The right socks can do everything from provide extra cushioning to protect your feet from blisters. Without a good pair of socks, you’re basically doing your feet a disservice. Of course, there are a lot of options for socks out there, to the point where looking for a new pair can border on overwhelming. Not sure where to start? Here are the best socks for women out there, broken down by your needs. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Running Socks
High Performance Sock 3" Pack by Feetures, $45 at Athleta
This $35 sock pack is specially designed for running any distance. Special iWick fibers pull moisture away from your feet to keep the area cool and dry, while a Y heel construction helps keep your socks in place. High Performance Sock 3" Pack by Feetures, $45 at Athleta
Performance Gripper Ankle Sock 3-Pack, $55.50 at Bombas
Who says athletic socks have to come in muted tones? This $55 sock pack features a range of pretty colors that are sure to make you smile. The socks feature Hex Tec construction for breathability and dryness, and non-skid grips on the bottom help them double as indoor slippers. Bombas Women’s Performance Gripper Ankle Sock 3-Pack, $55.50 at Bombas Here Are the 11 Best Yoga Mats for At-Home Workouts
Balega Silver Performance Runner No-Show Socks, $19 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
These $15 socks are not messing around in the features department. They boast compressive arch support bands for a snug fit to allow your foot to move naturally, while giving your blood circulation a boost. The socks also contain silver ion fibers for long lasting antibacterial (read: odor-fighting) support. Handy heel tabs help you slip these on and off. Balega Silver Performance Runner No Show Socks, $19 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Saucony Performance Super Lite No-Show Athletic Running Socks Multipack, $24.80 at Walmart
Good running socks don’t always need to be super thick. This $15 sock pack from Saucony is lightweight to help minimize bulk in your shoe. It also features RunDry moisture management and mesh ventilation to help keep feet comfy and dry. Saucony Performance Super Lite No-Show Athletic Running Socks Multipack, $24.80 at Walmart
Best Hiking Socks
Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks, $24 at Smartwool
For $24, you’ll get socks that are made to last for ages. It’s all thanks to the “indestructawool” construction, which features a strategic mix of merino and reinforcement fibers for durability and comfort. A slimmer profile and more narrow heels helps it fit your foot perfectly. Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks, $24 at Smartwool
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock with Cushion, $25 at Darn Tough
Merrell Women’s 3-Pack Cushioned Performance Socks, $17 at Zappos
Good hiking socks don’t always need to be mid-calf. These $17 low-rise socks from Merrell are made for hiking, and they easily hide away inside your shoes. Merrell Women’s 3 Pack Cushioned Performance Hiker Socks, $17 at Zappos
Best Everyday Socks
Merino Wool Ragg Socks, 2-Pack, $34.95 at LL. Bean
These soft $35 socks are made of merino wool, with a little nylon and lycra for stretch. Choose between a slew of pretty colors. L.L. Bean Merino Wool Ragg Socks, 2-Pack, $34.95 at L.L.Bean
Marled Camp Sock, $16.50 at J.Crew
These pretty and functional socks will keep your feet warm. They are cushy and perfect to fit inside your boots or slippers! Marled Camp Sock, $16.50 at J.Crew
Tavi Noir Lola Morocco Grip Socks, $22 at Neiman Marcus
These socks will take your next yoga workout to a whole new level of comfort! With these cushy and grippy socks, you can do your workout and stay warm! Tavi Noir Lola Morocco Grip Socks, $22 at Neiman Marcus
Best Dress Socks
Ralph Lauren 6-Pack Socks, $24 at Macy’s
This pack of socks features a variety of colors and patterns. It’s perfect for work or time off. These will pair with jeans or slacks. Ralph Lauren Socks, $24 at Macy’s
Lauren Ralph Lauren 6-Pack Roll-Top Trouser Socks, $19.99 at Ralph Lauren
We love the fun colors and patterns featured in this set of socks! These socks will work with a wide variety of outfits. Lauren Ralph Lauren 6-Pack Roll-Top Trouser Socks, $19.99 at Ralph Lauren
Best Cozy Socks
Eddie Bauer Fireside Lounge Socks, $6.99 at Eddie Bauer
Even the name of these socks sounds cozy. Enjoy super soft yarns and PVC gripper dots that help these colorful socks double as slippers. Eddie Bauer Fireside Lounge Socks, $6.99 at Eddie Bauer
UGG Laila Bow Fleece Lined Socks, $49.50 at Nordstrom
We love everything about these cute and cozy socks. Although they are on pricey side, they are a high-quality pair of socks from UGG. You could even wear them as slippers. UGG Laila Bow Fleece Lined Socks, $49.50 at Nordstrom
Ugg Rib Knit Slouchy Crew Sock, $18 at Ugg
Ugg is known for comfy shoes, and they’ve extended that coziness to socks, too. This $18 rib knit pair is designed with your comfort in mind. Ugg Rib Knit Slouchy Crew Socks, $18 at UGG Next up, here are the best running shoes for women.
