Cushioned, thin or cotton: which crew socks?

Crew socks here come from adidas, Under Armour, Palladium, Nike, 361 and Converse. The big choice is how much cushioning you want and what you will wear them for.

• Cushioned for training: the Under Armour Performance Tech 3-Pack Crew Socks have medium cushioning, mesh panels on top of the foot and built-in arch support. The adidas Performance Climacool Cushioned Crew Socks add targeted cushioning and a soft cotton feel.
• Thin and light: the Under Armour Essential 6-Pack Crew Socks are ultra-thin, with a locked-in fit at the heel so they do not fall down.
• Everyday cotton: the Palladium Jacquard Mid and Camo Mid socks use a Turkish cotton blend in a mid-height cut. The Nike Sportswear Dri-FIT Everyday Essential socks are soft and stretchy, with a reinforced heel and toe.

Sport socks that handle sweat

For the gym or a long day on your feet, look for fabric that moves moisture. Under Armour says its Performance Tech socks wick sweat and dry really fast. Nike Dri-FIT helps keep feet dry, and adidas Climacool is made to keep feet cool and dry during workouts. If you like cotton but still sweat a lot, the UA Performance Cotton 3-Pack Quarter Socks use a moisture-wicking cotton blend.

Packs, sizes and kids' socks

Many crew socks come in packs: three pairs from adidas and Under Armour, six in the UA Essential pack, and two in the adidas 3-Stripes Glitter pack. Sizes follow your shoe size, for example 38-42 or 42-46 on Nike socks, and S to XL on some Under Armour packs. For kids, the adidas Graphic Socks come three to a pack in a soft cotton blend, from size 22-24. The Disney Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse socks add playful prints.

For the gym, start with the Under Armour Performance Tech 3-Pack. For everyday sneakers, the Palladium Jacquard Mid socks are the comfortable cotton pick. Browse men's socks, women's socks, or go shorter with ankle socks.