The Best Ankle Socks for Men, According to Podiatrists
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Socks aren’t exactly a sexy purchase, but they’re a necessity. “Socks not only absorb perspiration — they help keep your feet warm in the winter and also provide cushioning, reducing the friction that may lead to the formation of blisters,” says Dr. Miguel Cunha, a New York-based podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare. “Wearing shoes without socks may also expose our feet to many germs that can result in athlete’s foot and fungal nails, odor-causing bacteria, and viruses that can lead to plantar warts.”
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Again, not sexy. But a high-quality pair of socks — especially versatile ankle socks, which sit right at the ankle but aren’t completely no-show — can be an upgrade that’s small but worth it. The best ankle socks for men feature high-end materials, like Merino wool, and are designed with things like comfort, performance, and breathability in mind.
But like all nice things in life, the best ankle socks cost a bit more, especially for guys used to buying 12-packs of Hanes or functional Adidas and Nike socks: They’re typically priced somewhere between $10 and $20 per pair. But, for the right pair, that cost — not to mention an ultra-low price per wear, if they last — makes them well worth it.
To learn more about the best ankle socks for men, read on for expertise from podiatrists as well as in-person testing insights from the SPY team.
What the Experts Say
SPY spoke with three experts to understand the benefits of ankle socks and socks in general, including Dr. Cunha; Dr. Robert Conenello, a podiatrist and the founder of Orangetown Podiatry; and Josh Herbert, a stylist, footwear expert, and founder of Captain Creps.
They all agreed that there are subtle differences in function among no-show socks, ankle socks, and all socks, but that ultimately, there’s no huge benefit to lower-cut socks. “[What type of sock you wear] is truly about personal preference, comfort, and style,” Conenello says.
At the same time, though, the style front isn’t meaningless. “Although it’s sometimes trendy to have socks pulled high with slides or sneakers, an ankle sock gives a more subtle look and allows the footwear to take center stage instead,” Herbert says. “If sneakers or shoes are cut lower beneath the ankle or have a lighter style, then having thick, mid-cut socks may look unbalanced.”
Cunha agrees on both fronts. He notes that ankle socks provide more coverage while still allowing for some breathability, adding that a less visible sock can improve the look of a particular style.
BEST OVERALL
Feetures Merino 10 Max Cushion Quarter
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If design and materials are the keys to a great sock, the Feetures Merino 10 Max Cushion Quarter Socks are an easy contender for the best ankle socks for men.
If the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, here, these socks are made from breathable Merino wool for top-notch comfort, durability, and moisture-wicking, plus the semi-synthetic fiber Tencel, nylon, and Spandex for a bit of stretch. The end result is an ankle sock that’s more comfortable and better at temperature regulation than big-box retail socks. Cunha also says he likes these socks’ use of targeted arch compression and anatomical design, which provide comfort and a more secure fit, while Conenello recommends Feetures in general.
One pair is priced at $20, which is high but justifiable. Guys can wear these for just about anything except running across broken glass Die Hard-style, and they will hold up.
BEST CASUAL
Falke Sneaker Socks Cool Kick
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This sock from FALKE is perfect for everyday use, thanks to its blend of polyester and polyamide (a material similar to synthetic wool), which has excellent moisture-wicking abilities.
Cunha also endorses this pair. “These socks are ultra-lightweight and have a cooling effect,” he says. They also include left and right socks for optimal fit. Really, all fly sneakers deserve this break from odor- and moisture-capturing cotton.
The one thing? At $22 per pair, these socks are certainly pricey, but they’re designed to deliver an airy, breathable feel that makes them worth the cost.
Testing Notes: SPY’s tester wore these socks for four days in New York during rainy commutes, and was very satisfied with their softness and temperature control. They likened them to their steadfast go-tos — Reebok and Adidas — in terms of quality, but says that they’re better suited for the extra-athletic.
Why? They’re lightweight, they didn’t get soggy after trudging through puddles, and the plush soles provided solid support rather than stifling insulation. “I don’t need all my ankle socks to be padded, but it is nice to have one or two pairs around for running,” SPY’s tester says. “The toe pads are definitely the big sell here.”
BEST FOR RUNNING
Balega Blister Resist Quarter
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The Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks do everything they can to help runners control sweat and foot temperature, thanks to a proprietary moisture-wicking fiber, as well as natural mohair fibers.
Among other features, the socks include a seamless toe to minimize topside abrasion, a deep heel pocket for improved fit, and an arch support band — all perfect for the demands of running. Plus, both Cunha and Conenello, a specialist in podiatric sports medicine, recommend Balega.
At $20 a pair, these socks aren’t cheap, but if they prevent even one blister for an active runner, that’s days of pain and discomfort avoided — and, more importantly, days of comfortable training gained.
BEST FOR SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Bombas Men's Solids Ankle 4-Pack
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Bombas massively supercharged the idea of the charitable business model, donating one pair of socks for each pair purchased. The company also proved that socks can be comfortable, well-designed, and relatively affordable.
Cunha, in particular, is a fan: “These socks have heel grips that ensure that they won’t fall off all day,” he says. Herbert also adds that they’re “comfortable and supportive.” (It’s worth noting, though, that Bombas ankle socks are also on the lower-cut side.)
Bombas offers a slight discount for buying a four-pack, bringing the cost per pair down to just under $13. With a comfortable and long-lasting blend of extra-long-staple Supima cotton, polyester, and elastane, that’s a bargain for these socially conscious socks.
Testing Notes: SPY’s tester wore these socks during several work days, including on commutes to and from the office. They also spent an hour at a climbing gym and did a treadmill jaunt to test their durability, noting they held up quite well. “For low ankle socks, I’m mainly hoping they don’t ride down while I’m using them, and they held up. Literally,” SPY’s tester says.
SPY’s tester also described their texture as noticeably lighter and silkier than their other go-to brands (Reebok and Adidas). Their only hang-up was the price, which is more than what they typically spend on socks, but thought they were worth it “They’re extremely comfortable during the work day and while working out,” SPY’s tester says. “I wasn’t sweaty or anything.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle Socks
Why wear socks at all?
Because they’re good for you, dang it! Seriously, foot doctors recommend wearing socks because they help prevent foot problems.
Conenello says, “Socks are the most intimate connection of our feet to the ground. A proper sock makes movement throughout our day much more efficient. They decrease friction and pressure that may lead to pathologies such as corns, calluses and blisters. They provide warmth in cool temps and help control moisture buildup during physical activity.”
What’s useful about ankle socks?
Nothing, really! In general, the design of ankle socks — namely the fact that they sit higher on the ankle — makes them more practical for some activities, like hiking or outdoor sports. But most of what’s useful about a particular pair depends on design, materials, and the buyer’s plain old personal preference. In other words, the ankle cut itself is not going to make much of a difference. Guys should wear what’s most comfortable for them.
What are the best ankle socks for men made of?
Best is subjective and often purpose-dependent. For instance, the most comfortable socks for lounging might not be the best socks for a long hike. But all materials have pros and cons.
For one, Conenello does not recommend cotton for athletic activities. Instead, he suggests that athletes should aim for moisture-wicking socks, which are often made from polyester, wool, and/or blends of other synthetic materials. Herbert says blends may offer the best of both worlds, providing both structure and temperature- and sweat-regulation.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common materials, with input from Cunha.
– Cotton socks are comfortable but they hold heat and moisture, which can be uncomfortable.
– Polyester is excellent for moisture-wicking, keeping feet dry and minimizing friction. It’s usually blended with other materials for additional support and structure.
– Spandex or elastane add stretch to socks, which help them cling to the shape of the foot and cut down on slippage.
– Wool is one of the top materials for high-performance socks (though less common due to its price). Wool insulates feet, even when wet, and wicks away moisture to keep them dry.
– Nylon is useful for toughness and durability, making socks more resistant to wear and tear, and is often combined with a more comfortable material.
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