Best Boot Socks
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
You don't need to settle for something that doesn't appeal to you.
There were a few considerations we looked at as we reviewed the overall style of each of the products that took a spot on our list. First of all, we looked at what color options are available. While this may not be a deal-breaker for some folks, we know those people are out there who like to have control over the color of all of their garments, socks included.
After looking at the available color options, we checked out the length of the sock and how high it reaches on your leg. While the average person may think that all socks are made the same, the truth of the matter is that there are many different lengths of socks and choosing the wrong length can make (or break) your experience. Most of the options on our list fall in the mid-calf area, providing an ample amount of warmth and comfort for whoever is wearing them. Crew length is the most common length for socks. They are versatile in that they are able to be worn every day. The fashion boot socks in our buying guide tend to fall a bit higher on the leg.
Materials
The material your socks are made of can drastically affect how they perform
There are a few material types you’re going to see quite often in our buying guide. Let’s take a look at some of the most common materials and their benefits.
Cotton
Cotton is a very lightweight fabric that is breathable and incredibly easy to care for. It’s probably the most common material used in the construction of socks. It’s very good at absorbing moisture and is often blended with nylon to help wick away any wetness from the foot.
Lycra/Elastane/Spandex
This is a type of synthetic fiber made from polyurethane. It’s quite elastic in nature, helping to provide elasticity and a nice, close fit for the wearer.
Nylon
Nylon is an incredibly strong fiber. It is typically used in a blend with other fibers to add some elasticity and stretch to the boot socks.
Wool
Wool is a fabric that is very easy to take care of. It recovers its shape quickly and will breathe with your body. Merino wool is a fine grade that adds an element of luxuriousness.
Comfort
Staying comfortable during your adventures is essential.
Comfort is a very important consideration to think about as you begin your hunt for the best product for you and your needs. You don’t want to spend your money on a product that is going to be scratchy or uncomfortable on your feet all day. This is especially true if you are going to be wearing your socks while you’re participating in strenuous outdoor activities all day.
In addition to the materials being comfortable, you should also consider the fit. Most of the options on our list fit on your leg above the ankle. You want to ensure the option you choose will stay on your leg in the spot it is meant to sit. You wouldn’t want to be hiking up a mountain or spending the day on the ski slopes and have to worry about adjusting your socks.
Features
Different options boast different unique features.
Each individual option in our buying guide has its own unique set of features that sets it apart from other products on the market. Whether you’re looking for something that’s made from recycled materials, an option that provides a reinforced heel or toe or a product that has breathability features, you’re sure to find something in our buying guide that will suit your fancy.
Use
Buy the pair that's right for how you want to use them.
As you may have noticed as you scrolled through our buying guide, there are a lot of different styles made our list. Some are geared more towards giving your outfit an aesthetic look. Others are designed to be used during outdoor adventures. Before you choose the best boot sock for your particular needs, you may want to consider what your needs are in the first place. If you plan on wearing these for outdoor adventures in the summer months, you may want to choose something that allows for some airflow. If you want to spend some time outdoors during the winter, you’ll want socks that provides warmth. If you’re looking for something to wear with your hiking boots, you’ll want something less more aesthetically appealing and more for these kind of footwear.
Top 10 Picks
1. Darn Tough Vermont
First up on our list of the best boot socks on the market is this great option from Darn Tough. This company has been around for 40 years and is one of the leaders in the world of socks, so it’s not surprising that Darn Tough Vermont took the number one spot in our buying guide.
Read moreStyle
These come in a variety of color options from black with lime green accents to oatmeal with brown accents, there is sure to be a style that appeals to you. The heel and toe box of these socks have an accent color and the top of the foot is emblazoned with the Darn Tough logo. These are designed to sit mid-calf.
Materials
This product is made from 64% merino wool and 33% nylon with spandex and lycra making up the remaining 3%. Merino is a great material choice for hiking socks as it is breathable and comfortable in whatever situation you may find yourself in on the trails.
Comfort
Thanks to the cushioning on the bottomof these, wearers should find that they provide an ample amount of support for whatever outdoor adventuring they’re going to get into while wearing these. They have no seams which help provide a more comfortable and smooth fit. Merino wool is, by nature, antimicrobial and antibacterial which will ultimately lead to a more comfortable feeling.
Features
Darn Tough claims these socks to be resistant to slipping and bunching which can be the bane of your existence if you’re in the middle of a hike and have to keep stopping to adjust your socks.
Use
These socks practically beg to be worn by the adventurer in all of us. They are designed for hiking and will withstand the rigors of any trail, providing all wearers with a comfortable fit!
2. Fox River
This addition from Fox River is actually marketed as a military sock. In the reviews, you’ll find military and civilians commenting on the overall comfort and durability of this item. They feature great cushioning, which is more concentrated in the shin area- making this a truly great option for lace-up boots.
Read moreStyle
This addition from Fox River is fairly basic looking, but we don’t consider that a bad thing. They are marketed as mid-calf height, but from the reviews, we can see that where the garment sits depends on the height of the user. For some, these sit over the calf. They are available in four basic colors, black, brown, beige, and green.
Materials
The material blend that makes up this garment provides a lot of great features. They are made from 70% polypropylene, 28% nylon, and 2% spandex. The polypropylene is a synthetic fabric, similar to polyester.
Comfort
Across the board, reviewers agree that this is a comfortable pair of socks. They are slightly cushioned all over but feature extra cushioning on the shin, making them comfortable against a pair of boots. They hug the foot and tend to stay in place throughout the day. Some say that they can feel a bit warm when used in hot environments.
Features
Fox River has incorporated its well-known URfit System into this item. This system provides great support and also helps the garment to keep its shape after washing. A common theme in the reviews is that these socks do not need to be washed after every use. They naturally fight off odor. However, when the time does come to wash them, they dry incredibly quickly.
Use
This garment is actually designed for military use. With that being said, you already know it is going to be durable and comfortable. However, there is nothing that keeps consumers from using this sock in their every day lives.
3. Carhartt All-Terrain
Though Carhartt may not be the brand name you first think of when it comes to quality adventure socks, you may change your mind after seeing what these all-terrain socks can provide wearers.
Read moreStyle
There are three different color options to choose from – grey with brown accents, grey with navy accents or brown with orange accents. They are designed to fit like a crew sock, on your mid-calf.
Materials
This option from Carhartt is mostly made of polyester material. Though acrylic, wool, nylon, and spandex all are a part of the construction as well.
Comfort
These have NanoGLIDE technology that will help to prevent the formation of blisters while increasing the lifespan of these socks. They also have cooling panels that will help provide airflow to ensure you stay comfortable while you are wearing them.
Features
Do you sweat a lot when participating in activities outdoors? If so, we have good news for you! These are designed to dry quickly if they get sweaty. They will quickly whisk away moisture to help you stay cool, dry and comfortable.
Use
These socks are made to handle any terrain you choose to conquer while we’re them. They’re made for use throughout all four seasons and will provide you with a boost in performance and comfort no matter how or where you wear them.
4. Henny Rue Lovely Annie
Ladies! This one is for you. These cute socks from Henny Rue are not only trendy in both design and color, but they’re also going to look great when you wear them. Let’s see what else makes these a great pair of fashion socks.
Read moreStyle
The Henny Rue Annie socks are designed to be knee-high in length. They come in numerous color options (black, navy, grey, maroon, brown) and pack choices. Love maroon, but not sold on the brown color? You can choose a package that suits your preferences!
Materials
These are made predominantly from cotton. There were some complaints in the review section about the manufacturer not disclosing the other materials used in the construction of these socks. Aside from cotton, they’re also made with acrylic and polyester.
Comfort
These have just the right amount of elasticity to keep them where they belong without becoming too uncomfortable after a long day of wearing them.
Features
One thing we loved about these is that they’re great for women who are a little thicker in the calves!
Use
These are designed more for fashion than for anything else. You probably would not want to wear these while hiking or performing any other strenuous outdoor activity. They’re great for wearing with your winter boots and to the office, though.
5. DG Hill
Next up, DG Hill brings us a comfortable addition made from 80% merino wool. This garment provides impressive warmth and comfort, along with the well-known benefits of merino wool. What is even better is that this item is offered in a pack of three!
Read moreStyle
One of the great features of this particular option is that it comes in a pack of three. However, you can not choose which color(s) you would like. A pack of three comes with a pair of marled black, gray, and brown. They sit at about mid-calf height.
Materials
This garment is made from 80% merino wool, 17% nylon, 2% spandex, and 1% elastic. Each material brings a different welcomed feature to this item. Sadly, there has been some skepticism amongst the reviewers about the merino wool. There are some who believe it is actually a synthetic fabric. Additionally, there have been overall durability concerns. On the bright side, the price is low!
Comfort
The elastic is in all the right places. These do not have a tendency to fall and also have great built-in arch support. One of the best features of this item is the fleece lining. The lining is throughout the entire sock and is soft and warm.
Features
As you may already know, merino wool is well-known for its moisture-wicking and quick-drying abilities. Switching temperatures from inside to outside during the wintertime can cause some serious sweats. With merino wool, you don’t need to worry about ending up with a pool of sweat inside your boots. For added durability, the heel of this garment is reinforced.
Use
This DG Hill garment is marketed as a hiking or around the house sock. With that said, it is comfortable and versatile. There is no reason that this garment could not be used for whatever adventure you have in mind.
6. Heat Holders
Just one look at this option from Heat Holders and you can tell that these are made with durability and warmth in mind. Would you expect anything else from a brand named Heat Holders?
Read moreStyle
This product is available in nearly 30 different color options from navy to bright orange and everything in between. These socks are meant to sit around the mid-calf.
Materials
Heat Holders constructed these socks mostly out of acrylic material (91%). The other nine percent is made of nylon, polyester, and elastane in that order of prominence.
Comfort
The innovative design of the knit in these socks is meant to provide wearers with a warm user experience. The brushed inner is partly to thank for this warm interior that is said to be seven times warmer than your average cotton sock.
Features
The brushing process on the interior of these socks helps to make the inside exceptionally soft while ensuring whoever is wearing these aren’t going to get cold even in the coldest climate.
Use
With a brand name like Heat Holders, you would expect this product to be designed for use in colder temperatures and you would be right! These are a great option to wear if you’re going to be out adventuring during the winter months.
7. UGG Shaye
You may recognize the name of this product. It is the exact same as one of UGG's most popular rainboots. This garment is actually designed to wear with that boot, but we see more potential. This cable-knit garment is comfortable, stylish, and available in great colors.
Read moreStyle
The Shaye features a beautifully knit design that is available in five different colors. You can choose from black, cream, garnet, seal, or white multi-stripe. As for the height, they sit about mid-calf when folded over. The height is 7” and the calf opening is 14” wide.
Materials
These are made from 46% Acrylic, 30% nylon, 23% wool, and 1% spandex. The cable knit construction is appealing and comfortable, but you should use some caution to care for them. Hand-washing or using a delicate cycle and hanging to dry would be your best bet.
Comfort
There have been no concerns about comfort. However, one fact that we should point out is that this item is only offered as a one-size-fits-all. This should fit most women with a size 5-10 foot. The knit of the materials means that there are no seams. Some reviewers wish that this garment was slightly warmer, but you can easily layer another sock underneath if needed.
Features
If you happen to own the UGG Shaye rainboots, these are a great companion. The fold-over of this garment fits perfectly and folds over the rainboot.
Use
As mentioned, these are designed to be worn with the Shaye rainboot. However, there are no rules to which socks you can wear with which shoes. We love the overall look of these socks and can see them being matched with many different boots.
8. Ambielly
This boot sock option from Ambielly is another great choice for the fashion-conscious woman. Unlike some of the other products for women on our list, this option is functional and fashionable.
Read moreStyle
These socks come in a number of different colors and design options. Solids? Check! Stripes? Check! Hearts? You bet! They are meant to fit just above the ankle.
Materials
These are made from a blend of wool, cotton, polyester, and spandex.
Comfort
Thanks to the jacquard weave used in the construction of these socks, users will find that they’re not only comfortable but breathable and non-itchy as well.
Features
These are made from a material blend that is soft and breathable. You will not have to worry about your feet getting hot and sweaty while you’re wearing these.
Use
These socks can be used in a variety of ways. Because they’re so colorful and come in a variety of unique designs, you can wear these as fashion socks. Due to their durable construction and warmth properties, they can also be worn during outdoor activities as well.
9. Soxnet
If you're an environmentally-conscious person, you're going to want to read a little further to see what this option from Soxnet is all about. They are made partially from recycled materials and have a lot of other benefits to offer wearers as well.
Read moreStyle
These are designed to fit around the mid-calf of the wearer. They come in a few different color block options as well as a number of different pack sizes to choose from.
Materials
These socks are made from mostly polyester along with recycled cotton material and spandex.
Comfort
The foot and leg areas of these socks are fully cushioned to help provide comfort to the wearer.
Features
Since these are partially made from a recycling cotton material, you can feel good about purchasing something that is environmentally friendly.
Use
These thermal socks are great for use during many different outdoor adventures. They’re warm and cozy, making them a perfect companion for winter activities.
10. Stance Joven
Finishing up our top ten list, we have the Joven by Stance. These socks are a great versatile choice for folks who are looking for a sock that can handle most outdoor activities. Let’s see what else sets them apart from other similar options on the market.
Read moreStyle
Available in over 15 different color options, this boot sock option from Stance is a great option for people who want a little pop of color in their lives. They are designed to fit up to the mid-calf of wearers, providing ample warmth and comfort for their wearers.
Materials
These are made from combed cotton, polyester and nylon materials.
Comfort
The Stance Joven provides users with arch support providing wearers with an ample amount of comfort.
Features
For additional durability, these socks have reinforced heel and toe zones.
Use
There are many different situations where you can wear these socks. Because of their durable construction, they can easily be worn in different outdoor adventure activities without any problems at all.
Sources
- Sock Langths, ,
- Fibers, ,
- Merino Wool 101, ,