If you’ve never wrapped your feet in waterproof socks before heading out on a wet run, you’ve never lived. The word ‘gamechanger’ is bandied around willy nilly these days, but waterproof running socks really are a gamechanger during winter runs.
The socks feel like a wetsuit when you slip them on, not gripping your feet as tightly as you may be used to normal running socks. This is due to the waterproof material, which forms a barrier to keep out water. Once you’re out running in the rain, you can feel confident that if it’s incessantly heavy precipitation, or you accidentally stick your foot in a deceptively deep puddle, your feet will remain warm and dry.
As with waterproof trousers, some waterproof socks are rated on their waterproofness – they follow the same HH scale, so the higher the number, the more waterproof they are.
What everyone's reading
You might raise your eyebrows at the price of some of these socks, but most people who have tried waterproof socks do not quibble about the price, and often wish they had invested in a pair years before.
So where to start? We have selected some of the best waterproof running socks. All you need is the heavens to open and you’re away.
Pros
- Effective waterproof membrane
- Warm
- Did not experience chafing during testing
Cons
- Not very breathable
| Fabric | 94 percent nylon, 6% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XL |
| Length | Crew |
Designed to keep water out at all costs, these are the ultimate in wet-weather protection. With a waterproof level of 20,000 HH, they remain highly waterproof while also letting your feet breathe via the company’s unique ‘hydrophilic’ membrane that pulls moisture away from your foot, meaning your skin remains dry. The merino wool on the inner layer also keeps your toes from going numb in freezing wet conditions.
| Sizes | 3-14.5 |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Outer: 74% Nylon, 23% Lycra, 3% elastane. Inner: 76% coolmax, 15% acrylic, 9% Lycra |
| Length | Crew/calf |
Like with most of the waterproof socks on this list, three-layer technology is employed here to ensure your feet stay dry. The waterproof PTFE membrane is in the middle, which keeps water from entering while letting moisture from your warm feet out. They are available in a range of plain colours, as well as a camo pattern.
| Sizes | S-XL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Outer: 80% polyamide, 12% polyester, 5% elastane, 3% cotton. Inner: 97% DriFil (drirelease® blend with 9% Lyocell), 3% elastane |
| Length | Crew |
The Running Lite socks feature a Porelle interlining membrane for high waterproof levels while remaining breathable. This is then combined with a ‘drirelease’ inner to help absorb moisture. Finally, they're designed with a close fit, including elastic arch support, with the idea being that they won’t become too baggy when drenched with water.
These are so waterproof the company has pictured them being plunged into a deep bowl of water to show just how effective they are at forming a barrier to wet stuff. The outer and inner layers are constructed from a mixture of nylon, Spandex and Coolmax for warmth and breathability, and the waterproof membrane is positioned between them. One plus point with these is they're a little more playful with the design, although, like most of the others on this list (except for the ones below), they remain predominantly black and grey.
| Sizes | XS-L |
|---|
Randy Sun do everything they can to avoid you having damp feet while running. The US company does waterproof hats and gloves, but we’re here for the socks – in particular, the mid-calf option because, as you can see, they are colourful. Coolmax fabric wicks sweat away from your feet, and the waterproof middle membrane blocks water. As Randy himself says, 'If you step in water, your feet are DRY, it’s as simple as that.'
| Fabric | Outer: 65% hardwearing nylon, 35% elastane. Inner: 40% merino wool blended with 40% anti-pilling acrylic and 20% nylon |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-L |
| Length | Crew |
These socks are 100% waterproof and come complete with a breathable membrane, which allows vapour to escape, keeping feet cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The socks also pride themselves on their comfort and can be use for other outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling.
