Running
6 of the best trail running socks
Off-road running expert Keri Wallace reveals her favourite socks for happy feet whatever the mileage or terrain.
Trail running socks might seem like a simple bit of kit, but they are packed full of subtle technology that can make a huge difference to your comfort as the miles tick by. Here, mountain runner and director of guided trail running company Girls on Hills, Keri Wallace picks out her favourite trail running socks for 2019.
1. Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show
Is this the king of all trail running socks?
© Injinji
Best for: Long distance/ultra trail running
This sock’s original concept launched in 2012 without any predecessor, and has grown a huge following in the ultrarunning community.
It's a low-bulk sock with a unique five-toe design that helps eliminate the inter-toe friction that can cause blisters. This design also gives your toes a ‘free’ feeling inside your shoe, which gives a really nice natural feel when running on uneven terrain. It features a clever under-arch band that gives you a feeling of added support (which you'll be grateful for if you're doing long miles) and has a mesh top made from fibres that help keep your skin dry and cool.
The No-Show’s length is popular with both men and women and rests below the ankle (where, critically, there is a heel tab that is effective at preventing chafing and helps prevent your socks from slipping down!).
Keep an eye out for the brand's new ‘Liner + Runner’ – a unique two-sock system from Injinji that is growing in popularity but yet to rival the classic design.
Buy them here
2. Balega Hidden Comfort
Expect a seamless fit from Balega's best-selling sock
© Balega
Best for: Comfort and moisture management
Despite being the original sock from Balega, there are many reasons why the Hidden Comfort is still its best-selling line after 15 years on the market.
Most significant, though, is the wonderful cushioning they give you. These socks are made from densely packed yarns, which provide cushioning that genuinely lasts. Their plushness feels super luxurious underfoot and adds great protection on the trail. The fabric is moisture-wicking too, and this combined with the microfiber mesh ventilation panels, means your feet never get too sweaty or overheat.
They offer a super snug fit, and like the No-Show have a high heal tab which stops them falling into your shoe.
Buy them here
3. Inov-8 Race Pro Elite
A great, durable training sock that won't break the bank
© INOV-8
Best for: Long-distance runs
New for autumn 2019, these slimline socks from Inov-8 are ideal for long runs. They've got zoned cushioning in the heel and toe, providing a lovely plush sensation – but without losing any ground feel. In fact, their slimline design really complements the sense of feel and precision you get from running in Inov-8 trail shoes.
They also feature a special knit structure in the ankles, protecting from any impact with rocks/debris, and are finished off with a long heel cuff – perfect for fending off dirt and scratches if you're running through long grass or brambles. They also look great, giving a flash of bright colour above your trail shoes, and at £17 for a twin pack, they're pretty reasonably priced.
Buy men's here
Buy women's here
4. Bridgedale TrailSport Lightweight T2 ¾ Crew
A solid pair that will spring back to their original shape after every wash
© Bridgedale
Best for: Durability
These launched in 2013 as an additional style to the existing range. Trail-running specific improvements included the T2 padding in the toes, heel and underfoot for extra comfort and protection, as well as strategic padding underneath where your shoelaces tie, to give extra protection and prevent against rubbing.
They're some of the most durable socks you'll wish to find – I have pairs of these that I have run in for years, which are still holding up. Just last year, I ran the whole 260km/16,000m Transalpine Run in a few old pairs of them, and I didn’t get a single hole anywhere. They're also designed so that they spring back to their original shape and size after every wash.
The fit feels close and supportive and doesn’t slip or bunch-up inside your shoe (likely due to the elasticated arch) – and is available in men's and women's, both offering a gender-specific fit.
Buy men's here
Buy women's here
5. Thorlos Outdoor Athlete
Slip-free wear even on the most technical and demanding trails
© Thorlos
Best for: Fast and technical racing
Launched in 2017, the Outdoor Athlete continues to be the most popular in the range. They have a compression-grade ankle and arch support, designed to protect the plantar fascia while fighting foot fatigue, so they're great for running on technical trails. And they feature an ankle-foot transition gusset, which helps prevent bunching and twisting, so there's minimal movement during high impact trail running.
You've got light-density padding in the ball and heel which feels super plush underfoot, but doesn't leave your feet too warm or damp. Although it feels thick, the fabric is moisture-wicking and you've got ventilation holes on the toes so they're nice and breathable.
The quarter length with reinforced top is ideal for keeping out dirt and debris – and looks great, too!
Buy them here
6. Smartwool PHD Run Light Elite Low
A Merino-based sock that fits like a glove
© Smartwool
Best for: A skin-like fit
New for 2019, these stylish but hard-wearing trail socks are packed full of smart features. Perhaps most impressive is their gender-specific fit – the women's version, for example, has a narrower heel and slimmer fit, so they sit really snug on your feet.
Although based on the original trail running sock from Smartwool (spring 2015), the designers add improvements year on year, so these now have a new construction which uses premium yarns – knitted in a way that fortifies each element – to make them extra durable.
As you'd expect from the brand that pioneered the first Merino wool socks, the cushioning these provide (positioned on the balls and heels of the feet) is excellent – and they also keep your toes lovely and warm, making them a great choice for winter. Finally, they'll probably some of the most stylish you'll find – the low-cut height means they look great above your trail shoes and they're available in loads of colours.
Buy men's here
Buy women's here
