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Never underestimate the power of a good sock. While they may be an afterthought among your high-style accessories or performance gear, socks pose an opportunity to largely impact foot support, the fit of a shoe, or an outfit’s overall style appeal. With so many options and styles to choose from, the FN Shop editors have highlighted our top 8, standout pairs that deliver on all-day comfort.
The best socks for women function as a basic, but are anything but, as they range in supportive and stylish iterations, from moisture-wicking fabrications to trendy knee-high socks, and everything in between. Whether it’s an adidas sock that’s optimized for athletic performance, or a Nike gym sock that’s reimagined as an bold accessory at Fashion Week, socks take on a myriad of functions, though they should always be durable, comfortable, and bring value to your footwear rotation.
An artfully styled sock can bring unexpected intrigue to even the most bold shoe choice, and serve as a statement on its own for casual and formal occasions. Take the age-old debate over socks and sandals for example — a playful formula to elevate a daily shoe while upping the comfort factor. Or, look to dress shoes, like Mary Jane shoes, kitten heels, loafers, or ballet flats, which may otherwise cause painful pinching and blisters over the course of long days on your feet, if not for a soft layer of stretchy cotton that allows space to play with color and texture all the same.
Below, shop our sock recommendations to revamp your wardrobe basics, from stylish designs, supportive features, innovative comfort solutions, and more.
What testers say: “I absolutely love these socks. I am sensitive to the feel of clothing, including socks, and it’s taken some time to find socks that I like. These socks are soft, warm, and comfortable. The cuff is close-fitting but not too tight. The socks stay in place on my feet, and they are definitely not too thin. If anything, they are a bit thick, but this is nice for colder weather and also if you have shoes that are a little big. Five stars.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $10.00
What testers say: “I love these socks — I have three pairs and want more. These are great socks with leggings. The stretch is awesome and very comfortable for big calves.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $16.00
What testers say: “These socks are better than anything I’ve ever had before. I love these socks! The quality of the material and construction is excellent. The socks feel supportive, cushiony, and provide an anti-fatigue feel. The bumblebee logo is adorable, and the motivational message hiding in the no-show style is just fun. I never understood the hype but I get it now! I will be buying only Bombas from here on out.”
Footwear News readers can use code FWN20 to score 20 percent off their first Bombas purchase.
Price upon publish date of this article: $16.50
What testers say: “These are perfect to pair with my loafers for work and they make any outfit even better! I love the length of them, they fall right over the ankle, and they wash and wear very well. Just what I was looking for!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99
What testers say: “Awesome socks! These socks are comfortable, durable, and have a great aesthetic!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $16
What testers say: “So comfy! These are the best socks ever for activity and daily wear. The quality is impressive. Highly recommend.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
What testers say: “These socks really are terrific, I wanted a compression sock that was easy to get on and off. This is what I was looking for! Great buy!”
Footwear News readers can use code FWN20 to score 20 percent off their first Bombas purchase.
Price upon publish date of this article: $28.00
What testers say: “These socks are so comfortable and cute. I wear them almost every day and they go with almost any outfit. Good quality material and fit well.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $8.99
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For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She regularly tests, reviews, and reports on footwear basics, like cozy and supportive socks.
