Good socks are one of those things that will change your life more than you'd think. It may not make sense when you first see a two-figure price tag attached to just one pair of socks. But the upgrade is something your feet will be glad about. You feel them with every step, after all. Once you make your way out of the synthetics of the cheap-o multi-pack, you'll enter a world of better-fitting, longer-lasting, more comfortable socks and not want to step back.
The History of Wool Socks
Fresh on the scene, a few thousand years before our timelines switched to AD, socks were likely made not of fur but of animal hides. Somewhere along the way, they transitioned to matted fur, a step closer to the knitted variety you're wearing now. Eventually, matted fur stockings gave way to hand-knitted socks and remained that way for centuries before the invention of knitting machines dipped its toes into hosiery around the 1500s. Though this expedited the sock-making process significantly, hand-knitters and their looming obsolescence worked harmoniously.
What to Know
Today, we have more socks than ever. Though we've advanced in hosiery tech and imbued socks with materials like acrylic, nylon and polyester, the time-tested wool sock is still a great option — maybe even the best option.
Why Wool?
Today wool is a top choice when the cooler months creep in, thanks to its superior insulating properties. But it's also a great option for year-round wear. Wool also dries faster than cotton and maintains its insulating properties when wet.
“My favorite attribute of wool—as an active person—is its inherent odor resistance,” says Monica Ebert, Business Development Manager at The Woolmark Company. “Wool absorbs and locks away odors during wear, and they’re only released upon washing, meaning you can wear your wool socks multiple times before washing.”
Wool also helps absorb moisture better than cotton, which is ideal, seeing as your feet produce about half a pint of sweat every day. “Another amazing attribute of wool is its ability to absorb large quantities of water vapor — twice as much as cotton and thirty times as much as polyester — helping to keep the skin drier and prevent the build-up of sweat and bacteria and, ultimately, keeps the wearer more comfortable.”
Types of Wool Socks
Wool
Wool is the natural fleece fiber shorn from sheep, lamb and goat. Wool is considered a naturally renewable fiber as it’s grown year-round and is biodegradable and recyclable. It’s naturally antimicrobial, which means it won’t stink.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is known for its fine fibers, which offer a supremely soft hand and make it a great material for garments like base layers that have direct contact with the wearer’s skin. It's also considered antimicrobial.
Cashmere
A wool produced by special goats, cashmere is an extremely fine fiber with about the same thickness as ultra-fine merino but at a considerably higher price.
Wool-Blend
Many brands mix wool with nylon or cotton, which lends softness but improves the overall durability of the garment.
When to Wear Wool Socks
If you're convinced, as you should be, check out our list below — we've done our research and picked the top wool socks on the market. We break down the best everyday socks to wool socks ideal for long hikes to cashmere socks that look best kicked up on the couch in front of the TV doing nothing at all, but double as the ideal dress sock, too.
More Socks for Men
Best Overall Wool Socks: Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks
- Country of Manufacture: Taiwan
- Material(s): 78% merino wool, 20% polyester, 2% elastane
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Sizes: M, L, XL
Bombas offers some of the most detailed socks for the price. These feature a unique honeycomb arch support, cushioned footbed, seamless toe and y-stitched heel, all wrapped in a merino wool fabric that's solid for year-round wear. Bombas also has a "100% Happiness Guarantee" that promises to replace pairs of socks that become single through loss (always a bummer) and any pair with rips and holes. That may be a relief, as some users say their pairs ripped through months of use.
Best Upgrade Wool Socks: Falke Airport City Virgin Wool-Blend Socks
- Country of Manufacture: Europe
- Material(s): 60% virgin wool, 23% cotton, 15% polyamide, 2% elastane
- Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
- Sizes: 39-40, 41-42, 43-44, 45-46, 47-48, 49-50
Crafted in Germany, these socks are on the thinner, dressier end of the woolen hosiery spectrum. They feature softer-than-average virgin wool blended with cotton, polyamide and elastane for a pair of socks that's warm yet breathable, lightweight yet sturdy. The flat whip stitch toe is an extra step to make sure that there aren't any annoying seams pressing against your little piggies. They’re also wrinkle-free. Some user reviews say they don’t hold up well after several washes. However, it’s unclear if they’ve read the fine print: air dry.
Best Affordable Wool Socks: REI Co-op Merino Wool Trailsmith Crew Socks
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Material(s): 59% merino wool, 38% nylon, 3% elastane
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
While REI is primarily known for selling outdoor gear, its REI Co-op line is where some of the best budget goods are. Its Merino Wool Trailsmith Crew Socks, while technically for hiking, are solid everyday socks that offer stretch, comfort, support and wamrth. Several users say they’re ultra-comfy on the feet and they stay warm, even when wet. It's also blended with synthetics for strength and stretch.
Best Everyday Classic Wool Socks: Wigwam Lightweight Wool Athletic Socks
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Material(s): 63% wool, 37% nylon
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Sizes: M, L, XL
Wigwam has been in the sock game since 1905 and still crafts its hosiery in Wisconsin. The 625 has been in the brand's catalog since the '60s, so it has a reputation. Merino wool, durable nylon and nothing else, these socks don't offer any extra stretch but the natural elasticity of the wool itself.
Best Wool Socks for Outdoor Activities: Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Material(s): 64% merino wool, 33% nylon, 3% elastane
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry
- Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL
It's mighty difficult to get a sock much better than this for the price. Darn Tough's Hiker Boot Sock is our pick for the best long-distance hiking boot sock, but it's also a great all-around sock. It's got a super flat, super comfortable toe and an ironclad guarantee––if your socks don’t last a lifetime due to wear and tear, send them back and you’ll get them replaced.
Best Compression Wool Socks: American Supermerino Socks
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Material(s): 77% merino wool, 14% nylon, 7% polyester, 2% elastane
- Care: Machine wash cold, air dry
- Sizes: One size
Knitted in North Carolina, American Trench's Supermerino Socks are tight and compressive while being soft and flexible. It starts with Italian-spun merino wool reinforced with nylon and is finished with a few dashes of spandex for better elasticity.
Best Wool Socks for Boots: L.L. Bean Wool Ragg Sock
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Material(s): 77% merino wool, 21% stretch nylon, 2% elastane
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Made in the US from Australian merino wool, the Bean's two-pack features a generous amount of stretch with 21 percent stretch nylon and 2 percent lycra. It's got a woodsy camp sock feel befitting of a hardened lumberjack but is softer than you'd expect. We also like they come in four different sizes so you can get an even better fit. However, several users say they skew on the small side of sizing.
Best Wool Socks for the Office: Johnstons of Elgin Ribbed Cashmere Socks
- Country of Manufacture: Scotland
- Material(s): 90% cashmere, 10% nylon
- Care: Hand wash
- Sizes: M, L
Made of pure cashmere that's milled using Scottish waters, these socks are decadent. They needn't be loud because the materials and construction truly speak for themselves. They’re purely meant for indoor use, however, and shouldn’t be worn with shoes because they’re so delicate.
Best Affordable Cashmere Socks: Quince Cashmere Trouser Sock
- Country of Manufacture: China
- Material(s): 98% Mongolian cashmere, 2% elastic
- Care: Hand wash
- Sizes: XS/S, M/L
Quince's popular Cashmere Trouser Socks are back in stock after a brief hiatus. They're super-popular, soft and incredibly luxe — hence why one would wear them with trousers. They're the ultimate upgrade over your usual dress socks. Take note that many users report that nailing down size is tough, and some report them being too tall or too small for their feet.
Best Stylish Wool Socks: Anonymous Ism Herringbone Sock
- Country of Manufacture: Japan
- Material(s): 46% wool, 25% acrylic, 16% nylon, 12% polyester, 1% spandex.
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- Sizes: L
Ditch solids for a splashier herringbone pattern. Famed Japanese sock brand Anonymous Ism, known for its bold tie dye, mixes wool and nylon for this traditional design, which has both texture and visual interest. Take note that the high amount of acrylic, which is made to mimic the appearance of traditional wool, is itchy against the skin.
