Socks can be the difference between an enjoyable time and an uncomfortable one. No matter what you are doing, your feet need to be comfortable, and wearing wool socks is the perfect way to do that.
The best wool socks keep your feet comfortable and wrap them in warmth. Wool materials are different from others because they are softer and have high insulation. They also have moisture and odor-wicking properties.
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What are the Best Wool Socks?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Wool Socks and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available socks made with merino wool that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these wool socks.
We also wrote a brief wool socks Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 9 socks made with merino wool based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 1 Material: 61% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex |
See it in your local store:
The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock is made from a combination of fabrics that are designed to keep your feet comfortable and warm.
It is made from 61% Merino wool that protects your feet in any weather. It is naturally antimicrobial, meaning that it repels bacteria and odor. It provides extra comfort by wicking moisture, helping you stay dry outdoors. The sock has ribbed support that prevents it from slipping and bunching. It is perfect for rugged conditions as it is designed for the toughest trail. Its high-density knitting process makes it comfortable and durable without bulking.
Pros
- Made from quality Merino fabric,
- Antimicrobial and repels odor and bacterial,
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying,
- Ribbed support to prevent slipping and bunching,
- Fully padded to create a soft landing while keeping your feet warm,
- The snug fit keeps it on your leg,
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Might shrink after washing,
- If you have big feet, the snug fit might be a bit tight
2. EnerWear 4 Pack Women’s Merino Wool Socks
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 4 Material: 86% Merino Wool, 10% Polyester, 3% Nylon, 1% Spandex |
See it in your local store:
The EnerWear 4 Pack Women’s Merino Wool Sock is breathable and comes in a range of colors to suit your style. It is made from 86% merino wool to keep your feet comfortable in extreme weather conditions or during outdoor activities like skiing and mountaineering.It has terry-loop cushioning around the feet with elastic materials that make it comfortably stretchy. The ankle arch helps to prevent slipping and bunching by keeping the socks in place during high activity periods.
Pros
- It is specially designed for extreme weather conditions,
- It has an ankle arch to keep socks in place,
- It is blended with lycra for a comfortable stretch,
- Comes in fashionable colors
Cons
- They may not be the thickest socks to get
3. Meriwool Merino Wool Socks
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 3 Material: 75% Merino Wool, 15% Nylon, 10% Stretchable Elastic |
See it in your local store:
The Meriwool Merino wool socks are lightweight and breathable. It offers support for your feet in any weather and is thermally insulated to keep your feet warm in wet and cold environments.
Made from 75% Merino wool, it has 10% stretchable elastic that keeps it snug on your feet, preventing slipping and bunching. The sock has the natural odor-resistant property of merino wool and moisture-wicking properties that keep you dry and comfortable. It is soft, lightweight, and does not irritate. The material regulates your body temperature so that you are never too cold or hot.
Pros
- A ribbed knit design for elasticity,
- Insulated for maximum protection in a cold environment,
- The odor-resistant property keeps you comfortable in active use,
- Water-resistant so it keeps your feet dry and prevents blisters,
- Arch-compression keeps your feet comfortable for long use,
- Lightweight
Cons
- They are thick and large so they take up a lot of space when packed
4. Carhartt Men’s Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Socks
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 1 Material: 74% Wool/10% Polyester/9% Nylon/6% Acrylic/1% Lycra-Spandex |
See it in your local store:
Carhartt Men’s Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Sock is ideal for the roughest climate and the coldest environment. It is also recommended for long flight hours because it has thermal insulation and cushioning to keep your feet cool and comfortable.The sock combines Carhartt’s FastDry technology with its high wool content to increase the rate of drying and wick moisture. It also has an odor-free technology that keeps your feet fresh for long. For breathability, the Carhartt Men’s Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Sock has mesh panels that improve air circulation.
Pros
- It has odor-free technology for improved freshness,
- Has a mesh panel for improved air circulation,
- It is ideal for tall men,
- It has reinforced heel and toe for full-motion range support
Cons
- It may need sock liners for cold temperature,It tends to run tight around the calf area
5. CloudLine Merino Wool Hiking Socks
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 1 Material: 63% Ultra soft merino wool, 30% Nylon, 7% Spandex |
See it in your local store:
The CloudLine Merino Wool Hiking Socks is made from lightweight merino wool and is designed for long hikes and long-lasting comfort. It has reinforced cushion zones that make it durable and provide the softness your feet need outdoors. It is both stylish and functional as the vibrant colors make you look good while its antimicrobial properties keep your feet fresh and ward off smell. It also has quick moisture-wicking properties that keep your feet dry all day long. If you ever need to wash it while on a trail, the quick-drying feature ensures that you are not delayed. The sock features arc support to reduce blisters and soreness. However, it may be a bit too tight around the calf.
Pros
- Antimicrobial properties keep your feet fresh,
- Lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer,
- Can be worn for multiple days outdoors,
- Wider toe area for extra room in hiking boots,
- Quick-drying and odor-resistant
Cons
- It May be a little tight around the calf
6. 5 Pairs Womens Wool Soft Cabin Socks
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 5 |
See it in your local store:
The 5 Pairs Womens Wool Soft Cabin Socks come in a mix of colors that make them adorable on sight and an ideal gift idea. They are blended with jacquard for comfort and flexibility while being cozy and breathable. They keep your feet warm in cold conditions and are lightweight. The socks are versatile in that they can be paired with both formal and informal outfits.
Pros
- They are blended with jacquard for flexibility,
- They are perfect for formal and informal outings,
- The pack comes in a mix of fashionable colors
Cons
- The socks tend to run small and shrink,They pill on the inside
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7. DG Hill 3 Pairs 80% Merino Wool Socks for Men and Women
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 3 Material: 80% Merino wool, 17% Nylon, 2% Spandex, 1% Elastic |
See it in your local store:
DG Hill provides excellent socks with their 80% Merino Wool Socks for men and women. The socks feature a high wool fiber content with regular features like moisture-wicking, thermal insulation, and odor-resistance. They have antibacterial properties to keep your feet fresh and can be paired with boots for men and women. The DG Hill 3 Pairs 80% Merino Wool Socks for Men and Women have a thermal fleece lining and extra cushion along the soles for keeping your feet comfortably warm. The elastic ankles also keep them from slipping and bunching.
Pros
- Reinforced heel and toe support for long hours on your feet,
- It has fleece interior lining to keep your feet dry and warm,
- It can be machine washed on cold with the same color materials
Cons
- It is not as durable as other brands on the list,It is prone to shrinkage,New socks have a pungent chemical odor
8. Buttons & Pleats Wool Socks for Men and Women
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 4 Material: 80% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Spandex |
See it in your local store:
Are you on a budget? The Buttons & Pleats Wool Socks for Men and Women is the right choice for you. The socks feature a blend of 80% merino wool that makes them durable and comfortable for long hours. They also come with a full cushioning to support your feet.The socks have arch compression that supports your feet so that you can walk all day in them. They have mesh ventilation channels that improve breathability and allow improved airflow. They perform moisture-wicking functions, are soft, and offer itch-free comfort for men and women.
Pros
- It is ideal for pairing with boots,
- It perfectly balances breathability and moisture wicking,
- It uses a no-slip design to prevent bunching
Cons
- It might not be ideal for extremely cold conditions
9. Mens Heavy Thick Wool Socks
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 3 Material: 30% Wool, 10% Cotton, 15% Spandex, 45% Polyester |
See it in your local store:
The Mens Heavy Thick Wool Socks are thick enough to withstand frigid conditions. They have high elasticity and are stretchy, making them comfortable to wear.The socks are made from comfortable wool material with fluffy wool lining to keep your toes and feet warm. The stretchable elastic band supports your feet and arc while the compressed top keeps them snugly on your calf and prevents slipping.
Pros
- They are ideal for extremely cold conditions,
- They are easy to wear and pull off, even on wet feet,
- They are lined with fluffy wool for soft comfort
Cons
- Most people find the elastic band on top constricting,They have less wool component,They are not lightweight
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best wool socks is below:
Overall best wool sock out there: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Buttons & Pleats Wool Socks for Men and Women
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Wool Socks
Types Of Wool For Socks
Socks manufacturers have a variety of wools to choose from. Types of wool for socks include lambswool, merino wool, and alpaca wool. These wool types are natural fibers that keep your feet comfortable.
Wool Quality
The quality of wool is determined by many factors including length, strength, color, purity, and fiber diameter which is the thickness of the wool fiber. When buying wool socks, I recommend checking the type of wool used and where possible, buy socks made from Merino wool. This is because Merino wool is the softest and most durable natural wool available today.
Pros And Cons Of Wool Socks
Some pros and cons of wool socks include:Pros:Wool is comfortable in any condition,It is moisture and odor wicking,It absorbs up to 30% of its weight in water thereby keeping your feet dry,Breathable and wrinkle-resistant,It is soft and good for the skin.Cons:Low-quality wool can cause itching,It is difficult to clean and is not recommended for machine wash,Wearing wool socks without shoes can cause friction and lead to holes,It is thick and bulky.The bottom line is that the higher the quality of the wool socks, the less con that it has.
Wool Socks Height
Choosing wool socks height is usually based on preference for style. However, if you wear boots, I recommend buying crew and quarter socks as they protect against abrasion from your boot tops.
Wool Socks Thickness
Wool socks vary in thickness and choosing the best one for you depends on the volume of your feet and the fit of your footwear. If you have high-volume feet, you should go for thinner socks; low-volume feet are best paired with thicker socks.
Wool Socks Padding
Generally, padding is created for protection and cushioning on the heel and ball of the foot. Manufacturers create padding either by weaving long-wearing acrylic materials into these high contact areas or by increasing the weave density in those areas.
Questions and Answers About Wool Socks
Are wool socks good for hiking?
Wool is the most popular and most recommended material for making hiking socks. This is because it regulates feet temperature while providing cushioning for your feet on the trail.
What else are wool socks good for?
Wool socks are good for any outdoor activity as they are great insulators, provide cushion, and absorb moisture. They can also be worn indoors for a relaxing and comfortable feel.
How should I store wool?
Generally, the best way to store wool clothing is by folding them after cleaning and storing them in a vacuum bag or an air-tight container for no more than a year. If your wool clothing is stored for more than a year, you need to take them out and allow air-drying for a bit before restoring. In particular, socks need to be washed following washing instructions and folded flatly after they dry, before storing them in vacuum-packed bags. You can add some cedar to the package to ward off bugs and other creatures.
Are wool socks the warmest?
Yes, socks made from wool are some of the warmest options available today. They are also a great insulator for cold, wick moisture when your feet are sweaty, and keep your feet dry.
