The Best Boys’ Socks
The best way to ensure that the little boy in your life doesn't have to deal with itchy, unsupported feet while out and about is by supplying them with top-notch socks. Whether you're looking for cushioned athletic socks for gym class, or even some funky patterns to turn heads at recess, let our comprehensive list of the best boys' socks on the market be your guide.
What To Look For
There are a few essential attributes that any pair of socks worth its salt should have. These qualities can be hard to register at a glance, but their absence will be unmistakable once you actually try on the socks. While selecting products for this piece, we made sure to feature socks that wowed us in terms of support, durability, and comfort. With that said, we firmly believe that these quarter-socks from Adidas are the most likely to leave your little one feeling like a happy camper. These impressive polyester-spandex socks feature exceptional moisture-wicking technology that can keep feet dry and reinforced toe and heel patches for extra support. Alternatively, if you and your boy are looking for something a little whackier, these patterned crew socks from Zumou just might do the trick. These adorably designed socks feature various cheeky patterns that are sure to put a smile on your little one’s face. Keep reading to find out what works about the rest of our top picks.
Adidas Quarter-Socks
Cushioned and comfy
If you’re looking for solid basic socks for your little man, Adidas’s quarter-length pairs are a sure bet. Available in various basic colors, these socks can match just about any outfit and style. They’re a great option for everyday wear, especially thanks to the moisture-wicking yarn. That means that even though they’re not explicitly designed for sports, they’ll hold up well to whatever sweat and friction occur while your little guy plays.
Pros:
- We appreciate the mesh top, as this helps the socks breathe
- Great quality considering the affordable price
- Good variety of basic colors
Cons:
- If you wash them on the highest settings, they may shrink
Puma Kids Low-Cut Socks
Low riders
Low-cut socks aren’t disappearing any time soon, and these pairs from Puma are among the best ones offered at this price point. Designed with built-in arch support and moisture-control technology, these socks will suit your little guy well throughout the day, all without peeking out over the top of his sneakers. We really like the enormous variety of colors on offer here, as it means you can pick the one that suits him and his wardrobe best.
Pros:
- They’re sold in six-packs to maximize cost value
- They offer a bit of soft cushioning
- Decent breathability
Cons:
- They may run a touch small
Adidas Crew Socks
Golden arches
Crew socks have seen a comeback in popularity recently, and we’re all about it. If you’re shopping for a boy who is into crew socks, point him toward these from Adidas. Lauded as one of the most cost-efficient socks on the market, these are a favorite, due in large part to their reliability. Despite being so affordable, they tend to last a long time, offering comfort and breathability all the while.
Pros:
- We appreciate being able to choose from various bundles offered in monotone colors
- Snug fit around the shin helps prevent them from sliding down
- Sweat-wicking design is good for boys whose feet are prone to overheating
Cons:
- The Adidas logo is fairly prominent; some boys may prefer this while others may not like it
Zumou Crew Socks
Playful patterns
If you’re shopping for a boy on the younger side, we hope you’ll agree with us that very few options are as charming as this collection from Zumou. These ten-packs offer an adorable variety of patterned socks including dinosaurs, automobiles, and printed phrases. And the vibrant colors and stripes here helped win us over, too. Whether you’re shopping for a toddler or a ten-year-old, believe us: there’s plenty here to like.
Pros:
- A single ten-pack provides more than enough socks for a week
- Fabric blend consists primarily of cotton
- Has a little spandex to give the socks a bit of stretch
Cons:
- May run a tad bit smaller than what you expect
Hot Feet Thermal Socks
Cozy toes
When cold weather rears its ugly head, we all want our kids to be as comfortable and prepared as they can be. But how many of us have used or even heard of thermal socks before? These socks are specially designed to trap and retain heat, and they do a great job of it. That makes them a great option to wear all throughout the colder months. Whether your boy wears them around the house or to school, he’ll be plenty happy having toasty feet all day long.
Pros:
- Cool and unique patterns
- Even though they retain heat, they do a good job of wicking moisture
- Very comfortable, largely thanks to the brushed inside lining
Cons:
- They tend to slide down the leg over time, which can be a nuisance
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fabric blend is best?
This really depends on the context in which the socks will be worn. Wool is excellent for warm weather because it retains heat well while remaining breathable. But it’s usually not a good material to wear in warm weather, because it tends to retain too much warmth, which can lead to overheating and sweating. Cotton is perhaps the most common material utilized in socks, but it’s usually blended with polyester. Cotton is a great all-arounder on its own, but adding a little bit of polyester to the sock blend helps make the sock stronger and less prone to shrinking. And for sports activities, sometimes it’s best to opt for a fabric blend that’s primarily comprised of polyester because it wicks moisture well and holds its shape over time. Certain materials are more eco-friendly than others, too. You’ll have to decide how you weigh these factors to determine which fabric blend is best for you and your little guy.
How can I prevent my boys’ socks from shrinking in the wash?
When it comes to shrunken garments, there are two usual culprits: the washing machine and the dryer. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do laundry at all. The washer machine tends to shrink socks when you wash them on a hot temperature. Generally, you can reduce the chances of your washing machine shrinking your socks by setting the wash to a colder temperature. As far as the dryer goes, it’s best to avoid it and hang-dry the socks. But we know that isn’t an option for everyone. If you’re stuck using the dryer, it’s best to do so on a gentle setting.
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.