The 14 Warmest Socks for Any Winter Activity, Tested by Experts

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SOCKS OFTEN take a backseat thought in the process of getting dressed in the morning. They are typically one of those items men forget to update in their closet. While socks are a major style player in a man's PTSR (pants-to-shoe-ratio), they are especially important in the functionality department during the cold winter months.

Whether you're an outdoor winter runner, hiker or biker, or you're making the office commute, your sock choice can truly make, break, and enhance your experience. Think about it, when your feet are cold and uncomfortable, that's all you can think about it. When your feet are warm, cozy, and supported, it's an instant mood booster—like a warm hug for your feet.

Best Compression Socks | Best Wool Socks | Best Moisture-Wicking Socks | Best No-Show Socks | Best Underwear | Best Thermal Underwear | Best Heated Socks

More than likely you're going to need to stock up on some of our picks for the warmest socks for winter this season. From dress socks, to house socks, to hiking socks and beyond, we've rounded up the 15 best men's winter socks. And don't worry, we consider style equally as important as function, so your PTSR will thrive even in the harshest temps. We've tested dozens of winter socks, scoured the internet for customer reviews, along with a hefty amount of technical research to put together this list of the best winter socks for men. Get scrolling for a season of happy feet.

What to Look For When Buying Winter Socks

Fabric: Just like with winter sweaters, wool is your best friend when it comes to winter socks. Sure, there are some modern fabrics that are great at locking in your body heat but science has yet to top the natural properties of wool when it comes to socks. Wool locks in your body heat while letting your feet breath at the same time. It also pulls the moisture off your skin to prevent sweaty feet. That said, a blend of wool and synthetic materials is good, especially if you're doing any athletic activities. A bled will give you stretch to help keep your socks in place and keep them light weight.

Length: You want your winter socks to sit anywhere from two to six inches above your shin bone. This will keep your body heat locked in, keep your socks from sliding down, and keep the elements out. The shoes you wear over your winter socks will also dictate length. A boot with a high ankle for instance, will require a longer sock. Always give yourself at least two or three inches of sock above the top of your boot.

Padding: Winter socks are usually paired with heavy winter shoes. A nice rugged winter boot will keep your feet dry and warm but they can also be rough on your foot if you don't have some extra padding. If you plan on wearing a heavy winter boot, especially leather boots, look for socks with padded heels and toes. You can also find socks with extra support in the arch of your foot. This will help you lug around that extra weight on your feet all day. However, thicker is not always better. Remember that a good winter sock will let moisture out and let your feet breath so you don't want the entire sock to be extra thick. Look for socks with extra padding in strategic spots and make sure they're thin enough everywhere else to not smother your foot.

Socks

Brooklinen might be known for their luxe sheets and bedding, but the retailer also specializes in cozy loungewear and accessories such as winter socks. Arriving in a range of colors, their socks made with full cushion and terry lined interior for extra warmth. While the heathered detailing perfectly complements your PJs, anyone heading out in the cold will feel comfort in every single step.

Cold Weather Boot Sock

Much like their durable outerwear, Carhartt makes the warmest socks for rugged, cold climate work. Their signature style is designed with moisture-wicking properties, ankle vents to reduce bulk and odor protection. Perfect for our guys who work outdoors, the cold weather boot sock is crafted from a blend of wool and acrylic to deliver unsurpassed thermal insulation for maximum comfort.

Merino Wool Blend Calf Socks

Bombas is the buzzy sock brand millennials can't get enough of. The fit, material and durability is just so good plus they are stylish and easy to wear with anything. These Merino Wool Calf socks comes in eight different colors with over 11,000 almost-perfect reviews. They have noticeable honeycomb arch support, which is rare in a sock, and are made from the Merino Wool we all know and love for a soft, warm, and moisture-wicking result.

Adults' Bean Boot Socks

These OG L.L Bean socks have been a best seller for as long as we can remember. This classic style is the softest wool sock around. They come with a comfortable flat toe seam that avoids chafing and the right amount of stretch to retain its shape over time. The best part is, unlike other wool socks of its kind, they are machine washable.

1970's Logger Thermal Socks

These thick 1970s Logger Thermal Socks have a high wool content for premium warmth and moisture management. The thermal knit design improves insulation while also adding massive cushioning for comfort. They have meticulous attention to detail, with a flat toe stitching to avoid any rubbing and bunching. Reviewers love these for muck boots.

Merino Wool 3/4 Crew Sock

You already know Arc'teryx makes top notch snowboarding gear, and these socks live up to their reputation. Made from versatile Merino wool, this pair is one of their most technical sock styles yet. They have an advanced no-slip design that supports the muscles in your feet amidst a variety of activities and conditions, while the tall collar works to seal out debris.

Cashmere Rib Sock

If there's one thing to count on keep you warm in the winter, it's cashmere. The classic ribbed sock is elevated with the softest of its kind along with a hint of stretch for extra room. To ensure the best care, you'll want to hand wash (or dry clean) this pair and lay flat to dry.

Heattech Soft Pile Ribbed Socks

If you're someone who always has cold feet no matter what, you might want to consider these ribbed socks from Uniqlo. Alternatively, in extreme severe weather, their signature HEATTECH can help prevent frostbite. They pair well with sneakers or boots and provide arch support that helps keep them in place.

Damascus 3/4 Crew Sock

Designed for adventure, these durable, soft, and moisture wicking Merino wool socks work wonders for whole body warmth and fatigue. Made with ample padding on the foot, these will help you power through it all: backpacking, casual, enduro, hiking, trail running. Plus, Farm to Feet has a limited lifetime guarantee so you can get a brand-new pair if they show wear and tear.

Tech Boot Sock

These socks are you winter boots' companion, with a full calf coverage that warms and soothes your feet and legs. With full stay-put cuffs and moisture-wicking technology, Mack Weldon's boot sock will get you through long hikes keeping your feet warm and dry. They keep you looking and feeling like an athlete, while providing the performance-driven support you need during the winter.

72-Hour Merino Socks

These Proof socks are made from a blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex making them a stretchy, breathable, moisture-wicking outdoor running companion. We love how they're also temperature regulating and odor resistant, which really drives home how strong the engineered fabric really is.

Read more: Best Running Socks

No. 2 Cashmere Blend Dress Socks

This Himalayan-cashmere blend elevates your comfort in an ulta-luxe finish. Falk wearers literally cannot wear any other dress sock because of the impeccable fit and comfort they bring. The stitching is meticulously designed for comfort, avoiding blister spots, bunching and rubbing. These dress socks will make your dress shoes far more comfortable while keeping your feet cozy and warm.

Hitch Coldgear Boot Socks

We can't discuss the best winter socks without Under Armour being mentioned. This pair in particular, has full cushion thickness, wicks away moisture and dries fast. This sock is ideal for our athletes who often take the beaten path.

4-Pack Moisture Control Crew Socks

There's no such thing as "too many winter socks", especially when it's so easy to lose them sometimes. Columbia includes four in a pack that have moisture-wicking performance, breathable comfort and durable construction. They were designed to have a snug and secure fit—which means with no uncomfortable slipping or bunching.

How We Selected

Each winter, Men's Health style editors try and test different winter socks from trusted brands, then narrow down our favorites across styles, price points, fabric performance and design features including moisture-wicking properties and anti-odor resistance. We've even put them to the test in the outdoors—like running and jogging in them—to consider their comfort.

Shop More Winter Gear for Men

Best Winter Clothes for Men | Winter Jackets | Winter Jackets for Men | Men's Puffer Jackets | Leather Jackets | Men's Parkas | Heated Jackets | Hiking Jackets | Bomber Jackets | Winter Pants | Casual Pants | Sweaters | Crewneck Sweatshirts | Cashmere Sweaters

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