The Best Socks for Every Kind of Vacation

One of the first pairs of running socks I bought after that fateful race was from Wrightsock, a brand that promises to be anti-blister, thanks to its two-layer system that absorbs friction and reduces chafing. The Coolmesh II is the most popular in the line since it’s so lightweight, despite its double construction, and has fast-dry fibers to wick away moisture.

These ankle socks come recommended by Dana Giordano, an Olympic Trials qualifier in the 5k event and host of the More Than Running podcast, in our guide to running socks. They're her go-to for both running and everyday wear, and she's been “pleasantly surprised with how they hold up on longer runs.” Order a single pair to try out, or buy in bulk with the four- and six-packs.

Don’t let the adventure end as the sun goes down. A brand known for their stable running shoes, Brooks has also figured out how to make sweat-wicking socks shine—literally. These fitted crew lengths are wrapped around the ankles with 3M Scotchlite Carbon Black Stretch material that makes you visible up to an impressive 600 feet away.

While many active socks go light on design, these Merrells lean into the pattern with three-packs that come in purple or navy tones. The hygge-inducing socks are made with a polyester yarn that’s breathable, plus a more durable NanoGlide technology in the heel and toes that gives it strength.

Another brand I turn to for runs is Swiftwick, which specializes in socks primed for adventure. While there hasn’t been a bad sock in the bunch, this Pursuit One Ultralight is a highlight. It’s so lightweight that it feels like a second skin, but it’s capable of wicking away moisture and odors, plus regulating heat, whether it’s warming you up in the winter or keeping you cool in the summer.

This hemp-blend sock is mixed with recycled polyester, making it feel buttery soft against the skin, but also regulating temperature, whether it’s too hot or cold. Treated with InsectShield, the odorless technology keeps ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs away, so you can adventure on worry free. On top of that, for every pair bought, Royal Robbins gives one percent to the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund to help conservation efforts in areas that depend on tourism.

A cozy favorite recommended by several current and former Traveler editors, the Brother Vellies Cloud socks are ideal for lounging around the house, Airbnb, or hotel room, or for slipping on during flights. Travel editor Meredith Carey described them as having “a sort of legwarmer fit, with a loosely elasticated leg and cuff that you can scrunch to keep your ankles covered and warm. The foot and toe are less bulky, offering breathable warmth.” And yes, they really do live up to their name: “They do feel like what I'd imagine walking on a cloud or cotton candy would feel like in a Disney movie.”

For a brand that’s put so much thought into the usability of a suitcase, you can imagine how thorough Away has been while making a travel sock. Unlike so many compression socks that make you break a sweat just pulling them on, the give-and-take of the organic cotton with Coolmax polyester, lycra, and nylon slips right on, yet still gives calves and ankles that secure hug they crave. Plus, the anti-odor technology means they can be worn several times before needing a wash—and when they do, the material dries in a snap.

Another great compression sock: Comrad's knee-high fit. They are designed with a moisture-wicking, odor-fighting fabric, and come in half a dozen neutral colors, as well as striped and ombre designs. Editors who've worn them report no slippage or bunching, meaning they'll lay flat and stay in place under your loungewear.

Combat cold airplane cabins with that fuzzy feeling only Uggs can provide. These crew socks are as stretchy as they are soft—and will make you feel like you're kicking back by the fireplace, even at 30,000 feet.

Upgrade your dress sock selection with this eight-pack that mixes stripes, solids, and patterns in hues of your choosing. With a seamless toe, Bombas socks slide right on, yet they never slump. And for every pair bought, the company donates a pair to the homeless community, with community partners in all 50 states.

There’s something about these cable-knit socks, with its classic stitch, that’s a throwback to a simpler time. The soft yarn blend stretches knee high so it’s the perfect under-the-boot height.

Conscious Step pairs every product with a cause: Choose from cheetah-print Socks that Protect Cheetahs benefitting the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, soft blue Socks that Support Mental Health benefiting the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or droplet-covered Socks that Give Water for water.org.

It's tough to find a good no-show sock—often, after a wash or two, they shrink up and start to fall off your ankle when wearing sneakers or loafers. These Bombas socks are the most comfortable ones I've ever worn, adding just a bit of cushion without feeling bulky. Even better, I never find myself needing to adjust them. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

The company known for its waterproof shoes has also designed an uber-durable sock. With the classic vibe of a good ol’ fashion crew sock, the security of the ribbed knitting, and cushioning along the footbed, these can keep you on your feet all day long.

This low-cut sock is ready for any situation. It’s got all the essentials—eliminating moisture and odor, while remaining breathable to help regulate temperature. Made of merino wool, the clean-cut look can complete any look from casual to chic, high-adventure to lounging around.

Ministry of Supply has tapped into the properties of the bean to create a coffee-infused recycled polyester blend that neutralizes odors and dries two times faster than cotton. Plus, its pressure-mapping provides an extra strong padding in the spots you need it most. While it’s far superior to my former night-market finds, these also happen to be made in Taiwan.

Toe socks can take a beat to get used to, but as soon as you do, it’s hard to go back. The glove-like design hugs each of your toes, giving them individual attention. This no-show pair comes in plenty of shades, and stays in place with heel grips. Plus, the Everyday Lightweight pair is made out of post-consumer plastic bottles and upcycled cotton.

Recommended by Traveler contributor Emily Pennington as the best hiking sock for cold weather adventures, these cushioned Smartwool socks hit all the right notes: Made of ethically-sourced ZQ wool, they feature the brand’s thickest design and an elasticized arch brace for a no-slip fit.

This made-in-Japan pair is all about the intricate details. By using a fabric design that mimics athletic tape, the sock provides lateral and longitudinal arch support. That design helps both absorb impact as well as push forward. Ankle cushioning and shin piling help make the wool, polyester, nylon, and polyurethane blend feel supportive and warm.

French ski wear company Rossignol has upped the chic factor with this blend of wool and silk that promises to help regulate temperature through entire days on slopes without giving your feet a second thought.