The 5 Best Wool Socks for Men
Wool is like a wonder-material that can't be imitated in a lab. Used for thousands of years, this natural fiber boasts a super-high heat retention and breathability that other materials simply don't provide. And unlike cotton, wool dissipates moisture during wintertime activities, so it's even the ideal choice for activewear. Those in the market for a new pair of socks have come to the right place. We've whittled down the seemingly-endless options to the best of the best in wool socks. Here, we list our top five favorites, from the bargain buy to the coziest pair.
Alvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks, Thermal Warm Crew Winter Sock for Men & Women, 3 Pairs
Alvada takes the icy crown
With the Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks, there’s a lot to love. For one, these socks are extra-thick along the footbed, providing a buffer between your toes and the cold hard ground. And whether you’re pacing the house or hiking the frontier, that extra cushioning makes a big difference in keeping your feet warm and your dogs pain-free. Even better, the 80% Merino wool is blended with polyester, nylon, and spandex for greater durability. That also means you can wash them without worrying about them shrinking down to doll-sized. With superior breathability and heat retention, Alvada’s socks hit the sweet spot in function and design. And although there are indeed cheaper options out there, these socks are made to last.
Pros
- Cushioned footbed
- Machine-washable on cold
- Long-lasting, durable design
Cons
- Not ideal for extreme cold
Carhartt Men’s Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Socks
Like antifreeze for your foot
In extremely cold environments, wool socks can be a lifesaver. Many of us work, hunt, and play in freezing temperatures and call it quits once our toes feel like they’re going to fall off. If you want to extend your cold-temperature tolerance, we suggest this heavy weight sock from Carhartt. Perfect for working outdoors, this thick pick insulates heat from your toes to your calves. What’s more, the quick-drying technology wicks away any heat-sucking moisture for when your dogs start to sweat. Best of all, with a high wool content, Carhartt’s Arctic Boot Socks defy expectations and don’t feel itchy or scratchy. And though the price tag is high, your feet will thank you.
Pros
- Fast-drying technology
- Heavy-duty heat retention
- Trusted company
Cons
- Premium price
People Socks 71% Premium Merino Wool Crew Socks, 4 Pairs, Made in USA
More sock for your buck
What’s made in the United States of America and keeps your toes warm and dry for a budget price? Why, the People Socks, of course. This aptly-named company is committed to providing the people with quality wool socks for less. Coming in at less than five bucks per pair, this option sports a surprisingly thoughtful design. Thick in all the right places, the toe and heel are reinforced while the top breathes for optimal temperature control. People Socks even have arch-support, with an elasticized arch for lasting comfort. Affordable, comfy, and stylish, this value-pack is designed to get you and your tootsies through the winter.
Pros
- Affordable
- Arch support
- Reinforced heel and toe
Cons
- Some pilling occurs
Mens Heavy Thick Wool Socks, Soft Warm Comfort Winter Crew Socks, Packs of 3 or 5, Multicolor
Like clouds on your feet
Those looking for a little extra fluff for their feet should consider this pair from Yoicy. Super thick, super warm, and super comfy, this pick won’t choke your dogs with tight elastic. Instead, it sports a super-stretchy spandex that treats your feet with the tenderness they deserve. Best of all, Yoicy socks are the softest socks that money can buy. The secret to their softness? They use real cashmere wool for the inner lining, which is the gold standard for baby-soft wool clothing. And while they’re not the ideal sock for hiking, since they do contain 10% cotton, Yoicy socks are the ideal pick for wearing around the house or to the office.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Cashmere wool lining
Cons
- Sizing runs small
Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks for Men, Women, & Kids, Trekking, Outdoor, Cushioned Breathable 3-pack
That Danish durability
There’s no reason to let the cold keep you from blazing a trail. That’s why we recommend these wool socks from Danish Endurance to all those wintertime hikers out there. Developed by mountaineer Rasmus Kragh, this option features the best in durability and active design. For example, they’re reinforced in all the blister hotspots, such as the ball of the foot and the heel. They also have “ventilation lanes,” to allow greater airflow and temperature control. And although they cost a pretty penny, these socks are built to last a long time. That’s because the Danes have high standards for quality control and so do your feet.
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable
- Reinforced blister points
Cons
- Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of wool and which is best?
Wool is a natural textile made from the fleece of an animal. Many different animals are bred for their wool, from the alpaca to the goat. Most of the options on our list are made from the wool of the Merino sheep. Prized around the world, this breed of sheep produces an exceptionally soft and fine wool. Another highly-valued wool comes from the Cashmere Goat. Renowned for its softness, cashmere and silk have endured a centuries-long rivalry for the crown of the softest animal-derived textile.
Why are wool socks odor-resistant?
Merino wool contains an oil called lanolin that prohibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This property, coupled with the fact that wool breathes well and doesn’t retain moisture, means your wool socks won’t need to be washed as frequently as other articles of clothing. Some people swear that you don’t have to wash wool socks even after a week of wear, but we generally give them three days before washing.
How do I clean or wash my wool socks?
As you might already know, wool can’t be laundered with the rest of your clothes. When subjected to high heat, such as in a washing machine or dryer, wool shrinks considerably. And although some of the options on our list claim to be machine-washable, we generally recommend hand-washing and air-drying wool clothing. Because the tumbling of a washer and dryer can degrade the integrity of a wool sock, even cold cycles aren’t recommended.
If you must wash them in a machine, always wash on the coldest setting and never use fabric softeners. And if you insist on drying them in a dryer, make sure you have a small toddler around that can fit in your newly-shrunken clothes.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.