The 4 Best Socks for Running in the Rain

Rain is often bad news for many runners. The drops soak even the best of equipment, making it hard to finish a race or even to practice without resembling a straggly cat that didn’t make it inside in time.

Perhaps the most important piece of equipment for running in the rain is a person’s socks.

Socks can make or break some of the best runners. They are a barrier against blisters, the epitome of comfort for worn feet, and a veritable plague if they get too wet.

Thankfully, many manufacturers have heard runners’ prayers and now make specialized socks for running in the rain.

The 4 Best Socks for Running in the Rain

1. Balega UltraGlide Friction-Free

If you’re looking for something on the more cushioned side of rain relief socks for running then these are going to be a great option.

These UltraGlide Friction-Free socks from Balega will offer ample cushioning, but will also wick moisture away from your feet when wet and offer an anti-slip option as well.

They will not bunch up or slide around, even when wet, so you can take on any kind of workout while out in the rain. This may not sound super important, but it can really make a difference.

The integrated targeted cushioning reduces pressure from lacing, reinforces the heel and toe, and there are pads around the metatarsal area, all without adding bulk.

The flat-knit structure and compressive arch supports holds sock securely in place, while ventilation panels ensure breathability; medium-low volume cushioning.

These socks will get you through the cold and rainy days, but make sure to take a look around and try on socks before making a big investment. It is a borderline waterproof sock that has tremendous blister prevention. 

2. Merino Wool Cushion Quarter - Feetures

These are a favorite among athletes for their comfort and ability to keep the feet warm. Unfortunately, no amount of science has figured out a sock that can keep feet dry and comfortable in the rain.

The Merino Wool Cushion Quarter from Feetures is a wool sock that manages to remain pleasant while avoiding the nastiness of being soaked. This makes a big difference.

Unlike cotton, wool is nice because it doesn't absorb moisture, so your feet can remain dryer for longer periods of time. These Feetures socks additionally have some extra cushioning without being loose, which can help combat blisters.

The only downside is that wool tends to be warm, so they might not be the best for a summer run.

Be sure to do some shopping around before you settle on a seller. However, the socks are a long-term investment, as many runners found that they can last for over a year with repetitive use.

In case you are interested: Bombas vs Feetures - Comfort Comparison

They are also excellent at moving sweat and rain away from the feet so athletes can continue to move in comfort.

The product additionally has a tighter fit than some variations and prevents excessive fabric from rubbing against the toes and forefoot.

This can help prevent blisters and infections while still giving the feet enough cushioning. Most of the trail socks also lack vents to stop dirt from entering and causing further irritation.

The Drymax trail running socks are inexpensive considering the quality. Unlike some other products, they also come in multiple styles ranging from no-shows to crews to knee-length.

4. Balega Hidden Comfort Socks

These socks are for men and women. They also tend to be thinner and smaller than other models.

They come in a variety of models, but the best for running in the rain are the Hidden Comfort because they remain soft and cushioning even when wet.

Like many other products in this article, they also wick away moisture to prevent runners from having to slog through puddles in their shoes.

The Belega can also be purchased cheaply and frequently come in sets of three, so they are interchangeable and can be cycled so runners don’t have to wear the same socks all of the time.

Many athletes additionally appreciate that there are designated Right and Left socks to promote proper sizing and fit.

You may like: Why Runners are Crazy — But Also Misunderstood 

What Happens to Wet Feet

Wet feet are a wasteland causing bad conditions and problems for athletes. Some of the most common are blisters, athletes' foot, and infections in the runner’s toes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection commonly seen in active people.

One of the main causes is running in unclean and damp socks and shoes. Fungus thrives in moist, dark environments, and sometimes a runner’s shoes resemble this hazardous biome.

Blisters are fluid-filled lumps on the skin caused by excessive moisture or use.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people of all ages wear moisture-wicking socks to keep the feet dry and to also avoid excessive chafing by using comfortable footwear.

Runner’s toe actually refers to a condition where blood vessels break or there is bleeding under the toenail.

This area is vulnerable and susceptible to infection because people cannot reach the damage to treat it. Wet socks can transfer bacteria from shoes and the feet to the affected region and cause severe problems.

-You Might Like: 5 Benefits of Toe Socks for Runners

The one aspect all of these problems have in common is that wet socks either cause them or make the issue worse.

If you know you’re going to be running in the rain and want to avoid some serious problems later on, it’s important to find the best coverage possible.

However, finding the best pair of socks is difficult, especially if you want them to fit comfortably while keeping dampness and water away from your feet.

This video succinctly demonstrates what runners should look for when choosing their coverage for their feet:

The Parts of the Foot 

Running in the rain poses numerous problems for the feet. Water increases friction and the odds of fungus, blisters, and infection while also causing significant discomfort. The main areas that need protection are:

• The Forefoot
• The Midfoot

Several scientific articles, including one by Hamill and Gruber, have found that runners benefit from the forefoot and midfoot strikes, which is where most of the pressure will be. This also means that these areas will suffer the most in the rain.

An important part about choosing running socks is finding a pair that will support these two areas without including tons of unnecessary fabric. The combination of moisture and material can cause numerous problems.

Runners need to pay special attention to the toe and forefoot areas of a sock to prevent blisters and bunching.

An excessive amount of wet fabric can cause discomfort and increase the chances of blisters or athletes' foot.

Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the top brands and models for running in the rain.

Conclusion: The 4 Best Socks for Running in the Rain

If you have a run going up and know that it will be raining or storming that day, it’s important to be prepared. Most manufacturers of athletic wear market their socks as “all-weather,” but this simply isn’t true.

You need to find a style that fits correctly while also eliminating as much moisture as possible.

These four socks are some of the best in the industry and aren’t too expensive. If possible, measure your foot before you choose a pair so you can find some that won’t have excess fabric.

Your comfort in the rain is important, and you shouldn’t cut corners when it comes to your health.

The fit for running socks can be just as personal as running shoes, so don’t be afraid to try a couple of different pairs over time to establish a good standard for the socks you choose to wear in the rain.

You might like: Thorlos vs Feetures