While we often obsess over which running shoes will help us go the distance, it’s easy to overlook the essential garment which lies beneath them — the sock. Here we’ve outlined some of the best in the business when it comes to durability, breathability and comfort.

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FITSOK: CF-2 Cushion-Low Cut, Sock Geek
Retail: $16.95
FitSok socks are a great fit for professional athletes and recreational runners alike. Its advanced fabrics like Comfortrel Polyester and CoolMax transport moisture and heat from areas of highest concentration to lowest concentration, providing thermoregulation and enhanced breathability.

Feetures!: Original Low Cut
Retail: 3pk $25-$28
The original Feetures! sock provides high-density cushioning in key impact areas for protection, increased comfort and athletic versatility. This multipurpose sock features “Unique Power Bands” of Lycra that hug your entire foot and resist movement, thereby preventing blisters.

Injinji: New Line Series Toesock
Retail: $10
Converts to the barefoot running craze can ease into the shoeless lifestyle with Injinji’s new performance toesock series. The ultra-thin, lightweight CoolMax technology is the next best thing to being barefoot. Using their patented five-toe design, the barely-there sock provides the biomechanical benefits of being barefoot, eliminates skin-on-skin friction, while adding comfort and protection. Keeping feet cool, dry and safeguarded from common foot ailments, Injinji is an ideal complement to any minimalist performance footwear.

Drymax: Running Lite Mesh Mini Crew
Retail: 4 pk $42
The Drymax Dual Layer System uses two separate fiber layers to attract and repel sweat at the same time, keeping your foot drier longer. The moisture eliminating technology helps feet stay cooler during long runs.

Swiftwick: Zero Ole
Retail: $10.95
This compression sock is ideal for high performance activities due to its superb abrasion resistance technology and long-lasting durability. The combination of nylon and spandex provides maximum comfort while producing a moisture-resistant sock with incredible breathability.

Teko: 3322 Women’s Teko Merino Light Mini Crew
Retail: $15.95
Designed specifically for a woman’s foot, this sock provides a supportive, performance fit. With technical features such as a narrower heel pocket, strike-zone cushioning in the footbed and a tapered toe, Teko is engineered for ultimate support.

SOS: SOS Wings
Retail: $9.95
SOS blends sophisticated construction techniques with great styling to produce a high quality athletic sock. The Coolmax fibers are spun around Lycra to create elastic support and unsurpassed moisture management.