Women’s Running Socks: A Buyer’s Guide

The first Darn Tough sock we ever knit was a running sock; from that first style in 2004, we now have 34 different styles of running socks. We knit a running sock to fit everyone's needs, from No Show to Micro Crew heights and from ultra-thin to just-right padding.

Since we released our first running sock – a Lightweight Quarter – we have learned many things and with the help of all our customers, we continue to improve them. From the heights of our socks to the cushion placement and even the arch support, we are committed to the journey of creating the best women's running socks.

New to running? Looking for a gift for the runner in your life? Whether you run for fitness, are training for a race, or use running as an opportunity to meet new people, you will need the best women's running socks to make every mile feel like a victory.

But you don't have to just take it from us; read on to hear from the running community what their choices are for the best women's running socks.

Best Rated Running Socks

The sock: Women's Run No Show Tab

A starry-eyed review: “These running socks are super comfortable and I love how they stay in place when I’m active. The colors are so pretty! Darn Tough is a great company, too. I love that they do so much for their community, and how they stand behind their quality!” — Kristy M.

If you are new to running and unsure of what footwear is right for you or what clothes you should be wearing, we get it. There’s a plethora of advice and options out there that can be daunting to sort through… but don’t let sock choice stress you out.

Our Women’s Run No Show Tab is our highest-rated and most reviewed women’s running sock. Offering the perfect amount of Ultra-Lightweight cushion underfoot, around the toe, and over the ankle bone, this sock gets all the love for good reason.

The No Show design with the protective tab barely shows over a running sneaker – just enough to show off those great colors that keep you and your feet smiling through your morning run.

Best Running Socks for Awkward Encounters

The sock: Women's Horizon Micro Crew

A promising review: "The pretty bright colors really stand out and the lightweight texture is very comfortable on my feet." — Deirdre K.

The Women’s Horizon is bright, fun, and functional. Since it hit the shelves, women have been grabbing it and have the best things to say about it. Not only are they moisture-wicking, but they are also soft and durable. So much so that you will want to wear them every day. And you can, for a few days anyway; the Merino Wool we use is naturally odor resistant, so you can show them off day after day. Go ahead, make your locker buddy at the gym jealous.

This colorful Micro Crew also offers protection for your ankles on overgrown trail runs and nosy gym goers. Whether you are stopped for a break at the top of your run, tying your sneaker before hopping on the Stairmaster, or recovering your pride after inhaling a mosquito just as you pass someone... these socks are rated to go the distance and inspire you to hit your goal. 

Offering superior arch support, cushion underfoot, and added coverage up the Achilles, this knit is loaded with updated tech for the best rebound and foot comfort. Of course, you can wear them every day and won’t have to worry about wearing them out – they are Guaranteed for Life for a reason.

Best No Show Running Socks

The sock: Women's Element No Show Tab

A telling review: “Extremely comfortable no-show socks. They stay up and don't slip into my shoes - a huge plus over so many other brands. Great for so many activities.” – Peggy L.

These are the best Lightweight No Show running socks for ladies. That’s right, we said it. When you are in the zone and pushing those miles to the max, you’ll want your running socks to go the extra mile – which these do. This sock also provides ample comfort and protection against impact with its cushiony bosom.

Our Women’s Element provides a balance of comfort and responsiveness with performance mesh venting on the top of the sock and new foot tech for an all-around perfect fit. The No Show height offers an easy pull-on tab while keeping it just above your running sneaker for that barely there feel.

Best Socks for Running in the Rain

The sock: Women's Run Quarter

A far-from-swampy review: “Whether you are running, walking, jogging, or working in the garden, they are great! I have even worn them in the rain and had wet feet and did not get a blister. That Merino Wool pulls the moisture right away from your foot and protects your skin.” – Patricia B.

Ask any runner who’s been caught in a sudden rainstorm what they hate most, and we bet they’d say something about their cotton socks giving them blisters. Luckily for you, Darn Tough running socks would never do that. We knit ours using Merino Wool; its moisture-wicking properties help keep your feet dry and blister-free.

The Quarter height is just what you need to protect your ankles while splashing through those puddles. The cushion up the back of the heel protects and comforts your feet, no matter if you’re hitting the trail or pounding the pavement.

Best Thin Running Socks

The sock: Women's Relay Micro Crew

A review with breathing room: “Perfectly THIN socks! My walking/running shoes feel best with thin socks. These cling perfectly to my feet for a fit that feels great!” – Maggie R.

Not every runner or running shoe leaves room for cushion. Our Ultra-lightweight running socks – like the Relay – offer a thin yarn construction with unrivaled durability knit into the heel, footbed, and outside of the toes. The Women’s Relay No Cushion sock features smooth, anti-chafe Merino Wool that will give you hours of comfort without any bulk.

The non-cushioned, Ultra-Lightweight design hugs your feet for a barely-there feel that you’ll hardly notice at all. You don’t have to worry about them slipping or sliding around on your feet either, as the upgraded performance tech in this sock will move with you as you put in work.

Best Summer Running Socks

The sock: Women's Run No Show Tab No Cushion

A pleasantly cool review: “These are amazing and the only socks I wear now. Thin but very durable. Feet don’t get sweaty and slip around. My feet get hot in the summer, and these don’t add thickness, so my feet stay cool. I was wearing Smartwool, but these are even better.” – Alane W.

The beautiful sunrise of early morning and late afternoon trail runs with those wonderful sunsets… that’s summertime running at its best. With the outside temps rising, you are going to want to put the best Merino Wool running sock on before heading out. The Women’s No Show Tab No Cushion keeps things super light while wicking moisture to keep your feet sweat- and blister-free.

The Ultra-lightweight Merino Wool keeps your feet cool and dry while hitting the roads and trails in the heat. The performance fit without cushion hugs your feet like a second skin, so there is no slipping and sliding while you’re running. And like all our socks, they’re built with durability in mind, so you don’t have to worry about your socks quitting before you do.

Best Winter Running Socks

The sock: Women's Element Micro Crew

A really cool review: “These socks keep my feet and ankles warm and dry on cold winter runs. They’re a perfect weight – warm, but not too bulky to wear with my running shoes. And the purple color is really pretty too.” – Kate D.

As the weather turns from fall to winter, it’s time to change out your summer runners for your winter running socks. For that, we recommend the Women’s Element Micro Crew. It offers a Lightweight Merino Wool footbed and soft cushion that not only keeps your feet comfortable but also warm.

Lightweight Merino keeps bulk to a minimum in your shoes while adding a bit more warmth compared to our Ultra-Lightweight styles. The Micro Crew height offers shin coverage and support, making that winter afternoon mile run into two miles with ease. Tech features like contoured cushioning around the outer toes, over the ankle bone, and up the Achilles ensure that mile after mile you’re stepping in comfort.

Best Running Socks for Cross Country

The sock: Women's Mirnavated Micro Crew

A review that goes the distance: “Darn Tough is always my go-to sock (for everything: long-distance running, hiking, dress socks...). I've never had a blister in my 11 marathons or seven years of running every day, no matter what (today is day #2,593 of running every day). If you have yet to try these, what are you waiting for? Lifetime guarantee!” – Joy K.

The sport that was once called ‘hare and hounds’ in the mid-19th century has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Cross country running is a great way to socialize, keep active, and experience the competition of rough, all-terrain running. No matter what the terrain calls for, our Women’s Mirnavated Micro Crew has you covered.

This isn’t your typical kind of running, so you want to make sure that you get the right footwear – and that includes the best women’s running socks. Whether you’re running through a stream or trudging through the snow, you will want our Mirnavated Micro Crew running sock to keep your feet dry and warm.

The cushion in the toe will help your feet rebound from those spiked running shoes, and while the spikes are holding onto the ground below, your socks will be holding on to your feet. Win, win… win?

Shop Our Entire Collection of Women's Running Socks

With so many different ways to get your run on, the one decision that should be easy is choosing the right socks. You want Merino Wool, you don’t want blisters, and you want a great fit – three things our women’s running socks do better than any other product.

We make it easy to find the best running socks for you, no matter how fast or slow you run. Feet are personal, and your sock choice should be too. With millions of reviews on our socks, you don’t have to take our word for it – simply take them to the gym or the street.

Now it’s time to get out on the track, the trail, or the treadmill (or wherever you like to run) with the best women’s running socks on the planet. May more miles be ever in your favor.