7 Best Women’s Athletic Socks Reviewed

Women’s Athletic Socks Compared

7 Best Women’s Athletic Socks Reviewed

Check out these picks as they are our favorite choices in athletic performance socks for active women. From stability and balance to comfort and style, these socks cover all the bases.

1. Saucony Women’s Performance Athletic Socks

These Saucony athletic socks not only look great, but they feel great too.

Machine washable and durable, they can hold up to the active lifestyle of a female athlete. What makes these socks ideal is that they have targeted zone cushioning along the high-impact areas of the foot, specifically the heel and toe.

This means that while the wearer runs, jumps, and kicks through her workout, her feet stay cozy and secure. They're designed with reinforced tabs that help with arch support and achieve a more snug fit that conforms to the wearer’s foot. Best of all, these socks are made with mesh technology for added ventilation that helps reduce sweat and odor.

Made by a company that values the active lifestyle of runners, these women’s athletic socks do an awesome job of accommodating the female athlete’s foot. They don’t slip down the ankle and they prevent blisters from repeated impact. The thickness of the sock is suitable for both hot and cold weather and maintains a good fit within a running or athletic sneaker.

All in all, these socks are an excellent choice, but just be aware that there have been complaints of imprecise sizing. If you're on the border of one of the sizing specifications, it might be worth it to reach out to Saucony and ask for sizing recommendations. 

2. Under Armour Women’s Essential No-Show Socks

Cute and stylish, the Under Armour women’s athletic socks are great for female athletes or anyone committed to an active lifestyle.

These are made with a flat knit construction and seamless toes, which provide a smoother, cozier fit and feel against the skin. They are designed with Under Armour’s ArmourDry fabric, which wicks away moisture to fight against uncomfortable foot sweat.

A reinforced band helps with arch support and the ArmourBlock technology keeps foot odor in check. I love that these socks stay in place around the ankle so wearers can run, jump, and complete their workouts without having to worry about the socks slipping or bunching up.

These athletic socks come in a variety of pastel colors, and even though the material seems thin, they hold up well in the wash and with repeated use. One disadvantage that some wearers notice is that the Under Armour logo sometimes gets imprinted into their skin after wearing the socks all day.

It could be that these socks are a tight fit for some people, so consider this if you have wide feet. Overall, these socks are super comfy and hold up well to all kinds of athletic activity and everyday wear.

3. BERING Women’s Performance Athletic Running Socks

These running socks from BERING are clearly made with an athlete in mind.

That is apparent in the overall design and shape of these socks. First of all, the ankle rib cuff makes it so that the wearer’s sneakers won’t dig into her ankles even as she runs, hops, and cycles. Secondly, reinforcements on the toe and heel ensure added support and stability, which can help prevent blisters and soreness.

The soft moisture-wicking fabric is a favorite among athletes as it cuts down on annoying foot sweat, itching, and odor. The entire sole of this sock is outfitted with an extra layer of cushioning, easing shock absorption so wearers can go harder and faster.

This pair is made of a blend of polyester, spandex, nylon, and rubber, which makes these durable yet cozy, supportive yet cushiony. I think my favorite thing about these is that they stay in place throughout all activities and have extra thickness where it’s needed (the sole and the heel) while remaining breathable.

4. Ronnox Women’s Athletic Performance Tab Socks

Ronnox’s low-cut athletic socks feature heel tab technology as well as a variety of styles - 2 big reasons these have made it to my list of the best women's athletic socks.

The cushioned sole helps the wearer to exert all of her energy without putting added strain on the bottom of her feet. The elastic material along the arch is designed to add more support and balance while creating a more customized fit.

I'm a huge fan of the fact that these socks have a mesh insert that adds another dimension of breathability and ventilation. This means less accumulated sweat around the foot and no slippage. They're are a good choice for those with Achilles tendon issues as the heel tab is extra comforting and stabilizing.

The Ronnox's are a fantastic buy for those who want support, protection, and style without breaking the bank. The fabric doesn’t seem to be too thick or too thin and they have serious durability. Even though they are low-cut, they keep their position around the ankle and won’t slide down with movement.

Just be aware of 2 minor flaws. First, the sizing runs slightly large, so keep that in mind before ordering. Second, the toe seam, while sturdy, is also thick, which can be irritating if it gets out of place. 

5. Nike Performance Cushion Crew Socks

Nike is a big name in running shoes, but how do they fare with women’s athletic socks? Pretty well considering the high ratings of the Nike Performance Cushion Crew Socks!

These performance cushion crew socks go midway up the calf and are made of a cotton/polyester/nylon/spandex blend. Reinforcements on the heel and toe bring added protection and comfort and prevent the fabric from breaking down with use.

The arch band creates a more secure and snug fit while leveling up the support. These are technically unisex socks but they are worn by plenty of women.

The elastic on these socks is reliable and will hold up over time. That being said, some wearers find it to be too tight and uncomfortable around the calves. Their medium thickness makes them ideal for all sorts of sports and activities as well as in a variety of weather conditions.

6. Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks

Balega’s women’s athletic socks are a crowd favorite for their comfort, performance, and sleek look.

These no-show running socks feature a higher heel tab and deeper heel pocket to keep them firm around the ankles. Their 200-needle-count fabric is proven to stand up to tough workouts and repeated use.

These socks use Drynamix polyester, which is moisture wicking to promote ventilation. However, they're not as breathable as other socks on this list, so I have to dock a few points for that. The material is expertly stitched with a seamless toe box for extra coziness and the added impact-resistant cushioning means no more chafing and pain, making them the ultimate workout sock.

I don't love that these only come as a single pair, and compared to the rest, the price is quite high. However, the good news is that there about 20 different color combos to choose from, so you'll always match the rest of your active wear. 

7. Iseasoo Copper Compression Running Socks

For those who haven’t heard of copper compression women’s athletic socks, there might be some confusion. You're probably looking at the Iseasoo Compression Running Socks thinking, those don't look like athletic socks! But trust me when I say, they are. 

These compression socks are a high-performance choice for ladies with an active lifestyle as well as those whose jobs keep them constantly on their feet. Even though they're made of 85% cotton, they are breathable and help to keep feet dry and cool.

Let's talk about the compression aspect of these socks. The arch compression tab adds more stability and support so those who are on their feet for extended periods (runners, nurses) can keep going longer and stronger.

I love that the compression tab is made of copper, which adds smoothness, wrinkle resistance, and less chance of bacteria buildup. The compression keeps the blood flowing and cushions the feet and calves on all sides for more comfort and balance. 

Compared to other socks of this kind, you might consider the compression weak, but many people actually prefer the mild compression since it's more comfortable and compatible with constant motion. 

When to Wear Compression Socks While Exercising

One of the big questions when it comes to athletic socks is when it's appropriate to choose a pair with compression. 

Some sources say that it's best to wear compression socks after exercising since they promote faster recovery. But others say that compression socks should be work during the workout for better performance. So which one is it? 

Both, actually. While compression socks aren't completely necessary for everyone, they're a great choice if you're engaging in endurance-based sports or standing on your feet all day. And best of all, they can be work both during and after your workout. 

If you're interested in compression socks, then you'll definitely want to consider #7 on the list above.

Is It Worth It to Buy Athletic Socks?

Yes, it's totally worth it, especially if you want your feet to keep up with your active lifestyle. These top 7 athletic socks for women are sure to provide the stability, durability, and comfort that all active ladies need to support their fitness routines.

I personally love the Saucony brand women's socks - these are my go-to choice for both comfort and value - but you can't go wrong with any of the products in this review.