The 20 Best Men’s Ankle Socks for Every Activity (2024)

Delivering a bit more coverage, Hanes’ Max cushion ankle socks are crafted from a ComfortBlend fabric that’s soft, durable and sweat-wicking. They also have plush cushioning underfoot and comfort toe seams to prevent irritation. FreshIQ advanced odor-protection technology attacks odor-causing bacteria to help you feel fresh all day. They’re offered in black and white and come as a pack of six.

Your sweat levels might differ depending on the weather, and being outside means you might be subject to a whole bunch of weather changes in a single day. Dr. Cunha recommends Swiftwick’s Pursuit ankle socks, which are made of moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating merino wool that ensures your feet never get too hot or too cold. The heel and toe areas are reinforced for enhanced durability, and the cuff is double-layered for added support and protection while cycling, hiking, trail running and more.

These Amazon bestsellers with over 13,000 five-star reviews have the ideal cotton-spandex blend for a price that’s hard to pass up. One reviewer who wears these for running, playing golf, and everyday activities where a low-cut ankle socks are necessary says, “The elastic is good and they do not slip away. I feel like I can never have enough ‘no show’ socks, and these fit the bill.”

Designed with a moisture-wicking HeatGear fabric and ventilation channels, Under Armour’s Elevated + performance socks should keep you dry and cool. They also feature anti-odor technology, strategic cushioning that minimizes bulk and offers flexibility and dynamic arch support to reduce foot fatigue. Get them in various colors in a pack of three or six, and throw a few pairs inside your gym bag for quick changes post-workout.

Socks are an important piece of running gear, as they’re really put to the test by all that up-and-down movement. Nike’s Spark cushioned running socks have extra cushioning at the bottom of the foot, where a lot of the impact goes, and a bit of arch support that helps you feel locked in. Mesh up top keeps your foot aired out as you sweat.

Lululemon’s MacroPillow tab running socks are packed with tons of high-tech features. They’re super lightweight — one of the lightest pairs on our list — and have a tighter feel than you might be used to, which is great for keeping the sock in one place while you lift, jump or do really any kind of movement in the gym. The cuff on the back comes up a bit higher, enhancing the stay-put fit. Plus, these are treated with Lululemon’s “No-Stink Zinc,” which stops bad-smelling bacteria from finding a place to grow.

Smartwool’s PhD Run Light Elite Micro socks are made of a merino wool fabric blend, making them naturally moisture-wicking, anti-odor and temperature-regulating. Merino wool is one of those fabrics both podiatrists we spoke to mentioned, thanks to its built-in moisture resilience. It doesn’t mean you don’t sweat, says Dr. Lilker, just that the socks don’t get wet when you do. An Achilles tab helps reduce irritation. Lightweight cushioning provides comfort with bulk. Strategically-placed mesh vents promote a cool, dry environment.

Prone to sweaty feet? Carhartt’s Force performance work low-cut socks boast FastDry technology — which wicks away sweat while fighting odors — cushioned soles and Racetrack mesh panels to help prevent feet from overheating. The reinforced heel and toe areas protect against blisters. A compressive arch design provides support and prevents bunching. These come in multiple sizes and colors. You get three pairs.

Bombas’ ankle socks will change your whole world, if they haven’t already. Truly, I did not know what a difference socks could make until I tried Bombas’ styles. These have strategically cushioned around higher-impact areas of the foot, with an extra pillowy heel tab for ensuring the sock stays up above the top of your shoe. The magic here is in the honeycomb arch support in the middle of the sock, which feels like the hug you didn’t know your foot always needed.

Cooplus‘ ankle socks are equipped with mesh ventilation to regulate foot temperature, an elastic compression band in the arch and fully cushioned soles for premium comfort. A 3D Y-heel design and heel tabs at the back prevent them from slipping down, while reinforcement in high-stress areas enhances durability. Available as a pack of six in multiple colorways, these are a great deal for people who fall into that sweaty feet category and could benefit from a sock change midday.

If you feel you could benefit from a once-a-day sock change, or find you need to change your socks immediately after a workout, this six-pack of Saucony ankle socks is for you. The performance styles are pretty lightweight and don’t have quite as much cushion as some of the other options on our list, but they include a comfortably tight band around the top and midfoot as well as some extra padding around the toes. Buy a set or two to keep on hand for whenever you might need them.

Balega’s Hidden Comfort ankle socks are knit with Drynamix fibers to help keep feet dry, cool and feeling fresh all day. Additionally, breathable performance mesh panels enhance air flow. Extra-deep heel pockets help ensure a great fit while the seamless design minimizes irritation. Dense cushioning boosts comfort. Reinforcement at the heel and toe areas add durability and a feeling of total security inside the sock.

Sometimes, you need an ankle sock that’s a little thicker for added warmth. For wear during the colder months, or for feet that don’t tend to get quite as sweaty, go for Brooks’ Ghost midweight ankle socks. These use quick-drying DriLayer nylon to keep your feet comfortably dry and have that extra band of arch support for a secure fit.

Dr. Cunha recommends Icebreaker’s Merino Run+ Ultralight socks for hotter weather because of their ventilation features on the top of the foot and merino wool construction that prevents feet from getting overly sweaty. Despite being super lightweight, these still offer cushion and durability on areas of the foot that are more likely to get irritated.

Coming in a pack of three, Feetures’ High-Performance Ultra Light no-show socks are designed to contour to the shape of each foot for an anatomical fit that reduces the chances of rubbing and blisters. The moisture-wicking synthetic fibers keep feet cool and dry. The Y-heel design and heel tabs should help prevent the sock from slipping down inside shoes. The Perfect Toe construction reduces the chance of irritation. Different color and size options are available.

Stance’s Run Light socks are made for running but excel in any workout environment, including for CrossFit. They have secure arch support and are made to be anti-friction (friction inside shoes — which often occurs as a result of a bad sock or during high-energy movements like jumping — is a main cause of blisters). These are knit in such a way that brings as much airflow in and sweat out as possible.

These cotton pairs from Hugo Boss are ideal for everyday use, rather than intense workouts where you’re sure to work up a sweat. These hit a little higher up the leg than some other ankle silhouettes do, making them great to wear with slightly taller shoe styles, too. These have a reinforced heel, which is great for protecting against blisters you might get from breaking in new work shoes.

When it comes to non-performance ankle socks, brands are getting creative in what materials they can use for everyday wear, too. Anonymous Ism’s hemp socks are made from hemp, cotton, polyester and spandex, which makes them stretchy but heavier weight. They’re a great option for people with typically cold feet that need some daily attention and almost feel like a pair of slippers, although you could also wear them with your slippers for ultimate warmth.