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Anyone who loves exploring nature knows the importance of a good pair of socks. They’ll keep you dry and cozy in the rain or snow, and on hot summer days, they’ll wick away your sweat to keep your feet comfortable. Wool socks are one of the best for the outdoors, thanks to some interesting qualities the material has.
Wool naturally repels some water because of a hydrophobic coating on the fibers, called lanolin. It can also keep a significant amount of water — up to 30% of its weight — trapped inside where you can’t feel the wetness. If you’re looking to shop for the best wool socks around without breaking the bank, we’ve put together this list of some of our favorites to browse, ranging from Merino wool blends to cozy outdoor socks for colder weather.
Allergic to wool or want to avoid animal products? We’ve included an alternative for you to try. Plus, at the end of this article we’ll answer some of the burning questions you may have.
Cover image: Shutterstock
The Best Wool Socks
| Smartwool Everyday Margarita Crew Sock | Dickies Men’s Heavy Weight Wool Blend Thermal Crew Socks | Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Brand: | Smartwool | Dickies | Danish Endurance |
| Pairs: | One | Two | Three |
| Material: | 58% Merino Wool, 40% Nylon, 2% Elastane | 55% Polyester, 19% Wool, 14% Nylon, 11% Acrylic, 1% Spandex | 30% Wool (Merino), 36% Nylon, 33% Acrylic, 1% Elastane |
| Available Sizes: | Medium, Large | 6-12 | X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large |
| Available Colors: | Moonbeam, Black, Light Grey, Military Olive | Blue | Multicolor (Brown, Red, Green), Light Grey, Black/Grey, Forest Green, Oak Brown, Multicolor (Green, Grey, Navy Blue) |
The Best Wool Socks at a Glance:
- Smartwool Everyday Margarita Crew Sock
- Dickie’s Men’s Heavyweight Wool Blend Thermal Crew Socks
- Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks
- GoWith 2 Pairs Men and Women Alpaca Socks
- Hot Feet Women’s Active Work and Outdoor Socks
- Kodiak Men’s Soft Cotton Thermal Everyday Socks
- Jeasona Women’s Wool Socks
Best Wool Socks Reviews
1. Editor’s Choice: Smartwool Everyday Margarita Crew Sock
Specs:
- Brand: Smartwool
- Pairs: One
- Material: 58% Merino Wool, 40% Nylon, 2% Elastane
- Available Sizes: Medium, Large
- Available Colors: Moonbeam, Black, Light Grey, Military Olive
Sometimes, wool socks can be a bit itchy, but that’s not the case here — these high-quality socks are made with non-itch wool, and they’re comfortable and breathable for all your outdoor activities. Being made from Merino wool, these socks are soft and cozy, and they’re perfect to wear anywhere from work and travel to outdoor sports like hiking through the woods or skiing down a slope. They’re odor resistant, too, and even if it’s warm out your feet won’t get too sweaty. Lots of pairs of socks rip within a few months of getting them, but these ones should be a bit more durable; they’re designed with shred shield technology at the toes to reduce wear and tear.
Pros:
- Uses mostly Merino wool
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Stay up your leg without slipping
- Comfortable and warm
- Brand works to improve sustainability
Cons:
- No small sizes currently available
2. Runner Up: Dickies Men’s Heavy Weight Wool Blend Thermal Crew Socks
Specs:
- Brand: Dickies
- Pairs: Two
- Material: 55% Polyester, 19% Wool, 14% Nylon, 11% Acrylic, 1% Spandex
- Available Sizes: 6-12
- Available Colors: Blue
Our first pick is a top choice for women’s sizing, but here’s an option for men: they’ll keep your feet dry if you’re out in the snow or rain, and they have some cushions for support and comfort, too. Coming from the reputable brand Dickies, you know these socks are high quality. The wool blend material keeps the cost of these socks relatively low, without missing out on any of the warmth or foot support, plus you get two pairs in the pack. They’re made with moisture-wicking fabric, and they offer some arch compression for some extra foot support and stability.
Pros:
- Keeps your feet dry and warm
- Supportive fit
- Comfortable and cozy
- Durable in the long run
- Terrific value
Cons:
- Not many sizes to choose from
3. Best for Hiking: Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks
Specs:
- Brand: Danish Endurance
- Pairs: Three
- Material: 30% Wool (Merino), 36% Nylon, 33% Acrylic, 1% Elastane
- Available Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Available Colors: Multicolor (Brown, Red, Green), Light Grey, Black/Grey, Forest Green, Oak Brown, Multicolor (Green, Grey, Navy Blue)
Hikers need socks that are ultra warm, but also breathable and won’t get drenched in sweat. These socks fit the bill since they’re great at regulating temperature in both the summer and winter.
Like many of the wool socks here, these ones have ventilation lanes too, which helps moisture evaporate, and there’s some cushioning and padding to lower the risk of blisters, hot spots, or achy feet. Everest climber and elite athlete Rasmus Kragh also developed them, so you know that they’ll be great for hiking and trekking.
These socks are unisex, so make sure that you check the sizing information in the description thoroughly before purchasing!
Pros:
- Regulates foot temperature well
- Socks wick away moisture
- Extra cushioning and padding
- Good value for the price
- Wide variety of sizes and colors
Cons:
- Prone to holes at the toe
4. Best Alpaca Wool: GoWith 2 Pairs Men and Women Alpaca Socks
Specs:
- Brand: GoWith
- Pairs: Two
- Material: 40% Alpaca, 48% Wool, 12% Polyamide
- Available Sizes: 7.5-9.5, 10-12
- Available Colors: Beige Brown, Gray Anthracite
Alpaca wool is stronger and softer than traditional wool — that’s why these socks expertly blend the two materials, so the socks are still reasonably affordable and have all the extra comfort.
They’re great for colder weather, since they’re super warm and cozy, and they’re still breathable so you won’t have sweaty feet. These socks have a little bit of compression, too, which is great for people who need some tightness. Being made from alpaca wool, you do need to be a bit careful when you wash these — don’t use any heat to avoid shrinkage, just wash them in cold water and don’t put them in the dryer.
Pros:
- Feels very soft on your feet
- Warm and cozy
- Doesn’t feel too thick
- Can be used in the winter, too
Cons:
- Not machine washable
5. Best for Cold Weather: Hot Feet Women’s Active Work and Outdoor Socks
Specs:
- Brand: Hot Feet
- Pairs: Four
- Material: 100% Wool
- Available Sizes: Men’s 9-11, Women’s 4-10
- Available Colors: Yellow/Orange
Perfect for cold weather hikes and skates, these socks have the perfect thickness to keep you warm, and they’re designed with a mesh ventilation panel so they’re still breathable.
These socks also have an inner lining that insulates your feet to stay warm, and the wool material whisks away moisture, whether that’s from rain or sweat. They’re also fully cushioned, so your feet will feel supported while playing an outdoor sport or going on a long hike, and the elastic cuffs at the top are tight and secure.
Even though they’re good for colder weather, you can still wear them in the spring and summer — the ventilation will help to keep your feet from overheating. They can go into the washing machine and dryer, too, so cleaning them is easy.
Pros:
- Very warm and cozy
- Has an inner lining
- Comfortable and supportive for your feet
- Keeps your feet dry while sporting
- They don’t slip down your feet
Cons:
- Not many sizes or colors to choose from
6. Best Wool Alternative: Kodiak Men’s Soft Cotton Thermal Everyday Socks
Specs:
- Brand: Kodiak
- Pairs: Four
- Material: 77% Cotton 18% Polyester 4% Acrylic 1% Spandex
- Available Sizes: 7-12
- Available Colors: Black Stripe Grey Cotton
If you’re allergic to wool but you want to experience the cozy feeling of wool socks, then this is a good option to consider — these socks have all the warmth and softness you could ever need.
Kodiak is a brand known for their hiking and camping gear, so you know that these socks will be great to use outdoors. They’re quite warm, so you’ll want to use them in the fall or winter, and there are some ventilation channels to make sure your feet won’t get too sweaty.
These ones are also reinforced at the bottom, so there’s some extra protection in high impact areas on your foot, and the socks are less likely to tear. There’s also some cushioning on the foot bed, plus some arch support, which can help with foot fatigue and friction.
Pros:
- Good value for the price
- Moisture wicking
- Prevents blisters
- Cushioned footbed
- Not made from wool
Cons:
- Limited colors and sizes
7. Also Consider: Jeasona Women’s Wool Socks
Specs:
- Brand: Jeasona
- Pairs: Five
- Material: 35% Wool, 29% Cotton, 36% Polyester
- Available Sizes: Women’s 5-8
- Available Colors: Multicolor Dark, Multicolor Dark Stripe, Multicolor Light, Multicolor Light Stripe, Multicolor Vintage A, Multicolor Vintage B, Multicolor Vintage C
Don’t count out these soft wool blend socks from Jeasona; they’re priced very affordably, and you get five pairs in the set. Although they aren’t the warmest, they’re perfect for brisk fall weather.
They’re made with a wool blend and they’re soft and comfortable, plus they won’t get your feet too sweaty. They’re not too thick and not too thin, and they can be worn for any occasion like hiking down a trail or heading to work.
If you’re looking for neutral socks that go with anything, try the set of multicolor dark stripe set that comes with various blues and greys. For a more colorful vibe, try one of the multicolor vintage sets that are full of bright stripes and pops of color.
Pros:
- Soft material
- Tight elastic, so they don’t fall down your leg
- Lots of colors to choose from
- Not as warm as some options here
Cons:
- Limited sizing options
Best Wool Socks Comparison Table
| Wool Socks | Brand | Pairs | Material | Available Sizes | Available Colors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartwool Everyday Margarita Crew Sock |  | Smartwool | One | 58% Merino Wool, 40% Nylon, 2% Elastane | Medium, Large | Moonbeam, Black, Light Grey, Military Olive |
| Dickies Men's Heavy Weight Wool Blend Thermal Crew Socks |  | Dickies | Two | 55% Polyester, 19% Wool, 14% Nylon, 11% Acrylic, 1% Spandex | 6-12 | Blue |
| Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks |  | Danish Endurance | Three | 30% Wool (Merino), 36% Nylon, 33% Acrylic, 1% Elastane | X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Multicolor (Brown, Red, Green), Light Grey, Black/Grey, Forest Green, Oak Brown, Multicolor (Green, Grey, Navy Blue) |
| GoWith 2 Pairs Men and Women Alpaca Socks |  | GoWith | Two | 40% Alpaca, 48% Wool, 12% Polyamide | 7.5-9.5, 10-12 | Beige Brown, Gray Anthracite |
| Hot Feet Women's Active Work and Outdoor Socks |  | Hot Feet | Four | 100% Wool | Men’s 9-11, Women’s 4-10 | Yellow/Orange |
| Kodiak Men's Soft Cotton Thermal Everyday Socks |  | Kodiak | Four | 77% Cotton 18% Polyester 4% Acrylic 1% Spandex | 7-12 | Black Stripe Grey Cotton |
| Jeasona Women’s Wool Socks |  | Jeasona | Five | 35% Wool, 29% Cotton, 36% Polyester | Women’s 5-8 | Multicolor Dark, Multicolor Dark Stripe, Multicolor Light, Multicolor Light Stripe, Multicolor Vintage A, Multicolor Vintage B, Multicolor Vintage C |
What to Consider When Buying Wool Socks
When it comes to wool socks, you’ll probably want to pick out a pair tailored for the activities you want to wear them with. When you’re lounging around the house, for example, you’ll probably want the softest socks that aren’t too hot or cold, while for a hike in the fall you’ll probably want some extra weight and support. Some socks, too, come with extra cushioning around the toes or heels, which can help prevent blisters and rips in the sock on long outdoor walks.
100% wool socks are great, but sometimes a wool blend can give you all the warmth and water resistance you want from wool, with the technical benefits of other synthetic or natural materials. Polyester, nylon, and spandex are all often added into the blend, which can make the socks more flexible and durable. For sporty people looking to wear your socks on hikes, you’ll definitely benefit from a blend, but try to avoid socks with cotton in the blend — cotton isn’t water repellant like wool is.
FAQs
Are wool socks durable?
Wool socks can be a bit pricier than your average cotton socks, but for the most part, they tend to be more durable because the material is usually a bit thicker. Still, with them being more expensive, getting a hole in them a few months in would be a bummer. Some brands offer warranties on their socks, so try to choose one of them if you’re worried, but generally that shouldn’t be an issue.
Are wool socks comfy?
100% wool socks are probably going to feel a bit scratchy, but that usually isn’t an issue with wool blends, which are usually super comfy. If you want the comfiest pair of wool socks around, look for a finer weave in the fabric — Merino wool tends to be the softest. Keep in mind, though, that the thinner, softer socks are usually harder to take care of and maintain. You’ll need to be extra diligent when it comes to washing and drying them properly!
How do I care for my wool socks?
You’ll want to read the label carefully to see the manufacturer’s instructions, but here are some general guidelines. Wool socks can usually go into the washing machine on a delicate cycle in warm or cold water (never hot, wool shrinks!) For drying, you’ll want to avoid the dryer because it can shrink. Some Merino wools can go in the dryer, but we think it’s still best practice to avoid just in case. Also, dry them flat and not hanging — the wool can stretch and distort otherwise!
We’re always looking for more feedback! If you already own a pair of these wool socks and you would like to tell us about your experience with them, please share your story in the comments below.
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