Hitting the trails with your best friend, taking a walk to relax or getting some exercise and fresh air are all great ways to get out of the house and into the fresh air.
We’ve recently covered a lot of the top socks for hiking in terms of foot protection and breathability, but what about trail running? There are a whole lot of differences between the two, and just getting some “regular” hiking socks for trail running can be a recipe for disaster.
Feet can get seriously hurt on the trails, and, if you don’t keep your feet protected from thorns, rocks, and other natural nuisances, you will come back with all sorts of trouble.
So, I’ve done my research, and here are the best trail running socks for your hiking/jogging adventures in the mountains or back in the woods.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Injinji Women's Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks | Best Overall |  |
| Swiftwick – VIBE ONE Trail and Road Running Socks | Budget Pick |  |
| Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Injinji Women's Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
Pros:
- Available in wide range of colors
- Reinforced heel and toe
- Extra cushioning
- Microwave (included) heat-molding option
- Proprietary three-point fit
- Strong but thin material
- Helps with preventing shin splints
- Compression to help strengthen arch
- Great grip for treks
- Great for hiking
Cons:
- Takes a while to get used to
- Can roll at the heel
The Injinji Women’s Trail is a great option if you’re still looking for a trail running sock. They’re great for hiking, jogging, and casual wear as well. They have thin nylon material combined with superior moisture management and a compression arch bridge to help with preventing shin splints.
The footbed provides amazing traction as well. These socks have a three-point fit, also designed to enhance traction and reduce pressure on the feet.
In addition, they’re also microwave-friendly. If the nylon isn’t warm enough for you, just heat it up with the microwave to enjoy the ultimate comfort. Just be sure to test it before you roll it on because you might get a rather unpleasant burn.
2. Injinji Men's Trail Midweight Mini Crew Toesocks
Pros:
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Ultra lightweight
- No-slip cuff
- No-sew toe
- Sizing is true to size
- Machine washes well
Cons:
- Feet might not fit together in these socks
- You will need to buy the larger size in order to fit both feet in the same sock
The Injinji Men’s Trail Midweight Mini Crew Toesocks are an excellent choice for trail runners for their breathability and lightweight design. The synthetic material also allows them to dry out extremely quickly so they can be worn multiple times without having to be washed.
The no-slip cuff around the ankle does an excellent job of preventing the socks from slipping during a run, which further protects the feet and lower legs as a result.
In addition, the socks are designed to provide protection from blisters, blisters, and other common foot issues encountered in outdoor athletes. That’s because they are made with a no-sew toe design to prevent rubbing and irritation in that area.
3. Smartwool Men's PhD¿ Pro Endurance Print
Pros:
- Great value
- Lots of color options
- Good padding
- No slipping or bunching
Cons:
- Non-regulation sizing
- Not ideal for sloshy conditions (rainy weather, etc.)
If you’re looking for an inexpensive but high quality trail running sock consider Smartwool. It comes in a variety of colors and styles, enough for anyone to find something they like.
The Smartwool PhD Pro Endurance is a mid-calf sock with an extremely fine pedigree. Sometimes, as a trail runner, you’re looking for something a little cushier. While the PhD Pro doesn’t offer that, it’s still a high quality sock. The fine gauge, tightly packed fibers form a stronger fabric with less give. In addition, it’s relatively lightweight and quick drying so it will help to prevent blisters and keep your feet cool.
It has a cushioned heel and toe, which will keep your feet comfortable and fresh longer. The Smartwool PhD Pro also includes a flat toe seam. This helps to eliminate friction and chafing.
4. Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks
Pros:
- Very soft with a luxurious feel
- The threads are tightly knit
- Exceptional breathability
- Provides just the right amount of ventilation
- No-blister, no-rub, and no-itch fabric that’s breathable
- Deep heel pocket for maximum comfort
- Supportive and comfortable no-show sock
- Great for both training and competitions
One effective way to prevent blisters on long runs is to wear socks that are designed to reduce friction on your feet. One of the most popular socks for trail running and even more popular for ultra-marathons, the Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks have also found their way into the running shoe industry.
Thanks to thousands of user reviews, most of which are positive, this sock was reputed as the most reliable sock for high-intensity running. They can also be worn in team sports, such as basketball.
Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks are designed with athletes in mind. They are specially designed for the shape of the foot and have an anatomical fit that forms to the contours of the foot.
5. Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Socks
The Injinji Trail Midweight Crew socks offer a different feature set when compared to competing products. In fact, they may end up being the best choice if you’re looking for a casual trail running sock.
The Trail Midweight socks come in two versions – Crew and No-Show. They’re made to provide comfort when it’s cold outside. Injinji uses CoolMax fibers for moisture wicking and breathability.
The socks are built to stay comfortable while they stay protected from the elements thanks to their 100% merino wool composition.
6. Darn Tough Women's Vertex Micro Crew Ultra-Light Cushion Sock
Pros:
- Ultra-light cushioning technology
- Extra-wide toe box for maximum comfort
- Good grip on foot
- Superior durability
- Doesn’t compress easily
- Works just as well with trail running, hiking, or mountaineering
Cons:
- Can be pricey for some people
- Sizing runs small
- The company (Darn Tough) is not transparent about the materials used
- We’re not sure how the high thread count is beneficial
The Darn Tough Women’s Vertex Micro Crew Ultra-Light Cushion socks are a trail running sock with a highly breathable mesh top and extra-wide toe box for ultimate comfort. It’s designed for both men and women featuring structured, arch support that helps absorb shock.
Its cushioning technology provides an ultra-light feel for increased performance. Its superior breathability not only helps keep your feet dry but also allows your feet to vent. The Vertex is basically a synthetic sock made from reinforced nylon and spandex to offer durability and great support.
7. Swiftwick- PURSUIT HIKE SIX MD Hiking Socks
Swiftwick’s Pursuit Hike sock is the ideal sock for anyone who likes to spend time by the water in the forest. This pair of socks is constructed from high-end merino wool that’s breathable and antimicrobial, which prevents odors. Not to mention it will keep your feet cool and comfortable while hiking.
The extra cushioning makes them excellent fits for people with flat feet, running injuries, or people who just like to feel a bit more comfortable on their feet. The arch support is also great for people who need extra support for their arche