Try These Merino Wool Socks, And You'll Never Wear Cotton Again (2024)

COME WINTER, YOUR feet deserve the same level of warmth as the rest of your body. But instead of turning to your typical pair of cotton socks, we recommend turning to the best merino wool socks for men, which keep your feet toasty while also wicking away moisture. The same fabric that makes some of the best sweaters in the world, also works wonders for your sock game. It comes in a wide variety of styles, including athletic socks, warm and cushioned boot socks, and ultra fine dress socks.

Sheep’s wool is naturally moisture regulating, meaning that it wicks away sweat while still locking in body heat. The fibers are also antimicrobial, helping to eliminate foot odor and irritation. Of all the varieties out there, merino sheep’s wool is the softest and finest. The resulting textile comes close to cashmere in feel, while being much more durable and affordable. While the best merino wool socks are not quite as cozy as cashmere socks, but they will last much longer. Our team tried and tested a bunch of merino wool socks to find the best ones to shop online now.

We've already covered the fantastic natural properties of merino wool, but Proof engineered socks that maximize those attributes. Extensive field testing went into building a sock that can stay comfortable and not get damp after 72 hours of continuous wear.

Few brands do simple-but-quality basics as well as Sunspel. You can't get much simpler than a solid ribbed sock, but this Italian made merino wool version is just about perfect. The fabric is thin and light, supremely soft, and holds its shape well. While you can wear them with just about anything, it goes ideally with dress shoes like a derby or a loafer.

Merino wool's moisture-wicking properties make them great for activewear. Take this Darn Tough running sock, which lives up to its name with its durable build that can hold its shape and keep your feet dry after plenty of miles. Every pair is hand stitched in Vermont, and the merino wool is sourced locally from New England sheep.

The Merino Wool Rag Socks are great all-purpose winter sock that can be worn every day to keep your feet nice and toasty. A thick knit helps regulate sweat while keeping your feet warm and cushioned. We like the way these socks wear with boots and sneakers, but for maximum winter comfort, we recommend wearing them with a pair of slippers.

Smartwool made a boot-ready sock, thanks to its high secure angle and padding in the heels and toes. The use of merino wool adds a level of softness and breathability that lesser hiking socks we've tested can't match. It's kept our feet warm, dry and comfortable, during long outdoor excursions. Smartwool offers an uncommonly wide range of sizing, with small through XXL.

Optimized for cycling, and comfortable enough for every day wear, the Mechanism Thermal Merino Wool Socks from PAS Normal Studios are so light and breathable that you will hardy notice you're wearing them. We found these socks stayed in place during even the most grueling sweat sessions, and regulated body temperature incredibly well.

Brad Lanphear is a style pro with more than a decade of experience testing and styling menswear essentials, including merino wool socks. For this story, he tested over 17 merino wool socks and evaluated their construction, comfort, and just how great they looked. He also combed through dozens of five-star reviews from e-commerce sites he truss, and also scanned through countless Reddit threads like r/malefashionadvice, for unbiased opinions on the best merino wool socks for men. Lanphear wears most of these socks regularly.