The Best No-Show Socks for Men That'll Actually Stay on Your Feet

Out of all the low-cut no-shows I tested, Bombas did the best job staying on my feet. The cotton-blend fabric is light and airy but still feels substantial and comfortable, and silicone heel grips made it so I never experienced bunching or slipping at the heel. And the brand gets extra bonus points for offering the sock in five colorways, including three designed to match with skin tones.

It’s worth noting that low-cut no-show socks typically lack cushioning, so if you think you need more support, Bombas also makes a pair of Cushioned No-Show Socks, which came in second place in our testing and was one of the thickest pairs we inspected. Just keep in mind that the heel is thicker and comes up higher than its low-cut sibling, so bunching can be a problem in the back for some people.

Best Upgrade No-Show Socks: Smartwool Everyday No-Show Socks

Materials: 71% merino wool, 10% nylon, 18% nylon, 1% elastane | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: Black, gray

Merino wool might bring to mind cozy knits, but the fabric’s breathability and natural moisture-wicking capabilities also make it ideal for performance socks. We didn’t expect to love Smartwool’s Everyday No-Show Socks as much as we did, but they’re one of our top picks that can be worn all year round.

These socks will show under a pair of low-cut loafers, but should be invisible with most sneakers. They’re surprisingly comfortable thanks to the seamless toe design and sturdy cushioning along the entire footbed. The socks are also notable for scoring top marks in the ventilation department, meaning they’re just what you need if your feet run hot. If you want an ultra lightweight no-show done up in Merino wool, we readily recommend the Everyday Sock Zero Cushion.

Best No-Show Socks to Buy In Bulk: Idegg No-Show Socks

Materials: 80% cotton, 17% polyester, 3% spandex | Sizes: S-L | Colors: Various

Generally speaking, Idegg No Show Socks do what a no-show sock is supposed to do. They’re lightweight and comfortable and never slipped during our testing. So what sets them apart? At $2 a pair, they’re the least expensive no-shows we recommend, and the best to buy in bulk.

While we had low expectations for the brand, these socks performed just as well as some socks triple the price. Much like other no-shows in this guide, Idegg socks will stay hidden when donned with most dress shoes and sneakers, but will peek out under low-cut shoes like loafers. They’re available in many different colorways and patterns, though we’ll be sticking with black and white, naturally.

Best Budget No-Show Socks: Uniqlo Pile Low-Cut Socks

Materials: 43% acrylic, 28% cotton, 24% nylon, 3% polyester, 2% spandex | Sizes: One size | Colors: Varies

If there’s a reason to become a Uniqlo loyalist, it’s the brand’s affordable underwear and socks, which are routinely sold out (but always promptly restocked). There’s no denying that the Japanese label’s low-cut pile socks fall under that category. They’re affordable, comfortable, and stay up as well as the rest of ‘em.

The most important thing to note is that the majority of the sock is made from acrylic. And while that makes them a tiny bit less cozy than other socks with a higher share of cotton or polyester, they’re still comfy enough for all-day wear. The pile fabric provides all-over cushioning that works equally well for working out or day-to-day wear. Athletic types will appreciate the quick-dry fabric, which keeps odor and sweat under control.

Best Athletic No-Show Socks: Celersport Running Ankle Socks

Materials: 63% cotton, 22% nylon, 14% polyester, 1% spandex | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: Black, white, gray, blue, orange

If you’re breaking a sweat, true no-show socks can cause discomfort. In addition to the higher probability of slippage, wearing no-show socks while working out can cause all sorts of chafing. That’s why we like Celersport’s Running Ankle Socks. While they stretch the definition of no-show socks (they’re more properly classified as tab socks), we had to include them for one simple reason: They’re supremely comfortable.

Even for everyday wear, Celersport outperforms all comers when it comes to comfort and longevity. The material provides cushioning all around your foot, but extra cushion on the toes and arches gives you added support where you need it most. Like Smartwool’s no-show socks, they also have a seamless toe design to prevent blistering. They’re the thickest socks on this list, but if comfort and support is your top priority, refresh your workout gear with a few pairs from Celersport.

Best No-Show Socks for Dress Shoes: Ondo Organic Cotton No Show Socks

Materials: 62% organic cotton, 32% polyester, 6% Lycra | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Black, white, gray, blue, maroon, brown, beige

To pair well with dress shoes, no-show socks need to be thin enough to fit comfortably in the shoe, but secure enough to stay on your feet. Here’s the rub: The vast majority of brands get this balance wrong. Not so with Ondo, which uses a unique design for its no-shows. We won’t go so far as to call it revolutionary, but we’ll say we’ve never worn socks like these before.

Ondo socks are constructed more like shoes than socks, with different sections for the footbed, upper, and back. Because of this, they’re truly invisible and stay perfectly on your foot at all times. Because of that, there are extra seams in the sock, but nothing that you won’t get used to. Made from organic cotton, they’re also among the lightest and thinnest socks we tried, which makes them the perfect companion for your favorite derbies. Even with loafers and low-cut boat shoes, they’ll stay out of sight and on your feet all day long.

Best No Show Socks for High-Top Sneakers: Fruit of the Loom Dual Defense No Show Socks

Materials: 97% polyester, 3% spandex | Sizes: One size | Colors: Black, white

We would call these ankle socks, but Fruit of the Loom classes them as no-shows. But hey, if you’re wearing high-tops, they’ll stay hidden, so there’s that. Just don’t be surprised if they peek above the rim of tennis or running shoes.

While all the other socks we chose feature a natural fiber like cotton or wool, these use a medium-weight polyester and spandex performance weave instead. That doesn’t mean they’re not comfortable—they are. However, they lack the cushioning you get with Bombas or Celersport. Still, they’re very affordable and long-lasting, holding their shape better than most of the socks we put through the laundry test.

More No-Show Socks We Love

No-show socks aren’t a one-size-fits-all affair. The best pair of no-shows for you largely depends on what kind of footwear you wear on the regular, and your general preferences on comfort. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Elements that keep the sock up: For maximum stability, look for a combination of three crucial elements: stretchy Lycra, elastane, or Spandex woven into the fabric; strong, dense elastic around the heel, mid-foot, and over your toes; and some sort of non-slip silicone heel grip that keeps the sock latched onto the top of your heel.
• Materials: Most no-show socks are made from cotton and polyester, and all no-show socks are made of a blend. The higher the cotton count, the softer, and more comfortable the sock. However, fabrics like polyester and acrylic help wick moisture. Look for a balanced mix.
• Cut: “True” no-show socks are typically classified as “low-cut,” and those will be invisible under most shoes. However, you might prefer an option that comes up a bit higher, depending on your shoe of choice, or if you find low-cut socks to chafe your skin.
• Cushioning: The thinnest no-show socks are not always the best, because they come with zero cushioning and support. If that’s a concern, look for no-show socks that also provide cushioning.

We first published this guide in 2016, and over the years we’ve seen no-show socks go in and out of fashion and back again. During that time, we’ve simply just worn and tried out many no-show socks. For this recent guide update, we revisited our picks and called in a few new contenders, and proceeded to wear them, wash the, and wear them again. Rinse and repeat, literally.

We wore them throughout the day, taking notes of comfort, breathability, and incidents of slipping. And of course, we tried on these socks with a variety of low-cut footwear—sneakers, boat shoes, and dress shoes. Only the most elite no-show socks were truly invisible across the board. If not, we made sure to note which socks go best with each type of footwear, as well as any drawbacks we encountered while testing them.