Men’s Running Socks: A Buyer’s Guide

Having the runs isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, we’ve had them for over 20 years. We’re like Arby’s (you know the fast-food chain that has ‘the meats’), except what we make won’t run through you.

That’s right, we’re talking about running socks. Men’s running socks, to be exact. And what we knit – what we’ve been knitting for decades – gives new flavor to the phrase ‘having the runs.’

So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of men’s running socks, this guide is designed to help narrow your search. Selfishly, creating a guide showcasing our “best” running socks for men  was tough because we think they’re all worthy. But to make your life easier, we figured, why not give you a running start?

Best Rated Running Socks

The sock: Men’s Run No Show Tab with Cushion

A starry-eyed review: “These No Show socks with some cushion offer amazing comfort and function. The tab on the back and front help prevent the rub I sometimes get from my shoes. The cushion is dreamy.” – Jamie M.

Look up to the stars and you’ll likely see this Ultra-Lightweight knit keeping pace with the running gods. Revered for its all-day comfort, durability, and cushioned footbed, our Men’s No Show Tab spans the cosmos as one of the best socks for runners on earth… to infinity and beyond.

It’s the best-rated men’s running sock in our lineup for a reason, and after slipping on a pair, you’ll see (aka feel) why. Soft and supportive with a convenient tab for pulling on and off, this Merino Wool sock knows how to keep pace whether you’re turkey trottin’ or deep into marathon training.

Admired by runners who know the true value of a reliable training partner, count on this No Show showing up on race day.

Best Trail Running Socks

The sock: Men’s Vert Micro Crew

A review that doesn’t stink: “I purchased these for my son and told him they are naturally odor-resistant and don’t have to be washed after every trail run…he took it to the extreme and wore them 5 days in a row…amazingly, no one almost died when he took his shoes off in the car.” – Monica J.

If fearlessness were a sock, this is how it would look. Built for taking on the world’s toughest, most rugged trails, our Men’s Vert never half steps when it comes to comfort. Inspired by the views you’re likely to encounter whilst kicking up dirt, this stylish Micro Crew is thoughtfully designed with the outdoors in mind.

Offering a performance fit that holds steady over rough terrain, you’ll fall a million times before this sock ever does – we guarantee it. Mud, roots, rocks so jagged they could slice through a ripe tomato… nothing will stop this knit from conquering the trails.

So, if stacking vert is the goal and you need a sock that can keep pace, you’ll reach for this knit every time.

Best Lightweight Running Socks

The sock: Men’s Element No Show Tab

A review worth its weight: “These lightweight socks are the only ones I can wear for long-distance running that won't give me blisters. I recommend them to all my friends, runners or not!” – Shyann A.

Light in weight but heavy in comfort, our Men’s Element No Show Tab is geared to help you run swiftly without any added bulk. Tough on the outside but soft everywhere else, this No Show is reinforced for pounding the pavement and tackling the trails.

Whether you’re chasing a PR or your kiddos around the park, this Lightweight sock leaves nothing to chance. Long-lasting comfort, fatigue-zapping arch support, and a rebounding bed of comfort that never weighs you down? Talk about uplifting.

As if you weren’t already in your element, this knit ensures you’ll stay light on your feet no matter which Strava segment you’re hunting. And if you’re counting ounces (we all know somebody), trust us when we say this one is worth its weight in wool.

Best Socks for Running a Marathon

The sock: Men’s Run Quarter No Cushion

A review that keeps pace: “Love these socks. Wore them for my first marathon and they kept my feet dry and blister-free despite the heat and humidity. They are my go-to, plus the warranty can’t be beat.” – Dan S.

Running marathons is tough – no piece of gear will ever change that. But Ultra-Lightweight socks like our Men’s Quarter No Cushion certainly make it more enjoyable. Smooth and supportive with added ankle coverage for durability, this running sock is guaranteed to keep up with the lead pack.

Made for chasing miles (and many miles before you sleep…), we can think of 26.2 reasons why this sock deserves to be a part of your race day kit. It’s one of the few pieces of gear you’ll have picked out months before you toe the line, and the only one you’ll likely keep wearing after you cross the finish.

Moisture-wicking and durable, the only splits this running sock will ever see are yours on the leaderboard.

Best Socks for Ultra Running

The sock: Men’s 1715 Quarter

An ultra-worthy review: “I just finished my first Backyard ultra, running 4.167 mile loops for 10 hours, in the rain! Feet were soaked the entire time, and I had no issues with hot spots or blisters! I'm hooked on these socks!” – Patrick H.

Let’s face it – if running ultramarathons is fun for you, you’ve likely got a few screws loose. Luckily, our Men’s 1715 Quarter knows how to keep you (and your feet) in one piece. Sporting a tactile, machine-like appearance, donning this knit is the closest to becoming Iron Man you’ll ever get.

Knit for kicking the trail in the buttocks, this Merino Wool sock is good for running anywhere from 30 miles to 1,715 miles (hence the name). And while that’s just an estimate, the true capabilities of this knit stretch far beyond reality.

Fortified for long runs and spending countless hours on your feet, this Quarter never quits, nor does it even know what DNF stands for. It’s the best sock for ultra-anything, let alone running.

Best Running Socks for Sweaty Feet

The sock: Men’s Run No Show Tab No Cushion 

A ‘don’t sweat it’ review: “These socks are great for running in hot weather. The material is super lightweight and kept my feet cool and dry.” – Paul S.

Looking for a sock that always runs dry? Don’t sweat it – we’ve got something for you. Knit from moisture-wicking Merino Wool, our Men’s No Show Tab without Cushion is naturally breathable and never swampy (sorry, Shrek).

If running hot is your M.O., this pair is the only ammo you’ll need to fight back against your desire to perspire. Lightweight and soft with strategic venting for maximum airflow, this knit is equipped for all-day, marathon-mileage bids – all while staying dry.

It’s the best men's run sock for sweaty feet (lest you run barefoot, but then again, you wouldn’t be here if you did). So, if you’re shopping for something you won’t sweat worrying about, we dare you to dry a pair.

Best Run Socks for Bathroom Emergencies

The sock: Men’s Element Micro Crew

An odor-free review: “If you got to go, you got to go… just make sure you’re rocking these. Not only are they anti-odor, but the Merino wicks moisture and dries fast too!” – Porta P.

Finding comfort in the elements can be tough… especially if the Porto-potty on race day is fresh out of toilet paper. But thankfully, our Run socks are tougher, and our Men’s Element Micro Crew is a prime example. 

Runners know that when duty calls, you don’t have much time to ponder a place to poo. But in the event you do find a latrine without ‘TP’, this knit will ‘doo’ just fine. Puns aside, our socks are naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking. Plus, they’re Guaranteed for Life for a reason.

So, if you do find yourself longing for a wipe, don’t forget that our socks are super soft and absorbent. Just don’t go sharing your dirty little secret at next week’s club run.

Best Looking Running Socks

The sock: Men’s Pacer Micro Crew

A rather stylish review: “Best looking socks in the world…and best company too! Super great quality and excellent for trail running on the AT or at the office. Dry fast in wet conditions and even run well wet.” – Charles W.

It’s not about how fast you get there, but how you get there. And if getting there in style is on your bingo card for ’25, look no further than our Men’s Pacer Micro Crew. An homage to Aesop’s ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’, this Lightweight sock runs on style, not speed.

For runners who prefer the slow and steady, this knit is designed to keep you in the race and on every spectator’s radar. Confident by design, this sock takes the onus out of ‘keeping pace’ by adding style to your step, no matter how fast they fall.

So, if the only thing more important than your pace is your panache, don’t let the Pacer slip you by. Not that it’ll ever slip. But you get the point.

Shop Today. Run Tomorrow.

At Darn Tough, our roots run deep – as does our entire collection of men’s running socks. We hope this guide helped taper your search for "the best” pair, even though we know your feet will be happy no matter what. Explore our complete selection of men’s running socks online or visit your local retailer to start shopping today.