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Good socks should be easy to find. But in our world of plenty, where the sheer number of choices of anything can be overwhelming, they’re surprisingly elusive. Especially when it comes to no-show socks. They’re a simple accessory but, for such a small article of clothing, they can wreak havoc on your feet and your day. You may even be tempted to go sockless—but then there’s the blister problem and the odor problem. Finding a pair of no-show socks that stays put no matter what, and are comfortable, can be difficult. That’s why we found some great options that work with a variety of shoe situations, all of which won’t slip and some of which will even look cute while (not) doing so. Whether you’re wearing running shoes, loafers, or flats, there’s a pair for you.
Best value no-show socks for women: Wernies No-Show Socks
For a great value, this eight pack of Wernies no-show socks can’t be beat. Each package includes two pairs of four different colors (white, gray, beige, and black; you can also find all-white, all-black, or black/white/gray assortments). They have an ergonomically designed arch for support and three silicone heel grips to keep them in place. These are suitable to wear with loafers and sneakers, but aren’t super low, so they may not work with flats. If you have a washing machine that routinely eats socks, these are inexpensive enough that you may not care (as much).
Specifications:
- Sizes: 5-8, 8-11
- Material: Cotton
- Features: 3 silicone heel grip
- Price at publish: $17.00 for 8
What we like:
- Excellent price
- Color variety in pack
What we don’t like:
- May stretch out after multiple washings
wernies No Show Socks Women Low Socks Non Slip Flat Boat Line 4/8 Pairs
Best women’s no-show socks for exercise: Lululemon Power Stride No-Show Socks With Active Grip
With a 3D-knit PerformaHeel and Active Grip tabs that create a shaped fit, these workout socks from Lululemon feel locked-in even when you don’t (and let’s be honest, not every workout is a stellar one). At least though, your socks will stay in place. They also have 360-degree arch support to keep you comfortable while running, cycling, or whatever is your jam. Plus, they’re available in fun, bright colors.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S-L
- Material: 94% nylon, 6% lycra
- Features: Arch support
- Price at publish: $38.00 for 3
- Colors: Various
What we like:
- Great arch support
- Fun colors
- Built to last
- Seamless toes
What we don’t like:
- High price for three pairs of socks
Power Stride No-Show Socks with Active Grip 3 Pack
Best women’s no-show socks for flats: Peds Lightweight Low-Cut Liners
Made from a soft and smooth microfiber nylon, Peds low-cut liner socks feature a seamless toe and gel heel grip. To me, Peds are pretty much the OG of no-show socks (which may be some sort of indication to how old I am) and it’s easy to see why. They’re nothing fancy, but they do what they say they will and stay where they should.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 5-10; 8-12
- Material: Nylon
- Features: Gel grip
- Price at publish: $6.97 for 3
- Colors: Black, Beige
What we like:
- Super soft
- Low enough for even the shortest toe boxes
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers think they are too thin
Best women’s no-show socks for sneakers: Smartwool Everyday Light Cushion No-show Socks
These are one of my favorite pairs of no-show socks. I wear them in the summer while running or cycling. I’m a person with horrible runner’s feet and often pretty scary looking toes that tend to poke holes in even the most resilient of socks—but not these. The Shred Shield technology helps prevent wear at the toes. They also feature a seamless opening to reduce stress on pressure points, light cushion on the bottom, and an internal gripper.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S-XL
- Material: 72% merino wool, 10% nylon, 17% recycled nylon, 1% elastane
- Features: Supportive arch brace
- Price at publish: $17.00
- Colors: Black, white, gray, natural
What we like:
- Responsibly sourced Merino wool
- Lightweight
- Durable
What we don’t like:
- Cushion may be too light for some
Smartwool Everyday No Show Socks in Black size Medium
Most comfortable no-show socks for women: Bombas Cushioned No-Show Socks
These socks aren’t just good for you, they give some good back into the world as well. With every pair you purchase, Bombas donates one pair to Covenant House, a non-profit helping youth facing homelessness—socks are the number one requested item at homeless shelters. Bombas no-shows are on the thick side of the plush equation, but they’re fluffy. One reviewer described them as “light fluffy clouds for your feet” and comfortable and stay put. What more could you ask?
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - L
- Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex
- Features: Targeted cushioning
- Price at publish: $13.00
- Colors: Black, gray, white
What we like:
- Socially responsible company
- Cushion-y
What we don’t like:
- Relatively high price
Bombas Cushioned No-Show Socks
Best no-show socks for heels: Hanes Invisible Ballerina Liner
The same brand that offers reliably good-quality cotton underwear, sports bras, and pajamas for men also make the best no-show socks for wearing with high heels. These moisture-wicking liner socks from Hanes are made with a touch of spandex for stretch and mesh ventilation for breathability. They are super low, so you can wear them with heels without any fear that anyone will know you have socks on. These are a “to be felt, but never seen” pair of socks. Kind of like how some of us deal with certain emotions.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 5-9
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Features: Silicone gripper, mesh ventilation
- Price at publish: $10.00 for 6
- Colors: Various
What we like:
- Excellent price
- Moisture wicking
- Good color selection
What we don’t like:
- Seam on bottom of foot can be uncomfortable
Hanes Women's Invisible Comfort Ballerina Liner 6-Pack
Best women’s no-show socks for loafers: Comrad Combed Cotton No-show Socks
With nine (nine!) strategically placed silicone grips to keep them in place, these socks from Comrad neither bunch nor slip and never fall down. This quality makes them a good option particularly for hard-sole shoes like loafers, where you can experience a good degree of sock slippage. They have super-comfortable padded heels and toes while, at the same time being magically thin and lightweight. And we could all use a bit of magic in our lives, even if it’s just in our socks.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S-XL
- Material: 65% cotton, 30% nylon, 5% spandex
- Features: Anti-slip grip, supportive band of compression around arch
- Price at publish: $9.00
- Colors: Black, gray, white
What we like:
- 360-degree compression arch
- 30-day happiness guarantee
- Durable
What we don’t like:
- Only come in three colors, though sometimes limited edition colors are available
Combed Cotton No Show Socks
Best lightweight no-show socks for women: Adidas Superlite Super No-Show Socks
These have a super lightweight fit, while being both soft and breathable. They’re thin, but not too thin, and pack down to nothing if you’re looking for something to throw into a weekender bag or travel tote bag. If you’re looking for a good basic no-show sock you’ll hardly notice is there, these are for you. Plus, at $20.00 for 6, they’re an exceptional value.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S–L
- Material: 97% polyester, 2% elastane, 1% natural latex
- Features: Lightweight, moisture-wicking
- Price at publish: $20.00 for 6
- Colors: Black, gray, white, pink
What we like:
- Great value
- Double dry-wicking technology
What we don’t like:
- High synthetic content may not work for all wearers
Adidas Superlite Super No-Show Socks
Best compression no-show socks for women: Champion Women’s Compression No-Show Socks
Champion compression no-show socks feature DoubleDry technology for sweat wicking, which controls moisture buildup so your feet feel cooler and drier no matter what you’re doing. There’s extended arch compression for long lasting comfort throughout your busy day, so you can keep moving.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 5–9
- Material: 96% polyester, 3% spandex, 1% other
- Features: Cushioned bottom foot and ring toe
- Price at publish: $18.00 for 3
- Colors: Black, white
What we like:
- Super comfortable
- Fully cushioned bottom
What we don’t like:
- Only available in two colors
- A bit more “visible” when worn compared to other no-show socks
Champion Women's Compression No-Show Socks, 3-pairs Black 5-9
Best no-show women’s socks with the best color assortment: Falke Cool Kick Unisex No-Show Socks
These fun pairs are the sock equivalent to flip-flops: They’re lightweight, colorful, and comfortable. Made from a cooling, functional yarn, Falke Cool Kick no-show socks feature moisture regulation, a slight cushion, and an anatomically shaped toe (for optimal fit). They’re available in a wonderful array of colors so you can really up your sock game. You might even want your no-shows to show in this instance.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 35–48 (EU); 3–13 (U.S.)
- Material: 77% polyester, 22% polyamide, 1% elastane
- Features: Light padding, anti-slip
- Price at publish: $21.00
- Colors: Various
What we like:
- Many colors
- Unisex sizing
- Excellent moisture regulation
What we don’t like:
- Pricey when not on sale
Falke Cool Kick Unisex No-Show Socks
Best sustainable no-show socks for women: Allbirds Anytime No-show Sock
With reinforced wear points for durability, Allbirds no-show socks are an excellent every day choice. Plus, they’re nature made and nature friendly. Allbirds, a carbon neutral business certified by Climate Neutral, is a company with socially responsible sustainability practices. Their Anytime No-Show Socks have a carbon footprint of 0.71 kg CO2e. If you want to learn more about measuring carbon footprints and how they track their emissions, they have an entire PDF available.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - XL
- Material: 40% recycled nylon, 31% Tencel, 21% cotton, 5% nylon, 5% spandex
- Features: Breathable
- Colors: Black, white, and others
- Price at publish: $14.00
What we like:
- Super-soft
- Socially responsible company
- Durable
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers say they slip off their heels
- Pricey
Allbirds Anytime No Show Sock, Black, Size XL
Best stay-in-place no-show socks for women: Quince Everyday Lightweight Cotton No-show Socks
These cushy socks from Quince are designed to mold to your feet. They have a Y-stitched heel seam, seamless toes, a cushioned foot bed, and silicone heel grips that keep them in place no matter what you’re up to. They’re manufactured in Business Social Compliance Initiative-certified factories, which strive to ensure quality working conditions throughout the entire supply chain. Plus, for every pair purchased, the company donates a pair to a community in need.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS/S, M/L/ XL
- Material: 50% organic cotton, 26% polyester, 21% nylon, 3% spandex
- Features: Silicone heel grips
- Price at publish: $47.50 for 4
- Colors: Black, white
What we like:
- Socially responsible company
- Innovative heel stitching that helps keep them in place
- Soft
What we don’t like:
- Limited colors
- Relatively high price per pair
Quince Everyday Lightweight Cotton No-show Socks
Best women’s no-show socks with heel grips: Definite Articles Women’s No-Show Sock
These socks have a cushioned sole and 360 degrees of compression, making them a sock that hugs your foot; snug but not too tight. The snugness also keeps the rocks, sand, and pebbles out of your shoes—a feature that I find helpful as I often wear these when trail running. Plus, Definite Articles uses an innovative technology called CiCLO that helps synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon biodegrade naturally when they are discarded, instead of ending up as pollutants in the environment. So you can feel good about your sock choice.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S-L
- Material: 51% sustainable nylon, 23% BCI cotton, 23% sustainable recycled polyester, 3% spandex
- Features: 360 degrees of arch compression, noslip grip
- Price at publish: $14.00
- Colors: White, black, gray, blue
What we like:
- Environmentally conscious
- Excellent heel grippy-ness
- Performance sock great for running and trekking
What we don’t like:
- Not a big color selection
- Pricey
Definite Articles Women’s No-Show Sock
What to consider when buying no-show socks for women
With so many choices, it may be hard to know where to begin when shopping for no-show socks. Here are some things to consider.
How big or small are your feet?
In order for no-show socks to do their thing they need to fit correctly. If they’re too big, they won’t stay in place. They should feel as if they are hugging your feet. Always consult the size chart on a brand’s website for guidance. That’s why they’re there.
What features are important?
What fabric your no-show socks are made from is important. Cotton socks are more cushy and comfortable, while polyester versions have moisture-wicking technology. For a good, close fit, you’ll want something with at least a small percentage of elastane (spandex, Lycra, etc.) for stretch. Socks made from wool are naturally able to fight odors. It’s likely the perfect pair of socks for you are a blend of different fabrics.
Also, take into consideration what will keep your socks where they’re supposed to be—specifically on your heel and not slipping down into your shoes. Most no-show versions have silicone tabs or tight cuffs to achieve minimal slipping.
If you plan to wear no-shows while working out, you’ll probably want to go for a pair with cushioning on the bottom, as well as arch compression. This will help keep your feet feeling their best.
How we chose the best no-show socks for women
We chose these picks by scouring online reviews as well as by pooling our own personal experience. I’m a cyclist, runner, and a New Yorker which means I bike, run, or walk everywhere (no driving) so my footwear is integral to my well-being throughout the day. Nothing ruins my day faster than a poor sock choice—well, except for a poor shoe choice. I also work as a tailor and pattern maker for film, TV, and fashion so I have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to socks—and most any garment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the right size of no-show socks for women?
Women’s sock sizes normally range from 4 to 10 and they’re commonly available in some sort of iteration of S (4-7), M (5-9), L (10-11). As with everything in the apparel industry, there is no standard sizing across brands so it's best to check the size chart on each company’s website. Sock size corresponds to your shoe size and you want no-show socks to fit snugly or they’ll slip. This means you may have to experiment with different sizes to find the perfect fit.
What materials are the best for no show socks to prevent slipping?
No-show socks made from polyester or nylon—or ones that at least have a percentage of these in their blend—tend to not slip down as much as 100% cotton varieties. Also, make sure to choose a sock with silicone heel grippers that will keep them in place.
Can I machine wash and dry my no-show socks?
The best way to wash your no show socks is to put them into a mesh laundry bag (this also helps to prevent the stray sock from inexplicably disappearing) and wash on a cool, gentle cycle. Tumble dry on a no-heat or low heat setting to keep any silicone heel grips from getting wonky.
Are there any no-show socks that are moisture-wicking and prevent odor?
The best no-show socks we’ve found for moisture-wicking and odor prevention are the Lululemon Power Stride socks on this list. They’re made from a breathable nylon which really helps to mitigate odors.
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