There are plenty of different types of socks out there, but very few of them can offer the unparalleled comfort of merino wool socks.
The best merino wool socks take advantage of the natural properties associated with merino wool while still incorporating modern features. Gone are the days of stiff, cotton tube socks that constantly slide down to your ankles.
Over the years, merino wool has become a much more prominent material for socks because of its breathability, odor resistance, and various other benefits. Modern merino socks are soft, comfortable, and able to endure the many facets of life.
It’s for many of these reasons that merino wool socks have become some of the best socks for men, but what should you look for in the ideal pair? There are plenty of merino wool sock options to choose from that accommodate different lifestyles. Whether you’re searching for something to wear while exploring the great outdoors or just lounging around the house, you can find what you’re looking for on this list.
So let’s slip into 8 of the best merino wool socks for men in 2023.
Key Takeaways
While researching this article, I searched far and wide for top notch merino wool socks, ultimately ending up with the eight finalists on this list. The three most important factors I took into consideration were comfort, weight, and style. Overall, the best merino wool socks for men are the London Sock Co. Merino Heroes. Another excellent pair has to be the Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking Socks.
Why they’re great: The London Sock Company Merino Heroes are not only luxurious, but breathable, naturally antibacterial, and hypoallergenic. The quality of these socks is abundantly clear in the choice of materials and construction. They’re versatile enough to be worn each season of the year, and they even come in a classy box which adds to the overall experience.
How they feel: These socks feature a ribbed design, sitting around mid-calf. Not only are they durable, but extremely comfortable as well.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: As with many luxury items, price is typically the hardest pill to swallow. While these socks might be on the pricier side, the quality and comfort you get in return are well worth it.
Material: 85% Merino Wool, 15% Polyamide | Sizes: XS-L | Colors: 3 | Style: Mid-Calf
Why they’re great: As a fairly inexpensive option, these Caudblor Merino Socks are moisture-wicking and breathable. Cleaning them is also a breeze because they’re machine washable. Additionally, they’re the perfect height for hiking boots or just lying around the house in comfort.
How they feel: These socks keep your feet feeling super cozy—the fabric feels reminiscent of a terry-cloth towel.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These Caudblor merino socks only accommodate men with shoe sizes between 8 and 12. These are not necessarily meant for men with smaller feet.
Material: Merino Wool | Sizes: 8-12 | Colors: 3 | Style: Low Cut
Why they’re great: These Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks will never leave your feet feeling itchy. Since they’re primarily designed for hiking, they have an excellent amount of cushioning and are easy to wash in a pinch. Despite being labeled hiking socks, they would also be a great choice for plenty of other lifestyles as well–like serving as a boot sock.
How they feel: These socks are moderately heavy and offer a reasonable amount of compression throughout the foot. The interior of the sock is finely knit and super soft.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The most apparent downside of these socks is that they don’t seem to be very durable. Some reviewers claim holes have appeared as early as 2 months into wearing them, but others claim these socks have lasted years before starting to show signs of wear.
Material: 80% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Spandex | Sizes: S-L | Colors: 2 | Style: Crew
Why they’re great: These Danish Endurance merino hiking socks provide excellent insulation for cooler days on the trail. On the other hand, a variety of ventilation zones integrated into the design ensure your feet get the air they need on hot days as well. To top it off, these socks offer padding from heel to toe for maximum comfort on grueling, rocky terrain.
How they feel: These socks are relatively thin with some cushioning for added comfort and durability.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: As previously mentioned, these socks are on the thinner side and are not as thick as some other options. While the insulation will help with moderate temperature drops, they won’t be as reliable as a thick pair of winter socks.
Material: 30% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 33% Acrylic, 1% Elastane | Sizes: 3.5-16 | Colors: 10 | Style: Crew
Why they’re great: The classic design of these Fox River socks makes them easy to pair with almost any type of outfit. The medium weight also makes them an ideal candidate for both warm and cold weather. Additionally, the micro-spring coils integrated into the design offer plenty of shock absorption for daily wear.
How they feel: These socks feature a simple ribbed design, yet are “remarkably comfortable” as one reviewer put it.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: One of the only flaws regarding these socks is that they’re limited in color and size. They only come in a single “natural” color, and sizing ranges between medium and extra-large.
Material: 65% Wool, 35% Stretch Nylon | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 1 | Style: Crew
Why they’re great: Bombas utilizes modern cushioning technology for these Merino Blend Calf Socks which makes them incredibly comfortable. The Y-Stitch heel also creates a comfortable cup around the heel of your foot. Combine that with some stay-up technology, and you’ll be saved from having to constantly readjust your socks throughout the day.
How they feel: These socks are soft and comfortable with a solid amount of arch support. They also feature moderate cushioning to reduce exhaustion in your feet.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The biggest flaw of these socks is that they might be tight around your calves. Some reviewers claim the elastic band at the top isn’t large enough for them; however, this issue only seems to affect a small minority of people who wear them.
Material: 77% Merino Wool, 22% Polyester, 3% Elastane | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 8 | Style: Mid-Calf
Why they’re great: The Cupron technology found in these socks utilizes copper to eliminate odor, making them a great option for work in even the harshest conditions. Strategic compression zones add some much-needed arch support for long days on your feet. Not to mention, these socks are tall enough to be worn with pretty much any type of work boot, including cowboy boots.
How they feel: With the base fabric being Cupron polyester, these socks balance utility and comfort exceptionally well. That being said they might not be as soft as some other merino wool socks.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Merino wool only makes up about 13% of the blended materials in these socks. If you’re a merino wool purist and want a pair mostly made of wool, these might not be right for you.
Material: 37% Cupron Polyester, 31% Nylon, 13% Merino Wool, 13% Acrylic, 4% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 3 | Style: Crew
Why they’re great: These L.L. Bean Wool Ragg socks are made from super heavyweight merino wool. They forgo the “itchy” stereotype often associated with ragg socks, featuring an itch-free design. They’re also 10 inches tall which will keep as much of your legs covered from the cold as possible.
How they feel: The heavyweight nature of these socks makes them very thick but also extremely comfortable.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Seeing as these are heavyweight winter socks, you won’t necessarily want to throw them on in the blistering heat of summer.
Material: Heavyweight Blend of 77% Merino Wool, 21% Stretch Nylon, 2% Lycra Elastane | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 4 | Style: Crew
Buying Considerations For The Best Merino Wool Socks For Men
Comfort
Comfort is probably the most important consideration when looking at the best merino wool socks for men. With any pair of socks, you want complete and total comfort, no matter how long you plan to be on your feet. Luckily, most merino wool socks these days are extremely comfortable. However, some choices feature more support and cushioning than others, so take your needs/preferences into consideration before adding to cart.
Weight
The weight of your socks is also crucial because it determines what time of year you can wear them. Merino wool is naturally insulating and breathable, yet the thickness of the fabric can magnify or minimize these benefits. Thin merino wool socks are more breathable, meaning they’ll likely thrive in the spring, summer, and fall. On the other hand, heavyweight merino wool socks are better at insulating, which means they should mostly be reserved for the fall and winter seasons.
Style
The style of sock you choose is a personal preference but it’s just as important of a consideration as the other factors here. Some people prefer crew or even no-show socks, while others may prefer a taller pair. The cut determines how you wear them and with what type of attire. In general, shorter cuts tend to be more casual while higher cuts can be worn formally or casually. Style also includes the color and pattern of your socks, which can be used to add some flare to an outfit.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a writer at FashionBeans, I’ve done my fair share of research into men’s attire and style trends. I’ve also been putting these principles into practice for over a decade, trying out different brands and determining what’s best. When it comes to foot comfort, it’s nearly impossible to beat a cozy pair of merino wool socks. So, I made sure to include only the very best options on this list, narrowing down dozens of pairs to get the 8 finalists on this list. Hopefully, these recommendations will inform you of what to expect when searching for the best merino wool socks.
Final Verdict
In the end, the best merino wool socks have to be the London Sock Co. Merino Heroes. They’re extremely versatile and feature modern technology for maximum comfort in almost any situation. The Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking Socks are another great choice with a focus on outdoor exploration.
FAQ
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The best percentage for merino wool socks ultimately depends on how you plan to use them. The more merino wool is used, the more natural benefits you will ultimately receive. However, the inclusion of materials like nylon and elastane can make your socks more water resistant or stretchy. A standard number is around 80% merino wool and 20% other materials.
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Merino wool socks are an excellent option to throw in your sock drawer. They’re incredibly comfortable and have natural benefits like moisture-wicking capabilities. Merino wool is also an environmentally friendly material that can last a long time if cared for properly.
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Merino wool naturally reduces odor which means you won’t need to wash your socks as frequently as, say, a pair of cotton socks. However, when it is time for a wash, how you do so depends on the blend of materials. Socks with a high concentration of wool may need to be washed by hand, but most will likely be machine washable.
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