Are you looking for some solid pairs of socks to wear with your boots? Read on to see our top recommendations.
Have you ever tried to wear a pair of dress or athletic socks with your boots?
If so, you likely noticed very quickly that choosing the wrong type of socks with your boots can be incredibly uncomfortable — and leave holes in your heels in no time.
Finding the right socks for your boots isn’t entirely simple and straightforward, though. That’s why we’ve taken the time to consult with footwear experts, combining their opinions with our own testing to bring you this guide to the best boot socks for men.
No matter what type of boot you’ll be wearing, these reviews will help you discover the perfect sock to match.
Quick Take
Here are our top three recommendations from the list:
Sodello Classic Boot Socks are made in Italy and consist of a cotton blend. They’re warm, comfortable and have a stylish and rugged look that’s perfect for wearing with boots.
Swiftwick may not be as popular as Smartwool or Darn Tough, but they're making some incredible socks for all sort of outdoor activities.
Made in the U.S.A., these lightweight micro crews really stand out as an ideal partner for short boots.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
How to Choose the Best Boot Socks for Your Wardrobe
Choosing the best socks to wear with boots comes down to knowing exactly what you’re looking for.
Read through the following three topics to get acquainted with the features you should be looking for, different types of boot socks and how to fine-tune your fit based on the shape of your foot.
What to Look for in Your Boot Socks
Whether for work, hiking or everyday wear, we always look for three qualities in our boot socks:
Durability is a necessary first requirement; if your boot sock doesn’t have it, then it’s not worth the price. The longest-lasting boots socks combine high-quality materials with a design that relieves stress on the seams.
Breathability is the biggest factor in making your boot socks comfortable. Natural fiber materials with a moderately tight weave perform best, though we’ve also been impressed by a few synthetic socks.
Quick-drying socks will keep your feet healthy and odor-free. Enough said.
Types of Boot Socks
Looking at a boot sock’s material and length is the quickest and easiest way to hone in on which type of sock is right for you.
As far as material goes, we’re always amazed by the long-lasting good looks of wool, and rarely choose boot socks from any other material.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that socks with a higher wool content are necessarily better, though — the quality of the wool matters much more than the quantity.
Merino wool, while almost always more expensive, offers a superior combination of durability and comfort.
Choose the height of your socks to match the height of your boots, or come just above the boot top; if in doubt, just stick with a crew sock.
You can commonly find boot socks in the following four lengths, listed from shortest to tallest:
- Micro Crew socks come part way up the ankle, but stop well before the calf
- Crew socks cover up to the bottom of the calf for most men
- Over the Calf socks fit exactly as their name indicates
- Knee socks cover the entire lower leg, stopping below the knee
We recommend sticking with crew or over-the-calf socks when wearing boots.
How to Get the Best Fit From Your Boot Socks
Finding the proper fit from your boot socks is always going to be a matter of trial and error, since each guy’s foot and leg size and shape can differ so much.
Look for the following qualities in your socks to know that you’re getting a great fit:
- Snug, but not tight enough to limit circulation
- No bunching inside of your boot
- Seams don’t rub against your toes
- Cuff holds tightly enough to keep the sock from falling down over time
- Top of the sock comes above the boot you’ll be wearing
Stick to those tips and you’ll be sure to find the best boot sock that works for you.
The Best Boot Socks For Men
Here are our favorites…
Sodello Classic Boot Sock
If you’re a longtime reader, you know that we rant and rave about Thursday Boots. Luckily enough, they sell socks too! The socks are under the Sodello brand which appears to be owned by Thursday.
These classic boot socks are made in Italy and consist of a cotton blend. They’re warm, comfortable and have a stylish and rugged look that’s perfect for wearing with boots.
Carhartt Men’s All-Terrain Boot Crew Socks
A blend of five different materials gives these crew-height work socks from Carhartt an excellent mix of comfort and quick drying.
Mesh channels will help cool your feet, and moisture-wicking fabric will keep your feet dry through a whole workday.
While synthetic materials tend to wear out faster than wool, these socks are available at a much lower price than socks that contain more wool. That means you won’t feel bad about losing an occasional sock or two.
Smartwool Men’s Light Performance Crew Hiking Socks
Smartwool’s merino crew socks are highly lauded by hikers everywhere; your author has been using them on the trail for over a decade now. They’re ultra-soft, and made of nearly 70% high-quality merino wool and a virtually seamless toe box.
Body-mapped mesh zones and a light cushion combine with double-reinforced stitching to round out these awesome hiking boot socks. Plus, every piece of gear from SmartWool — including their socks — comes with a 2-year, 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If they’re not the perfect socks for you, send them back for a full refund.
Bonangel Men’s Merino Wool Dress Socks
Lightweight, affordable and decked out in colors to match any outfit, these men’s dress boot socks really surprised us with their quality. Coming from a relatively unknown company called Bonangel, they’re a soft and breathable option that looks great with freshly shined dress boots.
A merino wool/acrylic blend gives these socks an edge in durability and breathability that many other dress socks lack. Choose from solid black, grey or wine red, or mix it up with argyle patterns to further complement your look.
The only downside? They’re only available in one-size-fits-most sizing. Guys with smaller or larger feet may find them less suitable as a result.
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks
One of the only socks in our review that’s still made in the U.S.A., Darn Tough has earned a reputation for producing amazingly comfortable socks.
They’re all guaranteed with a lifetime warranty, too — making the higher price tag on these lightweight boot socks worth it in the long run.
We love the seam construction on these Darn Tough micro crew socks, and barely noticed that they were on our feet while we wore them. Perfectly sized for low-rise boots, they’re available in four unobtrusive colors: Black, gray, denim and taupe.
In short, we can honestly recommend any of the socks that Darn Tough makes, but their lightweight micro crews really stand out as an ideal partner for short boots.
Carhartt Men’s Arctic Heavyweight Wool Boot Socks
Another option from Carhartt, America’s favorite work clothing company, also makes our list. Their Arctic Heavyweight wool boot socks are ridiculously warm, but somehow manage to avoid the bunching and sliding of so many other heavyweight winter socks.
If you’re only going to get one pair of socks to prepare for a snowstorm, these are your best choice.
Double-insulated, sweat-wicking and odor-fighting, the Arctic Heavyweight socks are definitely not year-round options. But if you live in a colder climate and are looking for well-built, reliable socks, Carhartt’s pricy (but not overpriced) boot socks will do the trick.
Swiftwick Pursuit 7 Hiking Socks
Swiftwick may not be as popular as Smartwool or Darn Tough, but they’re making some incredible socks for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Their hiking socks are perfect for wearing with boots, as they offer a bit of height and cushion around your feet.
Swiftwick offers several different models and sock lengths, but their Pursuit Seven (seven = crew length) is particularly well-suited for wearing with boots.
Bombas Performance Boot Calf Socks
Bombas has become a very popular brand for good reasons. They make awesome socks, and for every pair they sell, they donate a pair to someone in need.
Here at The Modest Man, we like Bombas enough to have mentioned them in our articles about the best over-the-calf dress socks, the best no show socks, the best socks to give as gifts and the best socks for small feet. Yeah, we kind of love Bombas.
Not only do their Performance Boot Calf Socks look good, they also wick moisture and provide thermoregulation that keeps your feet cool during summer and warm during winter.
Pendleton Heritage Crew Socks
Pendleton Woolen Mill is highly regarded for their heritage-quality wool clothing, and these socks are no exception.
They’re made with a 78 percent wool base, with useful additions of polyester, spandex, and nylon for strength and stretch. A seamless toe and cushioned heel complete the package, offering all-day comfort on your next hike.
Fox River Mid-Calf Wick Dry Socks
Fully cushioned and highly abrasion resistant, Fox River’s Wick Dry Socks will do a great job of keeping your ankles, knees, and feet from feeling the wear and tear of walking in boots.
They’re made of a blend of synthetic materials that have been woven as a multi-filament yarn — meaning that they do a fine job of wicking moisture away from your feet to keep you comfortable and dry.
Wrangler Western Socks
Two things make Wrangler’s Western Socks stand out: A heavily cushioned insole that helps reduce stress on your feet and knees, and an elastic band at the top to keep these socks up all day long.
Their machine-washable synthetic construction also makes them a convenient choice for everyday wear.
RealTree Heavyweight Merino Socks
Merino wool is the real deal when it comes to winter-ready boot socks, and RealTree’s Heavyweight Merino Socks have plenty of it.
They’re fully prepared for taking you out into the woods on a hunting trip, but have a refined enough look to wear out for casual days in the city, too.
Weatherproof Vintage Cotton Crew Socks
One of the most affordable socks on this list is Weatherproof’s Vintage Cotton Crew Socks.
They’re actually a blend of cotton, wool, and synthetic materials — so you get the best qualities of each material without having to pay the full wool price. That makes them a great choice for everyday work socks.
Dickies Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks
Made for maximum ventilation and breathability, Dickies’ Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks are perfect for guys with sweaty feet.
Their molded heel and toe fit keep these socks really comfortable inside of your boots too, making them an especially good choice throughout the warmest months of the year.
Danish Endurance Merino Trekking Socks
Looking for a serious pair of cold weather hiking socks? Then turn towards a country that has plenty of cold and snow in the winter: Denmark.
Danish Endurance’s Merino Trekking Socks are tailor made for chilly days, and they come in three sizes so you can get a snug and comfortable fit.
Questions About Boot Socks
And before we sign off, let us answer some of the boot sock questions we’ve heard guys asking online.
What Is the Purpose of Boot Socks?
Boot socks provide additional comfort while wearing boots and can provide additional warmth in cold weather.
Are Boot Socks Thicker Than Other Socks?
Yes, boot socks are typically thicker and provide more cushioning than other socks.
Do Boot Socks Come in Multiple Lengths?
Yep, boot socks can be any length from ankle cut to knee-high.
What Are the Best Socks To Wear With Boots?
Long socks — ones that come all the way up to your calves — are best to wear with boots. Look for breathable socks in particular and materials that wick away moisture (like merino wool or synthetic blends).
Should You Wear Long Socks With Boots?
You should definitely wear long socks with your boots. They’ll not only be more comfortable, but also look nicer and stay up all day long.
Do Boot Socks Make a Difference?
Boot socks make a big difference in your walking experience when you’re wearing boots. This is especially true if they’re made with extra padding, as this will ease a lot of pressure on your feet, knees, and ankles while you walk.
What Kind of Socks Do You Wear With Steel Toe Boots?
Padded boot socks are a great choice for wearing with steel toe boots. They’ll keep your toes and feet comfortable and protected behind the added material in steel toe boots.
Are You Supposed To Wear Socks With Cowboy Boots?
Yes, you’re definitely supposed to wear socks with cowboy boots. This will keep your feet more comfortable and prevent chafing and blistering, as well as helping your boots to last longer.
Final Verdict: The Best Boot Socks for the Money
While it’d be hard to pick a perfect pair of boot socks, we’d like to think that the Carhartt Men’s All-Terrain Boot Crew Socks come pretty close.
In the end, the best option for your money will come down to what, exactly, you require of a boot sock.
Thank you for reading this buying guide to the best men’s boot socks. We hope that the tips, tricks and information you’ve gathered along the way have prepared you to choose the perfect socks for your needs. Good luck!
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