Thorlos Women LWMXW Walking Lite Cushion Ankle Socks Review

We purchased Thorlos Women LWMXW Walking Lite Cushion Ankle Socks so our reviewer could put them to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

I realized the importance of solid, high-quality socks when I trained for my first marathon in 2009. At the time, my only criteria for socks was that they be cheap—but I soon learned that bulky ones, especially those made with cotton, tend to trap moisture and cause uncomfortable rubbing that results in way too many blisters.

That’s why now, whenever I see performance walking socks like this pair from Thorlos, I know I’m in for a treat. Given the praise and great reviews, I had to give them a chance. I tested this pair intermittently for a week while walking my dog and running around the neighborhood. Here’s how my experience went.

Materials + Design: Moisture-wicking blister prevention

Thorlos has its own proprietary “Thor-wick cool” fibers that make up 74 percent of these socks. The brand promises that this material feel like cotton but keeps you cool at the same time—a promise I found to be true. These socks don’t retain moisture like the average sock. I’d definitely wear them with hiking boots or my sturdier hiking shoes to keep my feet cool and ankles covered for extended excursions. The other materials—25 percent nylon and 1 percent elastic—also support Thorlos’ mission to keep these socks as moisture-wicking and lightweight as possible.

Design-wise, these Thorlos socks are built to prevent blisters, provide comfort, and reduce foot pain for walkers, runners, and active wearers—and with great success! I didn’t get a single blister while wearing these, even on longer runs (around 60 to 80 minutes). The only design flaw is the loose ankle band, although having this ankle covering is great for those times I need it (on hikes or walks in the woods, for example).

Fit: Snug around the foot, loose at the ankle

These socks fit perfectly around the base of my foot. My toes, insoles, and heels were comfortable from the second I put them on. The one thing I did notice instantly, though, is that they tend to slide a bit around the ankle. This could be a perk for some—it makes the socks versatile for folks with different-sized ankles—but I have relatively small ankles and I noticed their movement while I walked and ran, which was slightly annoying.

Style: Built for function, not style

These socks come in one style: white with a grey toe and footpad. Translation: these are definitely not the type of socks you show off at parties or get-togethers. In reality, though, that’s not what they’re built for. These socks were designed solely to keep your feet dry and comfortable while you’re on the go—and they did that very well.

Performance: Perfect for active women

These socks may be higher on my ankle than my normal socks, but wow! From the second I put them on, I could feel the quality. They fit perfectly around my arch and instep for comfortable (yet not over-the-top) support—plus, they have a layer of padding on the bottom and a patch on the top for extra cushioning. I could actually feel the added comfort compared to previous runs without these socks. And, even with all the padding, I also noticed that my feet didn’t sweat; they stayed cool and comfortable. This is especially important for those who wear orthotics (like insoles for flat feet) and may be more prone to overheat due to the little added bulk in their shoes.

The only real downside I noticed is that these socks felt a bit snug in my go-to walking and running sneakers. It wasn’t a deal-breaker—I just loosened the laces—but they definitely felt a bit thicker and heavier than the performance socks I’m accustomed to using. 

Price: You get what you pay for

At around $15 per pair, these Thorlos ankle socks are definitely some of the priciest in my drawer. But as a runner, walker, and all-around active person who hates blisters, I totally see the value. These socks were built to last, so I’d say the price tag is worth every penny. Plus, the brand has a lifetime guarantee. 

Competition: Numerous performance socks to choose from

Bombas Women's Marl Ankle Socks: Unlike the Thorlos socks, Bombas’ Women’s Marl Ankle Socks, (view on Amazon), actually sit right at the ankle—and they stay there! I also tested them, and I thought they fit perfectly and didn’t slip or slide at all. Bombas’ socks also come in a variety of fun colors, but the Thorlos socks do win out when it comes to performance. When I tested out Bombas socks, my feet ended up sweating after walking for about 20 minutes. In the Thorlos socks, I had almost no sweat after the same amount of time (and longer!). Price-wise, both socks are around $12 to $15.

Asics Cushion Low-Cut Socks: The Asics Cushion Low-Cut Socks (view on Amazon), which I also tested, are the style I’m most accustomed to. They’re thin, comfortable, and cozy, with a snug (in some cases too snug) fit around my ankle. But, their thin build also means the Asics performance socks lack the padding and comfortable cushioning that makes these Thorlos socks stand out. However, if you’re on a budget, the Asics socks are significantly more affordable, at around $10 for three pairs.

Need some help finding what you’re looking for? Read our roundup of the best socks.