Socks are in direct contact with your feet when you run, and choosing the right pair of socks to wear during a marathon will make a huge difference in performance. The wrong pair can wrinkle up within a shoe or retain moisture, which can cause blisters and significant discomfort. The best marathon running socks are socks that fit a runner's feet perfectly, and are made with fabrics that keep feet cool, dry and comfortable for the duration of a race.
Nike Elite
Lightweight and well cushioned, Nike's Elite running socks protect feet from the pounding of 26.2 miles without weighing a runner down with excess material. An anatomically specific left/right pairing is designed to fit each foot perfectly, while its Dri-FIT material wicks away sweat and allows heat to escape, keeping blisters to a minimum. In a review on Runner's World, Brian Metzler called it the ideal racing sock, citing its foot-specific design, which he said "provide[s] cushioning only where it's necessary and more complete arch support than symmetrical socks."
Drymax Maximum Protection Socks
As their name suggests, Drymax's Maximum Protection running socks are designed to keep feet dry and blister-free on long runs. The socks are made with a fabric similar to Teflon that cuts down drastically on friction within the shoe, keeping hotspots to a minimum, and the breathable mesh on the upper part of the foot allows moisture to evaporate and keeps feet cool as well. In a review on Runner's World, testers praised the sock's cushioning and it's blister-fighting properties, saying that the socks "kept their feet dry and blister-free on runs more than 20 miles."
New Balance Reversible Dual Layer Sock
For off-road races, New Balance's Magic Dual Layer reversible sock has two layers which rub against each other during a run, which keeps feet from rubbing against the sole of shoes, eliminating the hotspots that can cause blisters. In addition to its unique dual-layer design, the magic dual layer is also composed of Sensura polyester, which is made to wick away sweat and provide cushioning during a race. Trail Runner magazine noted the sock in its best trail-tested gear article, recommending it for blister-prone runners.
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