We Just Found The Perfect No-Show Socks. You're Welcome
No-show socks have always been a little hit-or-miss. They’re a great option for the spring and summer (you never have to pick between blisters and wearing those cute flats!) but they’re also notoriously fickle (the wrong one can lead to an uncomfortable day of tugging at your socks, sigh).
Luckily, some brands have the no-show sock thing down to a science. Chatelaine staffers tested a variety of brands for fit, whether the socks stayed up, how often they needed to be readjusted and if they were comfortable. Here are six of our favourites.
Smartwool
These socks rest very low on the back of the ankle bone and were very comfortable. We loved them because they stayed on all day and didn’t need any adjustment—and the socks’ internal plastic grippers were also very nicely designed, so they didn’t stick to the heel painfully, as some plastic grippers tend to do. These socks don’t have bands, so they can be worn with any type of shoe, especially slip-ons. Cushion Hide and Seek No Show Socks, $17
Uniqlo
Uniqlo’s socks are thin and breathable, perfect for summer. We loved the wavy silicone grippers, which line the heel and help them stay on all day without any adjustments, and the super-affordable price point. They have a pretty high profile, which means they can be worn comfortably with sneakers—though they might have a bit too much coverage for some flats and heels. Footsie Socks, $14.90 for a pack of three
Lululemon
Like the Uniqlo socks, Lululemon’s socks are perfect for summer. The open netting design on the top of the foot looks great and allows the foot to breathe, which is ideal for hot summer walks. They are designed with a specific left and right side for the best fit and maximum comfort; these are indicated by a round logo that goes under the ball of your feet. They are a bit pricey though, especially when compared to the very similar Uniqlo socks. Secret Socks, $14
Underarmour
These super lush socks have a terry cloth feel and thickness that’s similar to an athletic sock (which makes sense, considering the brand!). But that also means they’re not ideal for casual summer wear, even though they’re affordable and have the most cushioning out of all the socks tested. Keep these for exercising or colder weather wear. Resistor III No Show, $27 for a pack of six
Gap
Gap’s socks gave us just enough coverage to wear sneakers, though a little bit too much for daintier flats or heels. We liked that the fabric was thicker at the toes to help prevent the dreaded (and much too common) summertime toe blister. The thicker cotton material was also very comfortable and the sock felt like the perfect combination of a sport sock and a regular sock. These socks also fit well and stayed up all day without any readjustments. No-Show Sneaker Socks, $20 for a pack of two
Asics
We liked the way these socks fit low, so they were truly “no-show”—even in ballerina flats. There’s no band or lining, so they worked seamlessly with all types of shoes. Inside the sock, a small crescent of silicone grip onto your heel so the socks stay on all day without any adjustment. They’re also the most inexpensive option. Invasion No Show, $25 for a pack of six
With files from Aimee Nishitoba.
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