Best Products Style 12 Pairs of Wool Socks That Will Keep Your Feet Warm All Season Long We recommend the Alvada Merino Wool Thermal Sock for women and the Darn Tough Micro Crew Sock for men. By Rebecca Carhart Rebecca Carhart Instagram Website Rebecca is a senior e-commerce writer and strategist on the news and deals travel team with more than 10 years of experience researching and writing about the best products in the fashion, beauty, home, and travel space. Her articles have covered everything from anti-aging skincare to comfortable clothing to travel essentials for your next getaway.Rebecca began writing for Travel + Leisure in 2019.Her writing has appeared on InStyle.com, Realsimple.com, People.com, Popsugar.com, Businessinsider.com, and more.She has spent years testing, researching, and writing about everything from luggage to comfortable walking shoes to travel pillows and more.Rebecca is an avid traveler and loves searching for the best travel products and making recommendations to readers of what to pack on their trips. She has a Bachelor Degree in Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 20, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Courtesy of Smartwool/Amazon While a sturdy pair of snow boots are essential to get through winter, if you find your feet are still getting cold, it might be time to invest in some thick wool socks. The fabric's built-in insulation keeps your feet much warmer than their cotton, polyester, or bamboo counterparts, making them the perfect complement to your winter footwear. If you're afraid wool socks will be rough and scratchy on your feet, don't be. Most companies use Merino wool in their designs. Merino is not only softer than regular wool, but it's also known for its moisture-absorbing capabilities and odor-resistant properties — so it will keep your feet dry and smell-free even as you work up a sweat. Plus, Merino wool is often mixed with other materials like nylon and elastane to give the socks extra stretch and comfort. We love the Alavada Merino Wool Thermal Sock for women because it's designed to balance coziness with breathability. For men, we recommend the Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushioned Sock thanks to its non-slip fit and antimicrobial properties. All wool socks will keep your feet nice and toasty, but some are designed with special features that make them perfect for outdoor activities. If you're looking for a pair to wear while skiing, you should opt for a thinner, seamless option, so your heavy ski boots won't cut off your circulation. Meanwhile, hikers might want to opt for a pair that features mesh vents for added breathability. And if you're just looking for a pair to keep your feet warm in cold climates on your daily commute, consider an extra-thick pair that has built-in cushioning. These are the 12 best pairs of wool socks that shoppers say will keep your feet warm all winter long. The best women's wool socks to buy: Best Rated Option: Alvada Merino Wool Thermal Socks Best Affordable Option: Meriwool Midweight Cushioned Merino Wool Socks Best Hiking Option: Smartwool Light Hiking Crew Socks Most Durable Option: Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight Wool Socks Best Knee-High Option: Smartwool PhD Ski Ultra Light Socks Most Breathable Option: Ugg Classic Boot Socks The best men's wool socks to buy: Best Rated Option: Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushioned Sock Best Affordable Option: Wigwam Merino Comfort Sock Best Hiking Option: Smartwool Medium Hiking Crew Socks Most Durable Option: People Socks Merino Wool Quarter Socks Best Skiing Option: Smartwool PhD Ski Ultra Light Socks Most Breathable Option: Carhartt Arctic Wool Boot Crew Socks Best Women's Wool Socks Best Rated Option: Alvada Merino Wool Thermal Socks Courtesy of Amazon Buy Now With an average 4.7-star rating from over 11,000 shoppers, Alvada's Merino wool thermal socks are clearly one of the most popular pairs of wool socks on Amazon. Along with ample cushioning in the footbed, these socks boast a no-slip cuff so they won't slide down your calves as you walk around. Their soft fuzzy interior makes them extra cozy, while their mesh ventilation channels provide airflow to your feet. To buy: amazon.com, $20 for three pairs (originally $27) Best Affordable Option: Meriwool Midweight Cushioned Merino Wool Socks Courtesy of Amazon Buy Now While many wool socks on the market are more expensive than your average cotton pair, not all of them will cost you a fortune. For just $25, you can score three pairs of this popular Meriwool option. The ultra-comfy socks are made with a Merino wool blend that shoppers say is incredibly soft and not itchy at all. The socks are odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and machine washable. Plus, there are ten different colors to choose from, so it will be easy to find a pair that suits your style. To buy: amazon.com, $25 for three pairs Best Hiking Option: Smartwool Light Hiking Crew Socks Courtesy of Smart Wool Buy Now If you plan on hitting the trails this winter, make sure you have a top-notch roster of wool hiking socks on hand, like this pair by Smartwool. The socks feature light cushioning and an elasticized arch brace that work together to keep your feet comfortable and supported in tight hiking boots. To buy: smartwool.com, $14 (originally $19) Most Durable Option: Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight Wool Socks Courtesy of Amazon Buy Now Darn Tough has developed a cult following for producing high-quality wool socks that are both warm and comfortable. In addition to being temperature-regulating, this popular pair from the brand also features mid-level cushioning and a performance fit for added support. Even better, the brand offers a lifetime guarantee on its socks, so if yours tears or develops holes, it will send you a replacement pair, no questions asked. To buy: amazon.com, from $22 Best Knee-High Option: Smartwool PhD Ski Ultra Light Socks Courtesy of Smartwool Buy Now If your calves get just as cold as your feet, opt for a pair of knee-high wool socks like this option from Smartwool. The socks are lightly cushioned and have mesh pockets for added ventilation. While these socks were originally made as ski socks, many shoppers say they love to wear the lightweight pair around the house or while they are traveling. To buy: smartwool.com, $25 Most Breathable Option: Ugg Classic Boot Socks Courtesy of Nordstrom Buy Now These wool socks by Ugg have a near-perfect rating at Nordstrom because they are lightweight, breathable, and have moisture-wicking capabilities. Reviewers love how soft and cozy the socks are, but their favorite part seems to be their textured design that makes them dressier than other options on this list — making them a great pair to wear to work. To buy: amazon.com, $24 Best Men's Wool Socks Best Rated Option: Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushioned Sock Courtesy of Amazon Buy Now Over 5,400 Amazon shoppers have given these Darn Tough wool socks a perfect five-star rating, and it's easy to see why. Along with a non-slip performance fit, the socks feature mid-level cushioning in the footbed and antimicrobial properties that help remove bacteria and odor. Sizes range from small to XXL, and there are eight different colors to choose from. To buy: amazon.com, from $23 Best Affordable Option: Wigwam Merino Comfort Sock Courtesy of Amazon Buy Now These Wigwam socks are handcrafted in Wisconsin using a super soft Merino wool blend material. In addition to being specially designed to not shrink or itch, the socks also come with a lifetime guarantee. Customers love that the socks are thick and warm but not too bulky, so they can comfortably wear them with boots. To buy: amazon.com, from $17 Best Hiking Option: Smartwool Medium Hiking Crew Socks Courtesy of Smart Wool Buy Now These hiking socks by Smartwool will help you avoid frozen toes and painful blisters thanks to their thick, cushioned design. The socks are made with imported Merino wool, nylon, and elastane yarns to provide ample warmth, comfort, and stretch. There is a built-in elasticized arch brace for extra support and a flat-knit toe seam for added comfort in your hiking boots. To buy: smartwool.com, $14 (originally $19) Most Durable Option: People Socks Merino Wool Quarter Socks Courtesy of Amazon Buy Now Not only do these socks from People Socks have a soft toe bed and elasticized arch, but they also boast a reinforced heel and toe for maximum durability. Each pair is made in the USA using Australian Merino wool. Customers love them for their high level of comfort and the fact that they last for years. To buy: amazon.com, from $15 Best Skiing Option: Smartwool PhD Ski Ultra Light Socks Courtesy of Smartwool Buy Now Planning a ski trip this winter? Be sure to pack a pair of wool ski socks like this pair from Smartwool. Customers say the thin socks fit comfortably inside tight ski boots and will keep your feet nice and toasty during a long day on the slopes. What's more, the socks are 14-inches high, so they'll keep your legs warm too. To buy: smartwool.com, $30 Most Breathable Option: Carhartt Arctic Wool Boot Crew Socks Courtesy of Zappos Buy Now Looking for a pair of wool socks that are both super warm and breathable? Zappos shoppers recommend checking out this pair from Carhartt. They feature the brand's patented FastDry technology that wicks away moisture and prevents odor from occurring. In addition to a non-binding welt top that keeps the socks from slipping without digging into your skin, the socks also feature performance mesh panels that keep your feet from overheating. To buy: zappos.com, $18 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit