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Socks Gift Guide: The Best Socks for Every Man in Your Life

Published on November 26, 2020 by Brock McGoff · Accessories May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Contrary to popular belief, socks make fantastic gifts for the holiday season, and not just for your soon-to-be-retired-from-middle-management father in law…

Socks gift guide

When gifting someone a pair of socks, you need to think about who that person really is.

No one wants a baggy pair of off white tube socks that are guaranteed to lose any semblance of shape and slide down your calf after one laundry cycle.

But some lightly cushioned wool boot socks? Yes, please.

In fact, if you give a high-quality pair of socks to someone who’s been buying cheap poly-blend sock multipack from the discount bin, you might just change their life (or blow their mind, at the very least).

I’m a bit of a sock, how do you say, connoisseur?

Snob. That’s the word I was looking for. I’m a sock snob.

I’ve tried so many different brands and styles over the years, and I’m confident that I can pick the perfect pair of socks for just about anyone.

So, without further adieu, here are the best types of socks to buy for every type of person in your life.

Note: Big thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods for sponsoring this post. With their massive selection of brands, styles and sizes, DSG is one of the best places to buy socks and other cool gifts for your loved ones during the holidays.

The Best Socks to Buy as Gifts

In no particular order, here are the best socks for…

The Outdoorsman

For the avid outdoorsman – and by outdoorsman, I’m including woodsmen, huntsmen, lumberjacks and guys named Jack – you need to prioritize durability.

Smartwool Outdoor Advanced Light Crew Socks
Smartwool Outdoor Advanced Light Crew Socks

I recommend the Smartwool Outdoor Advanced Light Crew Socks for a comfy pair of three-season hosiery that can handle the toughest out and back your outdoorsy friend will every attempt.

If your recipient lives somewhere like snowy, go for the Trekking Heavy Crew Socks instead.

The Indoorsman

Buying socks for a regular guy whose idea of “hiking” includes a half mile round trip to the beer store for holiday reinforcements?

These Bombas Original Crew Socks are guaranteed to please. Bombas is one of the most beloved socks brands on the internet, and for good reason.

Bombas Original Crew Socks
Bombas Original Crew Socks

These socks are thoughtfully designed for comfortable everyday use, and Bombas donates a pair with every purchase, which means your feet will feel great, and so will you.

The Turkey Trotter

We all know that guy who’s getting a quick 5k in before Thanksgiving dinner.

You think you’re better than us, COLIN?

Anyway, he’ll appreciate a great pair of running socks. They really do make a difference in comfort, performance and even safety.

Feetures Elite Light Cushion
Feetures Elite Light Cushion

The Feetures Elite Light Cushion Tab Socks are some of the best running socks you can buy.

Most casual runner won’t spend $16 for a single pair of socks, which is why these make the perfect gift!

The Businessman

If you’re trying to buy the perfect pair of socks for the past, present or future executive who spends his Sunday afternoons ironing the crispest of creases into his khaki pants, I’ve got you covered.

Smartwool City Slicker Crew Socks
Smartwool City Slicker Crew Socks

He’ll love the look and feel of Smartwool City Slicker Crew Socks, which are made from a wool-nylon blend with just a bit of extra stretch built in.

If he’s the type of guy who wears a suit more often than not, check out our list of the best over-the-calf dress socks.

The Frequent Flyer

The jetsetter in your life likely prioritizes function over form during his trans-Atlantic red eyes.

Bombas Compression Over the Calf Socks
Bombas Compression Over the Calf Socks

Tall, calf-gripping socks like these Bombas Compression Over-the-Calf Socks are just what the doctor ordered.

These snug socks can help prevent post-flight swelling and are considered a must-have accessory by many frequent flyers.

Your Teenage Son

He just wants a bunch of these white Nike crew socks with the little black check mark to wear with his chino shorts and Vans.

Nike crew socks
Nike crew socks

I don’t get it either, but just trust me on this one.

The Hygge Enthusiast

Is that a hand poured holiday scented candle you’re smelling?

Why yes, it is. The top notes include black spruce and ginger, and it cost $45 before taxes and shipping.

But the hygge enthusiast will pay any amount to create that warm, fuzzy Nordic vibe inside his Prospect Park efficiency this winter.

Cozy Cabin Socks
Cozy Cabin Socks

He’ll really appreciate a pair of aloe-infused Cozy Cabin Socks from Field & Stream, especially in this cool Tribal Nord pattern.

The Creative

You know that one nephew you have who lives in the city and whose job you don’t really understand (it definitely involves the internet and might be semi-illegal, but he always has the latest iPhone…).

Chances are he cuffs his chinos over a pair of minimal sneakers and hates when his socks are even slightly visible.

Smratwool No Show Socks
Smartwool No Show Socks

He’ll appreciate a high quality pair of no show socks, like these ones from Smartwool.

No show socks keep your feet dry and comfy without sacrificing that sweet ankle cleavage that older millennials (myself included) crave so badly.

The Blogger

If you’re reading this, mom, my favorite pair of socks are the Smartwool Medium Hiking Socks.

Smartwool Medium Hiking Socks
Smartwool Medium Hiking Socks

These bad boys can go for 2-3 wears before needing a wash, and they hold their shape for years, defying all known laws of physics and nature.

For my money, these are some of the best socks on the market.

Knock Their Socks Off

To summarize, socks don’t have to be lame stocking stuffers. The right pair can totally steal the show on Christmas morning – you just have to know your target audience.

What’s your favorite pair of socks? Let me know in the comments section below!

Accessories gift guide, socks, sp

Related Posts

Best boot socks
The 15 Best Boot Socks For Fall & Winter
Best Mens Sandals You Can Wear With Socks
15 Men’s Sandals That You Can Wear With Socks (Controversial)
Swiftwick Review
Swiftwick Review: Perfect Socks for Active People
Bombas Review
Bombas Review: I Tried Everything They Make

About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

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  1. Chris says

    December 9, 2020 at 7:54 am

    A second on the Smartwool medium hiker. I like them in taupe or green for some reason. My everyday sock that stands up to a couple of miles walking the dogs and the rest of the day in front of a screen.

    Reply
  2. Jake says

    December 8, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    The two areas I hoped to find covered in this article were warm socks for those who can’t do wool and socks for large calves. I’ve purchased smart wool socks and clothes in the past, oh so warm and well constructed, but still scratchy for sensitive skin in a very dry climate. Also wide calves want socks that stay up, look amazing and aren’t constrictive. Any ideas? Thanks!

    Reply

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