What are the best socks for men. Which sock styles should every man own. How to choose the right socks for different outfits and seasons. Discover the top 9 men’s sock brands and styles you need in your wardrobe.
The Importance of a Well-Stocked Sock Drawer
While socks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering wardrobe essentials, they play a crucial role in comfort, style, and overall outfit composition. A carefully curated sock collection can elevate your everyday looks and ensure you’re prepared for any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the nine types of socks every man should own, along with top brand recommendations and tips for choosing the right pair.
Everyday Socks: The Foundation of Your Sock Drawer
When it comes to daily wear, comfort and versatility are key. AllBirds Trino Tubers have emerged as a top contender in the everyday sock category.
AllBirds Trino Tubers: The Ultimate Everyday Sock
These socks offer exceptional comfort thanks to their soft, cozy yarn and innovative use of renewable materials. They’re suitable for a wide range of activities, from office work to light exercise, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Why choose AllBirds Trino Tubers?
- Exceptional comfort for all-day wear
- Made from sustainable materials
- Versatile enough for various occasions
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
For those seeking a budget-friendly alternative, Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control socks offer similar comfort and reliability at a lower price point.
No-Show Socks: The Invisible Essential
No-show socks are a must-have for men who want to maintain a sleek, sockless appearance while still enjoying the benefits of foot protection and moisture control.
AllBirds Trino Hiders: The Ideal No-Show Sock
AllBirds Trino Hiders excel in staying hidden while providing optimal comfort and functionality. These socks feature:
- A blend of eucalyptus fiber and ZQ Merino wool for natural odor and moisture repellence
- Reinforced toes and heels to prevent slipping
- A secure cuff to keep the sock in place
For a more budget-conscious option, consider Saucony Men’s moisture-wicking socks, which offer similar benefits at a lower price point.
Ankle Socks: Versatility Meets Comfort
Ankle socks strike the perfect balance between coverage and breathability, making them ideal for a variety of activities and seasons.
Western Rise StrongCore: The Ultimate Ankle Sock
Western Rise StrongCore Merino socks stand out for their exceptional comfort and performance:
- Made from Merino wool for natural antimicrobial properties
- Excellent temperature regulation for year-round wear
- Versatile enough for work, workouts, and casual outings
How do ankle socks compare to other sock lengths? Ankle socks offer more coverage than no-show socks, making them suitable for a wider range of shoes and activities. They’re less formal than crew socks but more versatile for everyday wear.
Dress Socks: Elevating Your Formal Attire
When it comes to formal occasions, the right pair of dress socks can make all the difference in completing a polished look.
Boardroom Socks: Luxury Meets Functionality
Boardroom Socks offer a perfect blend of style and comfort for formal wear:
- Made from premium materials like Merino wool and Pima cotton
- Available in a range of classic colors and subtle patterns
- Designed to stay up throughout the day without sagging
- Reinforced heel and toe for increased durability
How should you choose the right color for dress socks? As a general rule, match your socks to your trousers for a seamless look. For a bolder statement, choose socks that complement or contrast with other elements of your outfit, such as your tie or pocket square.
Athletic Socks: Performance for Active Lifestyles
For sports and intense physical activities, specialized athletic socks can provide the support and comfort needed to optimize performance.
Balega Hidden Comfort: The Athlete’s Choice
Balega Hidden Comfort socks are a favorite among runners and fitness enthusiasts for several reasons:
- High-volume cushioning for impact protection
- Moisture-wicking fabric to keep feet dry
- Seamless toe construction to prevent blisters
- Available in various colors to match your workout gear
How often should you replace your athletic socks? For optimal performance and hygiene, consider replacing your athletic socks every 3-6 months, depending on frequency of use and care.
Compression Socks: Support for Long Days
Compression socks offer benefits beyond athletics, providing support for those who spend long hours on their feet or frequently travel.
Sockwell Circulator: Comfort Meets Functionality
Sockwell Circulator compression socks stand out for their blend of style and therapeutic benefits:
- Graduated compression to improve circulation
- Made from a blend of Merino wool, bamboo rayon, and spandex
- Available in various colors and patterns
- Suitable for both casual and professional settings
Who can benefit from wearing compression socks? Compression socks are beneficial for individuals who:
– Stand for long periods at work
– Travel frequently, especially on long flights
– Experience swelling or discomfort in their legs and feet
– Are recovering from certain medical procedures
Wool Socks: Natural Comfort for All Seasons
Wool socks, particularly those made from Merino wool, offer exceptional comfort and temperature regulation throughout the year.
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock: Durability Meets Comfort
Darn Tough’s Hiker Boot Sock is a standout choice for wool sock enthusiasts:
- Made from high-quality Merino wool
- Lifetime guarantee against wear and tear
- Excellent moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties
- Suitable for hiking, outdoor activities, and everyday wear
Are wool socks only for cold weather? Contrary to popular belief, wool socks are suitable for year-round wear. Merino wool’s natural temperature-regulating properties keep feet cool in summer and warm in winter.
Patterned Socks: Adding Personality to Your Outfit
While solid-colored socks are a wardrobe staple, patterned socks allow you to express your personality and add a touch of flair to your outfits.
Happy Socks: Vibrant Designs for Every Occasion
Happy Socks has become synonymous with bold, colorful sock designs:
- Wide range of patterns, from subtle to eye-catching
- Collaborations with artists and designers for unique collections
- High-quality combed cotton for comfort
- Suitable for both casual and semi-formal wear
When is it appropriate to wear patterned socks? Patterned socks can add a playful touch to casual outfits and can even work in some business casual settings. For formal occasions, it’s best to stick with solid colors or subtle patterns.
Thermal Socks: Warmth for Extreme Conditions
For those who brave extreme cold or engage in winter sports, thermal socks provide essential warmth and protection.
Heat Holders: Maximum Warmth and Comfort
Heat Holders thermal socks are designed to provide maximum insulation in cold conditions:
- Advanced insulating yarn for superior heat retention
- Plush, brushed inner for extra softness and warmth
- Long-loop thermal pile to trap warm air close to the skin
- Available in various lengths and styles
How do thermal socks differ from regular wool socks? Thermal socks are specifically engineered for extreme cold, often featuring additional insulating materials and construction techniques to maximize warmth. While wool socks offer good insulation, thermal socks provide superior heat retention in the coldest conditions.
Choosing the Right Socks for Every Occasion
Now that we’ve explored the essential sock types every man should own, let’s discuss how to choose the right pair for different situations:
Matching Socks to Your Outfit
The key to selecting the appropriate socks lies in considering the overall context of your outfit and the occasion. Here are some guidelines:
- Formal events: Opt for dress socks that match or complement your trousers
- Business casual: Choose solid colors or subtle patterns that coordinate with your outfit
- Casual outings: Feel free to experiment with bolder patterns and colors
- Athletic activities: Select performance socks designed for your specific sport or activity
Seasonal Considerations
Different seasons call for different sock materials and styles:
- Summer: Lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo; consider no-show or ankle socks
- Winter: Wool or thermal socks for added warmth; opt for longer lengths to protect against cold air
- Spring/Fall: Mid-weight socks in versatile materials like Merino wool or cotton blends
Caring for Your Socks
To ensure your socks remain in top condition and last longer, follow these care tips:
- Wash socks inside out to protect the outer surface and remove accumulated sweat and bacteria
- Use cold or warm water instead of hot to prevent shrinkage and fiber damage
- Avoid using fabric softeners, which can reduce the moisture-wicking properties of performance socks
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to maintain shape and elasticity
By following these guidelines and investing in quality socks across various categories, you’ll ensure that your feet are comfortable, protected, and stylish in any situation. Remember, the right pair of socks can make a significant difference in your overall comfort and appearance, so don’t overlook this essential element of your wardrobe.
The Future of Sock Technology and Design
As with many aspects of fashion and functional wear, the world of socks continues to evolve. Innovations in materials, manufacturing processes, and design are shaping the future of this essential accessory.
Sustainable Materials
With increasing awareness of environmental issues, many sock manufacturers are turning to sustainable materials and production methods. Some emerging trends include:
- Recycled polyester and nylon fibers
- Organic cotton and bamboo
- Biodegradable materials for reduced environmental impact
Smart Socks
The integration of technology into clothing is extending to socks, with several interesting developments:
- Socks with embedded sensors for health monitoring and fitness tracking
- Temperature-regulating fabrics that adapt to environmental conditions
- Moisture-sensing socks that can alert wearers to potential foot health issues
Customization and Personalization
As consumers seek more personalized products, the sock industry is responding with:
- On-demand manufacturing for custom designs and patterns
- 3D-knitting technology for improved fit and reduced waste
- Subscription services offering personalized sock selections based on individual preferences and needs
How will these innovations impact the average consumer? As these technologies become more widespread and affordable, consumers can expect socks that offer improved comfort, functionality, and personalization. This may lead to a shift in how we view and purchase socks, moving from a commodity item to a more considered and tailored aspect of our wardrobes.
Building Your Ultimate Sock Collection
Now that we’ve explored the essential sock types and future trends, let’s discuss how to build a well-rounded sock collection that meets all your needs.
Assessing Your Lifestyle
The first step in creating your ideal sock wardrobe is to consider your daily activities and needs. Ask yourself:
- What is your work environment like? Formal, casual, or active?
- Do you participate in sports or outdoor activities regularly?
- What climate do you live in?
- How often do you attend formal events?
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
While it may be tempting to stock up on inexpensive socks, investing in higher-quality options can provide better value in the long run. Benefits of quality socks include:
- Increased durability and longevity
- Superior comfort and performance
- Better moisture management and odor control
- Potential for improved foot health
Creating a Versatile Selection
To ensure you’re prepared for any occasion, aim to have a mix of sock types in your collection. A well-rounded sock drawer might include:
- 5-7 pairs of everyday socks
- 3-5 pairs of dress socks
- 3-5 pairs of athletic socks
- 2-3 pairs of no-show socks
- 1-2 pairs of thermal or wool socks
- 1-2 pairs of compression socks
- A few pairs of patterned or colorful socks for variety
How often should you replace your socks? While this varies depending on usage and care, a general rule of thumb is to replace everyday socks every 6-12 months, and specialty socks (like athletic or compression socks) more frequently if used regularly.
By carefully considering your needs, investing in quality, and maintaining a diverse selection, you can create a sock collection that not only meets your practical requirements but also enhances your overall style and comfort. Remember, the right pair of socks can make a significant difference in your day-to-day life, so give this often-overlooked accessory the attention it deserves.
The Only 9 Socks You’ll Ever Need (2021 update)
Those endless pairs of plain black socks curled up in your underwear drawer? Wave goodbye to them. It’s time for an upgrade that’ll see you streamlining your socks once and for all.
Regardless of whether you’re someone who has 20+ pairs of identical, faded, holes-in-the-toes greying pairs of socks pulled on for every occasion or you’re a little more methodic with some defined characteristics, an upgraded sock drawer is, figuratively and literally, the next step.
Sure, when it comes to all of the components of your outfit, socks aren’t really the highlight. But a streamlined sock drawer made up of only the best must-have pairs will renovate your wardrobe in one suave movement. It’s the wardrobe organisation hack that you didn’t think you needed.
Understated and prepared to let the rest of your outfit do the talking, it’s fair to say that the best types of socks are those that sit quietly in their place and demand no attention whatsoever.
Until they come up in conversation: whenever that may be. Whatever the occasion, we’ve put together a failsafe guide that’ll ensure you’ve got pure, unadulterated comfort for your toes on a 24/7 basis.
Tried and tested, our guide to essential socks for men includes classics like our favourite crew length socks and designer socks to the best dress socks for men and the best athletic socks.
The nine types of sock that every man needs in his wardrobe
Check our style guide after the round-up to see exactly how to choose the best socks for your outfit and the season.
AllBirds Trino Tubers: The everyday socks for men
Like catching the eye of your future partner or tasting a new favourite food, once you’ve discovered the best everyday socks you’ll want to keep them a part of your life for the foreseeable future. It’s hard to overstate the comfort levels that come from AllBird’s Trino Tubers and, once you’ve slipped them onto your feet, you’ll understand why.
Soft, cosy yarn combines with renewal materials into a pair of socks that you’ll buy in bulk for fear of not having a clean pair in your sock drawer. These are the socks for every occasion: a standard Monday morning, a quick change before a gym session or a weekend away when you’re not quite sure what the weather’s going to do. Buy these and you’ll never look back.
Best for: Keeping at least one element of your week stress-free, whatever you’re wearing.
Budget alternative: Like a favourite jumper or reliable t-shirt, Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control socks are another great budget-friendly option for buying in bulk to keep your sock drawer fully stocked with comfort at all times.
DICKIES
Dri-tech Moisture Control Socks
AllBirds Trino Hiders: No show essential socks
In an ideal world, you’d slip on a pair of no show socks and forget about them completely. Contrary to probably every single other item in your wardrobe, the best pairs of no show socks are those that don’t want to become the focal point of your outfit – especially as their goal is to stay hidden away below your shoes.
Our favourite socks for those times when you’d rather your shoes do the talking come from AllBirds. The Trino Hiders do exactly that: stay firmly cuffed on your ankles, understated and cosy – just how they should be. Eucalyptus fiber and ZQ Merino wool combine to naturally repel odour and moisture, while reinforced toes and heels ensure no subtle fury in the form of slipping too far down your feet.
Best for: Showing off your new casual shoes at the weekend without any distractions.
Budget alternative: Saucony Men’s moisture wicking socks are another great option for any man who wants a reliable pair of socks that are content hiding away. Perfectly compressed, they’re the ideal height while remaining breathable.
SAUCONY
Moisture Wicking Socks
Western Rise StrongCore: Best ankle socks for men
Warm enough for chilly days but breathable enough for hot days, it’s hard to find fault with Western Rise’s StrongCore Merino socks. Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, which means waving goodbye to swollen feet and overheating toes. Akin to caressing your feet on a bed of clouds, these socks are renowned for being comfortable, to the extent that you’d ever so briefly consider wearing them twice in a row.
The obvious solution is to stock up with enough pairs to see you through the week, before hurriedly throwing them in the laundry and silently cursing yourself for having to put something else on your toes for the time being. The versatility of these ankle socks means they’ll see you through everything from work days to workouts without any fuss.
Best for: Pairing with shorts for a stroll through the park.
Budget alternative: A slightly more budget-friendly pair of ankle socks coming from COOVAN. Suitable for pairing with boat shoes, trainers, climbing shoes or any other casual shoes, this pair will become a weekday essential.
COOVAN
Men’s Cushion Ankle Socks
Nike Dri-Fit: Men’s athletic socks
It’s worth paying a little extra for sports socks that refuse to stretch or leave the washing machine with holes in the toes. A failsafe option comes from trusty Nike – an athleticwear staple that’s stood the test of time and refuses to be beaten. Nike’s Dri-Fit Socks are a firm favourite when it comes to running, weightlifting, team sports or any other kind of exercise that you can think of.
Basically asking to be challenged, you’ll find yourself putting in that extra effort during your workouts just to see if they really are that good. And, spoiler, they are. Soft and cushioned with ribbed tops, you’ll start and end your workout without even having to think about pulling them up once. You’ll want to always keep a spare pair of these in your gym bag.
Best for: Acting as your racing stripes for any kind of workout.
Budget alternative: If for any reason you’d rather branch out from Nike, you’ll find a perfectly adequate substitution in the form of AllBird’s Trino Sprinters. Give them a try next time you’re in the gym and be prepared to feel lost without them on your next workout.
ALLBIRDS
Men’s Trino Sprinters Socks
Hugo Boss: Dress socks for men
Those colourful and patterned socks might be fun for the weekend but you’ll want something a little sleeker for work meetings. Stick with a stylish staple in the form of Hugo Boss for all of your dress sock needs. Jet black in colour and ready to upgrade your footwear experience, these Hugo Boss cotton socks will elevate your outfit in the most understated way.
Ready to be paired with your weekend occasions or simply a suit and tie on a Monday morning, these socks provide comfort and style to the extent that you’ll slowly begin to feel a little lost wearing anything else. If you find yourself getting a little distracted purely by just how cosy your toes feel, don’t blame us.
Best for: Adding a smart finishing touch to your work wardrobe.
Budget alternative: Dress socks don’t always have to come in black – it’s possible to look just as suave wearing Gold Toe Men’s Harrington Crew socks. Thick and durable, these socks will pair effortlessly with your smartest looks.
GOLD TOE
Men’s Harrington Crew Socks
Western Rise Athletic: Merino wool socks for men
Is there anything cosier than a new pair of Merino wool socks? Nope, we’re struggling to think of anything better, too. But if you’re treating your toes to comfort of this level, you might as well go all out with the very best of the bunch. Those, of course, coming from Western Rise in the form of the brand’s Merino Athletic Socks.
Temperature regulating and moisture wicking while remaining almost unspeakably soft, you’ll pay extra attention to these when throwing them in the wash to make sure they return just as cosy as they were beforehand. And, in case you were wondering, they always will be. Much like the comfort blanket from your childhood, these socks will stay reliably soft wear after wear after wear. Save them for those mornings when you need a little extra motivation to get out of bed.
Best for: Wearing with boots on colder days.
Budget alternative: One of our other top choices for warm, comfortable and temperature regulating socks comes from Danish Endurance. These Merino wool socks are perfect for all kinds of activities and promise to last any amount of washes without fading or thinning.
DANISH ENDURANCE
Merino Wool Socks
Innotree: Men’s hiking socks
The last thing you want on a hike is to be thinking about your feet rather than the stunning views all around you. Therefore the best kind of socks for outdoor activities are the ones that accompany you silently but reassuringly, demanding no attention while simultaneously letting you know they’re right behind you every step of the way.
Innotree’s Cushioned Walking Socks are our top pick for failsafe hiking socks that are thick and comfortable enough to prevent even the very idea of blisters, while remaining breathable enough to stop you from pulling your shoes off as soon as you stop for a break. Fine gauge knitting is responsible for the latter, and does such a good job that you’ll end up showing off about them to your hiking friends as you reach the summit.
Best for: Being classed as an essential for any outdoor activities.
Budget alternative: Along with a water bottle, snacks and enough layers for any kind of weather, you’ll want to bring MIRMARU’s performance outdoor socks in your bag before you head off for your next adventure. These budget-friendly hiking socks are reinforced and ready to tackle any kind of climate.
MIRMARU
Performance Outdoor Socks
Mr P: Half calf crew socks for men
Everyone has those childhood memories of itchy, scratchy socks that had you curling your toes up and considering scrapping footwear altogether. You can consider Mr P’s cotton blend socks the absolute tonic to those distant childhood memories, thanks to their super soft Japanese cotton and versatile material that’s comfortable enough for day-to-day wear.
In true Mr P style, these socks are not only stylish and versatile but also impeccably well made and promise to outlive not only most of your other socks but also some of your shoes, too. A huge variety of colours means you can stock up on these socks in plenty of different shades, depending on whether you’re hiding them away under jeans or want to proudly display them a little with cuffed chinos. Our suggestion? Brighten up a rainy day with a colourful pair.
Best for: Laidback weekends with jeans and a comfy t-shirt.
Budget alternative: Another pair of our favourite failsafe crew socks comes from Dickies. Perfect for pairing with the brand’s work pants, these moisture control black crew socks also come in plenty of muted shades to complete any kind of tonal outfit.
DICKIES
Moisture Control Crew Socks
Charvet: Over the Calf socks for men
Cashmere socks have that uncanny ability to elevate you from “standard man going to a fancy event” to “stylish and important man who only settles for the very best”. Holding you up alongside silk bathrobes and pyjama bottoms, expensive coffee beans and everything else that comes as part of the aspirational Good Life, the right pair of cashmere over the calf (OTC) socks instantly add a touch of luxe to your look.
Charvet’s ribbed cashmere socks are as luxurious as their name suggests, with a wool and silk blend that’ll feel silky smooth under smart trousers or any kind of formal wear. Pair with your smartest leather shoes and a perfectly fitting suit jacket and be prepared to feel suave from head to toe.
Best for: Pulling out with your tuxe for only the fanciest of occasions.
Budget alternative: If you’d rather not splash out so much on a pair of socks that you won’t wear on a daily basis, consider Gold Toe’s Ultra Tec Performance socks. Perfectly understated, they’ll sit proudly in your top drawer waiting for their time to shine.
GOLD TEO
Over The Calf Ultra Tec Performance Socks
Style guide to men’s essential socks
We’ll warn you in advance: once you’ve added some of these socks to your wardrobe, you’ll never settle for anything lesser on your feet again. Which means taking laundry extra seriously and practically doing a roll call to ensure you’ve always got matching pairs. So, if you’re looking to up your sock game, here’s everything to take into consideration before you click “purchase”.
Sock length
Generally speaking, the higher the sock, the more formal it is. And the key question here is whether or not you want people to see your socks. If the answer is no, you’ll probably want to stick to no-show or ankle socks, depending on what shoes you’re wearing. No show socks are worn mostly to add comfort and stop your shoes from smelling than for style.
They’re great for casual outfits and work well with shorts as well as boat shoes or sneakers. As the name and the style would suggest, it’s best to avoid no show socks unless you’re opting to have your ankles on show. Find a pair with grip in the heels so they don’t slip off your feet as you go about your day.
If you’re wearing trousers that fully cover your ankles, there’s more room for variety, from mid-calf or crew socks or even higher with over-the-calf pairs. Mid calf socks are the most common and you’ll find them in the largest variety of colours and materials. Choose calf socks or dress socks for pairing with a professional outfit or, if you’re wearing boots, opt for higher socks to prevent irritation. These socks, with their higher length, are far less likely to slide down and they add an extra layer of protection to your feet.
Material
From synthetic materials to staples like cotton or luxury materials like silk, cashmere or wool, it’s important to look at the fabric of your socks before you buy your next pair. Natural fabrics are far more breathable, so stay away from synthetics if you’re someone who suffers from hot feet often.
Socks made from a natural material will likely wash better and last longer, which makes them the ideal choice to stop you from having to purchase new pairs every time you’re on a shopping trip. Wool, and particularly Merino wool, is a great option for thicker socks that offer a higher level of comfort. Wool can also hold up to a third of its weight in moisture before it starts to feel wet, which makes it a great material for socks that you’ll be wearing all day.
For black tie or formal events, silk socks are a great premium choice. However, they’re generally more expensive than other materials and won’t last as long, so they’re best saved for special occasions.
If you’re someone who suffers from blisters regularly or you’re trying to break in a new pair of shoes, look for socks with extra padding in the heels to add an extra layer of protection between your feet and your shoes.
Western Rise Athletic’s socks are our favourite Merino wool socks for men.
Purpose
Socks are a relatively small investment into your overall wardrobe that can either make or break your mood by the end of the day. So, you’ll want to choose socks that suit the purpose of your outfit, depending on how strenuous your day looks and where exactly you’ll be going.
Athletic and performance socks should highlight moisture wicking and odour reducing qualities, to help you round off your workout feeling almost as fresh and clean as when you started it. If you need to look professional or you’re heading somewhere fancy, opt for black dress socks that cover the ankles fully. These should be a thinner material.
If you’re on the hunt for hiking or protective socks, look for thick, reinforced materials to prevent blisters and ribbing around the top to stop them from falling down.
Colour
Those fun, jazzy socks you’ve got might be perfect for weekends or a quick lunch out but you’ll want to stick to neutral shades for a professional look. As a general rule, avoid white socks unless you’re going somewhere dressed super casual or you’re doing sports.
If your outfit includes black shoes, the only colour socks you should be wearing with them are black, too. And, if you’re struggling with coordination, socks should always match the colour of your pants, rather than your shoes.
Frequently asked questions about men’s essential socks
How many socks does a man need?
A man should have at least seven pairs of everyday socks as well as athletic socks, dress socks, ankle socks and no-show socks. It’s best to have at least three pairs of each of the above to keep you stocked up for last minute events and laundry days. For the full breakdown of the best men’s essential socks, check out our guide.
What brand of socks are the best?
The best brand of socks for everyday wear is AllBirds. With moisture-wicking material that’s thick quality and durable, the AllBirds Trino Tubers are our top pick for day to day wear. Read our full guide to see the best brands for men’s socks for any occasion.
What brand of socks last the longest?
Some of the most durable sock brands include AllBirds, Mr P and Innotree. For everyday wear, we recommend AllBird’s Trino Tubers for long-lasting socks that are odour-reducing and moisture-wicking. Our full guide to men’s essential socks details the brands that’ll last the longest for any occasion, from professional-wear to athletics.
What are the most comfortable men’s socks?
The most comfortable men’s socks come from brands like Western Rise, AllBirds and Nike. These brands are all known for producing comfortable and high quality socks made from premium materials that will survive wear after wear. Read our full guide to discover the best men’s sock brands for all types of activities.
The 50 Best Performance Sports Socks
RELATED: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 10 Basketball Socks We Want This Year
RELATED: 2XU Unveils ‘The Run Sock’ to Cure Achy Feet
No. 1 – Woolrich Ten-Mile Quarter Merino
Sport: Multiple uses
Key Technical Feature: Stretch fibers, arch support, itch-free merino lambswool
$14
No. 2 – Thorlo XJ
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: THOR-LON moisture wicking, arch cushion, toe cushion
$15
No. 3 – Nike Elite Anti-Blister Low-Cut
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Dri-FIT wicks sweat, low-friction construction reduces irritation
$14
No. 4 – Filson Midweight Primaloft OTC
Sport: Outdoor sports, hiking, hunting
Key Technical Feature: Primaloft polyester and merino wool for extreme warmth
$32
No. 5 – 2XU Compression Recovery
Sport: Recovery
Key Technical Feature: Enhanced compression, graduated fit
$45No. 6 – Saucony AMP PRO2 Compression
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Microban antimicrobial, terry padded footbed for blister protection
$38
No. 7 – Brooks Nightlife
Sport: Running, night running
Key Technical Feature: Dri-stitch nylon, mesh panels for air circulation
$15
No. 8 – Brooks Essential Low Quarter
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Soft Dri-Stitch polyester wicks moisture, nylon heel reinforcement
$16 (2-pack)
No. 9 – Vibram FiveFingers Injinji Mini Crew
Sport: Barefoot running
Key Technical Feature: Moisture wicking CoolMax, Anatomical Interface System separates toes
$12
No. 10 – Nike Pro Compression Over-the-Calf
Sport: Soccer
Key Technical Feature: DRI-Fit fabric wicks away sweat, arch bridge for compression fit
$15
No. 11 – Burton Merino Phase
Sport: Snowboarding/snow sports
Key Technical Feature: NanoGLIDE climate control, quick-dying
$26
No. 12 – Belga Hidden Comfort
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Elastane for structured second-skin like fit, seamless toe
$12
No. 13 – Helly Hansen Warm Alpine Ski
Sport: Skiing/snow sports
Key Technical Feature: Warm fibre tech, merino wool, heavy padding
$24
No. 14 – DeFeet Aireator High Top Giro
Sport: Cycling
Key Technical Feature: CoolMax moisture regulation
$11
No. 15 – Balega Enduro 2 Crew
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Hand-linked seamless toe for comfort, extra-deep heel pocket
$12
No. 16 – ASICS Kinsei Classic Low
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: NanoGLIDE offers fewer hot spots, reduced blistering, and moisture management
$16
No. 17 – KEEN Zing Ultralite Quarter Crew
Sport: Hiking, outdoor sports
Key Technical Feature: Merino wool footbed, seamless toe avoids chafing and bunching
$16
No. 18 – Merrell Gumjuwac
Sport: Hiking, outdoor sports
Key Technical Feature: Merino wool, NanoGLIDE, cushioned leg and footbed
$20
No. 19 – Reebok CrossFit No Slip
Sport: Training, running
Key Technical Feature: Antibacterial fibers, arch support
$18
No. 20 – Under Armour HeatGear Metal
Sport: Soccer
Key Technical Feature: Antimicrobial, accelerated moisture release filters
$15
No. 21 – The North Face Hiking Medium Crew
Sport: Hiking, outdoor sports
Key Technical Feature: SmartWool, WOW technology in sole for max comfort and durability
$18
No. 22 – Under Armour Football Sock
Sport: Football
Key Technical Feature: HeatGear moisture wicking, 4-way stretch maintains shape
$9
No. 23 – adidas Recovery OTC
Sport: Soccer
Key Technical Feature: Ventilated CLIMACOOL, compression for recovery and performance
$30
No. 24 – Wigwam Ironman Thunder Pro Low Cut
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: FreshGuard moisture control system, anti-blister guard
$30
No. 25 – Burton Buffer II
Sport: Snowboarding, snow sports
Key Technical Feature: NanoGLIDE climate control, MotionFIT reduces fatigue for extended sessions
$23
No. 26 – Patagonia Midweight Merino Hiking Crew
Sport: Hiking, outdoor sports
Key Technical Feature: Merino wool/nylon blend, Looped Linetoe creates smallest & flattest seam possible for optimum comfort
$23
No. 27 – Umbro Soccer sock
Sport: Soccer
Key Technical Feature: Ankle band for support, seamless toe
$15
No. 28 – DeFeet Woolie Boolie All Mountain
Sport: Hiking, outdoor sports
Key Technical Feature: Imported New Zealand wool for softness and durability
$17
No. 29 – KÖPPEN Signature K
Sport: Skiing, snow sports
Key Technical Feature: Merino wool, deep heel pocket, anti-odor
$17
No. 30 – Under Armour HeatGear Trainer Crew
Sport: Training
Key Technical Feature: HeatGear, ArmourFit for extra support and better fit
$21
No. 31 – SUGOI Wallaroo 1/4
Sport: Triathlon, running, biking
Key Technical Feature: Merino wool, supported arch compression
$16
No. 32 – adidas Team Speed Crew (RGIII)
Sport: Football/training
Key Technical Feature: FORMOTION enhances natural foot movement, CLIMALITE regulates sweat
$13 (Note: RGIII colorway is no longer in stock)
No. 33 – Salomon XA Pro
Sport: Running, trail running
Key Technical Feature: NanoGLIDE, elastic arch support
$13
No. 34 – Columbia Bug Me Not Crew
Sport: Hiking, outdoor sports
Key Technical Feature: Insect blocker, advanced evaporation
$26
No. 35 – Patagonia Ultra Lightweight Merino Run Quarter
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Merino wool, Loopred Lintoe for flattest and smallest toe seam possible
$26
No. 36 – Reebok Zignature Crew
Sport: Training
Key Technical Feature: Moisture wicking Sorbtek, Celliant fibers for comfort
$15
No. 37 – Nike Dri-FIT Elite Basketball Crew
Sport: Basketball
Key Technical Feature: Dri-FIT moisture wicking, cushioning in pressure zones
$14
No. 38 – The North Face PHD Running Light Mini
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: SmartWool, 4 Degree Elite Fit System for optimum fit
$17
No. 39 – Asics Resolution Crew
Sport: Basketball
Key Technical Feature: Forefoot and achilles NanoGLIDE, mesh knit for ventilation
$15
No. 40 – The North Face PHD Ski Medium
Sport: Skiing, snow sports
Key Technical Feature: SmartWool, 4 Degree Elite Fit System, mesh ventilation zones
$15
No. 41 – Salomon EXO S-LAB
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: NanoGLIDE, anti blister fibers, elastic arch support
$15
No. 42 – Nike Dri-FIT Performance Crew
Sport: Football
Key Technical Feature: Dri-FIT sweat wicking, rib cuffs for snug fit
$25 (2-pack)
No. 43 – LaCrosse Hunt Heavyweight Crew
Sport: Hunting, outdoor sports
Key Technical Feature: Merino wool, antimicrobial, flat toe seam
$15
No. 44 – Fila Low Cut
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Mesh upper, half cushion sole for extra comfort
$10
No. 45 – Newton Black Low Cut
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Breathable, padded for optimum fit
$10
No. 46 – adidas Copa Zone
Sport: Soccer
Key Technical Feature: ClimaLite sweat management, toe ventilation
$12
No. 47 – 2XU Elite Compression
Sport: Training, recovery
Key Technical Feature: PWX Power Fabric for enhanced compression/longevity, zoned support channels
$60
No. 48 – ASICS Hydrology Crew
Sport: Training, running
Key Technical Feature: Ultra soft Hydrology cushioning, seamless toe eliminates bulk and provides comfort
$16
No. 49 – adidas Team Speed Vertical
Sport: Football, training
Key Technical Feature: CLIMALITE fabric wicks sweat, FORMOTION encourages natural foot movement
$16
No. 50 – New Balance Technical NBx Low Cut
Sport: Running
Key Technical Feature: Lightning Dry tech regulates moisture, arch support and hold
$12
12 Best Socks For Men That Are Comfy & Durable [2021]
From the onset, purchasing a pair of socks seems like a straightforward purchase – find one with good reviews, toss them on under a pair of jeans and go about your day.
However, as any fashion-forward man can tell you, selecting the right pair of socks should not only withstand a full day of abuse but can also work to prevent your feet from stinking while at the same time demonstrating a subtle sense of style.
The focus of today’s guide is separated into three sections:
- A few things to keep in mind before you buy your next pair of socks (and tips on how to navigate the product selections in order to not waste any money)
- Reviews of several vastly different pairs of socks that can work for just about any occasion
- How to care for your socks the right way in order to extend their life
Let’s get started:
Before You Decide: A Few Things to Think About
Whether you visit your local discount fashion store (i.e. Marshalls/T.J. Maxx), high-end department store (i.e. Nordstrom) or even simply an online retailer, here’s a few things you will want to take a minute or two to think about before you purchase a new pair of socks.
Not only is each of the below considerations extremely important as they will save you from wasting your money, but we also provide you with a bit of help on deciding various features that make sense for you:
Material
When you explore the world of socks – be it athletic, casual, or dress — you will find that the materials they are made from are bucketed into four main categories:
- Cotton & Cotton Blends
- Elastane & Spandex
- Wool & Wool Blends
- Polyester
Here’s a bit of a primer on why each one of the blends is important:
Cotton & Cotton Blends – Cotton is a natural fabric found in nearly all mass-produced clothes as you are likely already familiar with. Their composition in socks becomes critical as it will give your toes a bit of natural breathability.
Why is this important?
If your toes get too hot, they will start to sweat. This sweat build-up creates an environment ripe for bacteria which ultimately leads to stinky feet.
So, when looking at your next pair of socks, no matter the occasion, make sure it contains some level of cotton.
Elastane & Spandex – Another critical fiber in making socks will be elastane or spandex. This natural and synthetic fiber gives the sock its flexibility.
Of course, this is important to keeping your sock on throughout the day while also allowing the sock to bend with your feet.
A sock that is too rigid or not having a high percentage of spandex (assuming you bought the right size) will quickly become loose or slide off.
Wool & Wool Blends – Popular particularly in the winter months, wool is a terrific insulator for your toes while still providing some great moisture absorption properties.
Fun fact: Wool can actually carry one-third of its own weight in water (source).
In addition to being a terrific insulator and moisture absorber, wool has a bit of natural elasticity to its fiber allowing for a reduced use of spandex or elastane. This is great for guys who don’t like their socks feeling like they are too tight on the skin.
Lastly some wool, especially merino, neutralizes odor naturally – a great plus if you like to wear your socks for a few days.
Polyester – One fiber that gets way too much hate, but is critical for the textile industry, is polyester.
Synonymous with plastic suits from the 70s, polyester gives socks better structure than natural fibers and will be much more durable.
In addition to its rigidness, polyester has advanced quite a bit over the years and doesn’t feel nearly as ‘stuffy’ as it once was.
So, if you see a small percentage of polyester contained within the sock, don’t dismiss it right away.
Sock Height
One of the toughest decisions you will have to make when buying a pair of socks will be around the sock height.
This simply comes down to your personal preference and how versatile you want the sock to be.
For instance, a crew or over-the-calf sock is completely fine when worn with jeans, but when worn with a pair of nice dress shorts, well…it just doesn’t work.
And of course, you can’t really do ankle socks with dress shoes and trousers because that too would look equally ridiculous.
To try and help you decide the perfect sock for you, we go over a few examples of the different types of socks and their intended uses.
But first, here’s a quick diagram we threw together visually comparing how these socks differ from one another:
No-show / Liner – No-show or liner socks are quite possibly one of the best, yet most frustrating socks to buy.
The reason is that if the company cuts the sock just a little too high, they look bad. But if they go too low with the cut, they will slip off and ball up at the toes of your feet while you are walking.
Here’s the deal:
All our feet come in different shapes and sizes. So, what might work for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Therefore, when treading around this area for reviews, you must be careful, especially if you are 6′ 2″ reading reviews from a guy who is only 5′ 2″.
Sizing aside, no-show socks are great for those men who want the appearance that they are going barefoot in their shoes while still having the moisture wicking properties of a standard sock.
No-show socks are great when paired with shorts and tennis shoes, or if you are wearing a more contemporary suit and want the appearance that you are wearing your shoes barefoot.
Of all the socks, these will undoubtedly be the most versatile type you can own during the summer months.
Ankle – Ankle socks are another tricky purchase largely since they are oftentimes marketed as being ‘no-show’ when in fact they are highly visible.
The reason for this is two-fold:
No-show in this case is only if you are wearing a high-top sneaker.
Additionally, there is no governing body that oversees the exact labeling of socks (i.e. FTC doesn’t care about this).
So, what one company may call no-show, another may call ankle socks.
Our best advice here is to look for fit pictures in the product reviews for a better understanding of how they may look on your feet.
Beyond label confusion, ankle socks are great in both athletic and casual applications. Their low-profile appearance doesn’t beg for attention and are subtle.
Quarter – Directly between the crew and the ankle sock you will find the quarter sock.
Perfect for men who wear Chukka boots or high tops, this sock is cut just above the top line of these sneakers and will prevent any sort of uncomfortable rubbing on the back of your leg.
Being that this is a sock cut intended for casual or athletic use, the quarter sock oftentimes comes with a fair bit of cushion for greater comfort.
Crew / Over-the-Calf – Whether you are looking for a pair of socks to be worn while playing basketball or you are searching for your next dress sock, crew or over-the-calf socks will be the highest sock cut of the bunch.
Great for all scenarios, the crew sock will do a good job at not only keeping the lower half of your leg warm, but it ensures that no skin is shown, particularly when wearing dress pants and crossing your legs.
For men looking for improved circulation to their lower extremities, you will want to look for compression crew socks.
Occasion
As we mentioned earlier, socks come in three primary categories: casual, athletic and dressy.
Now we won’t expand too much in this particular area as its fairly self-explanatory; however, we did want to make a few quick mentions on each of these different sock types:
Casual – Typically the most comfortable of the bunch, casual socks are intended for daily and non-formal use.
They are usually made from cotton and offer some great breathability properties.
While it might be tempting to use a casual sock inside your running shoe, many brands, even those that are athletically-centered, make a separate sock for high performance applications.
The reason is that softer cotton-based casual socks may cause blisters on the bottom of your feet due to the friction between the foot, sock and bed of your shoe.
So be sure that you don’t try and extend the use of your casual socks beyond their intended application.
Athletic – As we eluded to previously, athletic socks are going to be completely different from both casual and, of course, dressy or formal socks.
Typically made from polyester and spandex, athletic socks feature moisture wicking properties that reduce the chances of blisters occurring on your feet.
In addition to having some critical moisture control and venting capabilities, athletic socks also feel like a second skin on your feet and are great for joggers.
Dressy – Dress socks have evolved a great deal in recent years. What was once considered a great sea of navy and black in the men’s section of the department store is now available in a wide array of colors.
They have become a great way to demonstrate your distinct personality and sense of style while keeping the appearance formal.
Should your workplace or occasion allow, have fun with some funky colored socks here.
Now if you are going for a job interview, work in finance or are attending a funeral, you will probably want to tone things down and go with a more conservative sock choice.
Features
Technology used in making socks has vastly improved over the years.
Instead of just having your standard sock made from cotton and a little bit of elastane, socks now come equipped with better technology such as moisture wicking, reinforced footbeds, compression fibers for increased blood flow, etc.
What’s the key takeaway here?
If you find that your feet are constantly getting pretty smelly and you felt like you have tried everything, simply looking for some foot odor control tech built into the sock is definitely worth considering.
The biggest culprit of smelly feet isn’t the food you had, nor is it the type of shoes you wore, but rather it’s the fact that moisture was being trapped in your socks and the bacteria could fester, multiply and emit a foul odor.
If this hits a bit too close to home, get a sock with moisture wicking technology baked in; you (and others around you) will thank us later.
Style Preference
When it comes to styles, this largely boils down to personal preference. Whether you are looking to just go with a solid block of color, a pattern or even a drawing – the choice is yours.
As we mentioned previously in the dress sock section of occasions, you will want to exercise some self-discretion when choosing your socks.
Wearing pictures of puppies on your socks probably wouldn’t be a good idea to wear to an interview – unless, of course, you are interviewing for a job at an animal shelter or Petco.
The biggest takeaway here – know your audience, and don’t be afraid of letting a little bit of your personality show through in your sock selection.
Budget
Socks come in a wide variety of price points.
Whether you are looking for something that can be worn for days without needing to be changed, like the 72-Hour Merino Crew Sock, or one that is more budget-friendly like the Dickies Dri-Tech Quarter Socks, it’s largely up to you.
Based on our research, we found that the cost of socks often correlates to additional features or higher quality / purity of fabrics used in the construction of the sock.
Overall, expect to pay about $20 for a decent pair of socks.
Monthly Clubs
Everything has turned to a subscription model as of late…
…and socks are no exception.
Services like Sock Club and Sock Fancy help to build your sock selection over the course of the year and provide some awesome seasonal offerings.
These services are perfect for men who aren’t really the most fashion savvy and need a bit of handholding when it comes to ideas or colors that work well at various times of the year.
In addition to providing you with socks on a monthly basis, many sock subscription services offer a ‘Pay as You Go’ plan which is a great option if you only need a few new socks sent over.
Overall, we would recommend services like this if you work in a formal office setting where you are required to dress up daily.
12 Best Socks for Men of 2021 Reviewed
After researching for several hours and reading the feedback of other men, here were a few socks that we wanted to share with you:
1. Allbirds Trino No Show Socks
Materials: 48% Tencel, 21% Merino / 15% Recycled Nylon / 7% Recycled Polyester / 7% Polyester / 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Crew | Color Variants: 15 | Sizes Available: 4 | Noteworthy Tech: Renewable Materials / Moisture Wicking
Known for their knit running and casual shoes, Allbirds is making waves in the $80 billion dollar footwear industry (source). Founded in 2014, Allbirds is an eco-conscious brand that not only makes products in a sustainable and responsible manner but also gives back to the community by taking part in programs such as Soles4Souls (source). While they have a great story, the scope of this review is their popular no-show socks:
- Grippy heel + low cut makes it a perfect no-show sock
Whether you are wearing your favorite pair of shoes with shorts, boat shoes, or even dress shoes, the Trino no-show sock will stay put on your foot throughout the day. Allbirds is able to achieve this by having a non-slipping heel along with a high cut design that wraps the top of your foot. But don’t worry, when worn with a lower cut boat shoe, these socks are not visible.
- Mesh fabric relies on a unique blend of fibers
Relying on soft modal fabric (Tencel) along with merino wool, these socks will feel both super soft while exhibiting natural moisture-wicking properties. Therefore if your feet naturally sweat, the fabric will help to reduce odor or discomfort by drawing the sweat away from your feet. In addition to moisture-management, merino wool is also a natural odor neutralizer so you won’t have to worry about how your feet smell when you take off your shoes after a long walk.
- Endless color options to fit your personal style
While color isn’t likely at the top of your mind when deciding on socks, especially those that are designed specifically not to be seen, we were happy to see the wide color range available. With 15 different colors to choose from, its a refreshing change from the standard black, white, or gray sock color offered by virtually every other brand out there.
Other Important Features
- Available in 4 sizes (S-XL) ranging from shoe sizes 5 to 14
- 30-day no questions asked return policy
- Simple care instructions – machine wash and tumble dry low
- Carbon neutral manufacturing process
- Fits true to size
Pros
- Smart design ensures it doesn’t slide off when worn
- The top-quality fabric keeps your feet dry and free of odor
- A wide array of color options available
Cons
- A bit pricey for a single pair
What You Need To Know
If you want a quality pair of no-show socks that won’t slip off while also feeling comfortable on your feet, then the Allbirds Trino is a quality pick. Relying on a blend of natural and recycled fabrics, they are a perfect summertime no-show sock.
2. Dickies Dri-Tech Crew Socks
Materials: 70% Cotton / 28% Polyester / 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Quarter | Color Variants: 2 | Sizes Available: 2 (Shoe size 6-12 / 12-15) | Noteworthy Tech: Moisture Wicking / Arch Compression / Reinforced Heel & Toe
There is a lot to love about these quarter-length socks from Dickies.
Featuring their proprietary Dri-tech fabric, these Dickies socks are the perfect everyday sock for a lot of men.
Not only do they draw moisture away from your feet — which of course reduces both the occurrence of blisters and smelly feet — but they are also designed for the rigors of daily life.
With reinforced toes and heels coupled with arch compression, the bottom of your feet will feel like they are in the clouds when you slip these babies on.
Available in two sizes (shoe size 6-12 and 12-15) and two colors (black and white), they are nothing fancy and should serve most men.
The quarter-cut design also makes these perfect when paired with your favorite Chukkas.
When it comes to value, the Dickies deliver.
Retailing for about $2 per pair of socks, these are one of the most affordable picks on our list.
Now naturally given that these are a mass-produced sock that are made to be affordable, we did come across a few quality issues reported by other men.
Therefore, if you decide on these, just give them a quick look over before wearing.
Pros
- Reinforced bottom provides additional comfort
- Tremendous value
- Moisture wicking technology is welcomed
Cons
- Some quality control issues reported
What You Need To Know
These are a great sock to pair with shorter ankle boots as they are cut just above the ankle. The additional fabric on the bottom provide extra support throughout the day.
3. Boardroom Merino Wool Over The Calf Dress Socks
Materials: 67% Merino Wool / 30% Nylon / 3% Spandex | Sock Height: Over the Calf | Color Variants: 10 | Sizes Available: 2 | Noteworthy Tech: Moisture Management / Reinforced Heel & Toe
If you are looking for a quality dress sock that you can be taken seriously in, then there is no better pick than the Boardroom Merino Wool Over The Calf dress sock. Made in North Carolina and constructed from fine merino wool, these dress socks will be a game-changer for your wardrobe – especially if you are currently wearing a thin and droopy dress sock. Here’s what we particularly liked about the Boardroom Dress Socks:
- Quality materials that won’t make your feet sweat
Relying on a fine merino wool fiber, the Boardroom dress socks are the perfect (and versatile) dress sock that can be worn in all seasons. By relying on merino wool, these socks will keep your feet feeling comfortable as the fabric will naturally wick moisture away from your feet keeping your feet both comfortable and dry.
In addition to moisture management, the merino wool has been paired with both nylon and Spandex which will allow the sock to stay up throughout the day. Unlike cheap dress socks that need to be pulled up once every few hours, when wearing these socks, no regular adjustments will be necessary.
- A sock for every suit or dress pant you own
Whether you like to keep things conservative and go with only dark solid colors (i.e. navy, black, etc.) or a subtle pattern, Boardroom socks offer a conservative design that doesn’t try to make a statement.
While funky designs have their place, if you want to be taken seriously around the office, then any one of the designs offered up by Boardroom Socks will be a solid pick.
- Rich family history in textiles + USA made product = unsurpassed quality
In a world where everything gets outsourced to faraway countries with little to no quality control, its always refreshing to see a company that cares about its product rather than looking to make a quick buck. With roots going back to 1837, Boardroom takes great pride in the product that they produce here in the USA.
It’s one thing to say you care, but its another to stand by your product. Offering a 90-day satisfaction guarantee for all their socks, they will happily issue a refund or replace your socks if you aren’t satisfied.
Other Important Features:
- 2 sizes available that fit shoe sizes from 8 to 16
- Available in 1 or 12 pair packs – larger packs provide cost savings
- Heel and toe are reinforced so they last longer
- Mid-calf options are available
Pros
- Merino wool is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking
- USA-made means quality craftsmanship
- Wide color selection will work with any suit or dress pant color
Cons
- For a single pair of socks, they are a bit pricey (but worth it)
What You Need To Know
If you want a dress sock that will not only fit well but is made from quality materials then there is simply no better option out there than the Boardroom Dress Sock. This USA-made sock hits all the right notes and will be a welcome addition to your workday attire.
4. 72-Hour Merino Crew Socks
Materials: 63% Merino Wool / 33% Nylon / 3% Spandex | Sock Height: Crew | Color Variants: 1 – Black | Sizes Available: 2 | Noteworthy Tech: Odor Neutralizing / Moisture Wicking
Known as both the extreme hiker and also lazy man’s sock, the 72-Hour Merino Crew Socks are perfect for those long adventures outdoors or simply as a casual sock to wear during the daily grind of life.
As the name infers on this pair of socks by Proof, they are made to be worn for multiple days as they won’t build up any sort of nasty odors or become damp as the natural merino wool will work to wick away any moisture from your feet.
Now normally most men are wary of purchasing wool socks as they may become a bit too hot after only be worn for a few minutes – and that may have been true in the past (especially with thick wool socks). However, with socks built from merino wool, quite the opposite is true.
As evident in this Reddit thread, one Redditor made mention that they had no problems wearing merino wool socks for weeks on end:
There were many other comments within this same thread that further supported that merino socks (not necessarily shirts) are great for extended use.
Now beyond its ability to stop odor from permeating, these socks are also incredibly comfortable and thick, making them feel much better than your standard cotton crew sock.
Lastly, the price.
Given that these are made to be worn in a much heavier manner – you won’t need as many to get you through the week. Double that with a fiber that needs to be manually sourced, then you have a price tag that continues to rise, making this one of the more expensive pair of socks on our list.
Pros
- Can be worn for days with no odor
- Moisture wicking tech prevents odor build up
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Limited size options
- Expensive
What You Need To Know
The hype is true when it comes to merino wool. As evident in the screenshot above, men love this fabric when it comes to socks. The ability to be worn for days on end without stinking is great for both hiking and casual wear.
5. The Kennedy Luxury Athletic Sock
Materials: 77% Supima Cotton / 14% Nylon / 7% Polyester / 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Crew | Color Variants: 2 | Sizes Available: 1 (Shoe Size 8.5 – 13) | Noteworthy Tech: Premium Materials
If there is any one president of the United States known for their style, it would have to be John F. Kennedy.
Known primarily for wearing his Tortoise Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Kennedy also developed quite the following for his sock choice as well:
The fashion that this man wore still lives on today with the Kennedy-inspired luxury athletic sock by American Trench.
Mimicking the same exact look as the socks Kennedy wore, this contemporary take has come with modern-tech built in.
The most notable feature of this luxury athletic sock will undoubtedly be the heavy reliance on Supima Cotton (77% of total sock).
This extra-long staple cotton represents less than 1% of total cotton grown in the world and gives the sock key properties, including increased breathability, softness and color retention (source).
While feeling great, this sock is a shallow crew, making it just a touch shorter than your standard over-the-calf crew sock while not rolling down to your ankles – largely because it relies on 2% spandex for flexibility and a fair bit of both polyester and nylon for structure.
Great for casual use, these socks are a great way to demonstrate restraint and classy subtlety.
Pros
- High Supima Cotton concentration is incredibly soft
- Made in the USA
- Inspired by our 35th President
Cons
- Pricey for a pair of socks
- Available in only one size
What You Need To Know
Overall, these are a terrific lounge sock. Their heavy composition of Supima cotton ensures that the sock feels soft on your feet for the entire day.
6. Arvin Goods No-Show Socks
Materials: 52% Upcycled Cotton / 40% Recycled Polyester / 3% Nylon / 3% Spandex / 2% Elastic| Sock Height: No-Show | Color Variants: 4 | Sizes Available: 2 | Noteworthy Tech: Moisture Wicking / Elastic Cuff
Evoking many of the same principles as Everlane when it comes to corporate stewardship, Arvin Goods is working hard to transform the world by making the cleanest basics on the planet.
To explain why this is so important, we recommend that you check out this interesting and powerful video (only 1:47 duration) by Arvin that demonstrates why thinking about your socks and underwear is important:
Cool stuff, eh?
It’s through this noble mission that we had to include these no-show socks…
…but great mission aside, their socks are also well received.
During our research, we saw other men state that they were “thick and soft” and were undoubtedly the “perfect no-show sock”.
Now when it comes down to the composition, these socks are crafted from the following materials:
- 52% Upcycled Cotton
- 40% Recycled Polyester
- 3% Nylon
- 3% Spandex
- 2% Elastic
As you can see, 92% of the actual sock is made from sustainably sourced materials while still relying on the essentials — notably nylon, spandex and elastic — in order to keep the sock firmly on your feet throughout the day.
Given that these socks are likely to be worn in the warmer summer months, moisture wicking is key in order to prevent sweat build-up and foul odors.
Some of the baked-in tech in this sock accounts for this and will keep your feet dry with no issues.
Pros
- Made in an environmentally conscious way
- Wicks away moisture to prevent sweat and odor
- Perfect for summer months
- Moderately priced
Cons
- Size limitations for large feet (max foot size 12)
What You Need To Know
Great and environmentally friendly no-show sock that will stay on your feet, pull moisture from your feet and prevent your toes from stinking. One of the best picks out there.
7. Gold Toe Cotton Crew Athletic Sock
Materials: 82% Cotton / 10% Nylon / 7% Polyester / 1% Spandex | Sock Height: Crew | Color Variants: 3 | Sizes Available: 2 (Shoe Size 6-12.5 / 12-16) | Noteworthy Tech: Aqua FX Moisture Control / Reinforced Footbed
Serving men since 1934, Gold Toe sets the standard when it comes to daily casual socks.
Now owned by Gildan, which participates in a variety of social causes in both the environment, communities and their own workers, it’s easy to see why men love this sock.
With over 7,000 reviews (at the time of initial publication), these crew socks balance a variety of qualities perfectly.
Not only are they inexpensive, but they are highly comprised of cotton (82%) that has been sourced from here in the U.S. (even though the label says Made in Honduras). These also have a few synthetic fibers also thrown in (nylon and polyester) that help to give this sock some rigid properties.
The heavy reliance on a super soft cotton, along with their AquaFX moisture control technology, allows this sock to be highly breathable in order to prevent moisture from building up between your toes.
Like the Dickies we reviewed, this pair of Gold Toe socks has a reinforced cushion on the footbed that allows for all-day comfort, especially welcomed if you are on your feet for the better part of the day.
If there were any major drawbacks to the Gold Toe’s, it would be around their Spandex composition.
At only 1% of the total sock, they will eventually break down after a few months of use and not adhere to the calves as well.
However, given that these are affordable pair of socks, replacing them won’t clean out your wallet.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Perfect composition of cotton to keep your feet cool
- Reinforced cushion provides greater comfort
Cons
- Light on the spandex/elastane fibers
What You Need To Know
It’s easy to see why these are some of the most popular socks on the market. Their high cotton concentration and moisture-wicking technology make your feet feel great. We just wish there was a bit more spandex or elastane in them.
8. Mio Marino Fun Dress Socks
Materials: 80% Cotton / 10% Spandex / 10% Polyester | Sock Height: Crew | Color Variants: 48 | Sizes Available: 2 (Shoe Size 6-12 / 12-16) | Noteworthy Tech: Moisture Control
When it comes to dress socks, it’s great to have a bit of fun.
While joining a sock club might not be your thing (after all who wants to wait every month for a new pair of socks), this 12-Pack of Mio Marino Fun Dress socks is a quick and easy way to expand your wardrobe with fun designs.
Not nearly as aggressive in design choices as some of the others on our list, the subtle patterns are great for semi-formal work settings and won’t draw too much-unwanted attention.
Patterns and colors aside, these socks are built with some great technology that handles both moisture buildup and durability concerns.
With a high concentration of cotton (80%), their breathability is on par with the highly touted Gold Toe Crew Socks and will prevent any sweat build-up, especially when walking for an extended period of time.
One feature that men really loved about this sock was its high concentration of Spandex (as you may recall, this was a shortcoming of the Gold Toe’s we also looked at).
At 10% of the total composition, these spandex-laden socks will feel like a second skin on your feet, allowing for greater comfort and less time spent readjusting.
Lastly, if you are looking to purchase these as a gift for someone else (or perhaps yourself), they do come in a nice presentation box with each sock individually wrapped – making it a great gift for birthdays and holidays.
Pros
- The perfect dress sock that isn’t too trendy
- High cotton concentration prevents moisture buildup
- Packaging is great for gift giving
- Rightly priced
Cons
- Lack of additional cushion on the bottom
What You Need To Know
These are a fun dress sock featuring patterns that won’t go out of style with the latest fashion trends. With a high cotton and spandex concentration, they will allow your feet to breathe while also staying put throughout the day.
9. WeciBor Men’s Cool Dress Socks
Materials: 80% Cotton / 15% Nylon / 5% Spandex | Sock Height: Crew | Color Variants: Over 100 | Sizes Available: 1 (Shoe Size 7.5 – 12)
If you are looking for a fun and trendy sock – then these are it.
Absent of any cutting-edge tech like the others that we have reviewed, these dress socks are designed solely for those men who want to stand out in a crowd and express their personality through their socks.
Available in a ton of different designs (we lost count after 100), you can truly find the perfect sock to match your style.
Construction of the sock is standard and doesn’t contain any noteworthy tech like the others featured on our list – it’s more of a novelty item.
However, when looking at the composition, you will find the following:
- 80% Cotton
- 15% Nylon
- 5% Spandex
Given that there is quite a bit of cotton, they should have no problem getting air to your toes. While the spandex concentration is a fair bit lighter than the Mio Marino’s we reviewed, they still should be able to adequately stay on without the need to be pulled up every two minutes.
These socks aren’t made to last you for years, nor are they recommended for heavy walking. They are a novelty item and should be treated as such.
Pros
- Wide array of designs to suit any personality
- Fairly affordable
- High cotton concentration
Cons
- Absent of any key technology
What You Need To Know
A fun novelty sock that expresses your sense of style and personality. Absent of any cutting-edge tech found in other socks, these are a great conversation starter.
10. Saucony Men’s No-Show Performance Socks
Materials: 95% Polyester / 3% Rubber / 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Ankle | Color Variants: 6 | Sizes Available: 1 (Shoe size 8 – 12) | Noteworthy Tech: Moisture Wicking / High Performance
For the men who find themselves at the gym regularly and are looking for a sock that can withstand high-performance scenarios, then the Saucony Performance Comfort Socks are a match made in heaven.
With a high concentration of polyester (95%), plus the additions of rubber (3%) and spandex (2%), these grippy socks will feel like a second skin and not cause any sort of unwanted rubbing on the bottom of your feet – a key feature in order to reduce the chance of blisters forming.
In addition to Saucony’s impressive moisture-wicking technology, these socks have plenty of ventilation (despite the high polyester concentration) that will allow the air to flow freely between your toes.
To further enhance comfort, the wrapped band on the arches provides some natural support that forms around the mid contours of your feet.
Also worth noting is that the sole of the sock has a slight bit of cushioning that lessens the impact, particularly under the heel.
Lastly regarding the design, these socks by Saucony are marketed as no-show; while that may be the case for larger running sneakers, if you try to wear these with a pair of casual shoes, you can expect the upper part to be showing. These socks are more akin to ankle cut.
If you do want a new no-show sock, go with the Arvin Goods socks we reviewed.
Pros
- The perfect ankle cut sock for runners
- Hi-tech polyester pulls the moisture away from your feet
- Added heel cushion and arch support increase natural foot comfort
Cons
- Largely restricted to athletic activities
What You Need To Know
Perfect for running and casual use where you will be walking for extended times. The ventilation construction coupled with the moisture-wicking properties will keep your toes feeling airy and cool.
11. Wrangler Men’s Western Boot Socks
Materials: 80% Polyester / 17% Nylon / 3% Spandex | Sock Height: Over the Calf | Color Variants: 3 | Sizes Available: 2 (Shoe size 9 – 13 / 12 – 15) | Noteworthy Tech: Moisture Wicking / Arch Support / Half Cushioned Foot
If you are looking for a pair of socks to wear with Cowboy or rain boots, then you will want to take a look at the Wrangler Western Boot sock.
Available in three different colors, these high, over-the-calf socks are perfect for not only keeping your feet warm, but your legs protected as well.
We all know just how uncomfortable it can be wearing too short of socks with boots – the rubbing on the back part of your leg slowly removes the skin and gets more and more painful as the day wears on.
But while these socks will keep your feet feeling both warm and protected, their largely polyester design (80%) will keep the moisture away from the toes deep in your boot.
In addition to its moisture-wicking tech, these socks also have an additional cushion on the bottom and arch support – which is often found on more athletic centric socks like the Saucony Performance Socks and Under Armour Charged Cotton 2.0 Socks.
As great as the fabric and fit of this sock may be, it was the additional arch support that got this sock on the list.
If you ever wore a pair of boots and your sock was constantly moving around or slipping after walking for an extended period, these socks stop all that and will be perfect for you.
Pros
- Great design all around for boots
- Keeps feet warm and comfortable without sweating
- Moderately priced
Cons
- Not suited for men with smaller feet
- Fairly limited in use
What You Need To Know
Overall, this is a great sock that can be used for both boots and under denims. The technology used in this sock is great, it feels comfortable and is not at all distracting.
12. Under Armour Men’s Charged Cotton 2.0 Socks
Materials: 80% Cotton / 17% Nylon / 2% Polyester / 1% Spandex | Sock Height: Ankle Cut | Color Variants: 5 | Sizes Available: 4 (Shoe size 1 – 4 / 4 – 8 / 8 – 12 / 12 – 16) | Noteworthy Tech: Anti Odor / Extra Cushion / Charged Cotton / Arch Support
For the men looking for a sock to wear daily under your favorite pair of skinny jeans, then the Under Armour Charged Cotton 2.0 Socks make for the perfect choice.
Not only will they withstand the daily abuse your feet go through, but they are constructed in a way to increase comfort.
First, let’s look at the fabric choices. The UA Charged Cotton is made from four fabrics:
- Cotton (80%)
- Nylon (17%)
- Polyester (2%)
- Spandex (1%)
All of them work together to not only provide you with a sock that retains its structure after several washes but resists pilling (cotton clumping after washing) while keeping your feet comfortable.
The ‘charged cotton’ within the socks features some faster drying tech built in to help keep your feet from becoming damp.
One of the biggest selling points for a lot of men who own these socks is their cushion – particularly those who live in large urban areas where you are always walking (think NYC, LA, etc.)
This added level of cushion keeps your feet from feeling too fatigued after roaming about the city.
In addition, the arch support, like those found on both the Saucony and Wrangler socks we looked at, will prevent this sock from sliding around inside your shoe.
The biggest gripe that we and other men had about this sock would be around the cut. If you are looking for a low-profile sock that isn’t at all noticeable, this isn’t for you.
The sock does rest just below the ankle, making it visible when boat shoes or standard casual shoes are worn.
Also, one minor nitpick about this sock is the logo location. Resting rather high on the front top, it may be a bit too noticeable for some men.
Pros
- Great everyday sock
- Provides great cushion and arch support
- Color variety is welcomed
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not really a ‘no-show’ sock
- Logo placement should be more discrete
What You Need To Know
These are a great pair of socks when paired with denims. Their extra cushion and arch support will ensure that your feet feel great even when walking all day long.
Shawn Burns is the founder and senior editor of Tools of Men. He started this site with the goal of teaching men proper grooming habits and sensible style. Shawn’s expertise includes in-depth product reviews and how-to articles. Shawn was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal for his expertise.
Set your Author Custom HTML Tab Content on your Profile page
Best Socks Made in the USA: 2021
Today, 99% of socks sold in the U.S. are not made here. We did the research to find the best of the remaining 1% of companies that are making socks right here in the USA. Whether you’re searching for new socks for hiking, running, or just general everyday use, we found the American companies that are producing socks that are best in class. Check out our recommendations, in-depth analysis, and research considerations below.
Our Findings
Overall, we found over 30 companies producing American made socks. After evaluating each one and their products, we found 15 sock companies that we feel are the best ones made in the USA. For dress socks, be sure to check out Boardroom Socks. We even have an exclusive 25% discount for you with Authentically American, so be sure to check them out. Since there are so many different types of socks with different use cases, we broke our recommendations out into popular categories like running, hiking, skiing, dress socks, and several others. Check out a ton of information about our top picks below.
Top Recommendations
Recommendations: Going Deeper
Here is some additional information about our top picks, including what we liked and didn’t like about each one.
Best Casual Socks
Boldfoot
Premium socks is a highly competed space, and Boldfoot stands above the rest for their excellent product lineup, manufacturing process, and customer service. Boldfoot has an amazing lineup of colors and styles for anyone who wants to spice up their sock drawer. Whether it’s for everyday style or more formal occasions, Boldfoot has an option for you. The versatility of their product line was part of the reason they stood out as a clear winner for dress and casual socks. These socks are super affordable too compared to other premium sock brands – they charge $15 per pair. In terms of materials, these socks are “grown here and sewn here.” Each pair is made of 75% Supima Cotton, 23% nylon, and 2% spandex – they are also a tad thicker than the normal dress sock, which we found to be extremely comfortable. The nylon and spandex components really help with durability and stretching. Customer service at Boldfoot also stood out among the competition – they have a three month sock insurance plan! Should your new pair rip or tear unexpectedly in the first 90 days, you can send them back and Boldfoot will give you a replacement pair. Judging by the quality though, it’s tough to think that happens often. Boldfoot has an unwavering dedication to making their products in the USA simply “because it matters”, says Brad Christmann, founder of Boldfoot (they are based in North Carolina). “Supporting jobs in our local economy allows a family to send their daughter to soccer camp or to provide proper care for their aging father. We’re honored to support this trickle-down effect.”
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Durable
- Style versatility
- Good return policy
- 5% of profits donated to assist U.S. military veterans
- Affordable
Things we don’t like:
Best Dress Socks
Boardroom Socks
Based in North Carolina, Boardroom Socks are simply made to impress. We tried 6 pairs of their dress socks and were really impressed by their comfort, fit, and overall style. They have a ton of different varieties in the materials they use as well. So, if you like a wool/nylon combination sock vs. a primarily cotton sock (or any other material), they should have plenty of styles available for each. We found the socks made with 74% Pima cotton to be the most comfortable, while the styles made up of at least 60% Merino wool were the warmest. These socks fit well and didn’t slip too much after multiple hours of wear either. Boardroom has both over the calf and mid calf lengths, both of which we liked. Overall, we were impressed – you really can’t go wrong with Boardroom Socks.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Comfortable
- Lots of material varieties to choose from
- Large style selection
- Didn’t slip off the calf
Things we don’t like:
- The 51% Merino wool/24% acrylic/17% nylon socks were a little uncomfortable (although very warm)
Best Patriotic Socks
Authentically American
Authentically American is truly a mission driven company with all of their apparel 100% made in the USA – they donate 10% of their profits to veteran and first responder charities! They have a great lineup of comfortable socks that come in a wide variety of patriotic patterns. They even have specific styles for Army West Point, Naval Academy, USMA, and Coast Guard Academy. Their socks are primarily cotton based with some nylon mixed in for durability. We had the awesome opportunity to get the Authentically American story from their founder, Dean Wegner, so be sure to check that out. And we have an exclusive discount code! Enter the code SPOTLIGHT at checkout for 25% off your entire order.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Comfortable
- Lots of patterns to choose from
- Veteran owned and mission driven
Things we don’t like:
Best Compression Socks for Women
Lily Trotters
Compression socks have a ton of health benefits and Lily Trotters is making some absolutely great ones right here in the USA. They can be used for a bunch of different activities, not just working out. Compression socks help your legs feel great by increasing blood flow from your legs to your heart and increasing your blood oxygen levels – keeping you feeling energized and reducing lactic acid buildup. The compression performance of Lily Trotters socks stood out among the other companies we looked at – they use a high-performance compression that leaves you feeling great after every use. We loved the style variety of Lily Trotters compression socks – so many patterns and colors to choose from. The comfort level is also very high – they use micro-nylon yarns (that you typically don’t find elsewhere) that are thinner and more comfortable than traditional materials. We found these socks to be really easy to get on and off as well. Also be sure to check out our interview with the awesome ladies at Lily Trotters.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Compression performance
- Style
- Comfort level
- Easy to get on and off
Things we don’t like:
- They run slightly small, so tough to find right size for larger people who need an XL or bigger
Best Cycling Socks
Swiftwick Aspire Four
The Swiftwick Aspire Four socks are made for cyclists – good compression, snug fit, breathable, and a thin profile. We really like the fit of these socks – it is really easy to snap in and out of cycling shoes. The fit is tight, but not too tight to where it’s uncomfortable – just the right amount of compression to help with foot fatigue. The Aspire Four design is also very breathable and wicks away moisture well by using a Olefin fiber in its construction. In terms of materials, these socks are made from 67% nylon, 28% Olefin, and 5% spandex. If you’re an avid cyclist, you can’t go wrong with the Aspire Four – make sure to check out all of the different colors they have as well!
Check Price
Things we like:
- Breathability
- Good fit and compression
- Dries quickly
- Thin
Things we don’t like:
- Color variety is limited for larger sizes
Best Skiing & Snowboarding Socks
Smartwool Compression Crusin’ Along Socks
Smartwool is best in class when it comes to socks for the outdoors. Made in Colorado, their Compression Crusin’ Along socks stand above the rest and are even being adopted by some of the top U.S. winter sports athletes. Each pair is primarily made of Merino wool, which is one of their biggest not-so-secret weapons that makes these socks great. Merino wool is a material that provides a great balance of warmth and breathability while being extremely light. Smartwool uses a 200 size needle to kit their Compression Crusin’ Along socks, which ensures a really high knit density (great for comfort), which still maintaining that light weight. We are also really impressed with their durability, which is especially important when you’re wearing them for activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Men’s
Women’s
Things we like:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Warmth
- Super comfortable
- Very breathable
Things we don’t like:
- Have to be careful while cleaning – machine wash in warm water (they will shrink if it’s in cold water)
Best Hiking Socks
Farm to Feet
Farm to Feet is making super high quality hiking socks the right way – 100% U.S. materials, 100% U.S. manufacturing, and 100% U.S. workers right from their factory in Mount Airy, North Carolina. We were blown away by the quality of their hiking socks, which are made from primarily Merino wool – a material that provides a great blend of comfort, breathability, and warmth (perfect for such a cold winter season we are having). Farm to Feet designs these socks with the hiker in mind, providing extra cushioning in targeted high impact areas. They also use a modern knitting technique called “hidden nylon plaiting” that results in a really smooth sock exterior. The durability of these socks stands out as well. Farm to Feet has unique seam placements in low-stress areas of the sock, which increases longevity. If you’re a big hiker, Farm to Feet socks are a no-brainer.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Cushioning
- Breathability
- Durability
- Comfort
Things we don’t like:
- Some styles are slightly expensive
Best Socks for Runners
Thorlos Socks
Based in Statesville, North Carolina, Thorlos is a huge American sock manufacturer that started in 1980. Thorlos makes an amazing padded sock that is great for everyday casual wear for people who suffer from sore feet. Primarily made from their exclusive THOR•LON acrylic, these socks have extra cushioning in all the right high pressure areas that provide great support and take stress away. The compression on these socks also shines. The tight, comfortable fit helps reduce lactic acid buildup and increase blood flow to other parts of the body to keep your legs and feet feeling great. Thorlos’s “uncompromising and unflinching dedication to [consumers’] best foot health needs” is one of the reasons their customers love them, says James Jesserer, their EVP of Marketing and Sales.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Cushion in the right areas
- Breathes well
- Compression allows for good blood flow
Things we don’t like:
- Limited pattern/color choices
Best Mismatched Socks
Solmate Socks
Solmate Socks are super fun – they have tons of different patterns and colors for people of all ages. Their pattern variety, comfort level, and options for kids and babies really made them stand out among the rest. They got started in 2000 and continue to make all of their socks in North Carolina in a very eco-friendly and sustainable way. Every pair is knit from recycled cotton yarn that comes from the leftovers of t-shirt factories and certified by the Global Recycling Standard. They grind up the remnants that would typically go into a landfill and spin up their own yarn in tons of different colors. Solmate is also very active in the community, donating socks to people in need through several charitable organizations from day one.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Color and pattern variety
- Comfort level
- Options for all ages
- Environmentally friendly
Things we don’t like:
- Long term durability if you wear them every day (although most people don’t)
Best Socks for a Cause
Mitscoots
Mitscoots Outfitters is doing amazing things for the community and making some really high quality socks while they are at it. For every single pair that you purchase, Mitscoots gives an equal pair to a homeless person in need and employs them to package socks in Austin, Texas and help them transition to a better spot in life. We reached out to the Mitscoots co-founder Tim Scott to get his take on why they manufacture in the USA: “We make things in the USA because we can and should. As long as that’s possible, we will always look to make our neighbors stronger through our mission to help the homeless and with our manufacturing partners.” These socks are super soft and come in several fun patterns that are mostly for casual use. They are made from combed cotton and have a deep heel pocket, which we found to be really nice for comfort and keeping the socks from sliding off your feet. Overall, these socks are incredibly soft and each purchase goes towards a phenomenal cause, which is what Scott says sets them apart for their customers. “We make great things so that we can go out and do great thing for others.”
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Soft feel
- Lots of fun colors and patterns
- Each purchase supports getting the homeless back on their feet
Things we don’t like:
Best Over the Knee Socks
RocknSocks
The over the knee sock lineup from RocknSocks is unmatched. The founder, Misty, got started when she began bringing fun, eco-friendly socks to music festivals, which is where the name was born. They use Texas based organic and regenerated cotton in all of their products and even use recycled paper stocks for all of their packaging. Their over the knee socks really stood out due to their style variety and staying power. They have a ribbed design at the top of the sock that allows it to comfortably hug your leg and not slide down. The comfort level is amazing as well – the type of cotton they use and the stitching method make for a really soft feel. We are also impressed by the size versatility and cross stretch, so any of their socks can fit pretty much anyone.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Soft feel
- Doesn’t slide
- Eco-friendly
- Stylish
Things we don’t like:
- Slightly shorter than expected for anyone over 5’9″
Best Old School Socks
Skater Socks
We loved the old school look and feel from Skater Socks. Their mission is simple – bring back the classic cotton striped tube socks that were so popular in the skater community in the 70’s. And they’ve been doing that every day since they were founded in 2003, still operating as a family-run business to this day. Skater Socks has a ton of different colors to choose from, but sticks to their roots with this classic pattern. We found their socks to be super comfortable. They have options available for kids and adults in a variety of different sizes – mid-calf, knee-high, and thigh-high.
Check Price
Things we like:
- Size and color options
- Classic look and feel
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Things we don’t like:
Most Durable Socks
Darn Tough
Darn Tough has been making some of the most durable socks in the industry for almost 40 years out of their facilities in Northfield, Vermont. These socks are a great option if you work in an industry like construction where you’re on your feet all day. Darn Tough socks hardly fade after numerous wears and washes and still keep their soft feel and good cushioning. They use a custom, shrink-treated Merino wool in a lot of their more popular products which results in a great blend of comfort, strength, and breathability. If you need a reliable sock that you can count on day in and day out, Darn Tough should be among your top picks.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Material strength
- Maintains softness after several washes
- Breathable
- Snug fit
Things we don’t like:
Best Alpaca Socks
Golden Touch Naturals
Alpaca socks are not very common, but man are they comfortable. Golden Touch Naturals began producing socks in 2001 when the two founders, Shelley and Chris Riley, brought alpacas onto their farm in Westport, Massachusetts and began raising them for fiber production. Along with the cute alpaca logo, the outdoorsman sock is incredibly comfortable and warm – we highly recommend them for anyone in a primarily cold climate. The interior of the sock has a full alpaca terry loop knit, which provides some crazy comfort and cushion. We are also impressed with the durability of these socks – they are reinforced in the toe, arch, and heel areas to improve longevity and also has a nylon exterior.
See Full Lineup
Things we like:
- Warmth
- Soft feel
- Rugged
- Lots of cushion
Things we don’t like:
Recap: Best Socks Made in the USA
YouTube Video on How to Find American Made Socks
Factors We Considered
Comfort
Comfort has to be number one on everyone’s list when you’re looking for socks. There are a lot of components that go into comfort that we looked for. Here are a few of them:
- Material used (cotton, wool, nylon, and other fabrics)
- Cushion in high pressure areas
- Thickness
Durability
It’s incredibly frustrating to buy a new pair of socks and have them rip in the first week. That’s why we made sure that each of our top choices were constructed with longevity and strength in mind. Durability not only has to do with strength of the material, but also the ability to retain softness, cushion, and color after countless wears and washes.
Breathable
Socks need to be able to breathe well. If they don’t, you end up with sweaty, smelly feet and have a higher likelihood of developing things like blisters and athlete’s foot – that’s no good! We made sure each of our top choices breathe very well and wick moisture away quickly.
Fit
Fit is important for a few different reasons. Obviously you want the sock to feel good on your feet, but there are several other components related to fit that help with the functionality of the sock.
- Heel depth – the right amount of room in the heel portion of the sock will help prevent your sock from sliding off.
- Toe room – you want a snug fit, but not so tight that you rip through the front of the sock easily.
- Arch elasticity – some flexibility here helps with your daily movement and the long-term durability of the sock.
Style
Socks are a fun component of spicing up your style, whether it’s every day at work or for a formal event. We made sure to include brands that have a large variety of colors and patterns that you can choose from.
Value
Of course, we want to make sure you’re getting the best socks for your money. We eliminated several sock manufacturers where we felt like the quality of their product did not live up to the price of it.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out some of our related research:
Top 11 Best No Show Socks for Men (Hands-On 2021 Review) –
Are you looking for the best no show socks money can buy in 2021? Look no further. You’re in the right place!
No show socks are a must-have for summer. They let you show some ankle and get that carefree “sockless” look without actually going barefoot.
I’ve been wearing no show socks regularly since 2014, and every year I try to find the best pair available.
You can use the table below to see all of the best no show socks brands for 2021, or keep scrolling for a full review of each pair:
But first, it’s worth asking…
Why wear no show socks?
We all want to go sockless when it’s hot out. It’s a laid back, cool look, and it feels refreshing.
You can go sockless with leather shoes, but that doesn’t mean you want to.
With some shoes and in some climates, your feet will start sweating, blisters start forming and your feet start to smell.
Sure, there are ways to combat this unpleasantness. You can avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row, wash your feet each night, use shoe trees and odor-absorbing foot powder, etc.
Shoe trees can help dry out and de-odorize your shoes if you’ve sweat in them.
But this is just treating the symptoms. The underlying problem is having your barefoot inside a canvas or leather shoe for hours at a time.
Even if your feet are immaculate and your shoes are pristine, going sockless can lead to sweat and odor.
Plus, let’s be honest: no matter how many times you see some model going sockless in double monks for a GQ photo shoot, wearing shoes without socks is often very uncomfortable.
It can even be painful and bad for your skin.
What NOT to do…
So what’s the stylish man to do when the weather turns hot? Wear socks, of course!
But not just any old socks. You don’t want to look like this:
NEVER a good look!
Instead, you’ll want to wear no show socks. Also called loafer socks or shoe liners, they provide just enough coverage for your feet without being seen above your shoe line.
MUCH better!
Unfortunately, the majority of no show socks leave something to be desired. They usually end up slipping off of your feet after just a few minutes of walking around.
Or they come up too high, which kind of defeats the purpose.
There are, however, some solid sockless solutions out there, and I’ve taken it upon myself to hunt them down and test them out.
The Best No Show Socks for Men
I originally published this article a few years ago, and I update it every year to include new brands and remove any that have been dethroned or discontinued.
Invisasox and Sheec are two new brands I added to the list this year.
I’ve even looked at some non-sock options. For example, some people love these Pedag washable insoles, but for me they started slipping and bunching in my shoe after a few hours of wear.
What makes a great no show sock, you ask?
- Below ankle height
- Available in smaller and larger sizes
- Doesn’t slip off foot
- Retains shape after wearing/washing
Using the above criteria, the scientific method and complex statistical analysis, I was able to form some very clear conclusions and recommendations for you.
Excited yet? Let’s do this! Here are the best no show socks, in no particular order…
Falke Invisible Step Socks
- Price per Pair = $11-16
- Luxury quality
- Super thin
These are some of my all time favorite no show socks. They’re super thin, but they never slip off my foot. Plus, they’ve held up wonderfully through many washer cycles.
Falke Invisible Step no show socks
These bad boys aren’t cheap. You can find them from $11-16 per pair on Amazon, which is expensive for a pair of invisible socks.
But, for many years, they were the best no show socks I could find, and they’re still my go-to recommendation for premium quality loafer liners.
Falke Invisible Step socks are virtually invisible in low cut shoes like driving mocs.
They’re durable, which means they keep their shape after multiple wears and washes. They’re comfortable, and they stay on your feet throughout the day with the help of built-in rubber heel grips.
Falke Invisible Step socks are totally invisible in low top sneakers.
Plus, even though most no show socks are slightly visible beyond your shoe line, these Falke socks are virtually invisible, even in loafers.
Top Pick
Boardroom Socks No Shows
- Price per Pair = $14
- Merino wool blend
- Made in USA
Since its inception, Boardroom Socks has specialized in premium quality, American-made men’s dress socks. They’re one of TMM’s top picks for the best over-the-calf dress socks.
Now, Boardroom offers a Merino wool no show sock that’s right up there with Falke in terms of quality, look and feel.
Boardroom Socks No Show Socks
Sold in 2-packs, these no shows are cut almost as low as Falk’s Invisible Step sock, and they’re very thin.
Boardroom Socks no shows are almost invisible in driving mocs and should work with any type of loafer.
They have a no slip silicone heel and seamless toe design, but what really sets these socks apart is their material and construction quality.
Boardroom Socks no shows in low top sneakers
A family business, Boardroom Socks has been knitting hosiery in their North Carolina factory for several generations, so they know a thing or two about socks!
Boardroom also offers free shipping and returns for U.S. customers.
Top Pick
Sheec Secret 2.0 Socks
- Price per Pair = $10 (use code MODESTMAN for 15% off)
- Low, mid or high cut
- Great for loafers and boat shoes
These are my top recommendation for ultra low cut, ultra thin no show socks.
They’re some of the best socks for loafers and boat shoes, or any shoe that’s a bit tight on your foot.
Keep in mind, Sheec has two different types of no shows: Active X ($2.75/pair) and Secret 2.0 ($11/pair).
Active X (left) vs. Secret 2.0 (right) – Use the code MODESTMAN for 15% off your Sheec order.
They’re both great, and they’re both available in low, mid and high cuts. You can buy individual cuts or a variety pack, which I recommend.
Sheec Secret 2.0 LowSheec Secret 2.0 MidSheec Secret 2.0 High
I love the Secret 2.0 model for its “barely there” feel and ability to disappear in any type of shoe (even low cut driving mocs and boat shoes).
A true no show sock, even with low cut shoes like driving mocs.
These are right up there with Falke, in terms of quality and profile. Plus, if you hate feeling the seams of your socks around your feet, you’ll love these Sheec Secret 2.0 socks.
Sheec Secret 2.0 low with sneakers
Of course, the Active X (which feels more like a traditional no show sock) is a great choice too.
Great for Loafers
Bombas Low Cut No Show Socks
- Price per Pair = $10-12
- Super low cut
- Extra thin material
Bombas Low Cut No Show Socks are some of the lowest profile socks I’ve found to date, which makes them the best socks for boat shoes and other low cut loafers or mocs.
Bombas Low Cut No Show Socks
It’s not easy to make a truly invisible loafer sock that doesn’t slip off your foot when you walk around, but Bombas has done just that.
Bombas Low Cut No Shows in driving mocs
These are only offered in two sizes – M and L – but I found that the M size fits my size 7.5 (men’s U.S.) foot well.
This cotton-poly blend sock has a seamless toe design, so you won’t feel any bunching or pressure between your toes and the inside of your shoe.
If you want an ultra low cut sock to wear with boat shoes, loafers, espadrilles, etc., these are a great choice.
Ultra Low Cut
Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks
- Price per Pair = $10-12
- Thicker material
- Higher cut (great for sneakers)
These cushioned no show socks from Bombas are made from a thicker cotton-synthetic blend and have extra padding on the footbed.
Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks
I’ve found that these socks are more comfy than their ultra thin brethren (think Sheec or Invisasox) with certain shoes, like leather trainers.
Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks are cut low enough to sit below the collar of most low top sneakers.
The higher cut and extra padding are just more comfortable, assuming you don’t need a super low cut sock to wear with, say, driving shoes.
These aren’t low profile enough to be invisible in most loafers, boat shoes and driving mocs.
The padded footbed also makes walking around more comfortable, assuming you like the extra support between you and the ground.
I tend to switch between this type of no show (high cut, cushioned) and thinner, lower profile versions depending on what type of shoe I’m wearing.
Great for Sneakers
Smartwool Sneaker Cushion Socks
- Price per Pair = $15-18
- Thicker material
- Made in USA
Like the Bombas Cushioned no shows, these Smartwool Sneaker Cushioned No Show Socks were designed to be worn with – you guessed it – sneakers.
Smartwool Sneaker Cushion Socks are cut low enough for most sneakers.
Available in three different sizes and made in the USA, these wool-nylon blend low profile socks are just as high quality as Smartwool’s more popular hiking socks.
Note: these aren’t cut low enough for loafers or boat shoes:
Smartwool Sneaker Cushion Socks in low cut driving mocs
Yes, they’re more expensive, mostly because they’re made from wool and manufactured in the United States. But I don’t think they’re overpriced (i.e., they’re worth it if you have the budget).
Plus, wool tends to reduce odors and handle moisture much better than cotton. Bottom line: these are some of my favorite no show socks for sneakers.
Great for Sneakers
Invisasox
- Price per Pair = $5.60
- Wide variety of sizes
- One year guarantee
Invisasox aren’t as high quality as Falke or Sheec, but they’re more affordable and available in a wider variety of sizes (shoe size 7-14 US).
Plus, they’re guaranteed to last for at least one year of regular wear, which is awesome.
Invisasox no show socks in grey
Made from a spandex/cotton blend, these are very stretchy and very thin (almost see-through when stretched).
They’re also available in a range of practical colors that will match whatever shoe you’re wearing. I love this because it helps to blend your sock and shoe, which enhances the “invisible” effect.
Invisasox are cut pretty low, but they’re still slightly visible in super low cut shoes like boat shoes and driving mocs.
Like the other no shows on this list, Invisasox have a rubber grip sewn onto the heel to help your socks stay on your feet.
I haven’t had any problems with these socks slipping off my feet throughout the day.
Budget Pick
Stance Gamut No Show Socks
- Price per Pair = $8-9
- Light cushion material
- Higher cut (bad for loafers)
I wanted to include these Stance no shows because they’re very durable and comfortable, as they’re more cushioned than many of the loafer liners you’ll find on this list.
But keep in mind: because they’re not as low cut as other brands, I can only wear them with certain shoes.
Stance “no show” socks
They’re great if you want to wear higher cut sneakers (think leather sneakers like the Adidas Stan Smith) but still go “sockless”.
But they’re definitely visible in lower cut shoes, like boat shoes, loafers and some types of sneakers, like these Vans canvas sneakers:
Don’t get me wrong – these are way better than regular ankle socks, but I’d prefer a true no show sock since these higher socks will be visible in most of my shoes.
That said, they are durable and comfortable. They’re thicker than the other loafer socks I tried, which is great if your shoes are kind of loose, and they keep their shape after multiple washes.
Great for Sneakers
Ninja Sox 4.0
- Price per Pair = $5-6
- Thicker material
- Great for sneakers
Ninja Sox are similar to Stance in that they’re thicker than other brands (like Baordroom Socks, Sheec and Falke).
A well-worn pair of Ninja Sox in black
They’re not quite as low cut as the other options on this list, but they are very comfortable and durable, and they stay on my feet all day.
Ninja Sox in driving mocs (almost, but not quite 100% invisible)
They also have a bit of compression through across the arch of your foot, which is a nice detail that increases comfort.
Ninja Sox in sneakers (a white sock would work better with these shoes)
I think Ninja Sox are a good choice if you don’t like the feel of super thin no shows, or if you need a thicker sock to make your shoe fit better.
You can buy Ninja Sox right here.
Budget Pick
The Best No Show Socks For Each Type of Shoe
If you’re wondering what the best sock is for [insert shoe type here], I’ve got you covered:
What are the best socks for boat shoes?
Honestly, boat shoes were meant to be worn without socks. These fully leather lined slip ons were designed to get wet (hence the name). They’re very comfy in bare feet once they’re broken in.
But, if you do want to wear socks with boat shoes, I recommend buying the low cut Sheec Secret 2.0 socks.
What are the best loafer socks?
Since loafers tend to be low cut and fitted (they can’t be tightened, so you buy ’em tight and break ’em in over time), the best loafer socks are low cut and thin.
There are several no show socks on this list that meet this criteria, including: Bombas Low Cut, Sheec Secret 2.0 or Active (low cut), Falke Invisible Step and Invisasox.
What are the best low profile socks for sneakers?
Compared to loafer socks, the best low profile socks for sneakers are cut a bit higher (to protect your ankle against your shoes’ collars) and are made from thicker material.
My favorite no shows for sneakers are Smartwool Sneaker Cushion Socks and Bombas Cushioned Socks.
Are there any truly invisible socks?
If you want some that just barely covers your toes and heel, try Sheec Secret 2.0 or Bombas Low Cut. either of these will be truly invisible in any type of men’s shoe.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re still with me, congrats: you now know exactly where to buy the best no show socks money can buy in 2021!
If you skipped to the end, you missed a great read and lots of laughs, but hey…no hard feelings.
Did I miss any of your favorite no show sock brands? Let me know in the comments section below!
The Best Running Socks of 2021
Whether hitting up the trail, running a marathon, or jogging around the block, you need the best running socks of 2021.
Socks are easy to take for granted unless you regularly pound the pavement or trot on the trail. Runners’ feet put in dozens, maybe hundreds, of miles a month, so it pays to take care of them with the best running socks available.
Socks have evolved from plain cotton sweat-soppers to highly technical, sport-specific pieces of gear designed by and for runners. We looked around and put hundreds of miles on pavement and trails to find you the best running socks we could find.
Continue reading or jump straight to your favorite category:
Best Running Socks of 2021
Best Overall: Balega Hidden Comfort
Balega is well-known in the running industry, and for good reason. When we know we’re going to be spending a lot of time on our feet, Balega’s Hidden Comfort socks ($14) are the ones we go to.
The cushioning is noticeable as soon as you slip them on, and they feel soft and comfortable all day. Somehow, they pull off feeling extremely cushy without feeling bulky.
The cushioning wraps around the toe cap to the top of the toe to provide protective cushioning from the top of the shoe, while seamless toes prevent irritation. Ventilation panels around the top vent out sweat and keep the feet from overheating.
The polyester Drynamics fabric pulls sweat away from the skin and allows it to evaporate, helping prevent blisters and that terrible soggy sock feeling.
The fit is snug and supportive without feeling restrictive, thanks to the rib-band construction. Not only does that construction add comfort, but it also helps the sock keep its shape on long runs — it really feels like a second skin, making it the best socks for running on our list.
- Material: Polyester
- Pros: Extremely comfortable; bulk-free cushioning; the deep heel cup; and high, padded heel tabs keep the sock in place
- Cons: Price
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Runner-Up: Swiftwick Vision Six Impression
Coming in a close second is Swiftwick’s stylish Vision Six Impression socks ($20). If you tend to sweat more or run in hot weather, these socks are going to be your go-to.
These calf-high lookers sport structurally modified fibers that pull sweat to the outside of the sock, which bolsters Swiftwick’s reputation as the best moisture-wicking socks on the market.
Seamless toes keep irritation at bay, and the moderate compression gives the sock a comfortable secure feel without feeling too tight. Medium cushioning provides comfort without bulk on long runs.
We love this version of the Vison Six series, as the Impression features wraparound designs based on National Parks. They offer socks with designs based on Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, and the Great Smoky Mountain range. They’re also taking suggestions on other parks they should add, with more models coming soon.
- Material: Nylon, polyester, spandex
- Pros: Great design, solid cushioning, moderate compression
- Cons: Pricey, compression may feel tight on wider feet, so size up
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon
Best Bargain: Saucony Performance Heel Tab Athletic Sock 8- or 16-Pack — Men’s & Women’s
At less than a buck a sock, you’re not going to find a better deal than the Saucony Performance Heel Tab Athletic Sock eight- and 16-packs ($14-27). The polyester/spandex fabric wicks sweat away, while the Airmesh venting tech on the top of the foot lets your feet breathe when things start to heat up.
Cushioning doesn’t run the length of the foot, but they’ve placed it on high-impact locations. The cushioning runs from the ball of the foot to just over to the top of the toes and over the heel to keep your feet protected during a run.
There is a toe seam, but it lays flat to minimize the risk of irritation. And the padded heel tab keeps your heel safe from excessive rubbing.
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Pros: Unbeatable price for the quality of the sock
- Cons: They run long, so they can feel too big on longer feet
Check Women’s Price at AmazonCheck Men’s Price at Amazon
Best Compression Socks: CEP Tall Compression Socks 3.0 — Men’s & Women’s
Compression socks are designed to apply pressure to your legs, helping to facilitate blood flow and keeping swelling to a minimum. Many athletes use compression after a workout to help speed up recovery, as the increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
But why start after the workout? Noted compression company CEP’s Tall Compression Socks ($60) are made for use during your run, providing compression and keeping your blood flowing while you move. The compression also helps stabilize your muscles on the run, which provides a comfortable feel and extra support for your heel and arches.
The HeiQ Smart Temp climate management system keeps your feet cool (the company claims that it cools your feet up to 3.6 degrees). Plus, the padding along the footbed feels comfortable and helps prevent blistering on runs. These features cement these socks as our choice for the best compression socks for running.
- Material: Polyamide, spandex
- Pros: Provides support during running, helps aid recovery after
- Cons: Pricey
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Best No-Show Socks: Feetures Elite Max Cushion No-Show Tab Sock
These below-the-ankle socks from Feetures ($16) have an anatomical design with right and left designated socks, making for a perfect fit. Compression at the ankles provides support while cushioning along the foot provides comfort from repeated foot strikes.
The synthetic fibers repel sweat, moving it from next to the foot to the outside of the sock, where it can evaporate. The venting at the top of the foot keeps your feet drier while you run.
In addition to the anatomical design, the Elite Max Cushion has a protective heel pad and a seamless toe, which eliminates two of the most common points of irritation on a run.
The fit and features are excellent, but several pairs that we’ve tested developed holes at the toe or heel. This only happened on a few, while the others haven’t had any issues, so we’re chalking them up to random flaws in the material. If it weren’t for the occasional durability issue, these would be contenders for the top spot on our list.
- Material: Nylon, polyester, spandex
- Pros: Provides support during running, helps aid recovery after
- Cons: Some durability issues
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Best Wool Socks: Smartwool PhD Run Light Elite Micro Socks — Men’s & Women’s
Synthetic fibers are a showcase of what technology can achieve, but it’s hard to beat natural material. Smartwool has built an entire brand around the benefits of wool, the most notable with socks is the material’s ability to repel stink.
One tester wore the PhD Run Light Elite Micro ($19) for 5 days straight on a trail running backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. “I’d just hang them on the tent to dry after each run. “I thought they’d smell like death after 80 miles of running in the desert,” he says. “But they really held up.”
Venting on the top of the sock vents sweat, while elastic synthetic material helps it keep its shape. Smartwool’s proprietary ReliaWool tech in high-impact areas keeps the socks from wearing out, and 200-needle construction adds high-density zones for cushioning.
- Material: Merino wool, nylon, elastane
- Pros: Stink-resistant, extremely comfortable
- Bonus: The merino wool is warm in cold weather and breathes well in hot weather, making this an all-season running sock.
Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry
Best of the Rest
Balega Silver No-Show Running Socks
Named for the antibacterial silver ions encapsulated in the fibers, Balegas’ Silver No-Show running socks ($15) sport full mesh panels for plenty of ventilation, which felt great during triple-digit test runs in Northern California.
The light padding adds to the breathability and felt great on shorter runs. And, as we’ve come to expect from Balega, these socks provide some of the best fit and feel of any of the socks on our list.
A deep heel cup, seamless toes, and soft-knitted top make this an extremely comfortable sock. Elastic bands of varying strength provide the right amount of support at the right place, while the high heel tab protects your heel from shoe rubs.
- Material: Polyester, nylon, elastane
- Pros: Highly breathable, great fit
- Cons: Plenty of mesh feels great in warm weather but feels too cold during runs in cold weather.
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show Socks — Men’s & Women’s
One of the most common (and painful) places to get blisters during long runs or hikes is between the toes. Even if you’re not prone to blisters between the toes, it can occasionally occur during long runs and hikes as the feet start to swell and press against your footwear.
Injinji, the company known for its distinctive socks, splits the toe end of this sock ($13) into five separate compartments, one for each toe. This surrounds each toe in material and prevents any skin-to-skin friction that causes blisters over time.
This is also essential for fans of split-toed shoes or Vibram FiveFingers shoes. (I know there are still some of you out there.)
Besides the obvious benefit, Injinji’s no-show socks sport the necessities like mesh panels for ventilation and compression in the arch for additional support.
- Material: Polyester, nylon, Lycra
- Pros: Great blister protection in a hard-to-reach spot
- Cons: Light on the cushion, material between the toes takes up space in shoes’ toeboxes
Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry
The Best Minimalist Running Shoes
We’ve tested the best minimalist running shoes of 2020. Because barefoot running fans know that sometimes less is really more. Read more…
WRIGHTSOCK CoolMesh II Quarter Socks
The most unique aspect of WRIGHTSOCK’s CoolMesh II quarter-length socks ($14) is its dual-layer design. The inner layer is made of smooth, hydrophobic Dri-WRIGHT II polyester for a soft feel against the skin and to help pull moisture away from the feet.
The outer layer features a mesh weave to allow collect moisture from the outside of the inner layer and allow it to evaporate. Not only does this help keep feet cool and dry, but it also absorbs friction between the shoe and the foot. This prevents the shear effect in the skin that causes blisters.
The mesh panel at the top vents heat and moisture while the light cushioning helps absorb impact on runs.
- Material: Polyester, nylon, Lycra
- Pros: Dual-layer design absorbs the friction that causes blisters
- Cons: Inner layer can bunch up and make it difficult to put the sock on
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Bombas Performance Ankle Sock
The first thing you’ll notice when you put on the Bombas Performance Ankle Sock ($16) is that they’re the most comfortable socks you’ve ever worn. These lightweight running and workout socks are made with a cotton-polyester blend with generous cushioning in the forefoot and heel.
The temperature-regulating vents allow cool air to flow in during workouts, keeping your feet cool, while the moisture-wicking materials keep your feet dry.
The socks are contoured specifically to fit the left and right foot, ensuring a comfortable fit that doesn’t bunch up or wrinkle as well as minimizing blisters and hot spots. Additionally, the seamless toe and y-stitched heel help minimize irritation.
- Material: Polyester, nylon, cotton, spandex
- Pros: Extremely soft, great fit
- Bonus: Socks are the most requested clothing item in homeless shelters, so Bombas donates one pair of socks for each one purchased.
Check Price at Bombas
PAPLUS Ankle Compression Sock
By far the least expensive compression ankle socks we’ve seen, PAPLUS’s Ankle Compression Socks come in multipacks that cost $20 or less, depending on the amount and size. The varying compression (from moderate to extra firm) provides support where you need it without feeling restrictive. The compression encourages circulation and helps prevent foot swelling on long runs.
We like the ankle version for its ability to support the foot without having to wrestle a full-length compression over your calves. This, along with the ability to buy multiple pairs at low cost, makes it more feasible to wear a compression sock with every run.
The mesh upper provides venting and the raised, padded ankle cuff prevents friction at the ankle. A seamless toe closure reduces irritation at the toes.
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Pros: Great price for compression socks
- Cons: Thin material sacrifices durability
Check Price at Amazon
Thirty48 Elite Compression Socks
Designed specifically for left or right feet, each pair of Thirty48 Elite Compression Socks ($13-27) aims for a perfect fit to minimize irritation and blistering. These knee-high compression socks provide graded compression through the calves down to the arch of the foot, facilitating blood flow during your run. If you wear them after runs, the increased circulation that the compression provides helps you recover faster and mitigates soreness.
The socks are available in two-packs, so you can roll off the pair you just used in a run and put on a fresh pair to recover afterward. The wicking material and topside vents help regulate moisture, and the padded heel absorbs shock on runs.
- Material: Polyester, spandex, nylon
- Pros: Price
- Cons: Could use more padding on forefoot
Check Price at Amazon
Darn Tough Coolmax Run No-Show Tab Ultra Lightweight Running Sock — Men’s & Women’s
The first thing that we learned when testing Darn Tough socks was that they live up to their name. Every pair that we’ve tested has endured everything we’ve thrown at them, from walking around a campsite with no shoes to filling longer socks with D batteries and slinging them across a park. The Coolmax ($15) is no exception. We’ve put hundreds of miles on these socks and haven’t left a mark.
In addition to their outstanding durability, these socks fit like a second skin. There’s no bunching, wrinkles, or any abnormality that could cause irritation — even after a few hours on the trail. The vented upper lets hot air out and the seam fusion give it a totally seamless feel for comfort.
All of these features add up to a comfortable, bombproof sock that’s as comfortable at mile 20 as it is at mile 1. The combination of toughness and comfort makes this our pick for the best trail running socks on the market.
- Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex
- Pros: The toughest socks we’ve ever used
- Bonus: Plenty of venting on hot runs, but warm on cold runs
Check Men’s Price at Darn ToughCheck Women’s Price at Darn Tough
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Running Socks
Wicking & Breathability
One of the most important aspects of buying a pair of running socks is how well they regulate moisture. Moisture leads to friction, and that friction is what causes the majority of blisters.
One way that socks eliminate moisture is by allowing excess heat to exit the sock (breathability), which helps prevent sweating in the first place. The other is by pulling (or wicking) the sweat off of the foot and moving it to the outside of the sock, where it can evaporate. Both of these features are essential when choosing a pair of running socks.
Keeping your feet cool is not only a way to minimize sweat, but it also keeps your feet comfortable and helps prevent swelling. At best, swelling is uncomfortable. At worst, it will cause your foot to press up against the sidewalls of your shoe, which is painful and adds friction points where blisters can appear.
Venting is typically easy to spot in running socks. Look for a waffled or checkered pattern on the top of the foot or around the midsole. Most socks will put the breathable material here because the laces are a more open part of the shoe and will let the heat escape more efficiently.
As far as moisture-wicking goes, look for synthetic materials, which, unlike cotton, repel moisture rather than retain it. Materials like polyester are effective at pulling moisture off and evaporating it quickly. If you’d rather go natural, merino wool works to pull moisture away as well. Look for brands like Smartwool and Icebreaker to find good merino wool socks.
Avoid cotton socks at all costs. Unless it’s bolstered by synthetic material, cotton will soak up water and retain it, leaving your feet vulnerable to blisters.
Photo credit: Balega
Fit
Socks that fit poorly are terrible for runners. Socks that are too tight not only cause discomfort, but they also press the toes together, which greatly increases the risk of blisters between the toes.
Socks that are too big will bunch or wrinkle in the shoe, which creates friction points where blisters can form. One tester wore socks that stretched out on a hike and bunched up underfoot, causing a 3-inch blister to form on his sole. You’re going to want to avoid that at all costs.
Most running socks are unisex, so the best running socks for men and the best running socks for women are the same, depending on how you plan on using them. Look on the packaging or online for size scales for both men and women.
Socks rarely come in specific sizes, so your options are going to range from XS to XL and above. Most socks stretch to accommodate different sizes, thanks to some percentage of stretchy fibers like elastane embedded in the material.
Any given sock will work for a range of sizes, so a size large may for feet sized 10 to 12. Sock packaging and websites will list a scale to help buyers choose the right size.
Compression socks are a bit different since the socks are built to provide a tighter fit, depending on the compression grade. You’ll still have a similar sizing scale, but many brands suggest buying a smaller sock if you want additional compression or a larger sock if you want lighter compression.
Comfort
You’ll be spending a lot of time in your running socks, so you’re going to want a comfortable sock. Besides finding the right fit, you’re going to want a sock that regulates heat and moisture well. Also, look for socks that will provide adequate padding for the pounding that your feet face during a run.
Most running socks are made with a synthetic material like polyester. These are effective at wicking away sweat but aren’t known for their softness. Higher on the comfort scale is a wool/synthetic blend. The natural fiber is softer, while still retaining the ability to breathe well and pull sweat from the skin.
Cotton is the softest material and feels great on the skin. However, it tends to lose its shape (which can lead to bunching), and it holds on to moisture. A few brands have managed to find the right balance between cotton and synthetic materials. The result is a comfortable sock that also wicks away moisture.
Overheating and sweat accumulation can also be a cause of discomfort. Make sure that your sock is made of breathable material and/or has breathable mesh panels. These are easy to spot. Look for a different pattern on the top of the foot. This indicates a more open weave than the rest of the sock.
Padding is key as well. Find a sock with padding running along the sole of the foot, which will absorb foot strike impact. This also serves to lengthen the sock’s lifetime, as that’s the most high-impact area of the foot. If you want the lightest sock possible, choose a sock that only has padding in the heel and forefoot.
Photo credit: CEP
Height
Running socks come in a few general sizes. There’s the no-show sock, which sits below the ankle; the three-quarter-length sock, which sits above the ankle; the crew, which falls just under the calf; and the knee-high, which sits right at the knee.
No-show socks are ideal for running in hot or moderate weather, as any added coverage will conserve heat. They’re lighter and have less material. This means you can stash a spare in your running pack if you run through a creek. This also comes in handy when nature calls on the trail and you need to improvise some toilet paper.
When shopping for a no-show sock, make sure that it has padding on the back of the cuff. This added material helps prevent shoe rub on the back of your ankle, which can cause blisters.
Three-quarter-length socks are favored by trail runners. The higher cuff is better at preventing trail debris such as dirt or twigs from getting inside the sock. Debris in your socks can cause you to stop your run and get it out before it causes a blister.
Crew socks serve a similar function, adding protection for off-trail runs, and knee-high socks take that to the extreme. Knee-high socks are also common in compression socks. The material up around the calf features a graded compressive material that helps improve blood flow and minimize swelling of the calves and ankles.
Durability & Price
Running socks put in lots of miles on varied terrain, making them susceptible to more wear than other socks. Many companies use higher needle counts to create a thicker material or blend durable fibers to combat this.
Having a running sock fall apart can feel like a small disaster. Any hole puts your foot in contact with your shoe, creating a hotspot that can cause blisters. With many running socks sitting around $15, repeatedly replacing running socks can take a bite out of your wallet.
You can avoid this by reading reviews or by going with brands that are known for their durable socks. Darn Tough is our pick for the toughest sock on the market. They also offer a lifetime guarantee: if you ever wear a hole in one of their socks, the company will send you a new one.
That means you’ll never have to buy that sock again unless you want multiple pairs. For the record, we’ve never worn a hole in one, and they’ve never had to make good on that promise.
Another option is to buy socks in multipacks. Many companies will offer socks in six or eight packs at a discounted price. The tradeoff here is that the socks are often lower quality than the top-tier ones.
If you’re new to running, consider buying one higher-end pair of socks and a small multipack. This way, you’ll have running socks for the week and you can accumulate more high-end socks over time.
FAQ
Should Running Socks Be Thick or Thin?
The thickness of a running sock depends on the wearer’s preference. Many runners prefer a thinner sock in most conditions, as feet tend to heat up during a run and thin socks are better at venting heat.
A thicker sock is ideal for running in cold weather, as the extra material allows it to hold insulation better. But make sure that a thicker sock is made of sweat-wicking material.
Your feet may start out cold, but more often than not, they’ll start heating up midrun. A sweat-wicking material and a good venting system will keep your feet dry and prevent overheating when wearing thicker socks.
As far as padding goes, it’s helpful to have thicker material underfoot. Thicker sole material provides comfort and protection during runs, as they absorb shock from foot strike.
You can find socks with padding that runs along the entire sole or, if you’d prefer a lighter sock, on just the heel and forefoot. Many runners prefer full sole coverage, as the lack of padding on the midsole can lead to an uneven feeling underfoot.
Brands also offer socks with zero underfoot padding. This works well with runners who want to combine them with minimalist shoes for a more barefoot feel.
Photo credit: Balega
Do Professional Runners Wear Socks?
With very few exceptions, yes. Professional runners log hundreds of miles in training, and keeping their feet healthy during such heavy training loads is essential.
Socks help prevent blisters, which take time to heal. They cause discomfort that can alter a runner’s stride, which can cause injury over time. Blisters, while inevitable, should be limited as much as possible, and wearing socks goes a long way in doing so.
Also, many professional runners use compression socks to minimize fatigue during runs and races, as well as a way to speed up recovery between workouts.
We know of one exception to this rule. One of our writers knows a professional runner who chooses to train without socks, but races with them on. He does so purposefully to cause blisters and over time, build up calluses and, in his words, “to toughen up my feet.”
In addition to running, he’s also a professional hunter, often spending days in the woods. His purpose in building bulletproof feet is to prepare them during training for anything that may occur during his hunts. This is an extreme method of training — one that we don’t recommend — but it’s worth noting.
How Long Do Running Socks Last?
The lifespan of a running sock varies widely depending on the quality of the sock. Lower quality socks should get you at least a few months of use before they start to show wear. Any damage (such as holes and tearing) is a sign of poor workmanship or factory defect, and they should be returned for a refund or warranty exchange.
Quality running socks should get you a few years of steady use before you see any holes or they start to lose elasticity and get baggy — and the best ones never tear.
The one brand that we keep going back to is Darn Tough. The Vermont company uses large-gauge sewing machines to create a dense material without adding bulk, and the high-quality merino wool it uses is extremely durable. We’ve never had to replace a pair of Darn Tough socks unless we lost one in the wash or had the cat tear one to pieces.
The company is so confident in its work that they offer a lifetime guarantee. If a sock you ever buy from them ever gets a hole in it, they’ll replace it free of charge. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had it for a year or 10 years — if you wear a hole in it, you get a new pair.
Why Wear Compression Socks for Running?
Compression socks use graded compression on targeted parts of the foot and calf. This compression facilitates blood flow and helps minimize swelling.
Runners use these as a way to help the circulatory system provide the muscles with oxygen and flush out lactic acid during runs. Compression also minimizes the repeated vibration that comes with running, which causes microabrasions in the muscle that can lead to fatigue.
Runners also use them for post-run recovery. Many runners will wear compression socks after runs to speed up post-run recovery and reduce soreness, as the increased blood flow helps carry nutrients to the muscles. This reduces soreness and lessens recovery time, especially after high-intensity workouts.
Are Running Socks Worth It?
Absolutely. Running socks go a long way in increasing the enjoyment and effectiveness of run training. First and foremost, they keep your feet cool and dry, removing the moisture that can add friction and cause blisters. They also act as an essential barrier between the foot and the shoe, eliminating friction and hot spots.
Additional padding on the soles of running socks provides essential cushioning that reduces foot strike impact as well. Compression socks help you run longer and recover faster. After your running shoes, a good pair of running socks is a runner’s most important piece of running gear.
Have a favorite running sock we missed? Let us know in the comments and we’ll check it out for future updates to this article.
The Best Running Shoes for Women
Whether training for a marathon or logging a few easy miles in the neighborhood, we found the best running shoes for women in 2020. Read more…
The Best Running Shoes for Men
We’ve logged hundreds of miles in the latest shoes this spring to help you find the best running shoes. These kicks fit every style and budget. Read more…
6 Best Socks For Men – Reviews & Style Guide in 2021
For most men, socks are an afterthought: whichever Value-Pak (removing “c’s” saves on printing) satisfies the lowest cost/unit will do.
Unfortunately, all that Value-Pakaging means something else had to give. In this case, it’s both the looks and the quality.
The most important rule when it comes to choosing the right socks to an outfit is to keep the formality the same. For instance, you wouldn’t wear gym socks to a night out or visa versa. It may seem ridiculous, but a lot of the time socks can tie an outfit together.
What’s The Best Material For Socks?
Wool: In general, the material that’s best for socks is wool.
This is because wool has the ability to wick moisture, control temperature, and stay very durable while doing so.
When looking for wool socks you want to opt for fine or ultrafine wool blended in with other materials. This is because some people find more coarse wool to get itchy at times.
This is usually a problem with low quality wool, which is why it’s important to get wool socks from a good and trusted brand.
Merino wool: comes from a specially-bred variety of sheep, and when spun, feels noticeably smoother than lambswool (or for that matter, pretty much everything).
If you need to present a polished image, details matter: make sure that same level of refinement applies to your socks.
Cotton: We recommend you stay away from cotton socks and here is why.
The problem with cotton when it comes to socks is that the material is naturally moisture absorbent. This means if your feet are hot and sweaty, the socks will absorb all of it and cause it to smell terrible.
Cotton is also a lot less durable than wool, so even though cotton socks might be cheaper, they’ll get destroyed a lot faster. Keep that in mind.
Blended Materials: Blending of materials is excellent for socks!
Basically, you’re taking the best attributes of a certain material and blending it into a sock, which makes a superior product.
If you’re interested in all the different blends materials you can add to socks check out this excellent article on sock fibers.
Types of Socks
There are 5 main categories most socks fit into, these are: dress socks, crew socks, ankle socks, no show socks and hiking / outdoor socks.
Dress Socks: Most dress socks are made from either fine cotton blends or a special strand of wool called “merino.” While nearly every menswear brand produces “dressier” socks, heritage men’s labels have both the pedigree – and the quality – to make the best dress socks for men.
Crew Socks: The athlete’s choice.
With the exception of highly-specialized, sport-specific options from brands like Nike Basketball, most gym socks follow a simple pattern: take ribbed cotton sock, print brand logo, price accordingly.
That’s it.
With the options below, shop based on whatever brand you prefer. Then please wash on “Hot.”
Ankle Socks: These are perhaps the most common type of sock that you probably wear in your day-to-day life. They come right up to the ankles, and should ideally be made to be soft and breathable with moisture wicking material. Perfect socks to run in, or work out in.
No Show Socks: The sockless look without the sockless stench. Perfect for summer.
Also known as “loafer socks,” no-show socks are designed to provide a layer of washable anything between your sweaty feet and your porous, pliable insole.
These socks are often made from cotton blends, but always cut low enough to slip under the surface of even the sleekest sneaker.
Outdoor / Hiking Socks: The only socks tough enough for both Rocky Mountain hikes and fights over the Thermostat. Perfect to go with your boots.
Hiking socks are heavy duty socks designed with performance, durability, and warmth in mind.
In short: what some may lack in delicate style, all redouble in sheer utility.
If you spend lots of time on your feet or live anywhere within one Tropic of your hemisphere’s snow line, hiking socks are an essential.
How To Properly Care For Socks
Washing / Drying: If you’re investing in a pair of high quality socks that you want to keep in tip top shape for a very long time, we always suggest hand-washing and hang drying. This maximizes the life of your socks.
Other wise, you can simply machine wash (warm) and tumble dry (medium) most socks.
Storing Socks: It’s always recommended to fold or roll your socks. Here is a ton of examples.
9 Tips For Wearing Socks
An important aspect of choosing the right socks is keeping in mind a few general rules.
With these tips you’ll step your sock game up ten fold.
- Black socks only with Black shoes
- Casual? Go with No Show socks or Ankle socks
- Professional? Opt for Calf socks or Dressy socks
- Match your sock color to the color of your pants NOT shoes
- No show socks work great with shorts
- Never wear white socks unless you’re being super casual or doing sports
- If you find yourself getting blisters, opt for socks that have extra padding on the heels
- wear high socks with boots, or else you can find your feet getting irritated
- No show socks work great with boat shoes / summer shoes
6 Best Socks For Men
We’ve gathered a list of the 6 best socks for every occasion.
Best Dressy/ Statement Socks: Uniqlo Men’s Argyle Socks
For a more formal event over-the-calf, full length, or “executive” socks are the way to go.
They are less likely to bunch up or show any visible skin.
Choosing either the same shade or one shade darker than your pant leg will give the illusion that your leg is extended across the sock, or giving a natural shadow both of which will make you appear taller.
Another simple style tip is to compliment the color of your socks to the color of the pant leg.
This way you can pull the entire outfit into a more consistent look. If you are particularly bold you can chose a patterned or unique sock as a bold statement piece.
These argyle socks are a classic pattern that is easy to pull off but can boost the outfit an extra level.
Pros
- Self-deodorizing, keeps away bad smells!
- Constructed in a way to stop slippage
- Reinforced toes and heals for higher durability
Best Crew Socks: Adidas Originals: 3 Pack of Mid Cut Socks
Mid-calf, crew, or half-length socks are another option that can be either dressed up or down.
Our pick for the best crew sock is from Adidas. For the most part, these socks work for a more casual “athleisure” look or just for working out.
Plus, since these socks are made from moisture wicking fabric, the will also help control the temperature of the ankles and mid-calf.
Pros
- Really stylish and trendy
- Soft, thick and comfortable
- Washes without shrinking
Cons
- Not super breathable
- Too long for some people
Sneaker Socks: Adidas Men’s Low Cut Sock
Ankle or “sport” socks are usually for sneakers or going to the gym. Material is important for every sock, but especially if you are working out.
Avoid cotton at all costs, as it is a moisture absorbent material. This will only make your feet hotter and make you unnecessarily uncomfortable.
The Adidas socks are not only made of a moisture wicking blend, to keep your feet cool and comfortable, but they are also cushioned.
They are easily one of the best sneaker socks on the market today.
Pros
- Moisture wicking and breathable
- Comfortable and decently thick for an ankle sock
- Great fitting
Best Wool Socks / Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Merino Wool Hiker Socks
Instead of the cheap cotton material, try looking for a good quality ultra-fine wool or wool blend.
Both of these materials which will control the scratchy texture you might associate with wool.
Wool is the best bet for sock material because it is moisture wicking which allows for the best temperature control.
These hiker socks are perfect for a work boot as they are both cooling, and resistant to slipping, the best socks for outdoor activity.
Pros
- Seamless construction means no slipping, blisters, or scrunching
- Made with Merino wool: antibacterial and antimicrobial
- Made to be so durable that it will last decades. BuyItForLife quality.
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Too thick for some people
Best No Show Socks: Uniqlo Men Pile Low-Cut Socks
Lastly, unseen socks are to keep your foot from getting too sweaty while remaining invisible.
These look good with a loafer or any shoe that you want to show off ankles. The Uniqlo socks are made to last.
A danger in the invisible sock is the possibility of slippage, but these socks are structured with a contoured wide heel and added non-slip grips to keep that from happening.
Additionally, they are fitted with anti-microbial and anti-odor properties to your feet comfortable and fresh.
Pros
- Thicker and more durable than most no show sock brands
- Heel protector for minimal blisters and chafing
Cons
- It will scrunch if its too big for you
Best Designer Socks: Off-White High Socks
These types of socks drift more towards showing off the brand and aesthetic of the sock, rather serve a specific function.
When wearing designer socks, that are usually high socks, you want to be wearing either shorts, tapered, or cropped pants.
The reason being is that you want to show off the socks and the brand you’re wearing, and if it’s the main focal point, you need a way to show it.
There are hundreds of designer socks, and maybe you have a favorite designer brand.
Off-White has an amazing design and the brand name clout to pull off a designer sock.
Pros
- Signature graphic
- Brand Name
- Aesthetic
90,000 short white sports socks and other models from the brand. Their pros and cons
Contents
- Features of the
- Range
Socks are a small but very important wardrobe item.Comfort when walking and running depends on their quality. This becomes especially important if a person goes in for sports. That is why professional athletes and just people leading an active lifestyle prefer the products of proven brands. Such manufacturers include Nike. Consider the features and types of men’s socks produced by this company.
Features
The history of the brand began in 1964.Today it is a world famous sports empire that produces a wide range of sporting goods. Nike’s socks appeared in the early 1980s. Convenience, durability and the highest quality of their performance were immediately appreciated by both athletes and ordinary customers. The brand pays great attention to detail, and also uses unique technologies in production.
- Dry Fit. Provides breathability of products. Such socks effectively remove excess moisture from the skin and prevent the “greenhouse effect”.
- Clima Fit. This technology is used in products intended for use in the cold season. It protects the feet from hypothermia, maintains the optimum temperature inside the product.
- NikeGrip. The well-thought-out arrangement of special inserts ensures leg fixation and maximum comfort during active movement. Also, this technology reduces foot slip, increasing traction with the shoe.
The brand socks also have other advantages.
- Material. Socks are made from a soft blended fabric. The manufacturer uses nylon, cotton, polyester and spandex in varying proportions depending on the model. The products are pleasant to the touch, do not rub the skin.
- Comfort. Anatomical cut of the socks for the left and right feet for the most comfortable natural fit. Locking area on the heel prevents the product from shifting during movement. Compression in the arch of the foot ensures secure support.
- Special properties. Special panels in the heel and forefoot provide zoned cushioning. High friction fibers prevent slipping. Also in the assortment there are models designed specifically for training with weights – the lower part of such products is made of dense terry cloth that protects the foot from shock loads.
- Wear resistance. The places that wear out faster than the rest (heel and toe area) differ in the brand’s socks with increased strength.
- Variety of assortment. The brand offers customers socks of different lengths (from socks to golf). The composition of the fabric, additional properties vary. The range of colors is also varied. In addition to traditional classics (black, white, gray products), the company produces bright models (red, yellow, blue, orange, salad, pink and other juicy shades). There are printed, two- and three-color options, with decorative reflective details.
Of the shortcomings, only the rather big cost of Nike products can be noted.However, the price of the products is fully justified by the advantages listed above.
Assortment
The company produces special socks for training, running, football, basketball, tennis, as well as versatile models that can be worn in everyday life, made of dense and lightweight (including mesh) fabric. In terms of length, Nike offers customers 5 options: socks, short socks, ankle-length, mid-calf and knee length.
Short
Footprints are convenient to use in hot seasons. The fabric protects the foot from chafing with the shoes, while the ankle remains open. This is not only convenient, but also important from an aesthetic point of view when it comes to urban images.
Low-cut footprint is completely invisible for a barefoot feel.
There are also just short socks (just above the footprints).Some products have a flat top edge and some have a higher back. Such a “loop” allows you to easily take off and put on products. Most of the short socks are available in neutral colors.
Ankle Length
Such models are visible from under the shoes, so the color scheme is of particular importance here. In this category there are both bright models for those who want to stand out, and calm ones for connoisseurs of minimalism. Like the cropped socks, these socks are sold in 1 pair and in sets (2 and 3 pairs of the same or different colors).
High
Mid-calf models are used in various sports. Rich colors and designs allow you to choose an option for every taste. Football leggings are also pleasing with their original performance.Of course, the professional sports socks have a special cut and properties.
How to choose a size?
Size chart for Nike socks. Inference can be made based on shoe size or foot length in centimeters. For example, owners of Russian boot sizes from 41 to 45 should buy socks with the designation L. As for the length of the foot, in this case it will be 26-30 cm.
The following video provides tips on how to pair branded socks with clothing and footwear.
Pro Socks | All about colored socks – men’s and women’s colored socks
Our socks
In our online store you can buy colored women’s and
men’s socks.Your choice is presented
cool colored socks – trendy and unusual. Striped socks, colorful socks, patterned socks, women and men
socks in traditional colors and original colors – for every mood, wardrobe and taste!
Cool colored socks are a great gift for a man, and, by the way, for a woman too. Buy colored socks
as a gift? Why not! Give socks – socks are always relevant. Fashionable and unusual
socks are doubly relevant.
Colored socks define style! They go well with both jeans and a business suit.
Bright and trendy socks in unusual colors will instantly make you special. Colored socks
make it clear – you have taste, and you know a lot about beauty.
Colored socks will emphasize your originality, despite the dress code and other conventions. Colored socks can
to match to clothes of any color and with any pattern.
You can see the full collection of colored socks in our catalog.
Quality of socks
Our colored socks are very durable. They will destroy the myth that men’s socks are short-lived. All colored socks
which you buy in our online store are 80% cotton, 17% polyamide and 3% elastane.
They do not fade or deform when worn or washed.
“Men’s cotton socks” – what is hidden behind this mysterious phrase? For the production of colored socks
only the highest quality cotton from the world’s best factories is used.Thanks to him, colored socks for a long time
are worn, do not lose color and are pleasant – do not rub, do not prick and do not press. Our colored socks can be worn for
all day long: cotton (as opposed to synthetics) perfectly permeates air, “ventilates”, does not allow the leg to sweat.
And polyamide and elastane allow the sock to fit tightly around the foot, not to slip or get lost in the boot. Men can
be calm – our men’s socks won’t let you down! You can safely change your shoes in public places!
All colored socks are durable.Each colored sock has a thickened heel and thickened toe area – therefore
our colored socks do not rub or tear for a long time.
Our colored socks are the real world quality! All colored socks you can
buy in our online store, made in unique factories that deal with
have been producing socks for many years and they know a lot about tradition and innovation. All colored
The socks have been subjected to ruthless durability tests twice: during production and
before going on sale.These tests help ensure the best possible day-to-day
high and the highest possible quality of our socks – no scrap and socks for one
once – only the most beautiful, most colorful and super durable socks. To wear – do not demolish!
All of our socks also undergo a silicon streak procedure. Without going into chemical-technological details
this process, we can say that colored socks will always fit your feet tightly, and after washing the socks
will not stretch, shrink and shed.Colored socks retain their original for a very long time.
shape and color!
Up
Colored socks collection
FunnySocks.ru online store is a multi-brand
a boutique of colored socks, where are collected
multicolored socks from the best world manufacturers. In our online store you are always
you can buy socks of the most famous brands: Swedish Happy Socks, famous
Russian JNRB socks, Turkish Ballonet Socks and colored socks according to the legendary
computer game World of Tanks.
The collection has socks for any weather and every season: winter insulated socks –
wool socks, amazing color cotton socks in standard length to the middle
caviar for any season. And also special socks for sports lovers – with a light
compression for muscle care and comfortable training. And, of course, summer greatest hits –
cropped socks for your favorite season.
There are really a lot of colored socks in our store: there are men’s socks and women’s socks, striped socks,
diamond socks, polka dot socks, striped and circle socks, solid colored socks, black and white socks,
socks with snowflakes, zebra and leopard print socks, ornamental socks.
Multi-colored socks
Colorful and bright designer socks have recently become very popular among
fashionable, thinking and creative people.
Colored socks open up new possibilities for fashionistas and simply for those who always want to look beautiful and
original. Colored socks are a modern global trend. There are already leading sports brands for every
the new collection creates bright socks to give a zest to the athletic form.In sports, the popularity of colored
socks does not end there. Colored socks give any clothes originality, individuality, significance and
completeness of the image. They are perfect for a gray business suit, summer trousers, and casual
jeans. Famous fashionistas and women of fashion around the world, movie and show business stars wear colored socks and
gladly show them!
Fashion socks
Historically, most people wear solid color socks.The most common color, of course
the same, black. Because it is “unmarked”. Sometimes white, gray, or blue. Fashionable socks make a person stand out from the crowd
reflect his fresh approach to any business and give him a creative, fashionable look. Checkered, striped socks,
socks with polka dots, speckles and rhombuses go well with both sneakers and jeans, and with boots and
trousers. Fashionable socks will add a bright touch to any of your clothes: plain jeans and T-shirts, white shirts
and tuxedos.Fashionable socks come in different lengths: ankle-deep, to mid-calf (the most common and
popular) and up to the knee. Traditional, regular socks are often loose on the leg. And due to poor quality
the elastic bands constantly slip off the calf, get lost in the shoes or twist. Have to correct them again and
again. But with the advent of fashionable socks, this problem has remained in the distant past. Fashion socks are always tight and
gently fit the leg, hold perfectly, never lose their elasticity, do not slide out or slide off,
in a word, they provide complete comfort to your foot!
Wool socks
Woolen socks are also very popular all over the world today.If you don’t know yet what wool is,
then it is a resistant fiber, which is made from the hair of various animals, mainly sheep.
Fashionable woolen socks are doubly useful: they provide warmth and comfort, and add beauty and originality.
any of your images.
Up
Washing socks
And now for the details on how to wash and care for colored socks.
You can completely wash our socks in the washing machine without any risk, both for the socks and
for a typewriter! Our socks don’t stretch, fade or fade – you can rest easy.The only one
please – do not wash your colored socks in boiling water! Regular (cotton) colored socks are best washed at a temperature
40 degrees. Warm wool and angora socks should be washed at 30 degrees. Manufacturers
recommend washing the socks on the wrong side and not using bleach to wash colored socks.
Colored socks are very strong and durable, and they will last you even longer if you do not dry the socks
drum dryer with hot air and do not iron your socks.Tip: if you have a washing machine,
don’t waste time washing your socks with your hands. You better devote it to watching our
collections of colored socks, and buy socks for yourself and your dear people.
An important warning tip: When you are about to put on a new pair of socks, do not tear off the cardboard
the label and the threads with which it is sewn to the socks. Please cut these threads carefully with scissors! So your
socks are guaranteed to remain intact.
Up
Sock Story
Especially for fans of colored socks,
we have collected some interesting stories about our common passion.
Socks were invented by the ancient Greeks, and the ancient Romans adopted them along with all other cultural and household
achievements. The socks evolved from the theater actors’ spacious slippers. Sock slippers were called “sokus”
in Latin, were made of animal skin, wrapped around the foot and tied at the ankle.
In the 5th century, only respected European men could afford the socks that were considered a sign of neatness.
and nobility. Even 500 years later, socks became a symbol of wealth among aristocrats. Already then progressive
mankind gave credit to foot hygiene and appreciated the need for socks. Because socks are cut
friction between foot and shoe, protect feet from calluses, and shoes from sweat, provide comfort, beauty and warmth.In the cold season, socks help heat exchange – they do not allow the feet to cool down quickly, they delay or absorb
moisture and, in general, protect and warm the feet.
The invention of knitting machines in 1589 made socks more affordable as looms knitted socks 6 times.
faster than women’s hands. There are more socks, and their price has dropped noticeably. The next revolutionary event
in the production of high-quality socks, nylon was introduced in 1938.Before that, socks were made of silk,
cotton and wool. With nylon, the era of mixing different threads in the socks production process began to flourish. What,
again, the production of socks was significantly reduced, and even wider popular masses could afford them.
In the modern world, there is almost not one person who does not have socks. As soon as
the child begins to walk, the first sandals and socks are bought for him. And then – socks with us
all life!
Modern socks can be made from a great variety of materials: cotton, wool, nylon, nylon,
acrylic, polyester, spandex, polypropylene.Silk, linen, cashmere are often used in the production of socks,
angora, mohair. They make the socks softer and more pleasant to wear.
Up
Colored socks as a gift
3 reasons to buy colored socks as a gift.
The first reason to buy socks as a gift: socks are comfortable and practical. Men wear socks every day, so
socks as a gift are always relevant. Girls also respect socks.And this wonderful accessory does not exist
superfluous in the women’s wardrobe!
But do not forget that each person should be unique and special. Colored socks in
gift – what could be better? The second reason to donate colored socks: bright socks are always unusual.
Fashionable socks are fresh. Colored socks are always interesting and intriguing. Colored socks are versatile.
They can be worn in the office, on dates, in clubs and traveling.You will always stand out in colored socks
from the gray mass with its bright mood.
The third reason: colored socks as a gift are not binding. After all, no one will report to
you – how long he wears the colored socks and on what occasions he puts them on. But the one who gave the colored socks
will always be remembered as a person with a non-standard outlook on things. Tie, alcohol, perfume will be forgotten.
Colored socks – never!
If you are still plagued by doubts – to give or not to give? – read informative
material how to wear colored socks.
Up
About Happy Socks
Happy Socks are trendy Swedish socks.
It is these creative designer socks
Happy Socks we sell on our website. In our online store you can buy colored
men’s and women’s socks Happy Socks at prices lower than European ones. Because we are
official retailer of colored socks Happy Socks and we buy them at wholesale
international prices, but we do not outbid and resell at exorbitant prices! Everything is legal and honest with us.All Happy Socks colored socks are made in Turkey in a professional factory and are different
high quality. They are not only bright, cool and original: all colored socks are worn for a long time, not
are rubbed, do not lose color and shape and perfectly fit the foot, regardless of the number of washes.
In the online store Funnysocks.ru you can buy colored men’s and women’s socks Happy Socks
any existing colors and colors. Learn more about the FunnySocks online store and
Happy Socks read in
See the article “All About Happy Socks”
Up
About socks with tanks World of Tanks
We are a wonderful online store of fashionable socks FunnySocks.ru, and the creators of the cool
online games World of Tanks, Wargaming, have released a joint series of color
socks with tanks!
World of Tanks and FunnySocks.ru socks are six original
sock models inspired by the most popular game of all time.
Socks with World of Tanks tanks are very patriotic made in
Russia, so buy World of Tanks socks in our online store
available at a very correct price.Joint collection of socks World of Tanks
and FunnySocks.ru is based on the famous game, and each model
socks World of Tanks boasts a unique “tank” design.
World of Tanks socks are sold in separate pairs and as part of gift sets.
For the most advanced tankers – even more information about socks with tanks – on the special
World of Tanks socks page.
Up
About Ballonet socks
Socks Ballonet Socks is a rising star in the world of fashion and stylish accessories. Ballonet Socks announced themselves in 2012 as a new European brand
original colored socks and have already managed to conquer the legs and hearts of exemplary fashionistas
and show business stars. Ballonet socks are produced in Turkey in a small sock factory,
which strictly adheres to European quality standards.
Unlike striped colored socks, paisley (turkish cucumber) or diamond socks,
Ballonet Socks offer completely distinctive prints and original designs.Unusual
design, a whimsical combination of familiar geometric shapes, unexpected color schemes – all this is successful
embodied in the new brand Ballonet Socks .
Ballonet Socks are gradually gaining popularity in mainland Europe. Branded
boutiques of this brand are already open in London and Berlin. Now the lovely Ballonet Socks
can be bought in our online store of colored socks.Welcome to our catalog!
Ballonet Socks – the new way to look fresh!
Up
About socks JNRB
JNRB is a well-known Russian manufacturer of colored socks, which specializes in
on creating high quality and bright cool socks. JNRB is a young domestic brand,
which is distinguished by its fresh prints, creative ideas and the best
designer noses on the Russian market. JNRB socks are made in Russia from
super quality combed cotton. Like other socks from the world’s leading brands, all
socks of the brand JNRB are unisex, that is, they are equally suitable for men and beautiful
ladies and differ only in size. Multicolor designer socks from JNRB – trendy
and high quality at the same time. They stand up to many washes, their heel is strong, and
elastic band is elastic. Combed cotton retains its vibrant original colors consistently.Socks JNRB will last happily ever after!
Colored socks JNRB differ from other brands in their design approach. Colored
socks JNRB are not only strict geometric patterns, bright prints and favorite
stripes. There are many novelty socks in the rich collection of color socks JNRB . Novelty
socks – socks with a plot – this is the hallmark of the colored socks brand JNRB .Socks with cats
socks with owls, socks with foxes, socks with notes, socks with airplanes, socks with deer, socks with
cocktails. And many, many other colored socks that can be funny
prints tell amazing stories. Multicolored socks JNRB – put on and love!
Read more about the JNRB brand of colored socks.
Up
Brand men’s socks with a logo at low prices wholesale
Men’s brand socks at low prices.Quality Assurance
In the modern world, special attention is paid to the design of socks. Even well-known brands are working on a classy look, comfort, so a large number of varieties are sewn every year. And no one can predict what will be in trend. Each season, the latest collections of original socks appear. Fashionable and stylish will adorn every man.
To choose chic socks, you must take into account the following properties:
– manufacturing material;
– high strength and elasticity;
– practicality and reliability;
– the shape of socks.
And others.
Men’s brand cotton and bamboo socks at wholesale prices in the online store
Men’s socks from the manufacturer at an inexpensive price here at a popular clothing store. Branded socks that stand out for their great design, which the craftsmen have worked on, will be an excellent choice for any man. The store has the widest assortment of all kinds of goods, new ones are constantly being added. They are of the highest quality. They use excellent workmanship material, which consists of cotton or bamboo.It is a pleasure to wear them. Men’s socks are available in different colors: white, black, gray, dark gray, dark blue, multi-colored. You can match almost any outfit. The quantity in the package can be 10, 12 pieces. The store specializes in wholesales. The more you order, the cheaper the purchase will be. In addition, socks are of a certain type: long, short, socks. If you are going to wear them all the time, then there are everyday ones on sale. Go to the gym and exercise, then sports socks are provided that have the necessary parameters.They are very comfortable to wear.
Payment methods in the store, delivery
There are several payment methods in the store, there are the necessary ones: “Yandex.Money”; “QIWI”, Current account. It is very easy to buy socks in bulk from us. Delivery of socks for men is carried out by Russian Post or a transport company promptly to any city, village or village of Russia. There is 24/7 phone and email support. Professional polite managers always answer, who will prompt and advise what to choose at the best price.The most reliable store that has been operating for several years and has earned an excellent reputation, reviews of satisfied customers.
.