Are you looking for the best boot socks for fall and winter? Check out this guide to find the right pair you’ve been waiting for.
Colder seasons are upon us, and now is the best time to grab boots. They keep your feet cozy and protected against the cold and snow.
Despite the comfort they bring, they can rub against your leg and cause chafing, especially if you wear low-cut socks.
This is where boot socks come in. They greatly improve comfort and provide added support and cushioning to the heel and ball of your foot.
Mostly made from polyester and merino wool, they also provide ample warmth, making them ideal for fall and winter. If you’re looking for the best boot socks to wear, then let this article guide you through a few selections.
What Are Boot Socks?
What are boot socks anyway? The simple answer is they’re footwear specifically designed to pair with your favorite Chukka, Chelseas, or any boots.
Their cut is usually above the ankles and higher than the average boot. Some come in 11-inch lengths, while others are a bit shorter.
Their primary purpose is to keep your feet comfortable and to protect your legs from chafing and debris. Other options come with padded cushions for added support, which are popular with outdoorsy guys.
Most people wear them during colder months, but you can equip them year-round, depending on the fabric. These can range from synthetic polyester and nylon to organic choices like merino wool.
How To Choose Boot Socks
Before you browse the collection, it’s important to know how to choose boot socks. This knowledge will help you narrow down your choices whenever you’re out shopping for them.
To start, never pick cotton boot socks if you’re planning to wear them outdoors. Not only do they do a poor job of driving away the cold, but they also can’t wick moisture away.
Merino wool is your best choice, but if you want something more affordable, go for the following synthetic fabrics:
- Polyester: It has great insulation, wicks away moisture, and dries quickly.
- Nylon: This textile is mostly used in conjunction with other materials, making the sock more durable.
- Spandex: This offers unparalleled elasticity, which greatly improves fit.
Apart from the cloth, you also need to consider the protection these footwear give. Additional padding gives you impact resistance, and a seamless toe box prevents blisters.
It’s equally important to take note of knit tightness. The tighter it is, the better the quality.
Lastly, the sock’s height should match the boot you’re wearing. Otherwise, you risk chafing certain parts of your leg.
The 12 Best Boot Socks for Fall and Winter
The best boot socks for men should have all the functional qualities while still offering a cozy and stylish fit. The twelve options below will assist you in selecting the right pair for you.
Here’s a quick rundown before you get to the nitty gritty details:
- Best Overall: Darn Tough Vermont Men’s Hiker Boots
- Best Budget: REI Merino Wool Trailsmith Crew
- Best Outdoor: Bamtech USA Bamboo Performance Boot Socks
- Best Lightweight: Bombas Men’s Modern Rib Calf Socks
- Best Everyday: Feetures Men’s Max Cushion Crew Classic Rib
- Best Durable: Darn Tough Vermont T4033 Boot Sock
- Best Value: Dickies Moisture Control Crew Work Socks
- Best Comfort: London Sock Company Boot Socks
- Best Performance: Stance Wool Hiking Socks
- Best Hiking: Bridgedale Stormsock Midweight Boot
- Best Fall: Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew Socks
- Best Winter: Men’s Dunlin LITE™ Crew Socks
Best Overall: Darn Tough Vermont Men’s Hiker Boot Socks
The Darn Tough Vermont Men’s Hiker boot socks are pairs that you can comfortably wear year-round. They have exceptional moisture-wicking properties, so your feet stay dry even during vigorous activity.
They’re 11 inches in length, which makes them appropriate even for cowboy boots. The midweight Merino wool fabric thermoregulates to wrap your feet in steady comfort even when temperatures change.
These socks boast a performance fit, which prevents slipping, bunching, and blisters. The reinforced footbed and Achilles cushion improve foot comfort and help them last longer.
Best Budget: REI Merino Wool Trailsmith Crew
The REI Merino Wool Trailsmith Crew Socks are your reliable solutions to keep you warm during breezier months. Made from a blend of merino wool and spandex, they offer great durability, stretch, and breathability.
They’re not irritating to the skin, and you can machine wash them inside and out, so they’re pretty low maintenance. Just avoid using bleach or fabric softeners so the colors won’t fade.
Best Outdoor: Bamtech USA Bamboo Performance Boot Socks
Step up your sports activities no matter the climate with the Bamtech USA Performance Bamboo boot socks. Built with bamboo fabric, they ensure your feet remain fresh, protected, and cool even during warm weather.
They have excellent stretch features that move with you, preventing them from falling even when you’re running. The knit also ensures you won’t experience chafing no matter what boots you slip into.
Best Lightweight: Bombas Men’s Modern Rib Calf Socks
The Bombas Men’s Modern Rib Calf have thinner yarns which give them a sleeker feel compared to other socks. They’re also lightweight and come equipped with cushioned footbeds and supportive honeycomb bands that provide arch support.
These Bombas socks also feature toe-to-cuff ribbing, which adds a stylish and seamless appearance. You can pair them with any shoe and outfit, whether dressed up or down.
Best Everyday: Feetures Men’s Max Cushion Crew Classic Rib
If you’re looking for boot socks to wear daily, then try the Feetures Men’s Max Cushion Classic Rib Crew socks. They showcase targeted compression and anatomical designs, which provide a custom fit while making sure they don’t fall.
They conform to your foot’s structure, reducing the risk of blisters. Their iWick fabric keeps moisture away, ensuring you stay dry without sacrificing sturdiness.
The Feetures Max Cushion Crew will keep you cozy while wearing your most reliable work boots.
Best Durable: Darn Tough Vermont T4033 Boot Sock
Darn Tough Vermont’s T4033 will keep you in your optimal condition against the biting cold. They’re designed to tank against extreme climates and rugged terrain.
Their full terry loop cushioning ensures you’ll stay nice and toasty even when you’re hiking on snowy mountains. Their greatest asset, however, is their military-grade Merino wool fiber, which boasts flame resistance and maximum durability against extreme conditions.
Best Sweat-Wicking: Dickies Moisture Control Crew Work Socks
If you want to effectively get rid of feet sweat and odor, then try the Dickies Moisture Control crew socks. These convenient footwear have ventilation channels that circulate air to keep you dry.
The arch compression hugs your feet and keeps them in place whether you’re sprinting to the office or playing ball. The best part is that you can buy them in packs of six, which make them perfect gifts.
Best Comfort: London Sock Company Boot Socks
The London Sock Company Boot socks will give you and your feet luxurious comfort. Made from organic cotton, these come with thicker and tighter weaves so you can stay warm when you’re lounging indoors.
Their cool, chunky rib and vibrant color options give them a stylish appeal compared to boring, old, regular socks. They also come with unique anti-bacterial and anti-odor properties, so you’ll stay dry and carefree all day.
Best Performance: Stance Wool Hiking Socks
The Stance Wool Hiking Socks have the brand’s Infiknit™️ reinforced heel and toe, which makes them tough. Their informed design targets critical areas of your foot, providing premium support that can soften your stride.
Their functionality is only matched by their unique prints, which allow you to easily style them with any boots. Their soft yet rugged texture makes them great for any activity, from office runs to all-day sports activities.
Best Hiking: Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew Socks
The Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew socks provide wearers with thick cushioning, great for trailblazing. Adventurers will find these extra cozy because of their elasticized arch, which offers a secure fit.
They’re made from recycled nylon and responsibly sourced Merino wool, letting you help the environment while doing your outdoor hobby.
Fall: Bridgedale Stormsock Midweight Boot
Guys will get a knack out of the Bridgedale Stormsock Midweight Boot socks. They’re 100% waterproof, perfect to wear in any weather condition, downpour included.
They feature dense, resilient terry pad footbeds along with heel and ankle cushioning for optimal warmth. The flat-toe seam and elastic arch support ensure that they’ll stay in place and won’t cause any hotspots.
The length sits above the ankle cuffs of standard boots, so you can wear them with your favorite Chukkas.
Best Winter: Heat Holders Men’s Dunlin LITE™ Crew Socks
Heat Holders Men’s Dunlin LITE™ Crew Socks are the only pair of boot socks you need for the winter. They’re designed to provide the brand’s famous thermal protection in a medium thick footwear.
These are developed with heavy bulk yarn that has extreme thermal qualities. Apart from keeping you warm, they also have cushioning to help your feet stay comfortable and supported.
Benefits of Wearing Boot Socks
Boot socks are more than just ideal fashion items for fall and winter. They’re meant to free you from irritating chafes while keeping you comfy without restricting your movement.
Keeping them around allows you to fully enjoy wearing lengthy cowboy boots. Their thick fabric can also extend the life span of your shoes by keeping your sweat away from them.
If you’re out for the best boot socks this season, narrow down your choices by choosing a pair from this guide.
Which pair are your favorite boot socks? Tell us in the comments!
FAQs
What material is best for boot socks?
Merino wool is the best material for boot socks. They have natural moisture-wicking properties and have powerful thermoregulation features.
Do boot socks make a difference?
Wearing the right boot socks will improve your overall comfort when you have boots on. They provide added support and cushioning to your feet on top of preventing blisters and chafing.
What socks are best for breaking in new boots?
Socks made with thick fabrics can fill out the space in your boots. These help stretch the insides of your shoes in areas where you need the space the most.
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