The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Airport Socks

Long days at the airport can be hard on your feet. Whether it’s standing in long lines, waiting at the boarding gate, or just walking around the airport in general, your feet can really take a beating while traveling. 

Most people know it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes during a long day of flights and layovers, but shoes are only one-half of the comfort equation. A good pair of socks can be a lifesaver for your feet if you’re spending all day on planes and in airports. As you look for the perfect pair of socks to travel in, you should know about the five main features to look for in airport socks.

The Top 5 Features to Look for in Airport Socks

While you search for a pair of airport socks, the number of choices you find online might be overwhelming. Fortunately, you can easily narrow your list by looking for a few key qualities before you buy. Learn more about the five most important features airport socks should have below:

1. Moisture-Wicking Material

Socks made of material with moisture-wicking properties will help keep the sweat off your feet, whether you’re huffing it to your next gate or sitting in the window seat. Moisture-wicking socks pull sweat away from your feet as opposed to normal cotton socks that absorb moisture. Damp socks also raise the risk of getting a blister, as moisture increases friction between your skin and socks.

If you tend to run colder and find yourself wearing thicker socks on travel days, you’ll want to opt for socks made of Merino wool. Unlike normal wool, Merino wool is very breathable and has moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry. If you find your feet getting hot during a long day at the airport, a synthetic combination of materials like polyester and nylon will keep your feet dry and cool. 

2. Cushioning 

Socks with some extra cushioning are essential for travelers. Some more padding in sensitive areas like the ball of the foot and the heel can help prevent foot pain that may pop up from all of the walking and standing that come with a long day on planes and in airports.

Most websites that sell higher-quality socks will have a diagram showing where there’s extra padding. If you have areas on your feet that tend to get more sore or are prone to blisters, it’s a great idea to check and see if the socks you're buying are built to help support those areas. For most people, a pair of double-layer sports socks offers enough cushioning to keep their feet comfortable all day long. 

3. Length

Investing in travel socks that are the appropriate length is essential for keeping your feet comfortable while traveling. For example, socks that are too long and loose can bunch around your feet and potentially cause blisters from rubbing. If you have a quick connection between flights, you may not have time to adjust them on the way to your gate. 

If you’re someone who likes a lower-cut sock, a pair that covers your ankles like those in a Lo Quarter height will help support them without coming up too high on your legs. Sore ankles can be a major annoyance when you have to be on your feet all day, and giving them a little extra help can go a long way.

If you don’t mind a longer sock, a pair of calf-high socks in the right size can help promote blood flow throughout your legs. Sitting for long periods of time on airplanes can restrict blood flow throughout your lower body, and a good pair of higher-cut socks can help keep that from happening. 

4. Durability

If the material of your socks starts to break down while you’re wearing them, you’re at a higher risk of getting blisters. Blisters can be a nightmare to deal with both during and after your travels, especially if you’re going somewhere that requires you to be out and about a bunch.

As you look for durable socks, check the material, as cotton socks tend to wear down quickly. In contrast, socks primarily made out of Merino wool or polyester tend to last longer. Another way to determine if a sock will be durable enough is to see if it was made in America. Since American-made socks tend to have stricter standards, they’ll often last longer than imported socks.

5. Double Layer Design

Blisters are primarily caused by excess heat, moisture, and friction, and a bad pair of socks can raise your risk of getting a blister while traveling. However, socks with a double-layer construction are specifically designed to target the main causes of blisters, making them ideal for airports and traveling. 

The inner layer of these anti-blister socks features hydrophobic yarn that wicks away moisture and provides an additional barrier for your skin. The quick movement of moisture the inner layer provides also reduces excess heat on your skin. Finally, the outer layer eliminates friction by absorbing it before it can reach your skin. Since a double-layer design targets the three main causes of blisters, they provide unbeatable protection from blisters while you’re traveling.

Find a Pair of Anti-Blister Airport Socks at Wrightsock

If you’ve got a travel day coming up during this holiday season and are in the market for a pair of reliable socks, choose Wrightsock. We offer a wide range of high-quality double-layer socks manufactured to the highest standard in America. We’re confident they can give your feet unbeatable protection and comfort while you travel, and our double-layer socks also feature a No Blister Guarantee. This guarantee means we’ll give you your money back if you get a blister while wearing them.

Review our full selection of travel and airport socks today! If you have any questions or want help choosing a pair, please contact us.