We would call these ankle socks, but Fruit of the Loom classes them as no-shows. But hey, if you’re wearing high-tops, they’ll stay hidden, so there’s that. Just don’t be surprised if they peek above the rim of tennis or running shoes.
Bowen Fernie
While all the other socks we chose feature a natural fiber like cotton or wool, these use a medium-weight polyester and spandex performance weave instead. That doesn’t mean they’re not comfortable—they are. However, they lack the cushioning you get with Bombas or Celersport. Still, they’re very affordable and long-lasting, holding their shape better than most of the socks we put through the laundry test.
More No-Show Socks We Love
Stance No Show Gamut Socks
Falke Cool 24/7 No Show Socks
Feetures Elite Ultra Light No-Show Socks
What to Look for in No-Show Socks
No-show socks aren’t a one-size-fits-all affair. The best pair of no-shows for you largely depends on what kind of footwear you wear on the regular, and your general preferences on comfort. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Elements that keep the sock up: For maximum stability, look for a combination of three crucial elements: stretchy Lycra, elastane, or Spandex woven into the fabric; strong, dense elastic around the heel, mid-foot, and over your toes; and some sort of non-slip silicone heel grip that keeps the sock latched onto the top of your heel.
- Materials: Most no-show socks are made from cotton and polyester, and all no-show socks are made of a blend. The higher the cotton count, the softer, and more comfortable the sock. However, fabrics like polyester and acrylic help wick moisture. Look for a balanced mix.
- Cut: “True” no-show socks are typically classified as “low-cut,” and those will be invisible under most shoes. However, you might prefer an option that comes up a bit higher, depending on your shoe of choice, or if you find low-cut socks to chafe your skin.
- Cushioning: The thinnest no-show socks are not always the best, because they come with zero cushioning and support. If that’s a concern, look for no-show socks that also provide cushioning.
How We Tested
We first published this guide in 2016, and over the years we’ve seen no-show socks go in and out of fashion and back again. During that time, we’ve simply just worn and tried out many no-show socks. For this recent guide update, we revisited our picks and called in a few new contenders, and proceeded to wear them, wash the, and wear them again. Rinse and repeat, literally.
We wore them throughout the day, taking notes of comfort, breathability, and incidents of slipping. And of course, we tried on these socks with a variety of low-cut footwear—sneakers, boat shoes, and dress shoes. Only the most elite no-show socks were truly invisible across the board. If not, we made sure to note which socks go best with each type of footwear, as well as any drawbacks we encountered while testing them.
