We take our socks for granted. Oftentimes, we as men don’t even think about the socks we wear. We buy the same white or black socks we got when we were kids and never changed. Sometimes we switch to dress socks, but if we’re not forced to wear something different, we will stay in those same cotton socks we wore on the high school basketball team until the day we die. Now is the time for you to elevate to wool socks. Not just any wool socks; for the sake of your feet, consider switching to merino wool socks this winter.
What is merino wool?
Plain and simple, merino wool is wool made from merino sheep, native to Spain. It was developed in the Middle Ages and is thinner, lighter, and more comfortable than regular wool. It does two things better than regular wool, which makes it perfect for your socks. It wicks away moisture, so it keeps your temperature regulated. And it fights odor. Who doesn’t want to have a pair of socks that keeps you warm without stinking?
The best thing about merino wool socks is that, if you find the right pair, they can act as both the best men’s dress socks and the best compression socks, depending on the variety that you pick up. Merino wool socks really are a catchall when it comes to giving your feet comfort and style, plus a shot of performance. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite merino socks to get you through the coldest months of the year.
Boardroom Socks Over-the-Calf Patterned Socks
If you’re as tired as we are of dress socks that fray, pill, and — worst of all — constantly slip down your calves, you’re going to swoon over these merino dress socks. Crafted by a North Carolina family that has been in the textile business for seven generations, these socks are not only slip-proof (and shrink-proof!) but also deliciously soft and eminently breathable, ensuring dryness and comfort in all seasons.
Best for: Office and streetwear
Meriwool Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Your hiking adventures don’t have to be all pain and no gain with these merino wool socks by Meriwool. These socks are ideal to wear during hikes since they have a thick and water-resistant covering, which helps keep your feet dry. While taking on that long trail, your feet will be blister-free with Meriwool’s comfortable construction and, of course, merino wool-blend yarn. The socks also feature moisture-wicking and compression support properties.
Best for: Hiking
Filson Heavyweight Traditional Crew Socks
Merino wool is definitely a wonder fabric with plenty of benefits, including the fact that it works to both insulate you and wick away moisture at the same time. That’s crucial when it comes to rugged socks to wear day in and day out with hard-wearing boots this spring. Enter Filson’s Heavyweight Traditional Crew Socks for durable daily performance. Men’s wool socks like these are going to work as hard as you do, no doubt about it.
Best for: Day hikes, early morning yard work, brisk days in the field
Woolly Clothing Merino Wool Everyday Socks
Get a two-pack of socks that simply get the job done on all fronts and will rapidly become your new favorites. They’re moisture-wicking and made with anti-odor technology, plus, they blend merino wool with nylon and elastane for comfort and durability. You really can’t beat the versatile gray colorway for pairing with all kinds of outfits, and that’s why it pays off to have some men’s merino wool socks in your wardrobe.
Best for: Daily wear, with everything from jeans to chinos to technical pants
Time May Tell Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Merino wool socks are perfect for more active pursuits, be it a day hike, a park stroll, or a camping getaway, and that’s where these particular socks enter the fray. The 80% merino wool blend offers all-day comfort and a no-slip fit, plus that crucial anti-odor technology.
Best for: Hiking, road trips, all-day wear
American Trench Merino Activity Socks
It’s hard not to love the USA-made craftsmanship and attention to detail that you get from American Trench all throughout its product line. That includes these sporty, retro-inspired socks infused with real silver and made with fabrics like merino wool (of course) and nylon. Get as many pairs as your credit card can handle.
Best for: Wearing with rugged cap-toe boots or chukka boots and denim
Falke Airport Wool Blend Socks
You may not be flying anywhere all the time, but these socks aren’t only good for the flight. Multiple colors and the ability to personalize these allow you to customize your sock closet. Falke makes some of the best merino socks on the market, no questions asked.
Best for: Long-haul road trips
Pantherella Laburnum Over-the-Calf Socks
These socks make the ultimate statement of elegance for your feet. The simple, crisp ribbed design looks great and stays up through even the longest of days. These are the definitions of classy luxury.
Best for: The office and fancy dress occasions
Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking Socks
If you’re looking for a great gift for men, these merino wool socks by Danish Endurance are worth considering. Designed in Denmark, these are made of the highest quality materials and have a comfortable fit. Whether for hiking or trekking, these socks help keep feet dry and snug with the merino wool’s breathable material.
Best for: Outdoor wear and trekking
People Socks Merino Wool Socks
Owning merino wool socks doesn’t have to put a gaping hole in your wallet. You can find high-quality merino wool socks with People Socks. If you’re busy at work all day, these comfortable yet functional socks will keep your feet dry and warm. Incorporating a 71% merino wool blend, these socks’ more budget-friendly price doesn’t mean you’ll compromise on overall quality.
Best for: Workboots
Fun Toes Crew Merino Wool Socks
Keep your feet warm and cozy even on the coldest nights with these merino wool socks by Fun Toes. Made from merino wool and nylon blend, these socks provide the perfect weight and thickness, remaining lightweight for a comfortable fit. They also feel soft to the skin so you won’t experience any itching or odors. Get your money’s worth with this pack of six pairs of socks.
Best for: Cold-weather wear
Darn Tough Style 1949 Uncle Buck Boot Cushion Sock
These may feel like the best socks you’ve ever worn, so that awesome retro design is really just icing on the cake. Wear testers vouch that, after a year-plus of punishing, all-season use, these socks more than live up to their name. No matter what your outdoor life looks like, these are the socks for you.
Best for: Hiking, outdoor sports, and buck hunting (sorry Bambi)
Farm to Feet Cokeville Midweight Merino Wool Socks
Farm to Feet socks just make us feel good. They’re tough, they’re warm, and they make us feel like we’re supporting a good cause, e.g., a farm (which is extra good on weekends when we oversleep and miss the farmers market). The outer plaiting protects the integrity of the soft inner yarns, providing a great feel and reliable insulation.
Best for: General outdoor wear
Swiftwick Pursuit Zero
Swiftwick’s tough-as-nails no-show Pursuit Zero sock is built for hard use, with bolstered durability in high-abrasion areas, a mid cushion for cloud-soft comfort, and an engineered fit that conforms to the contours of your feet. That magical heel tab ensures that your no-show socks stay put. Who knew socks could be so high-tech?
Best for: Running, high-impact casual wear
Smartwool Everyday Snowed-In Sweater
Sometimes the best use for a merino wool sock is in place of your shoes, keeping your feet warm by the fire in the cabin while the snow falls outside the door. Smartwool socks are some of the best at this. As the holidays come closer, pick up a pair of these to feel like you are plucked right out of a Hallmark movie. They come in four different colors and patterns to match your favorite sweater.
Best for: Comfy night at home
Danner Merino Midweight Hiking Socks
Turn to the makers of some of the best men’s boots to get your feet into a pair of equally reliable, durable hiking socks. We appreciate the USA-made construction, the high-quality fabric, the alpine pattern, and of course, the ethically sourced fabric. Be sure to team these with your rugged Danner
Best for: Hiking, outdoor activities, camping
Bombas Men’s Merino Wool Calf Socks
Even socks get to be trendy sometimes. Grab a pair of these Bombas crew socks, which come in neutral and fun colors to be right on trend with the changing seasonal styles without giving up any of merino wool’s comfort and performance. These are the perfect choice for your lifestyle, whether you wear your basic run-of-the-mill neutrals or make a rebellious statement with your socks.
Best for: Maximum comfort and performance
There you have it, 17 of the best choices for wool socks that will make the blistering cold a little more bearable and the hikes a little more enjoyable. Now all you need is the right pair of boots, and this winter will be a breeze. A cold breeze, but a breeze nonetheless.
