14 Best Pairs of Wool Socks to Step Into This Winter (2024)

A dedicated pair of wool socks will keep your feet warm and dry for winter stepping. Wet and soggy feet can lead to blisters and other foot problems that are sure to ruin your favorite hike or, even worse, your commute. And unlike cotton and other similar fabrics, wool is naturally water-repellent due to the organic hydrophobic coating of its fibers. That makes wool a great material for socks—especially when the cold weather rolls in.

What's the Difference Between Wool and Merino Wool?

Don't be confused when you see "wool" and "Merino wool", as both fabrics are largely similar. The main difference between the two is wool from any type of sheep, your traditional wool, is going to be much warmer than Merino wool. On the other hand, Merino wool, named after the wool that comes from a breed of sheep found in Australia called a Merino sheep, is more breathable and better at moisture wicking. Merino wool is becoming one of the most popular materials for socks geared toward outdoor activities due to these natural qualities. Nearly all of the best Merino wool socks also contain a blend of nylon or other stretchy material, helping to provide a boosted breathable and flexible fit.

Whether you’re looking for a thick and toasty tradition wool sock or a performance optimized wool sock for activities, there's a wool sock in this roundup for you. Keep scrolling to see our list.

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Bringing you three pairs of socks for only $20, this deal is hard to pass up. These Alvada socks are highly rated on Amazon and offer superior warmth and comfort. They also feature enhanced cushioning in their footbed to ensure a more comfortable next hike. On the inside of the sock is a textured loop weave that's soft and smooth on the skin. The only downside is they aren't outfitted with any special features to wick away moisture like other performance wool socks. Alas, the price point packs a ton of value, and if you're looking for an everyday wool sock (and not a sport wool sock) then this is the pair for you.

Darn Tough makes a handful of premium wool socks to choose from. First up is this hiker boot sock, made specifically for (you guessed it) hiking boots. The sock is more breathable than we anticipated, likely thanks to the heavy usage of Merino wool. The sock also has a thick reinforcement of cushioning on the bottom of the foot to help add some comfort on top of your hiking boot soles. You won't regret grabbing a pair of these.

Bombas has put its socks through years of R&D to ensure that they're bringing you top-quality in each product. Their Merino Wool Calf Socks are designed with chilly winter days in mind, so you can be sure your feet will be warm and dry until spring comes back around. They are perfectly stretchy, super breathable, and stylish enough to pair with any type of outfit. We call these "incognito wool socks."

Carhartt's reputation as a leader in cold weather gear is renowned, and these socks only continue its legacy. Their thick wool construction makes them a perfect choice for a cold snow day trip to the office. They are machine washable and come in a four-pack that clocks in right at $25. What more can a working man want?

These uber-affordable Merino wool socks have been tested on camping trips from editors here at our office. They have great compression and are much thinner than other hiking socks we've tested. They don't have a lot of compression, so don't expect to get a luxe, cloud-like feel when wearing these. The socks are excellent at moisture-wicking though. The last detail to be aware of is they should not be tumble dried in the dryer, as it will lead them to shrink up.

Toasty, stretchy, and not-too-tight, this wool pair of socks from L.L. Bean are suited to be your daily steppers all winter long. Sure, they aren't outfitted with any special performance blends, but that's not the point. You're going for warmth and comfort here. And there's no better timeless pair of wool socks than these puppies.

If you only foresee a handful of hikes in your future, WigWam's are a trusted go-to. WigWam socks have been made out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin since 1905 and feature an iconic toasty and breathable wool blend. It's entirely possible your grandfather owned a pair of these at one point or another.

Socks are one of the most important elements in your ski and snowboarding outfit. Ill-fitting socks can rub your feet and cause blisters; however, that's not the case with Stance's wool snow socks. Expect legendary mountain performance in these bad boys.

Built for activities like running, cycling, and golf, these low-cut socks from Swiftwick are made with a blend of moisture-wicking Merino wool and stretchy nylon. We love the fact the socks are versatile enough to wear for all types of activities, thanks to the targeted cushioning and high breathability that lets sweat escape.

Darn Tough's Mountaineering socks come with an over-the-calf design to keep more of your leg protected from the elements. Users can expect a "put it on, forget it's on" feel, due to their fine-gauge knitting. One feature we absolutely loved was how the sock stayed in place up on the calf, yet it wasn't too tight to the point where we had indentations all over our leg after multiple hours of wear.

Lined with Merino wool and woven with an Artex membrane, these waterproof socks repel moisture and ensure breathability when outdoors. In a lot of ways, they feel like a quality compression socks. We recommend keeping a pair of these while hiking and camping, especially during the wet seasons.

For those who are particular about their sock comfort, Farm to Feet's Damascus has light cushioning in the places you need it most. In the spots you don't necessarily need the padded, the brand has added ventilation strips throughout to help your feet stay cool. These socks have the perfect amount of cushioning without going overboard (too thick and too hot).

Built for the outdoors, these low-cut socks from Smartwool are made with a blend of moisture-wicking Merino wool and stretchy nylon. We love the fact the socks are versatile enough to wear every day, thanks to added cushioning where it counts and the fact they're thin enough to get in all types of shoes.

This particular make of REI Co-op socks is a great lightweight option if you can't stand heavy socks. We love how the stretch arch bands provide added support, as well as how thin and breathable the sock is when wearing for hiking or for the gym. There are reinforcements at the heels, toes, and footbed, but the cushioning is not as thick as other pairs on this list. They aren't so much winter-ready, but rather built for all-year wear (including summer).

For the past two years, we've consulted with Men's Health's editors and writers on the best wool socks for men. Experts, including our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, put a number of wool socks to the test and evaluated their quality, warmth, and fit. We also considered price point, as some wool socks provide a better overall value than others.