Your boots, made for the rugged outdoors, need a perfect match in boot socks that are comfortable, warm, and durable. So why not pamper your feet with the right boot socks for men during your next hiking adventure? Ideally, you’d stock up on as many sizes of socks for boots of varying heights in your closet. But that’s easier said than done, as finding the right bang for buck amidst a flooded marketplace is no small task. The good news is that we’ve made the process simpler for you by handling the comparison shopping in today’s buyer’s guide. We’ll further pinpoint what you need to look for when purchasing boot socks. If you’re ready to step out in confidence, then let’s go shopping for the best boot socks.
Jump to your favorite brand of work boot socks for men:
Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot SocksSmartwool Hiking Crew SocksDickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew SocksCarhartt Men’s Force Performance Work SocksWANDER Cushion Crew SocksWrangler Western Boot Socks for MenKMM Heavy Duty Work Boot Socks for MenUnder Armour ColdGear Boot SocksFoxRiver Men’s Military Mid-calf SocksDickies Men’s Work Crew Socks
The 10 Best Boot Socks for Men
Finding the best boot socks is just as important as finding the best pair of boots. That’s why you absolutely need this list to help you maneuver the market today and find yourself the best boot socks yet.
1. Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Socks
Frankly, we could end the list right here, and you’d be set for boot socks for life. Darn Tough is legendary among workmen, travelers, one-baggers, van-lifers, buy-it-for-lifers, and anyone who demands maximum performance out of their apparel. As their clever brand name suggests, Darn Tough socks really are built to wear hard. They have a thick merino gauge knit, which hugs the shape of your foot for the perfect fit. There’s also a generous layer of padding under the soles and about the ball and heel–exactly where you need it. Moreover, real merino has the magical anti-microbial, moisture-wicking property that not only keeps your feet healthy and comfortable, but prolongs the life of the sock as well. We speak from personal experience, writing this review with a pair of Darn Tough socks on our feet. Our pair is like, 10 years old, and still going strong. But guess what? If they finally get too worn out, Darn Tough offers a lifetime replacement warranty via their website. You simply ship your old beaters back to the Vermont, and they’ll send you a new pair. Seriously, it’s incredible they’re still in business with that kind of generosity–just goes to show what kind of customer loyalty they imbue. Overall, these are the best boot socks, full stop.
2. Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks
View in galleryBuy now Don’t be fooled by the “light” designation or the pretentious model name; Smartwool makes some damn-fine merino socks capable of walking as many miles in your boots as you can manage. These feature 64% Merino Wool, 34% Nylon, and 2% Elastane construction. Merino purists may poo-poo it, but here’s a dirty little secret: wool isn’t actually indestructible. Woven with nylon, you actually get a more durable sock that won’t develop holes just because you’ve decided to wear them around the house without any boots on. The elastane can be considered a necessary evil to get that oh-so-comfortable flex that makes hiking, climbing, lifting, jumping, or any other athletic venture a breeze. Smartwool boot socks are made in Colorado, and also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You definitely get what you pay for, here.
3. Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks
View in galleryBuy now Proudly American-made, these Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks are built to withstand high impact while providing ultimate moisture control. Superior Dri-tech moisture technology ensures sweat is kept at bay. Ventilation channels available throughout the body of the socks also provide sufficient air circulation keeping your feet cool and dry for all-day comfort. These socks feature a reinforced heel and toe which provide support and ensure durability. Additionally, arch compression support hugs your feet helping to keep the socks in place while providing in-step support. Buy more for less as these work boot socks come in packs of 6, 12, and 18. Available in a variety of colors, Dickies socks offer you a wide selection to choose from.
4. Carhartt Men’s Force Performance Work Socks
View in galleryBuy now Made from a blend of 98% Polyester and 2% Spandex, the Carhartt Force Performance Work Socks is all you need for heavy-duty engagements. The material makes these highly cushioned socks lightweight and comfortable allowing you to remain active throughout the day. Furthermore, the superior sweat-wicking technology helps keep your feet dry as you work or hike. They have an enhanced odor-neutralizing technique that maintains freshness in your feet. Additionally, these thick work socks are highly breathable and provide support for the heel and toe. They’re machine washable, therefore, cleaning them is a breeze. There’s a wide range of colors to chose from. And lastly, they’re made in America with the highest quality craftsmanship ensuring durability.
5. WANDER Cushion Crew Socks
View in galleryBuy now Sold in packs of 3-6 pairs, these WANDER Cushion Crew Socks offer a great value. Their high-density fabric keep the feet warm without making them sweaty. Made from 92.5% cotton, 6.7% polyester, and 0.8% spandex, the moisture-wicking fabric ability keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long. Wander Crew Socks are ideal for a number of outdoor activities such as hiking, running as well as everyday wear. They have a smooth toe seam, hence preventing friction discomfort. The full cushion heel with towel-softness offers ultimate support in any type of boot or shoe. These socks have strong elasticity without being too tight which helps the socks stay up and avoid bunching. They can perfectly serve as a gift for young and old men in your life. For better care of the socks, it is recommended that you hand wash them. If machine washing them, use a laundry bag for additional socks protection.
6. Wrangler Western Boot Socks for Men
View in galleryBuy now Give your feet the much-needed protection and support with Wrangler Men’s Western Boot Socks. These half-cushioned foot socks with arch support are built to enhance maximum comfort while wearing boots. The padding reduces impact and injuries, hence improving your performance while active. Polyester, which is the main component of the fabric used, features moisture-wicking technology that keeps the socks dry and your feet feeling extra cool. The spandex component enhances just enough stretchability to enable you to wear the socks easily. It also ensures that the socks stay firm enough enabling them to retain their shape even after numerous wears. Irritation and bulk are reduced at the toe tips by the smooth toe seam. In addition, these socks have a stay-up top which greatly reduces slipping and bunching. With a reinforced heel and toe, these socks are built to last. You will be sure to save some bucks with this 3 pack purchase that’s cheaper than purchasing a pair at a time.
7. KMM Heavy Duty Work Boot Socks for Men
View in galleryBuy now Keep blisters at bay and provide your feet with ultimate comfort with these KMM Heavy Duty Work Boot Cushion Crew Socks. These socks are well cushioned to provide much-needed support when wearing rugged work boots. They help to reduce foot pain and impact when engaged in high-performance activities such as extreme outdoor adventure and heavy-duty work. With arch support, these KMM boot socks for men help to minimize foot fatigue, even under the toughest conditions. The added support can boost your performance when working out and training. KMM superior-quality socks are made from premium cotton blended with high-tech polyester and nylon. They’re breathable with sweat-wicking technology for all-day fresh-smelling feet. These socks also feature stretchable elastic, helping to prevent bunching. And since we all like a good bargain, this 10 pack provides a cost-effective way of stockpiling on a number of boot socks pairs at one go.
8. Under Armour ColdGear Boot Socks
View in galleryBuy now These Under Armour Adult Hitch ColdGear boot socks not only look good, but also have myriad technical attributes providing the perfect balance between style and functionality. UA features a blend of polyester, wool, nylon, and spandex. These combine all the benefits of each of the fabric types to produce high-quality boot socks. They are thick and suitable to wear even during colder temperatures. Moreover, the sweat-wicking technology helps to keep the socks and your feet dry and prevent odor. Built with full cushion construction these socks have perfect shock absorbing abilities. They offer perfect support and protection for your feet making them ideal to wear during long hikes even in tough terrain. Complete your wardrobe with a pair or more of these hiking essentials.
9. FoxRiver Men’s Military Mid-calf Socks
View in galleryBuy now Made from a water-repellent synthetic fabric called polypropylene, these FoxRiver Military Mid-calf Socks are your ultimate hiking socks. The exclusive wick dry technology is sure to keep sweat away from your skin keeping your feet dry and comfortable all day long. This technology also reduces moisture build-up that can cause blisters due to friction. These boot socks have a sentry fabric technology that features embedded fiber like silver or copper or a micro polymer silane technology which reduces odor in the socks. This technology also slows down wear and tear helping to extend the life of the socks. Spandex is knit throughout the body of the socks which provides superb fit and just enough stretch, minimizing bunching. It also gives memory fit which maintains the shape of the socks even after numerous washes.
10. Dickies Men’s Work Crew Socks
View in galleryBuy now Dickies are well known for making hard-duty work products that easily withstand even the harshest of work environments. Made from superior soft cotton yarns, these Dickies Work Crew Socks are a good example of such products. Dickies boot socks for men provide an exceptionally comfortable feel while offering superior industrial strength thanks to the perfect fabric blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex. The knit-in spandex provides superior fit and stay-up top ability that is binding-free. High impact areas of the heel, toes, and pad have a heavier count yarn which provides greater durability. This feature also ensures your foot is protected from high impact during work or when hiking. The protective Achilles heel padding also provides protection and cushioning against high boots. This makes these socks ideal for wearing while doing strenuous work. Additional support and stability are provided by the arch and ankle compression.
Boot Socks for Men: What to Consider Before Buying
Purchasing boot socks can be a tricky affair with all the different types of socks available in the marketplace. So, before you settle on a pair to purchase, here’s what you need to look out for.
Where You’ll Wear Them
Your selection of boot socks will be determined by the kind of activity you plan to be involved in. For instance, you’ll want to have socks made of wool or thick cotton if you’re unlikely to get wet, let’s say in a dry camping site. However, in more aggressive backpacking or hiking scenarios where there are chances of getting wet, go for a higher polyester blend. That’s because polyester has the added benefit of wicking off moisture, therefore, drying faster. If the weather is warm and you’d want to go hiking on nature trails, opt for cotton socks since they are highly breathable. And during seasons when the temperatures drop to near-freezing levels, wool socks will be the best thing you’ll want on your foot due to their heat retention properties.
Arch Compression Support
An integrated arch-support provides comfort to the foot throughout the day as this feature functions as an effective shock absorber for your foot. A well-constructed pair of boot socks will provide cushioning and support to the foot and the leg. By supporting your foot, these socks lower the risk of pain and injury caused by certain disorders of the foot. Related Reading: The Best Hiking Boots
Anti-Odor Technology
Odor, a common problem with socks, is a consequence of bacterial activities on the foot. If you suffer from smelly feet, you ought to be keener on investing in anti-odor boot socks. Effective anti-odor socks have a powerful moisture-wicking ability to help your skin stay dry. Fabrics that blend in polyester, merino wool, or polyamide are great at moisture wicking. Furthermore, ideal anti-odor socks also need to dry fast to impede the work of bacteria that causes odor. Nylon, merino wool, and polyester are good examples of quick-drying fabrics. Lastly, boot socks that are breathable with mesh-like ventilation minimize sweating thus limiting feet odors. In this case, cotton is your best choice as it’s a highly breathable fabric.
Cushioning
The thickness of any pair of boot socks affects the level of cushioning and warmth it’s likely to generate. Boot socks can either come with no cushioning, or with light cushioning, medium cushioning, or heavy cushioning. Cushioning protects your feet as you’re out hiking and when involved in strenuous activities in a working environment or when backpacking. In addition, they keep your feet warmer. On the down side, more cushioning leads to sweating on the feet. Therefore, as you comb through options, you’ll need to strike the right balance between your need for cushioning and the warmth that the boot socks generate.
Fit
How clothes fit on your body is one of the most vital considerations when purchasing any attire. When socks fit properly, they snuggle around the foot and leg with a good grip on the toes, heel, and calf. Oversized socks tend to cluster beneath your toe and or heel causing discomfort and in some cases resulting in blisters. On the other hand, the height fitting of boot socks is largely up to you. Nonetheless, the height of your shoes should determine the sock height. You need socks that provide protection from friction with boot tops, especially for tall boots. Boot socks can vary in height but they’ll typically reach mid-calf or knee-high, just like boots. The higher boot socks will be particularly applicable to mountaineering situations where you need maximum warmth for the lower leg. If you have boots of different heights in your closet, you’ll need to invest in an array of socks with heights that match your boot collection.
The Fabric Type
Many boot socks are made from a blend of materials to provide comfort, warmth, cushioning, and longevity. Whereas there’s no right or wrong fabric type to buy, it’s crucial that you take a closer look at each fabric to appreciate its benefits and drawbacks.
Wool: This is one of the most common fabrics for boot socks. It’s natural, warm, durable, and manages odors well. Commonly blended with synthetic fabrics to enhance drying speed.Polyester: This is a synthetic fiber that wicks away moisture well, dries fast, and provides insulation. It’s often blended with wool or nylon to enhance properties such as warmth, durability, comfort, and speedy drying.Spandex: A synthetic fabric that enhances the elasticity of a clothing item. Usually blended with other fabrics. It minimizes creasing in a fabric, provides stretch, and helps socks retain their shape.Nylon: Nylon is also a synthetic material. It dries up super fast and is durable.
Workmanship
Foot blisters are largely caused by shoddily constructed seams especially at the toe of the sock. Look out for well-stitched boot socks with flat seams for a comfortable, blister-free wearing experience.
Best Men’s Boot Socks: Conclusion
Boot socks are a must-have for anyone who wears boots either to work or for leisure. The above list will help you find yourself some of the best pairs in the market today. Are there any other boot socks you’d want to recommend? Hit our comments section below and tell us about them.
