You think nothing of dropping $100 or more on a pair of running shoes. Ditto for the considerable sums you’ve invested in compression tights, hydration vests, and anything else that helps you conquer your own personal mountains. But what about your socks? Small as they are, they’re probably more responsible for your (dis)comfort than anything else you work out in. If they don’t fit right, welcome to Blister City; if they don’t handle moisture well, you’re looking at a long, cold trail run.

Fear not. Whether you’re a boot-camp addict or an ultrarunning aficionado, there’s a sock for you. We’ve sifted through the seemingly unending variety of cut and cushion—and, yes, color—to find options well worth their price tags. Your feet are in good hands.

Updated December 2020: We’ve added the Bombas Cushioned No Show and Swiftwick Pursuit Zero Ultralight.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-Year Subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

You May Also Like

Mystery Voynich Manuscript written on animal skin in unknown language may hide ‘medieval sex secrets’ in illustrations

THE Voynich manuscript is a 15th-century mysterious text that no one has…

Apple hikes in-app purchase prices 40% in a year, as experts blame its privacy push for uptick

The average price of in-app purchases on Apple’s App Store has increased…

Pterosaurs could change the colour of their FEATHERS to attract mates or keep cool

Prehistoric flying reptiles known as pterosaurs were able to change the colour of…

Coca-Cola is testing paper bottles in Europe as part of its mission to go plastic-free by 2030 

Fizzy drinks giant Coca-Cola is testing paper bottles in Europe as part…