Buzz
Wool socks! They're like little cozy sweaters for your feet. Whether you're heading out on a ski adventure, trekking through chilly landscapes, or simply looking for some soft slippers to lounge in, you'll find the perfect pair here.
1. Lightweight hiking socks featuring breathable mesh for moisture control, compression arch support, and seamless toes – ideal for outdoor escapades all year round. They even offer your ankles 8–10 mmHg of gentle compression to help as you tackle rugged trails or scramble up rocky paths.
2. A dependable pair of crew socks from Smartwool, the undisputed leaders in wool sock perfection. While they may be a bit on the pricier side, they excel in comfort (with light cushioning and seamless toes), durability (their signature "Indestructawool"), and breathability (merino wool is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and resistant to odor).
Smartwool specializes in durable outdoor gear made from merino wool, a favorite choice for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. They offer a two-year warranty on their products as long as they were purchased from authorized sellers. While Smartwool can be found on Amazon, it's best to buy directly from the source to ensure warranty eligibility.
Fabric breakdown: 57% merino wool, 6% nylon, 34% recycled nylon, 3% spandex
Care instructions: Machine washable, but be sure to follow this guide
Promising review: "I wear my Smartwool socks every day with my boots and hiking shoes. They provide great cushioning for my feet. I also love that they keep my feet warm and never slip or bunch up like cheaper socks. After wearing these, regular cotton socks just don’t compare." —Rick
Purchase them from Smartwool for $25 (available in sizes 4W–17.5M and six colors).
3. Snuggly wool blend crew socks featuring nearly equal amounts of cotton for extra softness, ensuring they’re not only warm but incredibly cozy. Plus, they come in charming winter patterns to warm both your feet and heart!
4. Authentic Irish wool walking socks crafted in Donegal and delivered from Dublin. These soft and sturdy socks, made from pure wool, are perfect for wearing outdoors in chilly weather or, even better, relaxing indoors as cozy slippers while sipping on an Irish coffee.
Irish Tweed Store is a small business that sells socks and hats in Dublin.
Fabric breakdown: 100% wool
Care instructions: Hand wash preferred
Promising review: "I love them so much I wish I’d bought more than one pair, but I was afraid they would feel scratchy on my bare feet. They DO NOT!! They are amazing. 😻 Warm, soft, and very comfortable!! Will be buying additional pairs now that I know they are a quality product at the best price I’ve found!!" —Leslie
Get them from Irish Tweed Store on Etsy for $10.21+ (available in men's sizes 4–12 and many styles).
5. Super thick merino wool socks over 9,000 5-star reviewers love for their warmth, moisture-wicking abilities, and low cost. Whether you're hiking, doing hard labor, or chilling at home, these are sure to keep your toes toasty while you're doing it.
6. A charming, vintage-inspired pair from Darn Tough with thick cushioning designed for hikers, perfect for even the simplest outing to the coffee shop. The seamless toes provide a fit so cozy, you'll be talking about it to the barista.
7. Another offering from Darn Tough, these lightweight hiking socks are adorned with woodland creatures having their own adventures — backpacking hedgehogs, rock-climbing goats, and stargazing bunnies! And if you're not amused by an RV-driving raccoon, I don't know what will make you smile.
8. Low-cut ankle socks perfect for those who brave early morning runs, even when it's freezing outside. You’re truly a trooper, and your feet deserve soft merino-blend socks with extra cushioning for all the hard work they put in.
Fabric composition: 51% wool, 45% nylon, 4% spandex
Care instructions: Machine washable
Customer review: "Whew! These socks deserve more credit than the description gives them. I wore them all summer while guiding canoe trips. They got muddy, soaked for days, and endured every type of abuse imaginable. They kept my feet warm even when wet and stood the test of durability. Highly recommend for anyone canoeing in wet conditions!" —bwcawyatt
Available for purchase at Arc'teryx for $24 (sizes 4W–14.5M and four color options available).
9. Merino wool knee-high socks made for skiing, snowboarding, and other intense activities where keeping your calves warm, dry, and protected is a must.
10. Bombas merino wool blend socks crafted from extra-fine fibers to provide a soft, itch-free feel with every step. With honeycomb arch support and a fabric that won’t bunch up, these socks are the ideal companion for heavy boots and long treks.
With every pair of socks you buy, Bombas donates a pair to someone in need!
Fabric composition: 78% merino wool, 20% polyester, 2% spandex
Care instructions: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle
Customer review: "I adore these socks. They’re probably the best ones I’ve ever owned — so comfy and cozy! The merino wool is incredibly soft and totally non-itchy! Even softer than my cotton crew socks." —Dayle N.
Grab a pack of four from Bombas for $83.60 (available in women’s sizes 4–13 and six color options, or men’s sizes 6–16 and seven color choices).
11. Compression thermal ankle socks designed with pull tabs, allowing you to easily yank the heels back up if they begin to sag. These also double as protective shields against blisters during your runs.
12. Cozy thermal socks that over 9,000 reviewers rave about for their incredible warmth without feeling too bulky. The perfect wool and cotton blend keeps your feet warm yet breathable.
13. Treat yourself to merino wool ragg socks from L.L. Bean, the experts in wool apparel from Maine. Pair these with flannel-lined jeans and durable duck boots, and you'll be ready to embrace the cozy vibes of a wood cabin.
Fabric breakdown: 77% merino wool, 21% stretch nylon, 2% spandex
Care instructions: Machine washable
Customer review: "These are the warmest socks for winter! I initially bought them for a trip to Finland to wear with boots for outdoor activities, but now they’re my go-to socks at home during Massachusetts winters. They keep my feet incredibly warm and breathe well, plus they’re made from natural fibers that don’t itch." —Lauren
Pick up two pairs from L.L. Bean for $39.95 (available in sizes 4W–15M and three color choices).
14. Plush crew socks that’ll make you say, "Meow, we’re talking" once you experience how soft and cozy they feel. Choose from a cat design, a fox pattern, or solid colors, and enjoy the buttery softness of these socks.
15. Hospital-style socks equipped with non-slip bottoms, perfect for those who’ve had a few kitchen floor slips. This Oeko-Tex-certified footwear has a slightly reduced amount of merino wool, making them durable enough to be washed in hot water.
Care instructions: Machine washable.
What customers are saying: "Warm, soft, and beautifully designed. These are the perfect socks for lounging around the house. Thank you!" —jappleink
Available on Etsy for $13.95 (sizes 5W–M10 and seven color options).
The Alpaca and merino wool blend socks are thin enough to wear with sneakers or snug shoes when you want a little extra warmth. Plus, they come with a lifetime guarantee, so you can wear them confidently. If you're prone to wearing socks out quickly, these are a fantastic choice.
Fabric composition: 40% alpaca wool, 45% merino wool, 12% polyamide, 3% spandex.
Care instructions: Machine washable.
What people are saying: "Fantastic socks! They fit perfectly, and the quality is superb." —Theresa
Get two pairs from GoWith on Etsy for $23.92 (available in sizes 5W–12M and two color options) or Amazon for $29.90 (sizes 5W–12M and 12 color options).
These Wool silk boot socks are the perfect blend of rustic style and luxury. The yarn, spun in Italy, provides warmth, cushioning, and a touch of texture for a distinctly wintery vibe. How often do you get to treat your feet to socks made with a silk blend?
All of American Trench's products are made in the United States.
Fabric composition: 43% wool, 22% silk, 22% recycled polyamide, 12% nylon, 1% spandex.
Care instructions: Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, then lay flat to dry.
Available for $34 at American Trench (fits men’s sizes 8.5–13 or women’s sizes 6–10, and comes in seven color options).
These Thick, fuzzy socks are the perfect alternative to house slippers. Picture a world where numb toes are a thing of the past — it’s possible! Some styles even feature folded cuffs, which would look absolutely adorable peeking over ankle boots, in my opinion.
These luxurious alpaca wool socks are made in England and are so incredibly soft, you'd almost want to wear them to bed. They truly feel like a splurge.
Fabric breakdown: 90% alpaca wool, 10% nylon.
Care instructions: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle.
Customer feedback: "I bought these socks for my 87-year-old mother, who needed something soft and warm for her feet. She adored them, and we'll be getting two more pairs. The packaging was just as beautiful as the socks — lovely. Thank you, House of Cally." —Kerry
Available on Etsy for $29.27.
Reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
