Reddit mentions: The best running socks for women

I travel a ton for work and these have been my workhorses:

• Lo & Sons Hanover backpack: Loooove this backpack! Fits everything I need for 1-3 nights, and it’s the perfect carryon for longer trips. I’ve always resisted backpacks — they usually make me look like a giant toddler — but this is neutral enough for a reasonably professional look.
  
• Balega Hidden Comfort socks: These keep my feet more comfortable during long days and help reduce blisters.
  
• J Pillow neck pillow: The only neck pillow I’ve used that is actually comfortable.
  
• Bagail packing cubes: I swear by packing cubes! They’re especially helpful when you’re hitting multiple cities and need to keep your stuff accessible without fully unpacking.
  
  In terms of clothing, YMMV but I generally pack a mix of cotton/wool (easy to air out) and synthetics (wrinkle-resistant) in dark neutrals. My stapes are:
  
• Everlane cashmere crew in charcoal: I’ve worn this at least once a week for three years. I love it.
  
• Ministry of Supply “Easier Than Silk” blouse in black, navy, and white: Nothing like silk, but travel friendly.
  
• Lark & Ro culottes in black
  
• Tiger of Sweden Lovann cigarette trousers in black
  
  And finally, for my (very finicky, pain-prone) feet:
  
• Susina Emerson Oxfords in black
  
• Adidas NEO Cloudform QT Flex sneakers in black
  
• ABEO Felicity heeled booties in black

I love winter running now that I know how to prepare for it. Here are some things that have worked for me, in order of importance:

Arcteryx Argus jacket. Yep, it's expensive. And yep, it's worth every damn penny. I have worn a base layer, the Argus, and a thin, reflective outer shell from REI down into the single digits (F) and I never get cold. Ever. This jacket blocks all wind, yet breathes and has amazing pocket placement. This is without question one of the best things I've ever bought, period.

Some kind of windproof balaklava/neck gaiter. I got this one. This it vital to me for keeping the cold out where it seems to "leak in" on me the most; around the neck and head.

Balega socks. I wear these on ever run, from 95 (F) to single digits (F). My feet never get swampy in the heat or cold in the deep freeze.

Saucony Boston Pants. With normal underwear to about 30 (F) and with a long base layer for anything colder. Not tight enough to be tights, nor loose enough to be joggers. These really hit the sweet-spot of comfort, looks, and function.

These aren't no show, but they're the best low profile socks that I've ever had

I wear them in my sneakers and I bought something like 24 pairs in grey so that I don't have to worry about matching them out of the wash. They're slightly visible at the top, but the comfort and longevity balances that out for me. I never found a true no-show that didn't slip off.

I believe that this particular model is made in North Carolina as well. I recall it saying "Made in USA" on the packaging.

I love injinji's toe socks! I have vibrams, and I always wear socks with mine. injinji seems to be the only brand that makes ankle-height toe socks, which sucks because they are so expensive! I have several pairs of knee-high toes socks, but they are too warm for summer/fall. And they are ridiculous to boot. I've got this pink pair and this black pair of injinjis in my wishlist right now. These socks are PERFECT. I wear them with normal shoes, too. Not just vibrams.

Oh, and if anyone finds inexpensive ankle-height toe socks, let me know! All I can find for less than $10/pair are calf/knee highs or super fuzzy house socks (not okay).

One of the only changes I make is I make sure to wear these socks when it's raining. They are great in the winter for keeping my feet warm even when they're wet, and in the summer I've never had blister problems with wet feet while wearing these.

If it's warm out I don't really wear anything else different. If it's really hot I might go shirtless so the wet shirt doesn't weigh me down. I use lots of body glide and that seems to work alright in the rain.

When it's cold outside and raining I try to wear an outer layer that is more water resistant. Don't make the mistake wearing a jacket for rain in warm weather because it will overheat you fast.

I've done 4 Spartan races - all sprints - but in a variety of temperatures and conditions.

I'm not about showing my junk either, so I go for a "superhero" style layering approach. Here's my go to gear:

• Tesla Long-Sleeve Compression Shirt: https://www.amazon.com/TM-T11-BKRZ-X-Large-Tesla-Compression-Baselayer-Sleeve/dp/B01MT5X19B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492570859&sr=8-1&keywords=Tesla+Men%27s+Cool+Dry+Compression+Baselayer+Mock+Long+Sleeve
  
• Sub Sports long compression pants: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VCPVHW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Champion Performax running shorts with a rear zip pocket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0JDCDU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Mudgear compression socks (amazing!): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TSLYU5I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
• Ironclad Box Handler gloves: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004WZRJ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  For shoes, I've run 4 races and done lots of training in between in the same pair of Reebok Nano 4s. Not exactly specialized trail running/OCR shoes. But I just love their durability, foot protection, and their traction really shines on the climbing obstacles. I wouldn't mind upgrading but I just can't seem to wear this pair of shoes down! I expect they'll last at least another 4+ races.
  
  Picture of me rocking my gear: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Aw7uZaxOL.jpg

Can't go past Belaga Hidden Comfort socks.

They are around ~$13 USD, are super comfortable and last ages !!

I would keep the Nikes since they're more comfortable for you. In my mind the Nikes and Toms could be worn with the exact same outfits and in the same situations, with the added benefit that the Nikes will be kinder to your feet. Just grab some no-show socks to wear with them.

In my experience, my most durable socks have been Drymax. I've had some that have lasted for years and look brand new. I bought some Thorlo running socks last year and they are already falling apart. I've never compared them against Darn Tough (which seems to be very popular in this subreddit), but I can recommend Drymax if you're looking for a durable synthetic sock. For your application, I'd recommend these or these.

Another vote for Balega Hidden Comfort socks.

I saw them recommended here and picked up a couple pairs. They feel great.

I've had good luck with this off-brand of toe socks. They're cheap, come in a 6 pack, and have lasted me years with Correct Toes.

Wright socks are great. Black or white, no logos, over the ankle or calf-length, dual-layers to reduce blisters.

https://www.amazon.com/Wrightsock-Coolmesh-Quarter-Running-Socks/dp/B00825SIE0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1

I wear these and I really like them. Keeps the swelling down after a long shift and doesn't compress too much at all.

Yes, I've used them. Could also try these.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7Y7DZ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YQijDbQMM0VAW

Check these out: Ronnox Women's 12-Pairs Low Cut Running Athletic Performance Socks, RLT12-AB, Medium/Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01INZSL9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H6I7AbDPM60RR

I absolutely love them!

I like these for vans. They stay low but have the tab at the back! socks

First time post, first spartan race in Asheville!

Are you referring to these socks specifically?

https://www.amazon.com/MudGear-Premium-Compression-Socks-running/dp/B06X9GXHXC/ref=lp_11181553011_1_1?srs=11181553011&ie=UTF8&qid=1526058171&sr=8-1

You do you! But I swear by these: https://www.amazon.com/Balega-Socks-Women-Pairs-Medium/dp/B075YY14G3/ref=sr_1_3?crid=18SDPJ2OPZL6H&keywords=zulu+socks+women+running&qid=1563547384&s=gateway&sprefix=zulu+socks+%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-3

MudGear. Wear them for CrossFit rope climb days and my last 3 Spartans (and 2 non Spartan obstacle races).

https://www.amazon.com/MudGear-Compression-Socks-Performance-Recovery/dp/B00TSLYU5I/

Highly recommend [these.]
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TSLYU5I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FT-5AbW2E56NF) Add compression and I was able to do the rope bridge with no burns or visible damage to the socks.

Compression gear allows me to run without pain. Try it!

Last year I tried C25K, and had to stop after week 2 because my left IT band was killing me.

I signed up for the Nashville Sprint (my first Spartan race) a few weeks ago, and decided to start the C210K program. After the first run, my left IT band felt sore again. A coworker that runs marathons told me about compression gear (socks and knee sleeves). I bought some from Amazon, and now I can run without pain!

Here's the compression gear I use:

• MudGear Premium Compression Socks
  
  
• UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeves (I wear 2 of these, 1 on each knee)
  
  
• An alternative to the UFlex knee sleeves are the Pure Support Knee Brace Sleeves.