Purchasing socks is an unavoidable aspect of life, and from my experience, wool socks are especially essential. Wool is the coziest fabric you can wear indoors to keep your toes warm during the winter, and their moisture-wicking qualities are useful for outdoor activities like skiing.
Continue reading to discover more about wool socks, including professional tips on how to choose your own from hiking enthusiast Ashleigh McClary and Backcountryexpert Gearhead, outdoor enthusiast Ken Bernard, owner of Outlandish, an outdoor clothing and equipment store in Brooklyn, NY, and outdoor enthusiast Ben Clower, marketing coordinator at JAX Outdoor Gear in Colorado.
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Best overallDarn Tough Morgan Crew Lightweight Sock
$undefined$24.00darn tough
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Best ankle socksBombas Merino Wool Blend Ankle Socks
$undefined$20.00Bombas
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Best hiking socksDarn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock
$undefined$24.00darn tough
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Best cozy socksSmartwool Mountaineer Classic Crew Socks
$25.00$27.00Amazon
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How I picked the best wool socks
I considered the following advice from our experts when selecting the best wool socks:
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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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The best wool socks in 2024
Top picks, professional suggestions, and goods that NBC Select employees have tried (and adored) are all included in this collection.
Best overall:
Darn Tough Morgan Crew Lightweight Sock
Darn Tough Morgan Crew Lightweight Sock
- Lightweight feel
- Stretchy
- Cushioned bottom
- Not as warm as heavier socks
Clower recommends these socks because of their blend of Merino wool, nylon, and lycra, which gives them a flexible, stretchy feel, according to the company. With a small cushion on the bottom for comfort, these socks are lightweight and thin, so you can wear them every day without worrying about your feet being too hot.
Composition: 34% nylon, 3% lycra, and 63% Merino wool Sizes: S, M, and L
Best ankle socks:
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Ankle Socks
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Ankle Socks
- Large size range
- Blister protection
- Good for year-round
- Nothing to note at this time.
According to the manufacturer, Bombas, a favorite among NBC Select employees (their socks were recognized with an NBC Select Wellness Award this year), is a Merino wool blend that combines elastane and polyester for a firm yet flexible fit. In addition to an elasticized, honeycomb-patterned support around the arch, the socks feature a seamless toe and a cushioned footbed for enhanced comfort. To stop your ankles from chafing as you walk, the socks also have a blister tab at the back of the opening. With an average rating of 4.6 stars based on 1,839 reviews on Bombas, they are highly regarded and come in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Composition: 2% elastane, 15% polyester, and 83% Merino wool Sizes: S, M, L, and XL
Best hiking socks:
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock
- Light cushion
- Friction prevention
- Odor-resistant
- Available in larger sizes
McClary, who loves Darn Tough socks, claims that in more than 15 years of wearing them, she has never experienced a blister, making this all-weather pair one of her favorites. The brand claims that their wool blend material and light cushion are made to wick away perspiration and stop odor. For extra protection against chafing, they are slightly taller than a typical hiking boot. According to Bernard, they’re great for a variety of activities and incredibly durable. Additionally, they come in a variant with medium cushioning, which McClary also like, and a seamless toe construction to reduce friction and blisters.
Composition: 4% lycra, 40% Merino wool, and 56% nylon Sizes: M, L, and XL
Best everyday socks for women:
Darn Tough Women s Blossom Crew Lightweight Sock
Darn Tough Women s Blossom Crew Lightweight Sock
- Performance fit
- Lightweight
- Quick-dry material
- No cushioned bottom
These socks from Darn Tough, another suggestion from Clower, are made for light activity and casual wear, according to the company. Their lightweight Merino wool combination enables them to withstand the rigors of daily wear, stretch nicely, and dry rapidly. They feature a performance fit, which means they hug your feet tightly like a second skin to stop bunching or slippage while you walk, and they don’t contain a cushion, which the brand claims helps them fit well in any shoe.
Composition: 39% nylon, 4% lycra, and 57% Merino wool Sizes: S, M, and L
Best ski sock:
Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion OTC Sock
Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion OTC Sock
- Great for skiing
- Over-the-calf design
- Lightweight feel
- No cushion
McClary’s favorite ski socks are these ones. Although you would believe that a larger sock is necessary for skiing, she claims that lightweight socks will fit a performance ski boot much better. According to the company, the Merino wool, nylon, and elastane blend used to make these socks helps regulate your feet’s temperature and absorb perspiration. It stretches over the calf for extra cold-weather covering and lacks padding for the optimum fit with performance ski boots.
Composition: 41% nylon, 4% elastane, and 55% Merino wool Sizes: M, L, and XL
Best socks for rough terrain:
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
- Performance fit
- Lightweight
- Quick-dry material
- No cushioned bottom
McClary reaches for these wool socks when the terrain is rugged or rough. Although they are made of lightweight material, they contain a thick cushion that keeps feet from getting blisters. The company claims that they feature anti-odor qualities, are bunch-free, and dry quickly.
Composition: 4% spandex, 27% nylon, and 69% Merino wool Sizes: S, M, and L
Best everyday socks for men:
Fox River Matterhorn Lightweight Crew Sock
Fox River Matterhorn Lightweight Crew Sock
- Mesh panels
- Durable design
- Extra cushion
- No smaller sizes
Clowers also suggests Fox River’s lightweight Merino wool blend socks. They include a flat, knit toe seam for increased comfort at the front of your shoes and a modest cushion for additional footbase padding. According to the brand, the socks have mesh venting panels on the sides to keep your feet cool and reinforced material at the heel and toe line for further durability.
Composition: 29% nylon, 31% acrylic, 31% Merino wool, 7% polyester, and 2% spandex Sizes: M, L, and XL
Best for warm climates:
Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Light Crew
Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Light Crew
- Breathable zone
- Ankle support
- Good for warm weather
- Too light for extreme cold
According to Bernard, the lightweight nature of these Icebreaker socks makes them perfect for warmer areas. The maker claims that they contain a light cushion for maximum comfort and instep and ankle support for increased walking stability. According to the brand, the socks are made for day trekking in warmer climates and include enhanced ventilation in the middle of the foot for better breathability.
Composition: 37% nylon, 2% lycra, and 61% Merino wool Sizes: S, M, L, and XL
Best cozy socks:
Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Crew Socks
Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Crew Socks
- Very warm
- Thicker material
- Large size range
- Too hot for everyday wear
These Smartwool socks are excellent for extended cold weather activities. According to the makers, they have a soft bottom padding for comfort when out in the cold and are constructed from a thick Merino wool blend for optimal warmth. According to Nikki Brown, editor of NBC Select SEO, these socks are her favorite item from a bridesmaid goodie bag she got years ago. “I still use them today because they were helpful during the cold Midwest wedding,” she says. According to the brand, the socks also feature an elasticized arch brace for extra support and to guarantee a snug fit.
74% Merino wool, 17% recycled nylon, 8% nylon, and 1% elastane make up the material. Sizes: XL, XXL, M, L, S
Best knee-length socks:
Hylaea Merino Wool Ski Socks
Hylaea Merino Wool Ski Socks
- Arch support
- Shock absorption
- Knee-high length
- Nothing to note at this time
According to the company, these knee-high socks are ideal for winter and ice sports because they are composed of a strong Merino wool blend. In addition to padded regions on the front shin where skiers may require additional comfort, they are made with terry loops in the forefoot, heel, and toe to reduce friction and assist absorb stress as you walk, according to Hylaea. The socks, which have a 4.5-star average rating from 5,470 reviews on Amazon, also have an elastic band around the foot for compressive arch support.
Composition: 18% nylon, 14% polyester, 31% Merino wool, 36% acrylic, and 1% spandex Sizes: M, L, and XL
Best sock multipack:
Fitrell 4-Pack Women s Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Fitrell 4-Pack Women s Merino Wool Hiking Socks
- Multipack
- Padded bottoms
- Arch support
- Small size range
These Fitrell socks, which have an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 379 reviews on Amazon, employ a blend of cotton and Merino wool to lessen itching. According to the brand, they offer a cushioned footbed for increased walking comfort and a reinforced heel and toe area to promote durability and avoid holes. Additionally, they have an arch compression area and a smooth toe seam to assist prevent blisters.
Composition: 17.5% cotton, 21.9% polyester, and 39.8% Merino wool Sizes: S and M
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How to shop for wool socks
A few considerations, like as style, thickness, and cost, can aid in your decision-making when you’re buying wool socks.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Frequently asked questions
Merino wool is a wool fiber grown year-round in Australia by Merino sheep. It has a softer, finer texture than normal wool, which is what allows it to be so smooth and lightweight. Clower says that, compared to regular wool, Merino wool also has more naturally odor-repelling properties. They also are better at regulating temperature, and absorbing and wicking away moisture from your feet.
According to Clower, wool socks do an excellent job of wicking sweat to help keep feet dry and comfortable. Wool socks are ideal for sweaty feet, says Bernard. Wool fibers wick moisture away from the skin by absorbing it into the core of each fiber and releasing it gradually, he says. This keeps feet dry, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort. Wool also has natural anti-bacterial and odor-resistant properties.
McClary says the main downsides to wool socks is that they can feel itchy to some people. She also says that if you don t pick the correct thickness for your activity, you may be too hot or too cold. Bernard also says that wool socks, especially ones made from Merino wool, can be pricey, and may take longer to dry than synthetic materials.
To wash wool socks, Clower says you can either hand wash or machine wash them. To hand wash, he suggests using a mild detergent with cold water, as warm or hot water can result in fabric shrinkage. For a machine wash, put your socks on a gentle or wool cycle and adjust the temperature settings for cold water.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Ben Clower
is the marketing coordinator forJax Outdoor Gear
in Colorado, specializing in outdoor gear/product knowledge.
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Ashleigh McClary
is an avid hiking enthusiast andBackcountry
expert Gearhead.
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Ken Bernard
is an outdoor enthusiast and expert, and owner ofOutlandish
, an outdoor gear and apparel store in Brooklyn, NY.
Why trust NBC Select?
I m an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more, including stories on thebest exercise bikes under $500and thebest 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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