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While socks are not often considered essential when getting ready for work, the soles of your feet can be a major part of how you look. Running and hiking are high-impact activities that can cause fatigue and soreness. Cushioned socks are a great option for high-impact activities.
A cushioned sock, regardless of whether you are experiencing discomfort while on the move, can absorb some of the shock from running marathons or padding around your house. These socks, which typically have reinforced padding in certain areas or the whole sole, give your feet a more comfortable landing. Even if you have sneakers, which may be made for maximum shock-absorption depending on the brand, a little extra support can make a big difference. You can protect your blisters by getting your feet into a pair with a cushioned arch, cushioned heel tabs or ankle elastics.
Do not be deceived, the socks you choose are crucial for your feet’s well-being, especially when engaging in high-impact activities. These are the best socks for hiking and running outdoors.
Here are the best cushioned socks at a glance
- Overall, this is the best: Smartwool Cushion Ankle Socks $17
- Running is best: Gonii Cushioned Ankle Socks (19)
- Ideal for yoga: Hylaea Grip socks ($18)
- Ideal for hiking: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks ($25).
- The best for walkingBombas Performance Cushioned No Show Socks ($17).
- For heel pain, this is the best: Thorlo 12-Hour Shift Maximum Cushion Ankle Socks ($17)
- Ideal for bunions Orthofeet Bunion Relief Padded Socks (27 USD)
- Best moisture-wicking: Hylaea Athletic Running Socks (23 USD)
- Best wool: Feetures 10 Max Cushion ($20)
- No-shows are the best: Bombas Cushioned No Show Sock (50 USD)
- Best knee-high: Wrangler Angora Blend Cushioned Knee High Socks ($14
- The most colorful: CWVLC Unisex Cushioned Compression Ankle Sock ($18).
- This is the best place to lounge: Skims Plush Socks (16 USD)
This article
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01
Overall, the best
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02
Running is best
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03
Best for yoga
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04
Ideal for hiking
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05
The best for walking
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06
The best for heel pain
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07
Ideal for bunions
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08
Best moisture-wicking
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09
Best wool
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10
No-shows are the best
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11
Best knee-high
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12
The most colorful
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13
Ideal for lounging
These are the 13 best cushioned socks to add comfort
Overall, the best

Smartwool, Cushion Ankle Sock for Walk Light — $17.00
Sizes available: S-XL
Smartwool Walk Light Cushion ankle socks are our top choice if you want the most comfortable socks. They are our favourite pair of socks because they provide a light cushion that provides maximum comfort for the whole foot. They can also be worn in hiking or running shoes. The socks are made with merino wool which is naturally sweat-wicking and ultra-breathable to keep your soles dry.
Colors: 2

Gonii Cushioned Ankle Socks, Pack of 5 — $19.00
Sizes available: 6-12
A cushioned sole can add comfort to running on any surface, including pavement, treadmills, and trails. The Gonii Ankle Socks, available in 5 packs, are our top choice. They are made from a spandex, cotton, and polyester blend and are breathable. These socks are breathable and cushioned where it hits the ground hardest, aka the ball of your foot and the heel. They also have a plush tab at the heel to prevent blisters and scratches. You can buy five socks for as low as $20 and get them all for under $20.
Colors: 5
Best for yoga

Hylaea, Grip socks (Pack of 3) — $18.00
Sizes available: S-M, L-XL
Is yoga a high impact activity? However, yoga is not a high-impact activity. Your feet may still feel good on a mat. If you’re looking for extra comfort And These socks offer both grip and comfort for long-standing poses. They are made from stretchy cotton, which is breathable and keeps your soles cool during vinyasa flow. They come with a small pouch that can be stored in your yoga bag or gym bag.
Colors: 10
Ideal for hiking

Darn Tough, Hiker Micro Crew Sock — $25.00
Sizes available: S-L
When hiking comfort is key, these Darn Tough are our favorite for providing extra support and comfort. These socks can be worn with sneakers or hiking boots, and are made from durable merino wool which wicks sweat away and maximizes airflow. To help prevent blisters, high impact and friction, the socks have a cushioned sole and reinforced arch.
Colors: 6
The best for walking

Bombas Performance Cushioned No Show Socks — $17.00
Sizes available: S-L
Although walking is an extremely low-impact activity for joints, it can still be stressful for your feet, particularly in the areas near your heel and ball. Bombas socks are the best for your next “hot girl” walk. These socks are made from a performance fabric that wicks sweat away, unlike other brand’s no-show socks. They keep your feet cool and collected mile after mile, unlike the brand’s other no show socks. Plush reinforcement is provided in the heel and toe, as well as a seamless toe box to prevent your sneakers from slipping. Your walks will be even better, we promise.
Colors: 2
The best for heel pain

Thorlo, 12-Hour Shift Maximum Cushion Ankle Work Socks — $17.00
Sizes available: M-XL
Thorlo’s 12-Hour-Shift Ankle Socks are perfect for those who have problems with plantar fasciitis or bone spurs. These socks are made for those who work for long hours. They can be worn in your work shoes or boots to provide additional comfort. The padded heel reduces pressure and blisters. The socks provide cushioned support and moisture-wicking to keep the soles dry.
Colors: 2
Ideal for bunions

OrthoFeet Bunion Relief Padded Socks (3 Packs) — $27.00
Sizes available: S-L
Bunions can make it very uncomfortable to walk in certain shoes. A pair of specially designed cushioned socks for bunions is a great option. The OrthoFeet Bunion Relief Padded Low Cut Socks are a favorite because they can be worn with almost any shoe style. They also have a split-toe design that separates the big toe from the other toes, which helps to support natural alignment. They can also improve circulation and relieve pressure on the soles.
Colors: 2
Best moisture-wicking

Hylaea, Athletic Socks (3 Packs) — $23.00
Sizes available: S-XL
Swampy feet are the worst. This is why Hylaea Athletic Running Socks are our top choice for the best moisture-wicking cushioned socks. These socks are made from durable, high-quality material that will reduce fatigue, provide arch support, and cool the soles of your feet. CoolMax technology by the brand ensures that your feet remain dry and comfortable no matter how hot or cold it gets. They also come in a 3-pack, which adds value.
Colors: 9
Best wool

Feetures, Merino 10 Max Cushion — $20.00
Sizes available: S-L
Wool is one of the best materials for socks because it’s naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking. Feetures Merino 10 Max cushion No Show socks are our favorite. They’re made from a premium merino wool blend and Tencel fibers. This gives your feet unparalleled softness, as well as reinforcement in the heels and toes. They are also lightweight with less spandex in the body, which creates a comfortable fit underneath sneakers. You can combine different styles with them, and they are no-show.
Colors: 7
No-shows are the best

Bombas Cushioned No Show Sock (4-Pack) — $50.00
Sizes available: S-L
The Bombas Cushioned Non-Show Socks allow you to have cushioned socks without sacrificing style. These socks are available in a pack of four. They look great with your favorite shoes and provide plenty of comfort and cushion. These socks are very technical. They feature the brand’s contour construction, which gives them a second-skin feel. Also, they have a seamless toe, so you don’t get any annoying bumps underneath your shoes. They stay put thanks to the grip in their heel. This is an important feature for no-show socks as many tend to slip and slide.
Colors: 6
Best knee-high

Wrangler, Angora
Sizes available: 6-9
The Wrangler Angora Mix Cushioned Knee-High Boot Socks will make you feel more comfortable in boots with cushioned socks. The socks are available in a 2-pack and are made from ultra-soft Angora and a spandex, nylon, and acrylic blend for warmth, stretch, comfort, and lasting durability. These socks are quick-drying and moisture-wicking.
Colors: 2
The most colorful

CWVLC, Unisex Cushioned Compression Athletic Ankle Socks (3 Packs) — $18.00
Sizes available: S-XL
The CWVLC Cushioned Compression Athletic Ankle Socks are the best-cushioned socks available with better color options. You have a wide range of options, including singles in black, white and purple as well as multi-packs with matching or mixed colors. This allows you to create a variety of styles for a great price. The socks are ideal for exercising because they are made of a moisture-wicking fabric with lots of form-fitting stretch to provide compression and cushion in areas where the most impact is.
Colors: 17
Ideal for lounging

Skims and Plush Sock — $16.00
Sizes available: 6+, 8+
Skims Plush Socks are the best for lounging. These socks have extra cushion to give them a cloud-like feeling. These socks are monochrome and texture-combining, with smooth soles and fuzzy sleeves in black, brown and green. They are made from polyester, so they can keep you warm while lounging at your home. However, they are also breathable.
Colors: 4
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