Pick the length for your shoe and sport

Sock length is the first choice, and it should follow your shoe. A no-show sock hides inside a low trainer, while a crew sock suits a high-top or a long training day.

• No-show: the Nike Lightweight Training No-Show and Under Armour Performance Tech No Show stay hidden in low shoes.
• Low and ankle: the adidas Performance CLIMACOOL Cushioned Low socks and the Nike Everyday Essential Ankle socks sit at or just above the ankle.
• Quarter: the Under Armour Performance Cotton and Performance Tech quarter socks add a little more height at the back.
• Crew: the adidas Performance CLIMACOOL Cushioned Crew and Under Armour Essential crew socks reach up the leg.

Quick-dry fabric and cushioning for training

For the gym or a run, look for sweat-wicking fabric first. Under Armour says its Performance Tech socks wick sweat and dry really fast. Nike uses sweat-wicking technology in the Lightweight Training and Everyday Plus socks, and adidas CLIMACOOL wicks and disperses sweat.

Then decide on padding. The Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Training socks add extra cushioning under the heel and forefoot, with a supportive arch band. The adidas CLIMACOOL Cushioned socks put cushioning at the heel and forefoot. Under Armour Performance Tech gives medium cushioning through the foot with built-in arch support.

Packs, sizes and special sports

Many socks here come in packs of 3 pairs, and some in 6, such as the Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Training No-Show and the Under Armour Essential 6-Pack. Sizes follow shoe size ranges, for example 42-46 at Nike and 43-45 at adidas. There are also golf socks from adidas and FootJoy, and the adidas Terrex HEAT.RDY socks for trail running.

If you train most days, start with a 3-pack of Under Armour Performance Tech quarter socks or the 6-pair Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Training No-Show socks. See all socks, or shop by length in crew socks and ankle socks.