How wool socks keep your feet warm without making them sweat (2024)

Buying socks is an inevitable part of life and in my experience, wool socks, in particular, are a must have. Their moisture-wicking properties come in handy for skiing and other outdoor sports, and when you’re indoors, wool is the coziest fabric you can wear to keep your toes toasty warm during the wintertime.

Read on to learn more about wool socks, including expert advice on how to shop for a pair of your own from Ben Clower, an outdoor enthusiast and marketing coordinator at JAX Outdoor Gear in Colorado, Ken Bernard, an outdoor enthusiast and owner of Outlandish, an outdoor gear and apparel store in Brooklyn, NY, and Ashleigh McClary, a hiking enthusiast and Backcountry expert Gearhead.

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To choose the best wool socks, I kept in mind the following recommendations from our experts:

• Material: Wool socks are typically 100% wool or blended with other fabrics like nylon, lycra and elastane to increase durability and overall comfort. According to Bernard, wool socks are “exceptional for outdoor activities” because of their insulation, moisture-wicking and odor resistance. “Wool fibers are naturally crimped, creating pockets that trap heat, which keeps feet warm in winter while staying cool in summer,” he says. This list includes socks made of 100% Merino wool and wool-nylon blends.
• Features: The elements of a good wool sock, according to McClary, include proper cushioning and thickness along with seaming that keeps it from shifting around the foot. If you have flat feet, you may need extra arch reinforcement, or if your feet get sore easily, you may want a sock with a heavily padded bottom. My list includes socks with a range of features, including longer height, reinforced arch support, extra padding and more.

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This roundup includes top-rated options, expert recommendations, and products tested (and loved) by NBC Select staff.

Best overall: Darn Tough Morgan Crew Lightweight Sock

These socks come recommended by Clower — their material is Merino wool blended with nylon and lycra, giving them a stretchy, flexible feel, according to the brand. These socks are thin and lightweight, making them great for everyday wear without overheating your feet, and have a slight cushion on the bottom for added comfort.

Material: 63% Merino wool, 34% nylon, 3% lycra | Sizes: S, M, L

Best ankle socks: Bombas Merino Wool Blend Ankle Socks

Bombas is an NBC Select staff favorite (their socks won an NBC Select Wellness Award this year) — this option is Merino wool blended with polyester and elastane for a flexible yet firm fit, according to the brand. The socks have a cushioned footbed and a seamless toe for added comfort, along with an elasticized, honeycomb-design support around the arch. The socks also have a blister tab at the back of the opening to prevent ankle chafing while you walk. They’re available in men and women’s sizes and come highly rated with a 4.6 star average rating from 1,839 reviews on Bombas.

Material: 83% Merino wool, 15% polyester, 2% elastane | Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Best hiking socks: Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock

McClary, a huge fan of Darn Tough socks, says this all-weather pair is one of her absolute favorites because, in over 15 years of wearing them, she’s never gotten a blister. They have a light cushion and a wool blend material designed to wick sweat and prevent odor, according to the brand. Their height is just above that of a standard hiking boot for addedprotection against chafing. Bernard says they’re very durable and “excellent” for a wide range of activities. They also have a seamless toe design to minimize friction and blistering, and come in a version with medium cushioning, too (which McClary also loves).

Material: 56% nylon, 40% Merino wool, 4% lycra | Sizes: M, L, XL

Best everyday socks for women: Darn Tough Women’s Blossom Crew Lightweight Sock

Another recommendation from Clower, these socks from Darn Tough are designed for casual wear and light activity, according to the brand. They’re made from a lightweight, Merino wool blend that allows them to dry quickly, stretch well, and hold up against the strain of everyday wear. They have no cushion, which the brand says helps them to fit well in any shoe, and have a performance fit, meaning they closely hug your feet like a second skin to prevent bunching or slippage while you walk.

Material: 57% Merino wool, 39% nylon, 4% lycra | Sizes: S, M, L

Best ski sock: Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion OTC Sock

Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion OTC Sock

$

29.00

$29.00

What we like

• Great for skiing
• Over-the-calf design
• Lightweight feel

Something to note

• No cushion

See Also

How to Pick a Good Sock: Top 5 Socks for Athletes

These are McClary’s favorite ski socks — you may think you need a thicker sock when it comes to skiing, but she says lightweight socks “will fit significantly better in a performance ski boot.” These socks are made from a Merino wool, nylon and elastane blend that helps to control the temperature of your feet and absorb sweat, according to the brand. It has no cushioning for best fit with performance ski boots, and also reaches over the calf to provide additional cold-weather coverage.

Material: 55% Merino wool, 41% nylon, 4% elastane | Sizes: M, L, XL

Best socks for rough terrain: Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock

When it comes to heavy-duty or rocky terrain, McClary grabs these wool socks. They have a lightweight material, but a heavy cushion that protects feet from blisters. They’re bunch-free, quick-drying and have anti-odor properties, according to the brand.

Material: 69% Merino wool, 27% nylon, 4% spandex | Sizes: S, M, L

Best everyday socks for men: Fox River Matterhorn Lightweight Crew Sock

Fox River Matterhorn Lightweight Crew Sock

$

24.00

$18.00$24.00

What we like

• Mesh panels
• Durable design
• Extra cushion

Something to note

• No smaller sizes

Clowers also recommends these lightweight Merino wool blend socks from Fox River. They have a medium cushion for extra footbase padding and a flat, knit toe seam for added comfort at the front of your shoes. To help your feet stay cool, the socks have mesh venting panels on the sides, along with reinforced material along the heel and toe line for extra durability, according to the brand.

Material: 31% Merino wool, 31% acrylic, 29% nylon, 7% polyester, 2% spandex | Sizes: M, L, XL

Best for warm climates: Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Light Crew

Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Light Crew

$

18.93

$

23.00

$16.10$23.00

What we like

• Breathable zone
• Ankle support
• Good for warm weather

Something to note

• Too light for extreme cold

Bernard says these socks from Icebreaker are ideal for warmer climates because of their lightweight texture. They have a light cushion for max comfort, and ankle and instep support for added stability while walking, according to the brand. The brand says they’re designed for day hiking and warmer conditions, and that the socks have improved ventilation around the middle of the foot for increased breathability.

Material: 61% Merino wool, 37% nylon, 2% lycra | Sizes: S, M, L , XL

Best cozy socks: Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Crew Socks

Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Crew Socks

$

25.00

$

27.00

$

27.00

$26.99

What we like

• Very warm
• Thicker material
• Large size range

Something to note

• Too hot for everyday wear

These socks from Smartwool are great for long, cold periods of outdoor activity. They’re made from a thick Merino wool blend for maximum warmth, and have a plush bottom cushioning for comfort while out in the cold, according to the brand. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown says that these socks are her “most cherished gift” from a bridesmaid goodie bag she received years ago. “The wedding was in the Midwest and it was cold, so these came in handy and I still use them today,” she says. The socks also have an elasticized arch brace for added support and to ensure a secure fit, according to the brand.

Material: 74% Merino wool, 17% recycled nylon, 8% nylon, 1% elastane | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Best knee-length socks: Hylaea Merino Wool Ski Socks

Hylaea Merino Wool Ski Socks

$

19.99

$

23.99

What we like

• Arch support
• Shock absorption
• Knee-high length

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

These knee high socks are made from a thick Merino wool blend that makes them great for winter and ice sports, according to the brand. They’re designed with terry loops in the forefoot, heel and toe to minimize friction and help absorb shock and you walk, along with padded areas on the front shin where skiers may need more cushion, according to Hylaea. The socks also have an elastic band around the foot for compressive arch support, and are highly-rated with a 4.5-star average rating from 5,470 reviews on Amazon.

Material: 36% acrylic, 31% Merino wool, 18% nylon, 14% polyester, 1% spandex | Sizes: M, L, XL

Best sock multipack: Fitrell 4-Pack Women’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Fitrell 4-Pack Women’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks

$

21.99

What we like

• Multipack
• Padded bottoms
• Arch support

Something to note

• Small size range

These socks from Fitrell use a Merino wool and cotton blend to reduce itchiness, and have a 4.6-star average rating from 379 ratings on Amazon. They have a reinforced heel and toe area to increase the durability and prevent holes, along with a cushioned footbed for added comfort while walking, according to the brand. They also have a smooth toe seam and an arch compression area to help stop the formation of blisters.

Material: 39.8% Merino wool, 21.9% polyester, 17.5% cotton | Sizes: S, M

When shopping for wool socks, keeping in mind a few factors can help your decision-making, including style, thickness and price.

• Style: Clower says your comfort level will depend on choosing the right kind of sock for your needs. For example, a wool sock with bottom grips is best for indoor activities like yoga or pilates while longer socks with more thickness and cushioning are best for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. For everyday socks, look for options with light cushioning and thickness, which makes them easier to wear with various types of shoes. “Socks should fit snugly without slipping, bunching or squeezing,” says Bernard.

• Thickness: McClary says that one of the most important factors to consider when buying wool socks is the sock’s thickness in relation to the activity you’re doing and the shoe you’re wearing. “If your socks are too thick or too thin, your footwear will not be comfortable and you may even have to end your activity earlier than expected,” she says, referring to times where she’s had to go home early from skiing and hiking because of a lack of warmth and blisters on her feet from choosing the wrong sock. “Just because it says Merino in the title, doesn’t mean it’s the right sock for the activity you’re doing,” she says.

• Price: Though they may range slightly in price from brand to brand, it’s important to keep in mind that wool socks are generally more expensive than cotton or synthetic socks. Many options retail for over $20 per pair, which can seem a bit pricey for a pair of socks. However, Clower insists they’re worth the splurge; “in the long run your feet will thank you for the upgrade,” he says.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Ben Clower is the marketing coordinator for Jax Outdoor Gear in Colorado, specializing in outdoor gear/product knowledge.
• Ashleigh McClary is an avid hiking enthusiast and Backcountry expert Gearhead.
• Ken Bernard is an outdoor enthusiast and expert, and owner of Outlandish, an outdoor gear and apparel store in Brooklyn, NY.

I’m an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more, including stories on the best exercise bikes under $500 and the best travel mugs. For this article, I spoke to outdoor gear experts about the best wool socks for everyday and outdoor wear, including their recommendations and guidance on how to shop for a pair of your own.

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