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The Best Wool Socks for Warm Feet All Winter Long

The best wool socks for everyday wear, long hikes and very serious do-nothing sessions.

By Gerald Ortiz and Evan Malachosky

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Updated

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.

Products in the Guide

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

Pros

  • Blended with synthetics for added durability and stretch
  • Holes and lost pairs are by a strong warranty
  • Sturdy construction

Cons

  • Although they add durability, synthetics make them warmer
  • Users say they don’t last long before acquiring holes

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

Pros

  • Available in a whopping 33 colors
  • Custom monogram available for all pairs
  • Wrinkle-free fit on the leg

Cons

  • Pricey for a single pair
  • Some users say they don’t hold up well in the wash

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

Pros

  • Stay warm, even when damp or wet
  • Solid, eye-catching retro-style

Cons

  • Some users report on rubbing
  • Though technically for hiking, not hiker-friendly

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

Pros

  • Nylon blend makes them sturdy and better reinforced
  • Very warm

Cons

  • Lack of stretch is cumbersome to put on
  • Several users say the wool is scratchy

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

best wool socksREI

Best Wool Socks for Outdoor Activities

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock

Pros

  • Incredible warranty that replaces damaged socks
  • Padded footbed and comfortable, flat toe

Cons

  • Visible logo may be a turnoff for those looking for plain socks
  • Some users say they shrink after wash

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

Pros

  • Luxuriously soft and padded on the foot
  • Made thick for perfect pairing with sneakers or loafers

Cons

  • Available in one size, so nabbing the perfect fit may be tough
  • Added synthetics may make socks feel too warm

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

Pros

  • Thick and padded for extra warmth and comfort
  • Old school woodsy style make them especially cozy for fall and winter

Cons

  • Users say they accumulate holes easily
  • Many users report of sizing running small

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

Pros

  • Incredibly soft and plush
  • Cozy for indoor use

Cons

  • Not made for footwear, so poor everyday socks
  • Hand washing socks is cumbersome

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

Pros

  • Incredibly warm, cozy, and soft
  • Highly breathable and lightweight

Cons

  • Only for lounging, not for sneaker use
  • Hard to nail down sizing

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

Pros

  • Made with recycled and upcycled fabrics
  • Padded footbed makes them plushy
  • Sturdy construction

Cons

  • Only available in L, for U.S. men's size 9-12
  • Acrylic is itchy against the skin

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.

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