17 Cozy Socks That'll Keep Your Feet Warm All Winter Long

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Justice for socks! They're essential. You feel terrible when you lose one of a pair, and though they're often the butt of the joke around the holidays (gifting socks for Christmas has, for some reason, become a social faux pas), they're truly a must-have item for every closet. The universal staple, if you will.

Socks are often an afterthought, an accessory that doesn’t get considered until the very last minute, usually right before you slip into your shoes. But come winter, it’d be wise to think of them first and foremost when getting dressed in the morning; when the temperature dips, your fingers, nose, and toes are what catches the cold from the go. Sure, you can opt for footwear with added insulation, but why take the risk? Your feet will be plowing through snow and slush, which means you’re going to need some of the warmest socks to withstand all that.

The key thing to look for is the material, obviously. Silk blends, light cottons, or anything made entirely of synthetic fibers should be avoided. These socks are airy and breathable—two characteristics that won’t help when the streets are blanketed with several inches of snow. Instead, opt for wool and wool blends. Merino wool is preferred, because the textile is moisture-wicking and heat-retaining. Also look for styles with added cushioning, which will go a long way in keeping your feet comfy as you’re trudging through rough terrain.

Better yet, just take a look at the options below. We know that winter can be perilous and, well, fucking cold, which is why we gathered the warmest, most durable socks to get you through the season with ease.

Arctic Heavyweight Merino Wool Blend Boot Sock

Carhartt, perhaps more than most, understands how to make pieces that are durable and able to withstand the most strenuous situations. These moisture-wicking socks with a reinforced sole, with heel, arch, and toe cushioning, made of wool blended with nylon and elastin, definitely live up to the brand's reputation.

Merino Wool Calf Socks

Bombas is the name to know in the sock game. The brand offers a variety of styles for all seasons, in an assortment of patterns and materials. Of course, it has the goods for winter, like this sweat-wicking merino wool pair. They're warm—very warm—so save them for your most frigid of days.

Omni-Heat Hiking Crew Sock

Columbia, that brand mountaineers know all too well, of course has the kind of socks built for harsh conditions. This pair, in particular, has a reflective Omni-Heat lining that keeps your natural body heat around so your feet stay warm.

Hitch Coldgear Boot Socks, 2 Pairs

Under Armour's ColdGear collection does as its name suggests. The styles, made of wool and synthetic fibers, are constructed to keep your feet warm when the temperatures drop to a debilitating degree.

Bean Boot Socks

Trust that the Maine-based maker of some of the warmest winter boots around also has socks that fit the same bill. These Bean Boot socks are thick, cushioned, and great for wearing around the house or out for a morning of shoveling snow.

Everyday Anchor Line Crew Sock

Smartwool's socks are some of the latest and greatest in textile innovation. They're made with a blend of wool, nylon, and elastane, which has all of the wool-initiated heat retention but without a bulky feel. Smartwool socks are actually quite thin; it's alarming how well they work in even the coldest of temperatures. Get crew height for every day and calf height for snow days.

Yosemite Ribbed Cashmere Socks

Not only are these cashmere socks warm and luxurious as hell, but they look pretty damn great peeking out from the top of your loafers or dress shoes, too. They are, however, notably expensive and they require precious care. (They're dry clean only.) But man, if they aren't tiny luxury's finest.

Men's Tube Crew Socks, 3 Pack

Skims' new menswear line thankfully has a pair of cozy, cushiony, ribbed crew socks that go with every shoe (or house slipper). They're made with a stretchy blend of cotton, polyamide, and elastane for natural warmth you won't overheat in.

Merino Wool Crew Socks

A merino wool blend sock is the ultimate balance between cozy and functional. These textured socks, for example, are a target-cushioning, lightweight design, so you’ll stay warm without collecting a pool of sweat in your shoes. These mid-height socks are designed for high-intensity outdoor activities (like hiking, running, and trekking), but they'll do just as good on a normal, non-active day.

Performance Wool Snow OTC Socks

If you need a great pair of performance socks for cold weather, Stance is a no-brainer. These socks hit at Stance's signature over-the-calf height, which is meant keep the whole foot and shin protected (and warm) in a high ski or snow boot. They're lightweight with strategic foot cushioning that won't wear through.

Essential Cashmere Socks

Naadam's socks are a little pricey, but with luxurious, sustainable cashmere making them up, they're so worth it. They're mid-calf with a ribbed cuff and a few timeless color options. They make for a very good cozy gift, too.

1970s Logger Thermal Socks

When its comes to alpine adventures, Filson has what you need. Take, for example, these thermal socks, made of two kinds of wool with some synthetic fibers for stretch, along with extra cushioning for long, winding treks.

Double Doc Cotton Blend Socks

If you're breaking in a new pair of Docs—or really any boot, for that matter—a thick pair of cotton socks will help you do the job with minimal blistering and cold toes. These are double lined in the foot, adding both extra cushion to brand-new shoes and an extra warm but aerated layer.

Airport Wool Blend Socks

For a simple, basic sock that provides warmth without looking like a full-on ski sock, Falke's wool blend is the way to go. They're made of wool, cotton, nylon, and elastane, which gives you the warming abilities of wool and cotton without the thick, bulky design.

Two Plus One Sport Sock

Hanging out in your socks is one of life's simple luxuries. Buck Mason's were made for lazing and lounging with their retro athletic sock appeal. They're made with cotton, nylon, acrylic, and spandex, and we couldn't recommend a comfier, warmer sock for working from home in the winter.

Wool Anklet Socks

Patagonia's socks are made, not just with the warming power of wool, but with wool that meets the company's Responsible Wool Standard, part of the brand's mission to protect farms and their animals. They're available in ankle, crew, and knee heights.

Everyday Cushioned Crew Socks

Nike ACG designs stuff for long grueling treks and other stuff outside, which means they're sturdy as hell. And these everyday cushioned socks are reinforced where you need them and comfy enough to wear even when you're not trekking outside.

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