That's right: These top-tested picks won't slide down into your shoes.
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Nothing ruins the look of cute sneakers or flats like bulky socks. But if you skip socks, you run the risk of ending the day with painful blisters and smelly feet. And while invisible (or no-show) socks may seem like the perfect solution to your woes, you likely know all too well the problems with these socks — they slip off your feet at the most inconvenient time and stay bunched up in your shoes, waiting to be adjusted only to fall down once again within a matter of minutes.
That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has found the best no-show socks that don't slip down and actually stay on your heels.
We conducted in-Lab and consumer testing with hundreds of users to determine the best socks. Our picks ahead are from top-performers in our recent socks tests, popular brands online and styles with innovative features. And since we all have shoes where regular socks just won't cut it, the styles below include no-show options for almost every occasion. Read on for more tips on what to look for when shopping for the best no-show socks. In the market for cute loafers or other comfortable footwear for your new no-show socks? Check out our guides to the best loafers and most comfortable shoes.
Popularized by the TV show Shark Tank, Bombas socks are soft and lightweight while fitting into shoes well. And they're available for both men and women. These are “the perfect no-show sock,” according to our testers, and they're a favorite among GH analysts. One user raved that they were “so thin and breathable, yet substantial enough to stay put” and praised the comfortable fabric. This pair also earned one of the highest durability scores in our Lab tests with impressive abrasion resistance. They come with silicone grippers in the back and an elastic band around the ankle, so you can be sure they’ll stay on your feet. Plus, for every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair to a homeless shelter.
For just about $2 a pair, these no-show socks by Wernies are mostly cotton with a bit of added spandex. They’re designed to be super soft yet breathable and stretchy. There are three non-slip silicone grips on the heels to keep them in place. With an impressive 62,000 reviews and an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon, these socks are popular for staying secure in sneakers and preventing blisters or discomfort. This pick is designed specifically for women, but the brand also offers no-show socks for men at a similar price.
Fashion meets function with these stylish socks. They peek out of flats slightly to show just a hint of lace, and they have cushioning in the heel to keep your shoes super comfy. The silicone rubber nubs on the bottom prevent sliding out of your shoe or bunching. Many reviewers noted that they wore more expensive styles previously, but these are their new favorite.
This lightweight pair of no-show socks was a tester favorite with standout scores for staying in place and comfort. Made of a blend of organic cotton, polyester, nylon and spandex, testers called these socks “buttery soft” and said they were the perfect medium between a too thin or too thick sock. Our analysts were also impressed by the unique, well-fitting design and helpful silicone grips on the back. Just keep in mind that some size 9 testers felt like the XS/S size socks were a bit too snug on their feet.
Bombas makes our list again, but this time for their well-known cushioned no-show socks. These socks are a little thicker than the regular no-show socks but also have stay-put grippers in the back and thick elastic around the ankle, meaning they won’t slip down in your shoes. Testers loved the cushioned sole and soft cotton blend, with one raving “these are the most comfortable socks I've ever worn.” Testers also appreciated how this pair stayed put and hidden in a variety of shoes, from running sneakers to heeled booties. One GH Analyst was also impressed by how cool and breathable these socks felt, even in warmer weather.
If you’re in search of no-show socks that’ll wick away your sweat and prevent your feet from getting blisters, this pair from Feetures offers all that and more. The heel tab provides extra protection from friction near the heel while the targeted compression and added cushioning ensure your feet will feel comfortable all day long. Testers applauded these socks for keeping their feet dry during high-intensity workouts, and our experts agreed. Stefani Sassos, Deputy Director of the GH Nutrition Lab and a NASM-certified personal trainer, said, “These are the best workout socks I have tried! They really moved with my foot and felt like one with my body.” And if you're still unsure, these socks are available in both neutral tones and tons of colors.
This no-show option from Puma comes in two different no-show cuts that’ll stay hidden for a variety of shoes. The brand calls them sneaker liners, and they have a distinct athletic feel with a notable elastic band near the ankle and silicone grippers in the back. While most one-size-fits-all no-show socks may be too large or too small to stay put for those with smaller or larger feet, all our testers reported that these socks fit perfectly, without feeling too loose or too tight. One user said, “They were so comfortable I didn't notice they were on all day,” and commented that the thickness was just right. This pair also had the highest score in Lab laundering tests with little to no shrinkage.
It can be challenging to find a true no-show sock for loafers and slip-on shoes like Vans, but this pair from Comrad stayed hidden in lower-cut shoes with ease. It received high scores across the board and impressed our testers by how well they stayed in place without slipping, thanks to the silicone grips in the back and compressive band around the middle of the sock. Just note that some testers found these socks a little warm for 90-degree weather, so they’re best saved for slightly breezy days in the fall.
If you think you can't wear socks with open-heeled shoes, think again. These toe socks are perfect for wearing with slides or mules since they cover just the ball of your foot and toes, leaving the heel exposed. Made with a blend of cotton, nylon and spandex, they're breathable yet snug, keeping you from sliding out of your mules. Plus, they're available in a variety of neutral and nude colorways.
If you want socks that will stay in place perfectly through any activity, this pair from Definite Articles has thick, textured silicone bands in the heel and stretchy elastic around the ankle to ensure proper grip without any discomfort. They also have a cushioned sole with mesh panels on the top of each sock for a little extra breathability. Our analysts love that they’re available in multiple sizes, so you can be sure these socks will fit your feet. Testers also shared that these socks stayed put during all types of activity from normal, day-to-day use to long runs.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Labs tests all types of socks, from warm socks and fuzzy socks to socks for hiking and socks for running. In recent years, we've tested over 80 different styles alone, both in-Lab and with hundreds of consumer testers to find the best socks for every type of occasion. In our no-show sock testing, we collected and analyzed more than 1,200 data points to find the best no-show socks.
For this test, we worked with consumer testers to provide firsthand feedback on attributes like fit, comfort and cushioning as well as how the socks performed over time, including if they stayed in place or if they ran hot. In the Lab, our analysts looked at any stay-in-place features such as silicone heel grips, and tested for abrasion resistance, bursting strength, moisture management and shrinkage using specialized equipment and industry standards for quality. Our experts also tried these socks with a variety of shoes to determine which socks were truly no-show options.
Here, our bursting machine pulls up the fabric of a cut-up, no-show sock with increasing pressure to measure the strength needed to "burst" the material.
When you're shopping for no-show socks, there are still a few factors you should consider before purchasing a new pair or two.
✔️ Materials: Most no-show socks are made with cotton or polyester (sometimes a blend!) — cotton has a soft, natural feel that's popular for socks while polyester is moisture-wicking to prevent sweaty feet during a workout.
✔️ Stay-in-Place Features: To prevent slippage, look for no-show styles that have silicone grips or elasticized hemlines. Other features like heel tabs and compressive bands around the middle of each sock will also help socks stay put. Certain styles may have multiple sizes to choose from and provide a more snug fit, which is especially helpful if you have smaller or larger size feet.
✔️ Cut: Some no-show socks are low-cut and can fit almost any type of shoe, but if you wear mostly higher-cut shoes, you might be better off with an option that comes up a bit higher, especially if the interior of your shoes can be abrasive on your skin.
✔️ Cushioning: If you plan to be on your feet for the whole day or work out in your no-show socks, consider opting for a style with added cushioning for a little extra support.
Grace Wu most recently updated this article. She's a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute who had all but given up on the concept of no-show socks before overseeing our recent in-Lab and consumer tests. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
Emma Seymour is a Senior Textiles Product Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she has written multiple features about socks, including assessments of warm socks, compression socks and hiking socks. She has a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University. As a lifetime sewer with previous product-development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise on proper fit and construction.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
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