These three walking socks are each sold to help with blisters, in three ways: two layers, extra-thick padding, or cushioning designed for walking.
If rubbing is what causes your blisters, start with the Wrightsock Adventure Crew socks. Wrightsock says the double layer eliminates friction, and it backs the socks with a Blister-Free Guarantee.
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Three socks, and what each one is sold to do:
- Wrightsock Adventure Crew socks: a double layer and a guarantee that names blisters. Our first pick if rubbing causes your blisters.
- Pure Athlete Comfort Padded Walking Socks: thick ankle socks with extra padding at the heel, the toe and the top of the foot.
- Thorlos WX Walking Crew Socks: moderate cushioning at the heel and forefoot, in a crew sock made in the USA.
Wrightsock Adventure Crew socks
Blister-prone feet, where rubbing on a long walk is the usual trouble.
Wrightsock Adventure Crew Hiking Socks
Double-layer design, blister-free guarantee
Recycled polyester, nylon and lycra, made in the USA
Look up your size and the price on Amazon
Wrightsock says the double layer eliminates friction, lists full heel-to-toe cushioning, and makes the socks in the USA. The fabric is recycled polyester, nylon and lycra, which Wrightsock says wicks moisture away from your skin.
- Made for
- Two layers, Wrightsock says, with full heel-to-toe cushioning
Pure Athlete Comfort Padded Walking Socks
Walkers who stand or walk for long stretches and want thick heel and toe padding.
Pure Athlete Comfort Padded Walking Socks
Extra-thick heel and toe, padded top of foot
Cotton, nylon and spandex, arch band
Look up your size and the price on Amazon
Pure Athlete pads the heel, the toe and the top of the foot, and says the socks help prevent blisters and foot fatigue. A light compression band around the arch keeps the sock in place, Pure Athlete says.
The blend is mostly cotton (68%), with nylon and spandex, and Pure Athlete lists anti-odor technology.
- Made for
- Extra-thick padding at the heel and toe, Pure Athlete says
- Unsuited to
- Walkers who want a crew-height sock: Pure Athlete describes these as ankle socks
Thorlos WX Walking Crew Socks
Walkers who want cushioning designed for walking in a crew-height sock.
Thorlos WX Walking Thick Padded Crew Sock
Moderate cushion at heel and forefoot, instep padding
Acrylic, nylon and spandex, made in USA
Look up your size and the price on Amazon
Thorlos says the moderate cushioning at the heel and forefoot helps protect the feet from the impact of walking. Its acrylic fibers are meant to wick moisture, and added spandex in the arch helps the fit, Thorlos says.
On its own website, Thorlos says its walking padding was clinically shown to reduce blisters, without naming the study.
- Made for
- Padding placed for walking: heel and forefoot, plus the instep, Thorlos says
What a blister study found
In a study of 189 military recruits, 57% of those who finished training developed a foot blister. Van Tiggelen and colleagues published it in Military Medicine in 2009.
The recruits were split into two sock-system groups and a control group. The type of sock was one of several things that predicted who got a blister. Others included earlier hiking or military experience and existing foot conditions.
The abstract does not say which sock did better, and the recruits were in military training, not walkers over 60. Read it as a sign that sock choice matters, not as a ranking of these three socks.
Choosing between two layers, padding and cushioning
Three things separate these socks: how each one is built, where the padding sits, and the fabric.
- Construction: Wrightsock is made in two layers. Pure Athlete and Thorlos do not list a double layer; both list padding.
- Padding: Wrightsock lists full heel-to-toe cushioning. Pure Athlete pads the heel, toe and top of the foot. Thorlos cushions the heel and forefoot and pads the instep.
- Fabric: Pure Athlete is mostly cotton. Wrightsock uses recycled polyester, nylon and lycra. Thorlos uses mostly acrylic.
Worth paying for
- A double layer, if rubbing is the likely cause. Wrightsock says its double layer eliminates friction.
- Thick heel and toe padding, if pressure is the problem. Pure Athlete says its padding helps reduce pressure on the feet.
Not worth paying for
- A multi-pack before you know the fit. Try one pair on your usual route.
- More padding than your shoes have room for. A thick sock in a snug shoe can press on the toes.
Which socks to try
| Your walk | Take a look |
|---|---|
| Rubbing is the usual cause of your blisters | Wrightsock Adventure Crew socks |
| Thick heel and toe padding for long days on your feet | Pure Athlete Comfort Padded Walking Socks |
| Cushioning designed for walking, in a crew sock | Thorlos WX Walking Crew Socks |
If blisters keep returning in the same spot, the shoe may be the cause; the common causes of foot pain when walking include fit.
This is general information, not medical advice. If a blister will not heal, or foot pain does not improve, talk to your doctor.
If your current socks are not giving you blisters, you may not need to change them at all.