Men's Cushioned Low Cut Moisture Wicking Socks vs Unisex Active Crew Socks: which is safer?

New Balance Men's Cushioned Low Cut Moisture Wicking Socks is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

Our pick

New Balance

Men's Cushioned Low Cut Moisture Wicking Socks

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 53/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

Cotton blend with synthetic moisture-wicking fibers, no stated water-resistant treatment

Confidence

72%

PossibleAzo dyes in synthetic fibers

PossibleFormaldehyde resins in fabric finishing

PossibleMicroplastic shedding during wear or wash

Why this grade

New Balance

Unisex Active Crew Socks

PFAS grade

D 65/100

Overall grade

F 49/100

Verdict

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Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

Cotton blend athletic socks

Confidence

72%

PossibleAzo dyes and colorants

PossibleFormaldehyde resins in finishes

PossibleElastane (spandex) stability

Why this grade

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More sports performance undergarments: see the full ranking