Buying socks is an inevitable part of life and in my experience, wool socks are an absolute must have. Their moisture-wicking properties come in handy for skiing and other outdoor sports, and when you’re indoors, wool is the coziest fabric you can wear to keep your toes toasty warm during the wintertime.
Before buying a pair of your own, read on for expert shopping advice from Ben Clower, an outdoor enthusiast and marketing coordinator at JAX Outdoor Gear in Colorado, Ken Bernard, an outdoor enthusiast and owner of Outlandish, an outdoor gear and apparel store in Brooklyn, NY, and Ashleigh McClary, a hiking enthusiast and Backcountry expert Gearhead.
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How I picked the best wool socks
To choose the best wool socks, I kept in mind the following factors, per our experts:
- Material: Wool socks are typically 100% wool or blended with other fabrics like nylon, lycra and elastane to increase durability and overall comfort. According to Bernard, wool socks are “exceptional for outdoor activities” due to their insulation, moisture-wicking and odor resistance. “Wool fibers are naturally crimped, creating pockets that trap heat, which keeps feet warm in winter while staying cool in summer,” he says. This list includes socks made of 100% Merino wool and wool-nylon blends.
- Features: The elements of a good wool sock, according to McClary, include proper cushioning and thickness along with seaming that keeps it from shifting around the foot. If you have flat feet, you may need extra arch reinforcement, or if your feet get sore easily, you may want a sock with a heavily padded bottom. My list includes socks with a range of features, including longer height, reinforced arch support, extra padding and more.
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The best wool socks in 2025
This roundup includes top-rated options, expert recommendations, and products tested (and loved) by NBC Select staff.
Best overall
These socks come recommended by Clower — their material is Merino wool blended with nylon and lycra, giving them a stretchy, flexible feel, according to the brand. These socks are thin and lightweight, making them great for everyday wear without overheating your feet, and have a slight cushion on the bottom for added comfort.
Best ankle socks
Bombas is an NBC Select staff favorite-brand and Wellness Award winner — this option is Merino wool blended with polyester and elastane for a flexible yet firm fit, according to the brand. The socks have a cushioned footbed and a seamless toe for added comfort, along with an elasticized, honeycomb-design support around the arch. The socks also have a blister tab at the back of the opening to prevent ankle chafing while you walk. They’re available in men and women’s sizes.
Best workout socks
These socks are lightweight with minimal cushioning, making them ideal for running and high-intensity workouts. They have mesh air zones for extra breathability, which prevents your feet from overheating, along with reinforced toes for added comfort, according to the brand. The Merino wool fabric also helps to regulate the temperature and odor of your feet, while the fit is snug to help prevent friction and blisters.
Best hiking socks
McClary, a huge fan of Darn Tough socks, says this all-weather pair is one of her absolute favorites because, in over 15 years of wearing them, she’s never gotten a blister. The light cushion and wool-blend material are designed to wick sweat and prevent odor, according to the brand. Their height is just above that of a standard hiking boot for added protection against chafing. Bernard says they’re very durable and “excellent” for a wide range of activities. They also have a seamless toe design to minimize friction and blistering, and come in a version with medium cushioning, too (which McClary also loves).
Best everyday socks for women
Another recommendation from Clower, these socks from Darn Tough are designed for casual wear and light activity, according to the brand. They’re made from a lightweight Merino wool blend that allows them to dry quickly, stretch well, and survive the strain of everyday wear. They have no cushion, which the brand says helps them to fit well in any shoe, and a performance fit, meaning they closely hug your feet like a second skin to prevent bunching or slippage while you walk.
Best ski sock
These are McClary’s favorite ski socks — you may think you need a thicker sock when it comes to skiing, but she says lightweight socks “will fit significantly better in a performance ski boot.” These socks are made from a Merino wool, nylon and elastane blend that helps to control the temperature of your feet and absorb sweat, according to the brand. It has no cushioning for best fit with performance ski boots, and also reaches over the calf to provide additional cold-weather coverage.
Best socks for rough terrain
When it comes to heavy-duty or rocky terrain, McClary grabs these wool socks. They have a lightweight material, but a heavy cushion that protects feet from blisters. They’re bunch-free, quick-drying and have anti-odor properties, according to the brand.
Best everyday socks for men
Clowers also recommends these lightweight Merino wool blend socks from Fox River. They have a medium cushion for extra footbase padding and a flat, knit toe seam for added comfort at the front of your shoes. To help your feet stay cool, the socks have mesh venting panels on the sides, along with reinforced material along the heel and toe line for extra durability, according to the brand.
Best for warm climates
Bernard says these socks from Icebreaker are ideal for warmer climates because of their lightweight texture. They have light cushioning and ankle and instep support for added stability while walking, according to the brand. The brand says they’re designed for day hiking and warmer conditions, and that the socks have improved ventilation around the middle of the foot for increased breathability.
Best cozy socks
These socks from Smartwool are great for long, cold periods of outdoor activity. They’re made from a thick Merino wool blend for maximum warmth, and have a plush bottom cushioning for comfort while out in the cold, according to the brand. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown says that these socks are her “most cherished gift” from a bridesmaid goodie bag she received years ago. “The wedding was in the Midwest and it was cold, so these came in handy and I still use them today,” she says. The socks also have an elasticized arch brace for added support and to ensure a secure fit, according to the brand.
Best knee-length socks
These knee high socks are made from a thick Merino wool blend that makes them great for winter and ice sports, according to the brand. They’re designed with terry loops in the forefoot, heel and toe to minimize friction and help absorb shock as you walk, along with padded areas on the front shin where skiers may need more cushion, according to Hylaea. The socks also have an elastic band around the foot for compressive arch support.
Best sock multipack
These socks from Fitrell are made of a Merino wool and cotton blend to reduce itchiness. They have a reinforced heel and toe area to increase durability and prevent holes, along with a cushioned footbed for added comfort while walking, according to the brand. They also have a smooth toe seam and an arch compression area to help stop the formation of blisters.
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How to shop for wool socks
When shopping for wool socks, considering these factors can guide your decision-making:
- Style: Clower says your comfort level will depend on choosing the right kind of sock for your needs. For example, a wool sock with bottom grips is best for indoor activities like yoga or pilates, while longer socks with more thickness and cushioning are best for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. For everyday socks, look for options with light cushioning and thickness, which makes them easier to wear with various types of shoes. “Socks should fit snugly without slipping, bunching or squeezing,” says Bernard.
- Thickness: McClary says that one of the most important factors to consider when buying wool socks is the sock’s thickness in relation to the activity you’re doing and the shoe you’re wearing. “If your socks are too thick or too thin, your footwear will not be comfortable and you may even have to end your activity earlier than expected,” she says. “Just because it says Merino in the title, doesn’t mean it’s the right sock for the activity you’re doing.”
- Price: Though they may range slightly in price from brand to brand, it’s important to keep in mind that wool socks are generally more expensive than cotton or synthetic socks. Many options retail for over $20 per pair, which can seem a bit pricey for a pair of socks. However, Clower insists they’re worth the splurge; “in the long run, your feet will thank you for the upgrade,” he says.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Ben Clower is the marketing coordinator for Jax Outdoor Gear in Colorado, specializing in outdoor gear/product knowledge.
- Ashleigh McClary is an avid hiking enthusiast and Backcountry expert Gearhead.
- Ken Bernard is an outdoor enthusiast and expert, and owner of Outlandish, an outdoor gear and apparel store in Brooklyn, NY.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more, including stories on the best exercise bikes under $500 and the best travel mugs. For this article, I spoke to outdoor gear experts about the best wool socks for everyday and outdoor wear, including their recommendations and guidance on how to shop for a pair of your own.
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