We Found No-Show Socks That Actually Stay in Place All Day
- 1/14
We Found No-Show Socks That Actually Stay in Place All Day
This article was updated in January 2023 to ensure all picks tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute were in stock and correctly priced.
Nothing ruins the look of cute sneakers or flats like bulky socks. But if you skip socks, you run the risk of ending the day with painful blisters and smelly feet. And while invisible (or no-show) socks may seem like the perfect solution to your woes, you likely know all too well the problems with these socks — they slip off your feet at the most inconvenient time and stay bunched up in your shoes, waiting to be adjusted only to fall down once again within a matter of minutes.
That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has found the best no-show socks that don't slip down and actually stay on your heels. We conducted in-Lab and consumer testing with hundreds of users to determine the best socks. Our picks ahead are from top-performers in our recent socks tests, popular brands online and styles with innovative features. And since we all have shoes where regular socks just won't cut it, the styles below include no-show options for almost every occasion.
Our top picks:
Read on for more tips on what to look for when shopping for the best no-show socks. In the market for cute loafers or other comfortable footwear for your new no-show socks? Check out our guides to the best loafers and most comfortable shoes.
Hearst Owned - 2/14
1) Lightweight No Show Socks
Bombas
bombas.com
$13.00
Popularized by the TV show Shark Tank, Bombas socks are soft and lightweight while fitting into shoes well. And they're available for both men and women. These are “the perfect no-show sock,” according to our testers, and they're a favorite among GH analysts. One user raved that they were “so thin and breathable, yet substantial enough to stay put” and praised the comfortable fabric. This pair also earned one of the highest durability scores in our Lab tests with impressive abrasion resistance. They come with silicone grippers in the back and an elastic band around the ankle, so you can be sure they’ll stay on your feet. Plus, for every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair to a homeless shelter.
Bombas - 3/14
2) Women's No Show Socks (8 Pairs)
Wernies
amazon.com
$16.89
For just about $2 a pair, these no-show socks by Wernies are mostly cotton with a bit of added spandex. They’re designed to be super soft yet breathable and stretchy. There are three non-slip silicone grips on the heels to keep them in place. With an impressive 62,000 reviews and an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon, these socks are popular for staying secure in sneakers and preventing blisters or discomfort. This pick is designed specifically for women, but the brand also offers no-show socks for men at a similar price.
wernies - 4/14
3) Lightweight Organic No-Show Socks (4 Pairs)
Quince
onequince.com
$24.90
This lightweight pair of no-show socks was a tester favorite with standout scores for staying in place and comfort. Made of a blend of organic cotton, polyester, nylon and spandex, testers called these socks “buttery soft” and said they were the perfect medium between a too thin or too thick sock. Our analysts were also impressed by the unique, well-fitting design and helpful silicone grips on the back. Just keep in mind that they're only available in small sizes, and some size 9 testers felt like these socks were a bit too snug on their feet.
onequince.com - 5/14
4) Combed Cotton No Show Socks
comradsocks.com
$9.00
It can be challenging to find a true no-show sock for loafers and slip-on shoes like Vans, but this pair from Comrad stayed hidden in lower-cut shoes with ease. It received high scores across the board and impressed our testers by how well they stayed in place without slipping, thanks to the silicone grips in the back and compressive band around the middle of the sock. Just note that some testers found these socks a little warm for 90-degree weather, so they’re best saved for slightly breezy days in the fall.
Comrad - 6/14
5) Cushioned No Show Socks
Bombas
bombas.com
$13.00
Bombas makes our list again, but this time for their well-known cushioned no-show socks. These socks are a little thicker than the regular no-show socks but also have stay-put grippers in the back and thick elastic around the ankle, meaning they won’t slip down in your shoes. Testers loved the cushioned sole and soft cotton blend, with one raving “these are the most comfortable socks I've ever worn.” Testers also appreciated how this pair stayed put and hidden in a variety of shoes, from running sneakers to heeled booties. One GH Analyst was also impressed by how cool and breathable these socks felt, even in warmer weather.
Bombas - 7/14
6) Lace Casual No-Show Socks (5 Pairs)
Bella Moda
amazon.com
12.99
Fashion meets function with these stylish socks. They peek out of flats slightly to show just a hint of lace, and they have cushioning in the heel to keep your shoes super comfy. The silicone rubber nubs on the bottom prevent sliding out of your shoe or bunching. Many reviewers noted that they wore more expensive styles previously, but these are their new favorite.
Bella Moda - 8/14
7) Women's No Show Socks (3 Pairs)
Puma
puma.com
$9.99
This no-show option from Puma comes in two different no-show cuts that’ll stay hidden for a variety of shoes. The brand calls them sneaker liners, and they have a distinct athletic feel with a notable elastic band near the ankle and silicone grippers in the back. While most one-size-fits-all no-show socks may be too large or too small to stay put for those with smaller or larger feet, all our testers reported that these socks fit perfectly, without feeling too loose or too tight. One user said, “They were so comfortable I didn't notice they were on all day,” and commented that the thickness was just right. This pair also had the highest score in Lab laundering tests with little to no shrinkage.
Puma - 9/14
8) No Show Socks (3 Pack)
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$24.00
For a clean look with sneakers, try this pair from Athleta. These socks feature cushioning on the sole and toe for extra comfort and support during long walks, and they have mesh panels on the top of each sock for added breathability. Testers loved the soft cushioned interiors, calling this pair “extremely comfortable.” They also appreciated how supportive they felt around their arches. Our analysts were also particularly impressed by how moisture-wicking they were, despite their soft cushioning. Just note that this pair shrank more than others in our tests, so consider sizing up if you’re between two sizes.
Athleta - 10/14
9) Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab
Feetures
amazon.com
$18.00
If you’re in search of no-show socks that’ll wick away your sweat and prevent your feet from getting blisters, this pair from Feetures offers all that and more. The heel tab provides extra protection from friction near the heel while the targeted compression and added cushioning ensure your feet will feel comfortable all day long. Testers applauded these socks for keeping their feet dry during high-intensity workouts, and our experts agreed. Stefani Sassos, Deputy Director of the GH Nutrition Lab and a NASM-certified personal trainer, said, “These are the best workout socks I have tried! They really moved with my foot and felt like one with my body.” And if you're still unsure, these socks are available in both neutral tones and tons of colors.
Feetures - 11/14
10) The Women's No Show Sock
Definite Articles
definitearticles.com
$14.95
If you want socks that will stay in place perfectly through any activity, this pair from Definite Articles has thick, textured silicone bands in the heel and stretchy elastic around the ankle to ensure proper grip without any discomfort. They also have a cushioned sole with mesh panels on the top of each sock for a little extra breathability. Our analysts love that they’re available in multiple sizes, so you can be sure these socks will fit your feet. Testers also shared that these socks stayed put during all types of activity from normal, day-to-day use to long runs.
Definite Articles - 12/14
11) Tactical No-Show Cushion Sock
Darn Tough
amazon.com
$18.95
Merino wool is known for excellent breathability and moisture management to keep you cool in the summer. These socks are made from mostly Merino wool with added nylon and spandex for stretch. They’re completely seamless to prevent any irritation and have a snug fit for extra arch support. Darn Tough is a favorite brand among our analysts for the top-notch quality of their socks and their unconditional lifetime guarantee, making their socks worth the investment.
• Sizing: X-Small (4-7), Small (7.5-9.5), Medium (10-11.5), Large (12-14), X-Large (13.5-16.5)
• Materials: 62% merino wool, 36% nylon, 2% spandex
• Features: Size-specific snug fit, seamless toe
• Pricing: $18 for 1 pairDarn Tough - 13/14
12) Seamless Toe Topper Liner Socks (5 Pairs)
TeeHee
amazon.com
12.99
If you think you can't wear socks with open-heeled shoes, think again. These toe socks are perfect for wearing with slides or mules since they cover just the ball of your foot and toes, leaving the heel exposed. With silicone grips on the bottom, they'll keep you from sliding out of your slides. They're also available in a variety of colors, from neutrals and pastels to loud, bright colors.
• Sizing: Sock Size 9-11 (Shoe size 6-9)
• Materials: 100% nylon
• Features: Silicone grips on bottom
• Pricing: $12 for 5 pairsTeeHee - 14/14
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Here, our bursting machine pulls up the fabric of a cut-up, no-show sock with increasing pressure to measure the strength needed to "burst" the material.
Hearst Owned
