10 Best No-Show Socks for Men 2024: Tested by GQ


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.

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Tested by GQ writer Timothy Beck Werth

Bowen Fernie

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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

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Stance

No Show Gamut Socks (3-Pack)

We found nothing to dislike about Stance’s excellent no-shows, which would be another smart choice for dress shoes and sneakers. They’re our goldilock’s pick—not too thin, not too thick. The heel is particularly comfortable, and it slips into shoes easily without sliding off your feet.

Falke Cool 24/7 No Show Socks

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Falke

Falke used to be our number one pick for no-shows, and they’re still a solid choice for guys with smaller feet. These barely-there socks will stay hidden no matter what shoes you’re wearing. They’re a little too insubstantial for our taste, especially if you have wide feet.

Feetures Elite Ultra Light No-Show Socks

Feetures

Elite Ultra Light No-Show Socks

Feetures makes the best compression no-show socks. For athletes who want to boost bloodflow and avoid blisters, these tab socks deliver targeted compression and light cushioning. They aren’t quite as comfortable as the other socks we tested, but they earn a place here for their supportive design.

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.

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