These socks will keep your feet toasty all winter long.
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Whether you’re headed off on a big ski trip, endeavoring on a mountain hike, or just preparing to spend the chillier months snuggled on the couch at home, it’s key to be well stocked with warm socks. To make sure your feet stay warm and dry but not overheated or sweaty, it’s important to find high-quality socks made from the right materials to suit your needs.
Wool socks, for instance, are a great choice because they’re thermoregulating, quick-drying, and odor-resistant. Wool is the only textile that offers this ideal balance despite changing temperatures, which makes it the ultimate hiking sock material. Synthetic materials can help add elasticity and a better fit for a sock that will dry quickly and wick moisture, but may not breathe as well if conditions warm up. Ahead, we’ve culled the best warm socks in every category.
These super soft socks keep your feet warm, dry, and odor-free.
They only come in one size.
When it comes to wool socks, merino is an excellent choice as it's soft rather than itchy like some wool can be. Unbound Merino’s merino wool blend fabric feels unbelievably soft and stretchy, like a warm (but not overbearing) hug for your feet. The fabric also has temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial properties, so it will keep you cozy and dry both by the fireplace and out in the snow. Unbound Merino’s wool is sustainably sourced from independent, cruelty-free wool farms.
These socks are also great for travel because they don’t smell after every use. That’s because merino wool’s complex structure locks odor molecules within the fiber and only releases them on washing. Therefore, you can pack less and rewear these crew socks, allowing you to travel lighter. The fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly, so you can feel confident wearing them for any activity.
Price at time of publish: $20
The Details: One size | Merino wool blend
The midweight sock helps stave off odors.
They run a bit small.
While hiking, your feet can quickly get either hot or cold depending on the climate you’re in. Thanks to thermoregulating properties, merino wool socks will keep your feet warm when it’s cold out, but also cool when it’s hot out. These fine gauge knitted crew socks are made from a merino wool, nylon, and lycra spandex blend that’s perfect for outdoor activities. They offer mid-level cushion density under your foot and sit mid-calf for added protection from the elements. Vermont-based Darn Tough is well-loved by hiking enthusiasts for its top-of-the-line construction and lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $27
The Details: S to XXL | Merino wool, nylon, and lycra spandex blend
These activity-ready socks can withstand the toughest adventures.
There are only two sizes.
Like all high-quality fabrics, good wool doesn’t come cheap, but the price tag on this three-pack of 80 percent merino wool-blend socks is unbeatable. The itch-free material and soft brushed fuzzy inner feel delightful on your feet, while the mid-calf socks keep you comfy thanks to the shaped cushioning in the footbed. If activities such as hiking or winter sports are on the agenda, you’ll appreciate the no-slip cuff, which saves you from having to pull up your socks throughout the day. The natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking of the wool fabric is ideal for those same scenarios.
Price at time of publish: $27
The Details: S/M or M/L | Merino wool, polyester, nylon, and spandex blend
These super soft socks feel magnificent on your feet.
A type of wool that comes from a specific breed of goat, cashmere is soft, warm, and luxurious-feeling while still maintaining breathability. Though prices for cashmere can run steep, we find it’s worth the occasional splurge to enjoy that walking-on-a-cloud luxury that comes from this particular fabric. This pair from Naked Cashmere comes in four neutral hues that’ll go with virtually anything in your wardrobe. Just be sure to hand wash them, as cashmere doesn’t machine wash well.
Price at time of publish: $115
The Details: S/M or M/L | Cashmere, spandex
These durable socks come in a variety of fun patterns.
They’re a bit bulky for sneakers or slimmer shoes.
If you’re spending a day hitting the slopes, you’ll want a warm, comfortable pair of socks to keep up with your adventures. Smartwool’s cushioning hits in all the right places, and the wool has been designed for enhanced durability, so you don’t have to worry about your ski boots wearing them down. The merino wool-blend socks are meant to help stave off blisters as well as slippage and bunching, which can slow down your fun. Though you’ll want your winter sport socks to be warm, they also need to keep your feet from sweating. This pair has mesh ventilation zones on the top of the foot so they stay cool.
Price at time of publish: $28
The Details: M to XL | Merino wool, nylon, elastane
The socks’ honeycomb center cradles the arch of your foot and provides support.
You may think you don’t need compression socks, but packing a pair on your next flight could make a big difference in the way your legs feel at 40,000 feet in the air. Compression socks essentially assist the body with moving blood from the feet back to the heart, since blood can tend to pool in your feet during long flights. Bombas, which is a brand beloved for their blister-preventing arch support socks, makes a great pair of medium-level compression socks with a comfy cushioned footbed and seamless toe. In addition to gray, black, and white options, the knee-high socks also come in fun bright colors. Plus, the brand has a great mission: for every pair of socks purchased, they donate one pair to a homeless shelter.
Price at time of publish: $84
The Details: S to L | Cotton, polyester, elastane, and nylon blend
Individual toe compartments allow your foot and toes to flex and move more naturally.
Toe socks can be difficult to put on.
If you want a bit of extra sweat-wicking power between your toes, these toe socks from Injinji might just do the trick. The separation of your digits can also help alleviate friction between your toes which can cause blisters and pain. Designed with hikers, runners, and other active types in mind, the mid-calf socks are made from a cozy wool blend that keeps moisture, excessive heat, and chilliness at bay. Plus, a mesh top provides maximum breathability and ventilation on the top of the foot.
Price at time of publish: $17
The Details: S to XL | Merino wool
The luxe fluffy socks come in a nice range of colors.
They can be a bit slippery to walk in.
For those cold winter nights when you’re sitting around a fireplace or on a lazy Sunday morning in front of the television, there are no better socks than this option from UGG. These fuzzy socks are the most comfortable lounge socks we’ve had on our feet, and we’ve snatched them up in multiple color options to keep them in steady rotation all winter long. The machine washable socks hit just above the ankle for a bit of added warmth, and they look super cute sticking out of a pair of low-cut boots.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Details: One size | Polyester, spandex
The budget-friendly socks come in four fun color combos.
Be sure to machine wash them on the gentle cycle only.
Quince is known for their clothing basics made from high-quality materials at very affordable price points. Their selection of moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, temperature-regulating merino wool socks is no different. The cushiony soft performance footbed provides extra support and comfort for your soles, while special Stay-Up technology ensures your socks won’t budge as you move throughout the day. The seamless toe prevents irritation and bulk, added arch support cradles your midfoot, and a Y-stitched heel is designed to mold to your feet and ensure the very best fit possible. This three-pack comes in three neutral color options, or you can pick from a mixed three-pack.
Price at time of publish: $72
The Details: XS/S, M/L, and XL | Merino wool, nylon, polyester, spandex
These do-it-all socks stay put no matter your intended activity.
There can be some pilling with wear.
Whether you’re hiking, doing winter sports, or just lounging around, Patagonia’s wool-nylon-spandex blend socks are great for keeping your feet warm and dry without overheating. Comfortable and breathable, these socks avoid that scratchy feeling that can sometimes plague wool socks, plus, they’re lightly cushioned to give your feet a bit of support. The form-fitting crew socks run true to size from S to XL and come in five color options.
We love that all of the virgin wool Patagonia sources is certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) from farm to fiber to help ensure protection for the animals that supply it and the land they graze on.
Price at time of publish: $25
The Details: S to XL | Wool/nylon/spandex blend
The slim batteries aren’t bothersome even when doing winter sports.
They’re not machine washable and you have to remove the batteries before hand washing.
If you don’t already own a pair of high-tech heated socks, allow us to explain why you should consider them — especially if you’re headed to a cold-climate locale. Even the most insulated winter boots might not be enough to keep your feet and toes warm when spending time in frigid climates. Heated socks keep the heat flowing with rechargeable batteries that tuck into a pocket on the upper calf for several hours before needing a recharge. After testing 15 pairs of heated socks, our absolute favorite was this soft, breathable, and stretchy pair by The Day Wolf, which can heat your toes to a max temperature of 121 degrees Fahrenheit and has up to 10 hours of battery life.
Price at time of publish: $80
The Details: S to XL | Polyester, elastane, nylon
For every pair purchased, a pair is donated.
For a wool sock that’s great for everyday wear and thin enough to slide into a pair of sneakers, try Bombas’ ankle-height merino wool-blend selection. It features a cushioned footbed, a honeycomb arch support that acts like a hug for your midfoot, and a seamless toe that eliminates irritating bumps that lay across that area. Aside from being comfortable and long-lasting, the socks are also available in six colors to match any shoes in your wardrobe. Plus, for each pair sold, Bombas donates a pair to those in need through homeless shelters, so you can do good while keeping your feet feeling good, too.
Price at time of publish: $19
The Details: S to L | Merino wool, polyester, and elastane blend
If you only buy one pair of warm socks, we recommend choosing a wool pair. Wool is thermoregulating, which means it’ll keep you cool when it’s warmer and warm when it’s colder outside. It's also quick-drying, which can help keep sweat at bay if you’re doing physical activities. Wool also helps stave off odors which is great for two reasons. Most obviously, your feet won’t smell! But no odor also means you can re-wear your wool socks between washes, so you can pack fewer pairs when you’re headed on a trip and baggage real estate is limited.
When picking a pair of warm socks for a given outing, it’s important to be mindful of the specific shoes you’ll be wearing. If you’re donning boots, for instance, pick a longer sock that’ll protect your ankles and calves from any rubbing and chafing. If winter sports or a hike are on the agenda, you’ll appreciate socks with added staying power that won’t slide down as you move about. If you’re wearing sneakers or a shoe with a slimmer profile, be sure to pick a thinner sock that won’t add too much bulk to the limited space in your shoe.
For this story, Talia Ergas did a deep dive into all the best warm socks for cold climates and winter activities. She researched the top fabrics, cuts, and designs, paying special attention to travel-related benefits such as compression, odor-resistance, water-resistance, and ease of care.
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