Socks are made of different materials, and running socks are no exception. There are several different shapes and materials of running socks to choose from. To help you decide which material is right for you, I decided to do a test.
Polyester and elastane are the best materials for running socks because they are very elastic, so the sock grips the foot well to prevent blisters. Running socks made of polyester and elastane are light, breathable, and wick sweat away from the skin to keep the foot dry for longer.
In addition to polyester and elastane, some very good materials can be found in running socks. I will give you a detailed introduction to each fabric to ensure you don’t get confused when shopping for a sock.
Best materials used for running socks?
The best materials used to make running socks are:
- polyester,
- nylon,
- Merino wool,
- elastane,
- cotton.
| COOLMAX polyester | Nylon | Merino wool | Bamboo | Cotton | |
| Sweat-wicking material | GOOD sweat-wicking material – keeps the foot dry for longer | GOOD sweat-wicking fabric – keeps the foot dry for longer | GOOD sweat-wicking fabric – keeps the foot dry for longer | GOOD sweat-wicking fabric – keeps the foot dry for longer | NOT good sweat-wicking material – DON’T keep the foot dry |
| Absorbs sweat | DON’T absorb sweat – DON’T keep feet cool | DON’T absorb sweat – DON’T keep feet cool | Absorbs sweat VERY WELL – keep feet cool | Absorbs sweat VERY WELL – keep feet cool | Absorbs sweat VERY WELL – keep feet cool |
| Breathable | VERY breathable material | VERY breathable material | VERY breathable material | VERY breathable material | VERY breathable material |
| Light material | VERY light | VERY light | NOT so light | VERY light | VERY light |
| Suitable for cold weather | NOT so ideal for cold weather | NOT so perfect for cold weather | SUITABLE for cold weather | NOT so perfect for cold weather | NOT so perfect for cold weather |
| Suitable for hot weather | SUITABLE for hot weather | SUITABLE for hot weather | SUITABLE for hot weather | SUITABLE for hot weather | SUITABLE for hot weather |
| Maintenance | EASY to maintain (wash in cold water) | EASY to maintain (wash in cold water) | NOT so easy to maintain (wash in cold water) | EASY to maintain (wash in cold water) | EASY to maintain (wash in cold water) |
Polyester is the number one choice for use in all sportswear, not just running socks. It is so popular because it is a synthetic material that is not difficult to produce in large quantities. It is also a breathable material that can wick sweat away from the skin to stay dry and cool for longer.
A particular type of polyester is COOLMAX technology, which is used to produce the highest quality polyester sportswear. COOLMAX EcoMade is 100% made from recycled materials such as discarded plastic bottles, fishing nets, etc. So you can feel good about buying a product with this label.
Wearing running socks and clothing made with COOLMAX technology, you won’t feel hot on hot days because this material wicks away sweat and keeps your skin cool.
Running socks made of COOLMAX technology dry quickly so that they can be worn more than once.
Are wool socks good for running?
Wool socks are a very common and popular choice for runners. It is not just any wool, but merino wool, which is extracted from the fleece of the merino sheep. Unlike synthetic materials, the extraction of merino wool is more limited, as shearing occurs only 1-2 times a year.
Unlike synthetic materials, the extraction of merino wool is more limited, as shearing occurs only 1-2 times a year.
Running socks made of merino wool have several advantages over socks made of polyester. Wool socks also wick sweat away from the skin to keep it drier for longer. However, merino wool does not repel sweat but absorbs as much as 30% of the weight of the sock. Even though it absorbs such a large amount of sweat, it still feels dry to the touch, so it doesn’t become uncomfortable to wear after a long period.
Merino wool socks are also very soft and comfortable to wear while running and walking in cold and hot weather. The socks will keep you warm when it’s cold, and when it’s hot, the socks will keep you cool.
Wool is not a very elastic material, so you won’t find running socks that are 100% made of wool. However, you will find a mix of 70-80% merino wool and 20-30% polyester, nylon, or elastane.
Are bamboo socks good for running?
Bamboo socks are very good for running because bamboo is a natural elastic material that fits well to the skin to prevent blisters. It is also a material that breathes well, prevents odors, absorbs, and wicks sweat away from the skin.
Bamboo has the properties of polyester and merino wool. It is thin and elastic like polyester and warm and absorbent like wool. I have noticed that all the bigger and more recognizable brands use polyester, nylon, elastane, and wool to make their running socks. None of them, however, use bamboo.
You will find a range of bamboo running socks on Amazon from less well-known manufacturers, which means that the price will also be slightly lower. It’s definitely worth trying at least one pair of bamboo socks.
Do runners wear cotton socks?
Socks made entirely of cotton are unsuitable for running because cotton absorbs a lot of moisture and becomes soggy. Socks that have a mixture of cotton and lycra are more suitable, so the sock will be more elastic but will also become less absorbent.
There is a reason why manufacturers choose not to use cotton in their running socks. Cotton is definitely suitable for work and leisure wear, but for running and other sporting activities, choose socks made of synthetic materials, merino wool, or bamboo.
However, some manufacturers include a lower proportion of cotton (<30%) in running socks because it provides comfort as cushioned socks. However, socks with added cotton are not the most suitable for long-distance running and are more like regular socks. Additional cushioning that increases comfort during running can also be achieved with other materials, read more about this here.
Are expensive running socks worth it?
Running socks are definitely worth the money. Compared to regular socks, they are indeed a bit more expensive, ranging from $12 to $18 per pair. This is the price of running socks from well-known brands such as Nike, Adidas, Hoka, Injinji toe socks, etc. Running socks of the same quality from unknown brands can be half or a third of the price.
Of course, socks can go up to 18$ per pair, and these socks can be compression socks, or they can be more suitable for ultra-runners or trail runners, which means they are more comfortable, absorb more sweat, or are even waterproof.
If you are not a long-distance or trail runner, ordinary socks are perfectly suitable for you, especially if you run 30 miles (50 kilometers) or less per week.