To choose the best wool socks, I kept in mind the following factors, per our experts:
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This roundup includes top-rated options, expert recommendations, and products tested (and loved) by NBC Select staff.
These socks come recommended by Clower — their material is Merino wool blended with nylon and lycra, giving them a stretchy, flexible feel, according to the brand. These socks are thin and lightweight, making them great for everyday wear without overheating your feet, and have a slight cushion on the bottom for added comfort.
Bombas is an NBC Select staff favorite-brand and Wellness Award winner — this option is Merino wool blended with polyester and elastane for a flexible yet firm fit, according to the brand. The socks have a cushioned footbed and a seamless toe for added comfort, along with an elasticized, honeycomb-design support around the arch. The socks also have a blister tab at the back of the opening to prevent ankle chafing while you walk. They’re available in men and women’s sizes.
These socks are lightweight with minimal cushioning, making them ideal for running and high-intensity workouts. They have mesh air zones for extra breathability, which prevents your feet from overheating, along with reinforced toes for added comfort, according to the brand. The Merino wool fabric also helps to regulate the temperature and odor of your feet, while the fit is snug to help prevent friction and blisters.
McClary, a huge fan of Darn Tough socks, says this all-weather pair is one of her absolute favorites because, in over 15 years of wearing them, she’s never gotten a blister. The light cushion and wool-blend material are designed to wick sweat and prevent odor, according to the brand. Their height is just above that of a standard hiking boot for added protection against chafing. Bernard says they’re very durable and “excellent” for a wide range of activities. They also have a seamless toe design to minimize friction and blistering, and come in a version with medium cushioning, too (which McClary also loves).
Another recommendation from Clower, these socks from Darn Tough are designed for casual wear and light activity, according to the brand. They’re made from a lightweight Merino wool blend that allows them to dry quickly, stretch well, and survive the strain of everyday wear. They have no cushion, which the brand says helps them to fit well in any shoe, and a performance fit, meaning they closely hug your feet like a second skin to prevent bunching or slippage while you walk.
These are McClary’s favorite ski socks — you may think you need a thicker sock when it comes to skiing, but she says lightweight socks “will fit significantly better in a performance ski boot.” These socks are made from a Merino wool, nylon and elastane blend that helps to control the temperature of your feet and absorb sweat, according to the brand. It has no cushioning for best fit with performance ski boots, and also reaches over the calf to provide additional cold-weather coverage.
When it comes to heavy-duty or rocky terrain, McClary grabs these wool socks. They have a lightweight material, but a heavy cushion that protects feet from blisters. They’re bunch-free, quick-drying and have anti-odor properties, according to the brand.
Clowers also recommends these lightweight Merino wool blend socks from Fox River. They have a medium cushion for extra footbase padding and a flat, knit toe seam for added comfort at the front of your shoes. To help your feet stay cool, the socks have mesh venting panels on the sides, along with reinforced material along the heel and toe line for extra durability, according to the brand.
Bernard says these socks from Icebreaker are ideal for warmer climates because of their lightweight texture. They have light cushioning and ankle and instep support for added stability while walking, according to the brand. The brand says they’re designed for day hiking and warmer conditions, and that the socks have improved ventilation around the middle of the foot for increased breathability.
These socks from Smartwool are great for long, cold periods of outdoor activity. They’re made from a thick Merino wool blend for maximum warmth, and have a plush bottom cushioning for comfort while out in the cold, according to the brand. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown says that these socks are her “most cherished gift” from a bridesmaid goodie bag she received years ago. “The wedding was in the Midwest and it was cold, so these came in handy and I still use them today,” she says. The socks also have an elasticized arch brace for added support and to ensure a secure fit, according to the brand.
These knee high socks are made from a thick Merino wool blend that makes them great for winter and ice sports, according to the brand. They’re designed with terry loops in the forefoot, heel and toe to minimize friction and help absorb shock as you walk, along with padded areas on the front shin where skiers may need more cushion, according to Hylaea. The socks also have an elastic band around the foot for compressive arch support.
These socks from Fitrell are made of a Merino wool and cotton blend to reduce itchiness. They have a reinforced heel and toe area to increase durability and prevent holes, along with a cushioned footbed for added comfort while walking, according to the brand. They also have a smooth toe seam and an arch compression area to help stop the formation of blisters.
When shopping for wool socks, considering these factors can guide your decision-making:
Merino wool is a wool fiber grown year-round in Australia by Merino sheep. It has a softer, finer texture than normal wool, which is what allows it to be so smooth and lightweight. Clower says that, compared to regular wool, Merino wool also has more naturally odor-repelling properties. It’s also better at regulating temperature, as well as absorbing and wicking away moisture from your feet.
“Wool socks are ideal for sweaty feet,” says Bernard. “Wool fibers wick moisture away from the skin by absorbing it into the core of each fiber and releasing it gradually,” he says. “This keeps feet dry, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.” Wool also has natural anti-bacterial and odor-resistant properties.
McClary says the main downsides to wool socks is that they can feel itchy to some people. She also says that if you don’t pick the correct thickness for your activity, you may be too hot or too cold. Bernard also says that wool socks, especially ones made from Merino wool, can be pricey, and may take longer to dry than synthetic materials.
Clower says you can either hand wash or machine wash them. To hand wash, he suggests using a mild detergent with cold water, as warm or hot water can result in fabric shrinkage. For a machine wash, put your socks on a gentle or wool cycle and adjust the temperature settings for cold water.
Yes, you can. Since wool is naturally sweat-wicking, it makes for a great workout sock material, especially if it’s Merino wool. The natural odor-repelling and temperature-regulating properties are ideal for keeping your feet dry, cool and as fresh as possible during your workout.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more, including stories on the best exercise bikes under $500 and the best travel mugs. For this article, I spoke to outdoor gear experts about the best wool socks for everyday and outdoor wear, including their recommendations and guidance on how to shop for a pair of your own.
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