the Brand’s Most Run-Friendly Version Yet—Here’s Our Honest Review

We tried the Hoka Bondi 9 and can attest: It's a running-ready upgrade to the brand's most cushioned shoe. Read our full review here.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Published Jan 25, 2025

Written by 

Hannah Singleton

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The Hoka Bondi has always been unapologetically maximalist. It’s big, bold, and has sky-high cushioning that kicked off a revolution in running shoes. But despite its standout comfort used by everyone from nurses to marathoners, past versions felt more like walking shoes than true running shoes because of their bulk. Now—with the release of the redesigned Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)—this shoe is finally living up to its full potential. With softer foam, a more responsive feel, and a stable base, this version is ready to run.

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Hoka Bondi 9 — $170.00

Colors: 6 | Sizes: US 4 – 12 | Weight: 9.3 oz | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm

Pros:

  • Cushioned but stable for a variety of paces
  • Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, more responsive feel
  • Durable for daily training

Cons: 

  • Ankle cuff is relatively stiff
  • Not the fun color selection I’ve come to expect from Hoka
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First impressions of the Hoka Bondi 9

The Bondi 9 stays true to Hoka’s roots, and my first thought when unboxing it was that it hasn’t gotten any sleeker—but it’s still all about the comfort. Right out of the box, the thick cushioning looked as inviting as ever. I pushed my thumb into the foam to assess its softness and rebound and was pleasantly surprised to find it a bit more plush than the Bondi 8.

The aesthetics left me feeling a little underwhelmed though. The pair I tested came in a minty green (Blue Spark/Mint Fluorite) with a contrasting black ankle cuff that felt mismatched. When I checked the other available palettes online, I was disappointed to find that few of them delivered Hoka’s usual vibrant, head-turning colors. Hopefully, more options will roll out in the future.

My review

What I love

Over two weeks, I logged more than 25 miles in the Bondi 9 sneakers, testing them during walking and running workouts, including hours-long incline “hikes” on the treadmill and interval training.

I was most impressed by their performance during brisk walks and when I picked up the pace for running intervals. The cushioning feels slightly firm at slower speeds but has a satisfying bounce when running faster. For full transparency, I’m prone to shin splints, and I felt a bit of shin discomfort during slow jogs, but the pain disappeared when I transitioned to a faster pace.

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Photo: Author

That said, the new supercritical EVA foam is a huge step up from the Bondi 8, which I considered more of a walking shoe than a running shoe due to its firmer, less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 offers a softer, springier feel, making it versatile for both activities.

On the treadmill, I noticed the shoe’s exceptional stability. Many max-cushioned shoes can feel wobbly underfoot (especially on the treadmill, where I tend to space out), but the Bondi 9’s wide base and “Active Foot Frame” technology create a secure, supportive ride.

And in my short testing period, this shoe felt super durable. Hoka also incorporated “durabrasion rubber” into the outsole to combat high-wear areas, which should extend the shoe’s longevity. I haven’t tested it long enough to notice any degradation, but knowing the legacy of the Bondi line, I have no doubts it will last for hundreds of miles.

What I don’t love

That said, the Bondi 9 has a few downsides. I found the toe box snug during the first few miles, which required a bit of a break-in period before I felt fully comfortable. If you have wider feet, consider ordering the wide version to avoid this issue. I also think that the padded upper might feel a bit thick in hot weather, as it lacks breathability.

Final thoughts

The Bondi 9 isn’t Hoka’s flashiest or fastest option (My go-to for speed work is the Mach X and I prefer the Clifton 9 for long runs), but it’s a really solid shoe with serious durability that outlasts anything else that the brand offers. Unlike race-day shoes that you need to care for like a baby, this is a pair you can confidently wear for daily training, errands, and long walks without worrying about the cushioning wearing out too quickly.

If you’re a beginner runner curious about max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a fantastic place to start. It’s cushy, versatile, and plush without feeling unstable—a rare combo for a max-cushioning shoe.

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ShoppingFootwear

How Often Should You Replace Your Running Shoes? A Podiatrist Weighs In

Wondering "how often should I change my running shoes?" We chatted with a podiatrist to find out everything you need to know.

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Photo: Stocksy/Bonninstudio
Updated Jan 23, 2025

Written by 

Amber Sayer

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After investing in a great new pair of running shoes, you want to get the most out of them. But before you know it, you’ve racked up 300 to 500 miles—the point when most sneaker manufacturers tell runners and walkers to replace their shoes.

Experts in This Article

Bruce Pinker

board-certified podiatrist at Progressive Foot Care

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Browse through message boards, and you’ll find plenty of people claiming those parameters are simply marketing meant to encourage you to buy more shoes. Is the 300 to 500 mile rule founded on research? Do you really need to replace your shoes that often?

Yes, says podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM, who works with walkers and runners at Progressive Foot Care in New York. “The midsole, found between the insole and the outsole, breaks down and wears out in this range,” he explains.

He says that the midsole of sneakers is usually composed of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), and the material serves as a shock absorber. However, the rebound effectiveness decreases over time.

“Running or walking without this shock-absorbing material fully intact could possibly lead to injuries,” cautions Dr. Pinker. That could mean stress fractures, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or runner’s knee.

Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest1 that running in old shoes can cause you to subconsciously alter your biomechanics and gait, which can further increase your risk of injuries.

How can you tell it’s time to replace your shoes?

One telltale sign you need new sneakers is when the outer sole shows that the treads have disappeared, says Dr. Pinker. However, he cautions against using this as the only sign—or first sign—that your shoes are on their way out.

“The outsole may wear out much later than the midsole does,” Dr. Pinker says. This means you might lose the support and the stability of the shoe before those treads show wear and tear. That’s why it’s best to replace shoes based on your mileage, he says. Certain apps that track your walks and runs, like Garmin Connect, let you log the shoes you’re wearing on each outing so it’s easy to know once you’ve hit 300 miles.

Other factors to consider

Keep in mind that not everyone wears down their shoes at the same rate. For instance, if you have flat feet, tend to overpronate, or weigh more, you may be better off replacing your shoes more often (closer to 300 or 400 miles). But if you weigh less or have a more neutral stride, you can probably get away with a longer lifespan of the shoe (400 to 500 miles or more).

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Another thing to remember is that it’s not just about mileage when classifying a running shoe as “old.” The actual age of the shoe, in terms of time, also matters. Construction materials, particularly the EVA foam cushioning and certain gels, break down over time. So you should really replace your shoes after six months, even if you haven’t hit 300 miles in them—especially if you need extra support and cushioning.

Dr. Pinker also adds that you basically get what you pay for when it comes to the durability and longevity. “Higher-quality shoes, such as those from New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, and Asics, often last longer due to preferred materials and construction,” he notes. “Stay with well-known brands.”

Can you make your shoes last longer?

Dr. Pinker says there’s not much you can do to increase your sneakers’ longevity; the materials simply have a lifespan. However, caring for your shoes by cleaning them and keeping them dry can help, along with rotating your shoes (alternating pairs every other day or so) to allow the materials ample time to fully rebound between uses.

“Running on tracks, especially rubberized tracks, can improve the longevity of running shoes, as opposed to running on trails and on dirt,” adds Dr. Pinker.

Although sneakers can be expensive to replace frequently, remember that having quality footwear that isn’t completely worn out will help you feel your best. And what better way to celebrate all those miles you’ve racked up than by treating yourself to a great new pair of kicks?

  1. Kong PW, Candelaria NG, Smith DR. Running in new and worn shoes: a comparison of three types of cushioning footwear. Br J Sports Med. 2009 Oct;43(10):745-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.047761. Epub 2008 Sep 18. PMID: 18801775.

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