Your feet go through a lot, especially when running on uneven, rocky surfaces.
Still, getting some quality trail running socks will grant you the protection and comfort you so much need on your adventures.
Finding a valuable pair is tough, so to take away some of your planning burdens, we’ve done our research and have come up with a list of the best trail running socks!
Several points were considered before placing a pair of socks on our list.
We weighed their features (if they have moisture-wicking, their breathability, etc.) and also took a look at other user opinions.
Also, our review breaks down their Pros and Cons of all these socks, so let’s see how well they fit!
Top 5 Best Trail Running Socks – Editor’s Pick
Product Name |
Length |
Fit |
Compression |
Get it At |
| innotree Men’s Hiking Socks | Micro Crew | Men (L) | No | |
| Swiftwick-Aspire FOUR | Quarter crew | Women/Men (S/M/L/XL) | Full | |
| Injinji Original Weight | Crew | Unisex (S/M/L/XL) | No | |
| MudGear Compression Socks | Full/below the knee | Men/Women (S/M/L) | Full | |
| MudGear Trail Running Socks | Ankle | Men/Women (S/M/L) | Ankle |
10. RANDY SUN Unisex Hiking Socks
Ideal for:
- Light/Heavy recreation
- Moderate conditions
For the best trail running socks to meet your all-around outdoor activity needs, it doesn’t get much better than this.
These trail socks use a special 3-layer design that forms a waterproofing barrier.
Don’t fear any puddles, mud, or rain on your trail as these socks can handle quite a lot.
You can be sure that the socks dry fast and your feet will be nice and dry.
An unfortunate thing about them is that they run big, which can cause bunching in the shoes.
Heights:
- Waterproof
- Ideal cushioning
- Breathable material
Plains:
- Poor antibacterial layer
9. Thirty 48 – Low Cut Running Socks for Men/Women
Ideal for:
- Light/Heavy recreation
- Moderate cold conditions
These running socks come with a remarkable padding with an instep in addition to extra cushioning in the heel.
These features make them perfect for absorbing shock so you can run longer.
The arch support is pretty good as well, so trail runners will surely enjoy using them.
On the other hand, their arch support might make them a bit non-flexible and hard to just slip on quickly and go.
Also, though they keep you warm, they can also cause you to sweat too much in warmer weather.
Heights:
- No slippage
- Good arch support
- CoolMax fabric that wicks away moisture
Plains:
- Stitching can come apart
- Can be tough to put on
- Minimal ventilation
8. YUEDGE Multi-Performance Socks
Ideal for:
- Light/Heavy recreation
- Moderate conditions
Easy to slide on, the YUEDGE socks are designed to prevent any pain or blisters.
The cotton keeps warm without causing your feet to sweat, while the moisture-wicking properties help you stay dry no matter what.
Continued wear may stretch them out. At the same time, washing them can accidentally cause shrinkage.
So you should take good care of them because all in all, they are good all-season socks.
Heights:
- Reduce pain/blisters
- Optimal arch support
- Help regulate the foot temperature
Plains:
- Might need more cushion
- Elastic can get too tight
Suggested: You might want to take a look at the best socks for hiking too!
7. Drymax Trail Run w/ Turndown Socks
Ideal for:
- Light/Heavy recreation
- Moderate/extreme cold conditions
You can rest assured that these socks for trail running will really help keep out dirt and rocks and whatnot.
The turndown style fights off dirt so you can brave more on the trail.
If you happen to run into a large puddle or two, rest assured. These socks should dry in moments.
These socks are thick enough to keep you warm in cold conditions.
But they might also be a bit too thick, so you might sweat in them during the summer months.
Heights:
- Dual layer moisture eliminator
- Turndown style
- Prevent blisters
- Seamless toe and improved Y-Heel fit
Plains:
- A little too thick
- Could be softer
6. innotree Men’s Hiking Socks for Outdoor Sports
Ideal for: Moderate Recreation/Moderate Conditions
This pair of innotree socks are definite contenders for the title of best trail running socks for all-around use.
One of their best features is that they offer an increased level of comfort.
Also, the socks are made using fine gauge knitting.
They are breathable and do a good job at keeping away moisture.
You should pay close attention to size though, as they tend to run rather small and can be too tight.
Heights:
- Super-comfortable
- No bunching or slippage
- Fine gauge knitted and thick
Plains:
- May need more padding
- Not as high as expected
5. Swiftwick – Aspire FOUR Compression Socks
Ideal for:
- Moderate/Heavy Use
- Recreation/Mild Conditions
These crew height socks come with managed compression throughout them.
This helps regulate the blood flow as you run and improves the support for short to moderate distances.
These Swiftwick socks are also contoured for additional support and have moisture-wicking properties too.
As they are made for compression, the fit can be too small sometimes.
So you might sometimes find it a pain to put them on, though most consider it worth it.
Heights:
- Comfortable fit around the ankles
- High-grade compression
- Help prevent or even stop foot pain
Plains:
- The top can be too tight and tough to slip on
- Questionable durability, according to some
4. Injinji 2.0 Outdoor Original Weight Crew Socks
Ideal for:
- Mild/Moderate recreation
- Mild conditions
Besides being one of the best trail running socks on the market, Injinji is also here to offer one of the only five toe socks for adults.
Thanks to this, you can be sure they will adjust well to the shape of your feet.
With their comfortable, soft fit, these socks will also save you from blisters.
So you should be able to run pain-free over longer distances.
They are rather lightweight though, which means these socks might not work as well in colder weather.
Heights:
- Perfect for stopping blisters/hotspots
- Five-toed so they adjust to your foot
- High-quality moisture-wicking features
Plains:
- Too lightweight for some
- Tend to snag or might be too snug
Suggested: We suggest taking a look at some of the best running shoes for women too!
3. MudGear Compression Socks – Men & Women
Ideal for: Heavy recreation or moderate/heavy conditions
True to their name, these compression socks will fight off muscle fatigue, pushing you to run harder and longer.
They hold to your legs and feet well enough to keep dirt and mud out, while the padding provides support against the harshest of surfaces.
Their one main downside is the fact that washing can potentially damage them.
Heights:
- Designed for long distances
- Extra padding
- Don’t hold water
Plains:
- Heels can wear off or they might run small
2. MudGear Trail Running Socks – Women & Men
Ideal for:
- Heavy recreation
- Moderate/heavy conditions
Besides being one of the best trail running socks, MudGear also offers some of the more durable ones.
The sturdy construction of this mini crew sock makes it perfect for a variety of outdoor adventures
Feel free to put these MudGear socks through their paces as they are built to keep your feet free blisters and chaffing-free.
Their compression isn’t as high as anticipated though, as it is only medium ankle.
Heights:
- Prevent blisters/chafing
- Durable and comfortable
- No sliding off
Plains:
- May not dry fast enough
- Might stretch out after continuous use
1. Danish Endurance Merino Wool Crew Socks for Hiking Trekking Trail Running Outdoors
Ideal for:
- Heavy recreation
- All-seasons use
These Danish Endurance socks are made primarily of high-quality Merino wool so you know you’ll be warm and comfy as you’re wearing them.
They also come with Lin Toe seams and feature mid to high-level cushioning.
Coupled with the heel to toe padding, it will help protect your feet from chaffing, aching, blisters, shocks, or pain of most kinds.
As they are all seasons socks, they are also made to dry fast and to help keep your feet warm in the winter months and cool in the summertime.
You can machine wash them, but do not tumble dry.
Heights:
- Optimized airflow and sweat-wicking features
- Padded, cushioned, and comfortable
- Help prevent blisters, chaffing, aching, and pain of all kinds
- Made of high-quality Merino wool
Plains:
- Several users reported getting holes in them shortly after receiving them
Conclusion
We looked through dozens of products in our hunt for the best trail running socks and evaluated hundreds of consumer opinions to select only the best of the best for you!
Have you tried some of these trail running socks or know some that didn’t make the cut? We’d love to hear about your experiences with trail running socks!
Recommended Read: The 9 Best Trail Running Shoes to Keep You on Track