The Best Running Socks for Men

So continuing on from our Top Rated Running Socks post, we decided to split our product reviews down into the best running socks for women and for men as often the sports socks makers do split by gender for sizing and colour differences. If you are lucky enough to sit in the median of men’s and women’s sizing then you have your choice of either!
If you fancy jumping around and just viewing your favourite, the three socks on offer are:
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Runderwear Anti-Blister Running Socks – Low and Mid
Name: Anti-blister Running Socks
Cut: Ankle or Mid, Ergonomic Left and Right Foot Construction
Size: Small (UK: 4-6, EU: 37-39, US: 5-6.5, AU: 4-6)
Medium (UK: 6.5-8.5, EU: 39.5-42.5, US: 7-9, AU: 6.5-8.5)
Large (UK: 9-11, EU: 43-46, US: 9.5-11.5, AU: 9-11)
Extra Large (UK: 11.5-13, EU: 46.5-48, US: 12-13.5, AU: 11.5-13)
Colour: Blue/Cyan, Black/Grey, White/Blue, White/Pink (Small and Medium only), Black/Cyan, Pink/Cyan (Small and Medium only)
Brand: Runderwear
Overall Rank: 89 out of 100
Anti-Blister Running Socks Overview
Using double layer technology to help prevent chafes and blisters, the Runderwear Anti-Blister Running Socks receive excellent reviews, like most Runderwear products.
So how does it compare on the mysportsunderwear list of key running sock elements:
1. No Seams or Flatlocked Seams
Minimal seams at the heels and toes, hand-finished to minimise the seam requirements
2. Contoured to my feet
Yes! Left and Right ergonomic design. These socks also have arch support and midfoot grip to help them stay firmly in place.
3. Small size ranges
Available in 4 sizes for men, with each size range only spanning a few shoes sizes these socks partition the general running shoe sizes quite well for men; however, we would really like to see one more size catering up to US size 14.
4. Fabric Choice
These socks are made from two layers of moisture-wicking material that rub against each other, rather than against your feet.
34% Coolplus, 33% Cotton, 13% Polyamide, 12% Tactel, 5% Polyester, 3% Lycra
Wash inside out in warm water (up to 40 C), do not bleach, tumble dry on warm only.
5. Cushioning
The two-layer construction provides some cushioning.
6. The right cut
Available in both Low and Mid Cut
The Good and the Bad
The Good:
- the majority of users report no blisters if the socks are put on properly to account for the two layers
The Bad:
- has been reported as very thick – so check the fit inside your shoe
- sizes run small and the low sock is shorter than a standard ankle sock
Rockay Accelerate Socks
Name: Accelerate Running Socks
Cut: Ankle
Size: Small (UK: 3-4.5, EU: 35-37, US: 3.5-5)
Medium (UK: 5-6, EU: 37.5-39, US: 5.5-6.5)
Large (UK: 6.5-8.5, EU: 39.5-42, US: 7-9)
Extra Large (UK: 9-12, EU: 42.5-46.5, US: 9.5-12.5)
Colour: White/Blue, Neon/Orange, Dolphin Blue/Orange, White/Papaya, Black/Red, Black/Lime, Navy/Blue, Echowhite)
Brand: Rockay
Overall Rank: 94 out of 100
With the best environmental credentials and best guarantee we’ve seen on a running sock, Rockay supplies socks for various sports in various cuts. But how does the Rockay Accelerate compare to the other running socks on the mysportsunderwear list of key running sock elements:
1. No Seams or Flatlocked Seams
Seamless toes, I always find toe seams to be problematic
2. Contoured to my feet
Antiblister construction with the heel tab designed to blend into the ankle cuff to achieve a more comfortable running experience. It is designed with compression in the arch to keep the sock from moving.
3. Small size ranges
Available in 4 sizes for men, with each size range only spanning a few shoes sizes these socks partition the general running shoe sizes quite well for men; however, Rockay state that the sizes run small and while they cater to the smaller shoe size, they don’t make any provision for the runners with larger feet.
4. Fabric Choice
Made from 100% recycled materials, with 50% Econyl regenerated Nylon, 46% Recycled Polyamide and 4% Recycled Elastane, with breathable mesh areas and anti-odour coating. Wash inside out in warm water (up to 30 C), do not bleach, hang to dry only.
5. Cushioning
Materials are selected for their environmental credentials, cushioning and compressive benefits. This results in performance cushioning which pads the heel and toe area.
6. The right cut
Available in ankle cut which has tight elastic at the top to prevent dirt getting inside the sock.
The Good and the Bad
The Good:
- Lifetime Guarantee against tear or lack of functionality
- Not too thick, not too thin
The Bad:
- There are some reports of blisters
- The sizing runs small
1000 Mile Fusion Anklet Sock
Name: Fusion Anklet Sock
Cut: Ankle
Size: Medium (UK: 6.5-8.5, EU: 39.5-42.5)
Large (UK: 9-11.5, EU: 43-46.5)
Extra Large (UK: 12-14, EU: 47-49)
Colour: Black/Green, White/Gray
Brand: 1000 Mile
Overall Rank: 92 out of 100
1000 Mile Fusion Anklet Socks Overview
Padded sock with a double layer system that reduces friction and helps prevent blisters. 1000 mile have a selection of socks of various cuts designed for running, walking, sports and health.
So how does it compare on the mysportsunderwear list of key running sock elements:
1. No Seams or Flatlocked Seams
Double-layer socks with flat-locked seams.
2. Contoured to my feet
These socks are knitted with various padded and ventilated zones but are not contoured to fit left and right feet.
3. Small size ranges
Small size ranges extending encompassing 3 shoe sizes and extends to the
4. Fabric Choice
Outer layer 98% Nylon, 2% Lycra, Inner layer 100%Tactel. Machine wash inside out in warm water (up to 30 C), do not bleach, hang to dry only.
5. Cushioning
Padded on the toe and ball of the foot to give extra protection when running and walking. The padding on the heel protecting the Achilles tendon has been extending around to the front of the ankle.
6. The right cut
The anklet is an ankle cut sock; however, 1000 miles make multiple different cuts of socks aimed at various pursuits.
The Good and the Bad
The Good:
- 1 year guarantee against blisters or wearing out within 1000 miles
- Wicking fabric to keep your feet dry
- True to size with specific advice for foot width
The Bad:
- A bit fiddly to put on, be careful to make sure that the inner liner is sitting correctly in the toe and heel and smooth out any wrinkles
Conclusion:
The Rockay Accelerate Running sock has come out of our review of the best running socks for men for its sustainable approach to material sourcing and a lifetime guarantee, although they do not cater for large feet and their sizing does run small.
So guys, what socks to you prefer for running? Have we missed out your favourites? I’d love to hear your comments!
This post came as a bit of a surprise to me. Besides the brand name, I have never really considered socks to really matter that much, for me socks is just socks. Yes, when climbing mountains I would of course be aware of thermal socks, but besides that I never considered there would be so much technology and technicalities to consider when it comes to socks.
Another big surprise for me is socks with a lifetime guarantee? How is this even possible? Do you mean that for the duration of my life I can wear these socks, put them in the washing machine and they are guaranteed to continue to last? Maybe I misunderstood the guarantee. Can you please explain to me what exactly is meant by this guarantee?
If I am indeed understanding this guarantee correctly, I am taking a screenshot for sure and sending this on to my mates to share this interesting fact with them that I am perfectly sure they will not be aware of either. Many thanks for a very interesting post indeed.
Hi Schalk,
Thanks for your comments! I completely understand your feelings about socks – until I had a dreadful run in shoes that should be broken in by now I really hadn’t considered how big an effect that choosing the right socks can have.
I’d also effectively considered socks to be consumable items with a finite lifespan, just like all other athletic gear (don’t get me started on how often you’re supposed to replace sports bras, or why running shoe companies can’t come up with shoes that don’t wear out in 1000km). So I was so pleased to find a sock company that takes sustainability to the forefront from both the materials put into their products and product durability perspectives.
So, on the Lifetime Guarantee front – the text from the Rockay website says:
Rockay Socks come with a lifetime guarantee. If your sock tears or lacks basic functionality, we will send you a new pair of socks.
Thanks,
Lisa
Most people think a good insole is what makes a really good fit, but socks are pretty overlooked. I like having ankle-length socks most of the time. Do you have any recommendations for bamboo / hemp sport socks like this type?
Hi Rowan,
I agree with you completely, although sometimes I have had to make sure I have the correct combination of socks and insoles – particularly if the shoe is a little bit too tight or loose heightwise and can’t be resolved by innovative lacing strategies!
With regards to your sock query – personally, as long as your feet aren’t bigger than a UK size 13 then my choice would be the More Mile Bamboo comfort running socks:
They come is a high ankle cut, so are less likely to allow rubs around your Achilles or heel area, and they are both ergonomically designed for each foot and strategically padded in the heel and toe box. There is also the added odour reducing attribute of bamboo ticking another box for these socks!
I hope you find this helpful!
Thanks,
Lisa
Dear Liza
Thank you very much for your fantastic website. It is amazing that you show people how to choose dream-like sportwear. I hope more people will know about your website and follow your guidance.
Kind regards,
Andrey
Hi Andrey,
Thanks for your engagement!
I hope you’ve found some useful running sock tips and that you are blister free!
Thanks,
Lisa