Denmark-based Rockay came onto the scene in 2018 and has been scooping up major recognition ever since. And we’ve been close on their heels most of that time, writing about not only the great running socks that the company delivers, but also how well they do in terms of corporate sustainability and branching into other areas of running apparel.

The Rockay Razer is a trail-focused crew sock constructed from Econyl regenerated nylon, a recycled material that uses fishing nets and other ocean waste. The Razer has midsole compression as well as cushioning built into the ball and heel, and the structure of the sock offers superior stability for runners. (There is no sock on this list that feels as good in terms of arch compression, especially if you’re dealing with a bout of plantar fasciitis.)

The company uses a 200-needle thread count to give the yarn a wonderfully buttery feel. That feature also allows for a denser construction (aiding durability, especially in trail socks) and provides good stretch and recovery due to tighter tension. The top of the sock balances the ease of circulation with enough snugness to keep dirt and debris from getting inside. The sock as a whole is virtually seamless and has breathable mesh zones on the top and an anti-odor coating. It is closest you’ll come to having functional anti-blister construction in a sock.

Smartwool’s PhD Pro Endurance line is available in specific women’s and men’s versions, along with the opportunity for some pretty stylish prints that include floral patters, landscapes and geometric designs. The women’s version of this sock was new for 2020, while the men’s version came out in 2019 (we wrote reviews of the Pro Endurance socks here in the spring of 2020, covering both the Endurance and Ultra Light versions).

The men’s PhD Pro Endurance was created with the help of ultra-runner Rob Krar, and his vision for it, namely the minimal and targeted sole cushioning and a new malleolus ankle cushion, had been translated into a women-specific design with the hopes of helping on our toughest and most rugged trail runs. While there’s a lot of overlap between the men’s and women’s versions (and both are simply amazing socks), the women’s PhD Pro Endurance is cut slimmer than the men’s, helping it to hug the heel well without being too tight.

Smartwool puts a lot of effort into the flexibility around the ankle with its 4-Degree Elite Fit System, and it offers good movement without sacrificing the stability that we’ve gotten used to with other socks. The durability of this sock is partly thanks to Smartwool’s patent-pending Indestructawool construction method, a technology that has found its way into so many of the company’s footwear products. The sock is 49 percent Merino wool, and it’s blended with nylon, elastane and polyester.

The first time I ever wore these socks on the trail was a difficult rainy and muddy day (as the photo shows) — and that’s also the day I fell in love with them. I discovered these Drymaxes through a trail-running group that I’m a part of, and I’m so glad that I did. Even though they’re billed as “lite,” they are a little thicker than others on this list, so I’ve found that they excel during the chillier temps in my area, without sacrificing the wicking abilities I need in a good sock.

Designed to take on the most epic of trails, Drymax’s Lite Trail Socks feel comfortable and, dare I say, even plush. The company’s advancements in knitting techniques have resulted in seamless toe and the elimination of yarn ends next to the foot that might cause irritation or blisters.

I’m not sure if “silky minimalism” is a real phrase, but that’s the best way to describe the ASPIRE FOUR trail socks. Their nylon-dominant blend makes them the most comfortable socks on this list, with a smoothness that resonates all around the foot. But they’re also very lightweight, and coupled with their comfort, it’s easy to forget that you have socks on at all. 

Of course, that means there are sacrifices, namely in terms of cushioning. But for folks who don’t need a lot of cushioning in their footwear, or are looking for a lot of ground contact on race day or a lot of responsiveness, these are a good choice.

The Olefin Fiber these socks are made with wicks moisture and sweat with ease, and firm compression can be felt throughout the entirety of the sock. It had a seamless toe, and the fit of this sock helps to make bunching, voids and blisters nonexistent.

There isn’t an ultra-running forum in the world that you can go on without people gushing about their XOSKIN socks. These are the socks that are built for the 100- or 200-milers, and they’re the ones most lauded as keeping blisters and hot spots away better than any other over those distances.

These socks uses XOSKIN’s RAPIDriCOPPER technology, which wicks and dries very rapidly while reducing the co-efficient of friction on the skin surface because of the unique USPTO Patented PTFE molecules built into the yarn. The USPTO Patented Copper yarn reduces bacteria and promotes healthier skin texture, skin tone and overall a healthier environment for the skin surface.

The 5.0s have anatomically shaped left and right foot designs to maximize comfort, targeted tendon and ankle compression zone and an adjusting cuff for firm hold.