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These three-layer socks keep your feet dry and cozy through slush, rain, and stream crossings.
Once your feet get cold, wet, and numb on a run, it’s tough to recover—no matter how many warm layers you have on the rest of your body. Having a good pair of waterproof socks can be a lifesaver, allowing you to run happily in rainy and snowy conditions without concern you’ll lose sensation in your toes.
The best waterproof running socks are designed with a waterproof membrane embedded in knit layers, so they feel more like regular socks against your skin while also blocking out rain, slush, mud, and other moisture from seeping in through your shoes. They won’t prevent you from getting wet if you stand in a river indefinitely—after prolonged submersion, eventually some liquid will start to leak in—but they’ll keep your feet dry in standard running conditions while you dart through puddles, streams, or even a soul-crushing downpour. They might even convince you to step out for a lovely run on a day you’d normally opt to stay in. Read on for our favorite waterproof socks for running—and what you should know before purchasing them.
More Ways to Stay Dry and Keep Running: Waterproof Running Jackets • Waterproof Shoes • Waterproof Fitness Trackers
All the socks included here have a three-layer waterproof construction that includes a sturdy outer layer, generally made of nylon, over a waterproof membrane with a softer, knitted fabric closer to the foot. Some brands use merino wool for that inner layer, which tends to be warmer and softer than synthetic materials or cotton. It also doesn’t retain odors or moisture to the same extent. The waterproof membranes at the core of the sock vary in their level of breathability—some are better than others at releasing sweat, like the proprietary Artex and Porelle, while others are more likely to turn into a sauna once your feet get too warm. Many of the socks have a tight nylon cuff at the top to prevent moisture from getting in. Note that not all the socks list their full fabric composition—some just list the composition of the outer or inner layer.
Waterproof socks are a bit harder to wriggle on than standard socks—they tend to have more of a wetsuit-like fit that sits closer to the foot and clings at the cuff so rain can’t get in. The triple-layer fabric also means that waterproof socks are thicker than regular socks and can often be a bit bulky. Be prepared for the sock to occupy more space inside your shoe and pair them with a wider toe-boxed shoe if you have multiple options to choose from. Most waterproof socks also run a bit bigger than regular socks, so if your foot is on the cusp between two sizes, consider sizing down.
The biggest downside of waterproof socks is that most are hand wash-only, which makes them a bit more high-maintenance than standard socks. To wash most of them, just turn them inside out and soak them in warm water with soap, then rinse. Leave them out that way to dry. If you really want to use a machine, machine-wash on a gentle cycle using cold water, and then turn them inside out and leave them out to dry. If you use a standard wash or dry cycle, you risk ruining the effectiveness or longevity of the waterproof membrane.
Most of the socks here have been tested by me over the course of dozens of bike rides and runs, in conditions ranging from light sprinkles to steady, driving rain. Some were even subjected to an awkward but telling gauntlet: I stood in the bathtub in them, giving water a five-minute chance to penetrate the membrane. For the socks I didn’t personally test, I relied on input from the Runner’s World staff and test team, as well as a thorough search of online reviews to tease out all the pros and cons. All the socks were evaluated based on waterproof performance, comfort, quality, and durability.
I’ve worn these socks during everything from drizzly trail races to long, miserable bike rides through driving rain. I’ve even stood in ankle-deep bathwater in them, just to see how long the waterproof membrane would hold up. Throughout all these test conditions, the Showers Pass Crosspoint socks have kept my feet dry and cozy where traditional socks would have turned them into a pruned, soggy mess. The socks are built with a three-layer system that includes a knit exterior, a waterproof breathable Artex membrane, and a merino wool anti-bacterial lining. They’re so snug-fitting and thick you’ll want to save them for colder outings—and for shoes that have a little wiggle room in the toe box. But when you’re determined to run in chilly, muddy, waterlogged conditions, they’ll keep you cozy and happy from the toes up.
Much like the Showers Pass Crosspoints, these socks have a three-layer construction—a nylon outer, a hydrophilic membrane, and a wool-blend interior that’s designed to hold out water while still feeling more like regular socks on the inside. If you haven’t tried Sealskinz in a decade or so, I recommend you give them a second chance—the brand’s socks have long since lost their rubbery feel and gotten considerably more breathable, comfortable, and effective. However, they still trap some sweat on fast efforts and warmer days, so they’re best reserved for long, easy runs in the cold rain. Note: They’re also available in an ankle-length.
Another three-layer sock, the UltraDry’s waterproof powers come courtesy of a Porelle laminate membrane sandwiched between polyester and softer merino wool. A stretchy nylon strip inside the cuff holds the top of the sock in place and further prevents water from seeping in. The effect is that your feet stay warm and dry, even in sloppy conditions. On a rainy 20K trail race, these socks kept my feet cozy despite darting through a couple water crossings that completely soaked my Hokas. Like most waterproof socks, they’re on the thicker side, but the bulk is worth it for full waterproof warmth.
Otter’s waterproof socks are a bit cheaper than those from bigger-named brands, but they provide a similar level of triple-layer water protection, thanks to a waterproof membrane embedded in cozier fabric blends. They’re not quite as warm as the UltraDry and Crosspoint socks, but they provide equivalent breathability and sweat-wicking. The socks are available in four lengths and many stylish color combinations and patterns, including stripes and camo.
A cushioned hiking sock that works well for running, the Stormsock keeps your feet toasty in muddy and wet conditions. It functions similarly to our other recommended waterproof socks, with a three-layer system that stacks a nylon outer layer over a breathable waterproof membrane and a soft merino interior. But the best thing about the Stormsock is that it comes in three different weights—light, mid, and heavy—so you can get a pair suited to your usual trail conditions. (Even the lightweight is fairly warm, though, so beware the heavyweight unless you live in a particularly cold climate.) The socks also come in ankle, boot, and knee-height for further customization.
These high-value socks will keep your feet dry in most conditions, with a three-layer waterproof system that replaces the standard merino wool with a cotton blend. They’re a bit less warm than more premium pairs, and not quite as snug fitting, plus they still allow for some moisture to enter at the cuff. But for the occasional rainy run or muddy trail race, they’ll keep your feet comfortable and well-cushioned for a price well below our top picks. Just note that they run on the bigger side, so we suggest you size down on the brand’s sizing chart for the best fit.
RandySun’s waterproof socks have the standard three-layer membrane, with an outer that feels like tough neoprene over a waterproof interior membrane with some stretchy material inside. They’re not as soft, warm, or cushioned as some of the merino wool models, but they effectively keep your feet dry for about half the price. That waterproof protection won’t last forever—you won’t be able to stand in a stream indefinitely with bone-dry toes—but it’s enough to get you through a run in dire weather conditions, regardless of how many puddles you splash through.
RW: Do waterproof socks actually work?
C.G.: Yes, waterproof socks actually work through the magic of three layers of protection: a knit or nylon outer layer, a waterproof membrane, and an inner knit layer. In most conditions—including standing in a pool of water for several minutes—this structure will keep your feet cozy and dry. In warmer weather, however, your feet might still end up wet due to the thickness of the sock and your foot’s propensity to start sweating.
RW: How do you wash waterproof socks?
C.G.: Check out our section on washability. The best way to wash them is to turn them inside out and soak them in soapy water, and then leave them out to dry. If you want to wash them in the machine, use a gentle cycle with cold water. Never dry them in the machine!
RW: When is the best time to run in waterproof socks?
C.G.: Waterproof socks are best for chilly, rainy, or snowy days when you’re concerned your feet will get wet and start to feel numb or waterlogged. They’re also critical on bitterly cold trail runs that involve deep mud or stream crossings. When paired with a good layering strategy up top, waterproof socks can make an otherwise miserable winter run a puddle-hopping delight. But they’re less effective on runs when the temperature is above 45 or so, simply because they’ll make your feet start to feel too warm or clammy from all the sweat.