The Best Wool Socks, Tested by Style and Gear Editors

The Bombas Merino Wool Blend Calf Socks are, without question, the best wool socks we’ve tested—and trust me, we’ve worn a lot of socks. With a cushioned footbed, every step feels like you’re walking on a soft, pillowy cloud. Whether you’re on a hike or just lounging around the house, your feet are comfortable at all times. Another honorable mention: No more toe seam drama. That’s right—you won’t even notice the toe box, which means zero irritation.

It might seem like a small detail, but the honeycomb arch support makes a big difference. We love that it hugs our feet in all the right places, while the stay-up technology ensures you’re not constantly yanking them back in place. Add in the natural softness and temperature regulation of Merino wool, and you’ve got a pretty solid pair for the house, daily commutes, and everything in between.

Read More: The Best Merino Wool Socks

Built for activities like running, cycling, and golf, these low-cut socks from Minus33 meant to be incognito as you power through your day. With its no-show profile and performance-driven features, this pair packs all the benefits of Merino wool along with a stretchy feel for unlimited mobility. We love the fact the socks are versatile enough to wear for all types of activities, thanks to the targeted cushioning and high breathability that lets sweat escape. In addition, the tab design provides a little extra coverage at the heel, stopping your socks from slipping down into your sneakers as you walk or run.

Read More: Best No-Show Socks for Men

For guys working outdoors, durable high-performance wool socks are non-negotiable—and Carhartt’s offering fits the bill perfectly. What makes this pair stand out is the reinforced heel and toe for added durability and arch support for extra comfort during grueling shifts. It’s tough enough to handle work boots and harsh conditions while staying soft and itch-free. During our testing, we spent hours outside hanging Christmas lights and tackling some serious yard work. Throughout that time, these socks proved to be super comfy and warm but still breathable —thanks to the ribbed channels on the leg that offer extra ventilation.

Plus, the odor-fighting properties mean no funky smells after a full day on the job. And the FastDry technology keeps you cool as a cucumber. Whether you’re on a construction site, farm, or out in the elements, these socks are built to keep you warm, dry, and at ease.

Sometimes, you don’t want your socks stealing the show and that’s where this ankle-cut style comes into play. We love this pair because it gives that clean, minimalist look with sneakers, trainers, or even slip-ons. They stay out of sight, so your shoes (and your style) can do the talking. But just because they’re small doesn’t mean they skimp on performance. These socks are made with Unbound’s signature Merino wool, so you get all the benefits—softness, moisture-wicking, and odor resistance—in a lightweight, low-profile design.

Unlike other socks that slip and bunch up, our fitness editors found that Unbound’s stay perfectly in place, thanks to their thoughtful fit and durable construction. They’ve worn them for daily workouts as well as running errands in the summer heat.

Before lacing up your best boots, make sure you have on Darn Tough’s Merino wool socks. Why? Because it’s built to handle whatever your boots—and life—throw at you. That is, if you’re trekking through the wilderness, stomping around the city, or working long hours, these socks are like your sidekick your boots didn’t know they needed. Yes, they’re made from premium Merino wool, so your feet stay warm in the cold and cool when it’s hot. There’s no sweaty, swampy mess here. But what really makes these socks unbeatable is the fit.

It’s a midweight style, so it’s not overly thick like a heavyweight meant for extreme cold, but it’s not super thin either. We found it’s sturdy enough to provide warmth, durability, and support, but still breathable and comfortable for all-day wear, even in moderate temps. The high density cushioning throughout isn’t just about padding—it’s premium, compact cushioning that covers the entire sock from the heel to the toe. Unlike low-density cushioning that might feel squishy or wear quickly, this kind absorbs impact and reduces friction. And if for some reason, your socks get destroyed or develop holes, the brand backs them with a lifetime guarantee—no questions asked.

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Smartwool’s socks come with an over-the-calf design that provides full coverage comfort among other benefits. Based on our testing, we found they’re super warm during sub-zero conditions when you want that extra bit of insulation under your ski pants. That’s right, we’ve put these socks through the paces, wearing them on the slopes and in the midst of severe blizzards.

These socks don’t budge. Thanks to their height, they stay in place all day without bunching or slipping. Like many over-the-calf socks, you can expect targeted cushioning in the toe and heel areas to prevent any painful blisters. Plus, this pair prevents chafing from high boots collars or stiff chinos.

In the event that you endure sudden showers, soggy puddles, or snowmelt during a commute or hike, you need a pair that can save the day. Enter this waterproof version from Showers Pass. Lined with Merino wool and woven with waterproof membrane, these socks repel moisture and ensure breathability when outdoors. In a lot of ways, they feel like quality compression socks.

We recommend keeping a pair of these while hiking and camping, especially during the wet seasons. Sure, the price is higher than most on the list, but you’re paying for next-level comfort and protection. These socks aren’t just a one-season wonder—they’re built to perform in any unpredictable conditions.

How to Wash Wool Socks

Wool socks aren’t fragile, but you don’t necessarily want to treat them like any old pair of cotton socks you might have. In order to extend the lifespan of your wool socks make sure to wash them according to the care the respective brand provides. Some brands mention washing the socks in cold water, while others might recommend washing in warm—a warm wash will probably be listed for socks that are made with a higher percentage of wool since the wool fabric can tend to lose its shape over time.

For drying, try to air dry your wool socks. This will ensure the fibers don’t come undone or get mangled. Most wool socks can be set to tumble dry on low, so if you don’t have time drying your wool socks this way via machine is your next best option.

Are Merino Wool Socks Better?

Regular wool is warmer than Merino wool, so if you are going for warmth then stick to the traditional fabric. Merino wool on the other hand, is typically much softer and more breathable—hence why many performance socks carry a blend of Merino wool. Merino wool carries these specific qualities because it comes from Merino sheep in Australia—a type of sheep breed that’s likely adapted to the climate in the country over many generations.

The two wool fabrics are too different to declare one wool being better than the other, but rather they suit separate needs. There’s no wrong answer on what you choose so long as you understand the purpose of what you want in a pair of wool socks.