Everything you need to know to find your perfect socks
Socks are the foundation of foot comfort. The right socks can prevent blisters, reduce fatigue, regulate temperature, and even improve athletic performance. The wrong socks can cause hot spots, sweaty feet, and make any activity miserable.
This guide will help you understand what makes a great sock and how to choose the perfect pair for any occasion.
The gold standard for performance socks. Merino wool naturally regulates temperature, wicks moisture, and resists odor. Despite what you might think, it's not itchy - modern merino is incredibly soft. Best for: hiking, running, everyday wear, travel.
Excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties at a lower price point than merino. Very durable and maintains shape well. Best for: athletics, gym workouts, budget-conscious buyers.
Soft and comfortable but absorbs and holds moisture, which can lead to blisters during activity. Best for: casual everyday wear, lounging. Avoid for: athletics, hiking, sweaty feet.
Naturally antibacterial and soft with good moisture-wicking. More eco-friendly than synthetics. Best for: everyday wear, sensitive skin, eco-conscious buyers.
Luxurious feel and excellent moisture-wicking. Often used as liner socks. Best for: special occasions, layering under other socks.
| Material | Moisture Wicking | Temperature Regulation | Durability | Odor Resistance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merino Wool | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | $$$$ |
| Synthetic | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Fair | $$ |
| Cotton | Poor | Fair | Good | Poor | $ |
| Bamboo | Good | Good | Fair | Very Good | $$ |
Sits below the shoe line, invisible when worn. Best for: loafers, casual shoes, warm weather.
Covers just the ankle. Best for: athletic shoes, casual wear, warm weather.
Sits just above the ankle bone. Best for: running, athletics, trail shoes.
Extends to mid-calf. Best for: hiking boots, work boots, casual wear, most versatile height.
Extends to just below the knee. Best for: dress wear, mountaineering boots, compression needs.
Minimal padding for close shoe feel and maximum breathability. Best for: hot weather, speed running, dress shoes.
Thin padding in high-impact areas. Best for: everyday wear, warm weather hiking, running.
Balanced padding throughout the sole. Best for: all-around use, day hiking, most activities.
Maximum padding for comfort and impact protection. Best for: backpacking with heavy loads, cold weather, standing all day.
Sock sizing is typically based on shoe size, but some brands also consider calf circumference for taller socks. Here's how to get the right fit:
| Sock Size | Men's Shoe Size | Women's Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | 4-6 | 4-6.5 |
| Medium (M) | 6-8.5 | 6.5-10 |
| Large (L) | 9-11.5 | 10.5-13 |
| X-Large (XL) | 12-14.5 | - |
Look for: moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool, seamless toe, targeted cushioning, snug fit. Avoid: cotton, loose fit, thick seams.
Look for: merino wool, crew height, cushioning matched to boot weight, reinforced heel/toe. Avoid: cotton, too-thin socks for heavy boots.
Look for: over-the-calf height, merino wool or quality cotton blend, professional colors. Avoid: athletic socks, white socks with dress shoes.
Look for: moisture-wicking synthetic, arch support, cushioning for your activity. Avoid: cotton, socks without arch support.
Look for: comfortable blend (merino, cotton, bamboo), appropriate height for your shoes. Avoid: performance-specific socks if you don't need them.
Cause: Friction from moisture, poor fit, or seams. Solution: Switch to moisture-wicking materials, try seamless toes, consider double-layer socks.
Cause: Insufficient insulation, moisture, or poor circulation. Solution: Use merino wool, ensure boots aren't too tight, try a thicker cushion level.
Cause: Non-wicking materials, poor ventilation. Solution: Switch to merino wool or technical synthetics, look for mesh ventilation panels.
Cause: Worn elastic, wrong size, cheap materials. Solution: Replace old socks, size down, choose quality brands with strong elastic bands.
Cause: Elastic too tight, wrong size. Solution: Look for non-binding tops, size up, consider diabetic-style socks.