CrossFit throws everything at your feet. Box jumps, double-unders, rope climbs, heavy cleans, burpees until you question your life choices, and a cheeky 400m run to finish. Your socks have to cope with all of it, often in the same workout.
That's why there's no single "magic" CrossFit sock. The best socks for CrossFit are the ones that suit the movements you do most, fit properly and stay out of your way. This guide breaks it down movement by movement, so you can pick the right pair for the WODs your box actually programmes.
The quick answer: what makes a great CrossFit sock?
- A snug, secure fit. No loose fabric to bunch, twist or slide when you jump and land.
- Arch support. Something that holds the sock in place through squats, lunges and lifts.
- Cushioning where you land. Heel and forefoot take the impact on box jumps, burpees and double-unders.
- A performance blend, not a thick cotton sock. Cotton-heavy socks soak up sweat and stay wet.
- The right height for your WODs. Crew height covers the most bases. More on that below.
Every pair in our CrossFit socks collection has built-in arch support with plush cloud-like cushioning at the ankle and forefoot to help absorb impact. Here's how to pick between them.
The best CrossFit socks by movement
Look at your box's programming for the last few weeks. Lots of rope climbs? Heavy barbell days? Endless double-unders? Your answer decides what to look for.
Rope climbs
Rope burn on your shins is a rite of passage nobody actually wants. The more of your lower leg is covered, the better. Crew socks give you some protection for occasional rope work. If your box programmes heavy rope volume or legless climbs, plenty of athletes go longer or add shin sleeves on top. A crew sock is the minimum we'd recommend; no-show socks leave your ankles and shins completely exposed. Want the full breakdown? Our guide to rope climb socks and protecting your shins covers it.
Browse our crew socks for rope climb days.
Box jumps
Two things matter here: landing and missing. Landing means impact through the forefoot and heel, so cushioning helps. Missing means the front of your shin meeting the edge of the box, so a bit of extra coverage from a crew sock can save you some skin. Either way, a sock that stays put on landing is a must.
Double-unders and skipping
Hundreds of small bounces on the balls of your feet. Forefoot cushioning and a snug fit stop the sock creeping and rubbing. It's also where you notice a sock that's slowly sliding down into your shoe, so a secure cuff and arch support are worth having.
Olympic lifts: snatch and clean and jerk
Fast, explosive and technical. You want your foot to feel stable and connected inside your lifting shoes, with no sock sliding around under your arch. Crew height keeps the bar off your shins on the pull without bunching behind the knee in a deep catch.
Deadlifts and heavy squats
The bar travels close to your legs on a deadlift, so shin coverage helps here too. For squats, it's all about a stable base. Our weightlifting socks collection is built for heavy lifts, loud fits, and PBs that deserve attention.
Burpees, wall balls and the metcon grind
Up, down, jump, squat, throw, repeat. These high-rep movements are where hot, sweaty feet start rubbing. A breathable sock with forefoot cushioning and a snug fit helps you stay focused on the rep count instead of your feet. If the rubbing has already turned into blisters, our guide on how to stop blisters in CrossFit and HYROX has the fixes. And yes, we made a sock for how everyone feels about burpees. More on that below.
Running and rowing
Plenty of WODs mix in runs and rows. If your workout is run-heavy, a lighter sock like a low cut crew can feel cleaner on the feet. Our socks are made with anti-abrasion fibres deep within the sock, trialled and tested for long-distance running where rubbing is most common. If you're also training for HYROX, read our guide to the best socks for HYROX.
Sock height for CrossFit: crew, low cut crew or ankle?
Here's our quick rule of thumb:
- Crew socks: the all-rounder. Best for rope climbs, box jumps and barbell work. If you only own one type of CrossFit sock, make it this.
- Low cut crew socks: sit just above the ankle. Great for running-heavy WODs, rowing and days with no rope or barbell near your shins. See our low cut crew socks.
- Ankle and no-show socks: fine for cardio days, but they leave your lower legs exposed on rope climbs and box jumps.
Most CrossFitters end up with a mix and pick on the day, depending on what's on the whiteboard.
Do you need grip socks for CrossFit?
Not necessarily, but some athletes love them. Grip socks are about stopping your foot from sliding inside your shoe. Our Pro Performance grip socks feature a fully covered sole with a honeycomb grip design to ensure that all of the foot, including your toes and heel, is in contact with your shoe. They're also lined with four-yarn terry loops and have an arch band to offer a snug, secure fit.
Our honest advice: if your shoes fit well and you don't notice any slipping, a regular performance sock is all you need. If you feel your foot moving on sled pushes, lunges or heavy lifts, grip socks are worth trying in training first.
Building a simple CrossFit sock rotation
You don't need a drawer full of specialist socks. For most people training three to six times a week, a simple rotation covers everything:
- Two or three pairs of crew socks for rope, box and barbell days.
- A pair or two of low cut crew socks for running, rowing and lighter conditioning sessions.
- One pair of grip socks if you like that locked-in feel for heavy days.
Rotating pairs also means each one gets a proper wash and dry between sessions, which helps them keep their shape and cushioning for longer.
What to avoid in a CrossFit sock
- Thick, cotton-heavy socks that get soggy and heavy halfway through a WOD.
- Socks that are too big. Extra fabric means folds, and folds mean rubbing.
- Worn-out socks. Once the cushioning flattens and the cuff stops holding, it's time for a new pair.
- Hot washes and the tumble dryer. We recommend washing HEXXEE socks in cold water no warmer than 30 degrees and hang drying them.
Our CrossFit sock picks
The crowd favourite: F Burpees
We all hate them, but we all do them! F Burpees is one of our best-selling designs for a reason. Like our core socks, they have built-in arch support with plush cloud-like cushioning at the ankle and forefoot, enhanced airflow across the top of the foot, and a snug, secure fit designed specifically to help 'hug' your foot. Made from 70% Dry fit Polyester, 20% Cotton and 10% Elastane.
The everyday staple: White HEXXEE 2Stripe Socks X3
If you train four or five times a week, you need a rotation. The White HEXXEE 2Stripe Socks X3 are a fresh update to our original whites, now in a 3 pack, with the same arch support, cushioning and anti-blister build.
For run-heavy WODs: F Burpees Low Cut Crew
Same sentiment, lower cut. The F Burpees Low Cut Crew sits just above the ankle for days when there's more running and rowing than rope climbing.
For the locked-in feel: Get Sh*t Done Pro Performance
Our Get Sh*t Done Pro Performance grip socks have the fully covered honeycomb grip sole, terry panels to enhance airflow, and zoned and plush cushioning at the ankle and forefoot to help absorb impact.
For heavy barbell days: Get Sh*t Done Weightlifting Socks
Part of our Weightlifting Sock range, the Get Sh*t Done Weightlifting Socks have built-in arch support, cushioning at the ankle and forefoot, and a snug, secure fit. Subtle motivation for those days when the bar feels extra heavy.
Can't decide? Start with our best sellers. They're the pairs the HEXXEE community keeps coming back for.
CrossFit socks FAQ
What socks are best for CrossFit?
A snug performance sock with arch support and cushioning at the heel and forefoot, in crew height for most WODs. Crew socks give you the most coverage for rope climbs, box jumps and barbell work.
Why do CrossFitters wear crew socks?
Mainly for coverage. Crew socks put fabric between your shins and the rope, the box and the barbell, and they tend to stay put better than no-show socks.
Are grip socks good for CrossFit?
They can be if your foot slides inside your shoe, but they're optional. Get your shoe fit right first, and test grip socks in training before you rely on them in a big workout.
Can I use the same socks for CrossFit, HYROX and running?
Yes, in most cases. A sock with a secure fit, arch support, cushioning and good sweat management works across all three. Pick a lower cut for run-heavy sessions if you prefer. Racing HYROX? Our guide to finding the right HYROX socks for women covers sizing and fit.
How long do CrossFit socks last?
It depends on how often you train and how you wash them. A single pair of HEXXEE socks can last for two years or longer when looked after and washed correctly: cold wash no warmer than 30 degrees, no bleach, and hang dry.
Find your pair
The right sock won't do your burpees for you (sorry), but it will stop your feet being the thing you're thinking about at the end of a brutal WOD. Find your favourite in the HEXXEE CrossFit socks collection, and come back and tell us what you PB'd in them.
