The Best Wool Socks Will Have You Praying for Snow
They’re made of a luxe merino wool that’s not only breathable and naturally moisture-wicking, but also machine washable. We’re still waiting for a good machine washable suit, but we’re also not holding our breath. Anyway, Boardroom socks are designed with reinforced heels and toes for durability and a blessed flat seam toe for comfort. Though they make them in a variety of sock heights, these over-the-calf options are the best for coverage and for staying up on your leg. While most good dress socks will cost you in excess of $30 per pair, these will only run you about $18.
Best Wool Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Socks
When you go on a hike, you’ve got a particular kit from the backpack to the outerwear to the boots and, yes, even the socks. High-quality hiking socks should keep you warm, but also wick away moisture with the quickness, lest your sweat literally turn deadly in freezing temps. Because you’re putting your dogs through tough, ankle-breaking terrain, your hiking socks should come with a healthy amount of cushioning—and be durable enough to keep up.
Darn Tough’s Merino Wool boot socks are our favorite for hitting the trails. They’ve got the right thickness of merino wool, burly enough for some cushion and plenty of warmth. The generous mix of nylon gives them insane durability, which feeds into Darn Tough’s incredible lifetime warranty. According to their website, “In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge.”
Best Wool Socks for Lounging: Druthers Relacks Merino Wool Japanese House Socks
Your house socks should not be like your regular socks. Just give a pair of Druthers’ Relacks socks a go and you’ll see exactly what we mean. First, they’re knit from a thick, non-mulesed Australian merino wool which helps regulate temperature and keep your feet dry. And their cloudlike plushness comes from the loopback terry interior which imbues them with a carpet-like feel. We wouldn’t run out to grab the newspaper with them. These are strictly for the house. I mean, with socks this cozy, why would you even want to leave the house?
More Wool Socks We Love
What to Look for in a Great Pair of Wool Socks
While cashmere socks have their (indulgent) days for city dwellers, generally merino wool is top of the heap for an all-purpose winter sock, offering excellent insulation, softness and moisture-wicking properties to help you avoid cold, clammy feet. (This is why serious hikers steer clear of cotton socks, which trap moisture and can freeze in colder temperatures.) Merino is so magical that it isn’t just for winter— its natural breathability makes it a great choice for outdoor activities in warmer summer weather, keeping your feet cool, dry and comfortable year-round. Merino (and cashmere) wools are also naturally antimicrobial, keeping stink-producing bacteria at bay, which means you can often wear them for multiple days before washing, as long as they get enough air overnight.
