Sock Comparisons

Author: Wildfire Sports & Trek  Date Posted: 22 May 2025

What do you look for in a sock? Maybe you prefer to have particular colours, patterns or lengths. But today, let’s dive in beyond the aesthetics and look at the differences between socks from a performance perspective.


Cushioning:

Why have cushioning in socks?

  • A thicker material can help to absorb shock and reduce impact on your feet and joints.
  • Cushioned socks often feel more comfortable and can be beneficial over long periods of activity to reduce blisters through minimising friction. 
  • Depending on the fit of your shoes, the thickness of your socks can affect how they fit and feel, for better or for worse.


What’s the downside of cushioned socks?

  • Depending on the sport that you do, cushioning can mute power and reaction times, which may make thicker socks not ideal for high-intensity sports.
  • Thicker material can help retain heat, however in warm places (like Brisbane) this can cause feet to overheat, sweat and swell more than normal which can lead to discomfort.

 

Contour/Arch Support:

How can my socks support me?

  • Having a contoured sock or socks that have arch support can provide a better fit which helps to keep the sock in place.
  • Supportive socks can alleviate foot strain and reduce fatigue during prolonged activity, by increasing stability.


What are the disadvantages of supportive socks?

  • Highly supportive or contoured socks may be less flexible which can feel restrictive to some people.
  • The cost of supportive socks is often higher than their non-supportive counterparts.


Breathability:

Give your feet the breath of life:

  • Having a breathable fabric can manage heat and moisture which keep your feet cool and dry.
  • By having ventilation, you can reduce unpleasant odour and bacteria growth. If this is a particular concern for you, consider socks with silver threads or antimicrobial treatments built in.


What is the downside of breathable socks?

  • Highly breathable socks can be less durable, especially if they are particularly thin.
  • Socks with maximum breathability can offer less cushioning and potentially less comfort.


Weight:

Are lighter socks better?

  • Socks with a lighter weight can provide a closer fit with less bulk which can help enhance performance, reduce drag, bunching up, slipping and discomfort.
  • Lighter socks can feel less restrictive and more comfortable for long-term wear.


When are heavy socks better?

  • Lightweight socks can offer less padding and protection which can impact comfort for long runs or high-intensity sports.
  • In cold weather, lightweight socks may not provide enough insulation to keep your feet warm. 

 

Here's a few different sock brands we stock and their level of weight and cushioning:

Lightweight:


Mid-weight:


Max-cushioning:

 

Ultimately, the best sock for you depends on your specific needs and the type of sport or activity you’re engaging in. For example, runners might prioritise breathability and lightweight design, while someone doing strength training might prefer cushioning and arch support. 

Find the best sock for your activity, comfort and style through our online store, or come in store and get your mitts on your next pair.