While many socks are made from inexpensive materials like polyester, you’re more likely to see benefits from socks that are made entirely from or from blends of more substantial—and therefore, more expensive—materials, such as wool and cotton. Merino wool is lightweight, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and insulating, but it’s definitely not the softest option out there. (Although it’s not nearly as scratchy as those sweaters your mom used to make you wear for the family holiday card.) Cotton is soft, breathable and a great option for those with wool allergies, but it’s also more likely to absorb moisture and therefore emits that rather unpleasant rancid sauerkraut smell more quickly. Another option is cashmere, which is not only moisture-wicking, like wool, and breathable, like cotton, but is also most certainly the softest of the three. That being said, it’s also higher-maintenance, less durable, and often more expensive than wool or cotton options, meaning cashmere is a good “special occasion” sock material, but not necessarily a good one for everyday wear. Whether you’re walking, running, hiking, or biking, here are the top 12 socks that will keep your toes feeling toasty. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
12 Warm Socks
L.L.Bean Adults’ Merino Wool Ragg Socks (2-Pack), $35, L.L.Bean
If you’ve ever wanted to do your own Risky Business dance routine when home alone, these are the socks to do it in. With eight colors and four sizes to choose from and a solid one-year limited warranty, you’ll get double the warmth with none of that itchy discomfort with this two-pack of L.L.Bean’s Merino Wool Ragg Socks. L.L.Bean’s Adults’ Merino Wool Ragg Socks (2-Pack), $35, L.L.Bean
Bombas Performance Hiking Crew Socks, $16, Nordstrom
From their quality cotton blend to their commitment to donate a pair of socks to U.S. homeless shelters for each pair sold, the Bombas Performance Hiking Crew Socks are sure to put some pep in your step. Their thermoregulating knitted design ensures your feet won’t get too hot, too cold, or too sweaty—what more could you ask for? Plus, Bombas’ lifetime warranty is the bomb.com. Bombas Performance Hiking Crew Socks, $16, Nordstrom
Bare Necessities Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Plush Socks, $15, Bare Necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife with the Bare Necessities Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Plush Socks. With six fresh colors to choose from, these are the perfect go-to wherever you wander and wherever you roam—even if it’s just from the couch to your bed during a lazy day at home. Bare Necessities Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Plush Socks, $15, Bare Necessities
Nestwell Cashmere Bed Socks, $20, Bed Bath & Beyond
Why only walk on Cloud 9 when you could sleep on it too with the Nestwell Cashmere Bed Socks? With clean lines and three classic colors to choose from, these plush socks are made with 65% Merino wool for sturdiness and 23% cashmere for softness, so your feet can bask in their snug, downy feel for years to come. Nestwell Cashmere Bed Socks, $20, Bed Bath & Beyond
UGG Cozy Chenille Sock, $20, UGG
Believe it or not, you’ll be walking on air with the UGG Cozy Chenille Socks—one might even say, you never thought you could feel so free. These fluffy socks are knitted from a soft chenille yarn in six bright, confetti-patterned colorways. Whether you want to wear them on a flight or while lounging at home, these socks are luxuriously thick without being too bulky. UGG Cozy Chenille Sock, $20, UGG
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, $24, Darn Tough
We would walk 500 miles and we would walk 500 more if we were trekking through the woods in a pair of the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crews. If you’re tired of your hiking socks scrunching, bunching, slipping, and causing angry blisters, this mid-weight, Merino wool blend socks are the ones for you. They’re available in a variety of colors in both men’s and women’s sizes, and who doesn’t love a lifetime guarantee? Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, $24, Darn Tough
Smartwool Everyday Margarita Crew Socks, $20, Smartwool
Have you blown out your flip-flops? Or stepped on a pop-top? Regardless of what aches and pains your feet may be feeling, the comfortable and vibrant Smartwool Everyday Margarita Crew Socks are anything but a waste. These 60% Merino wool socks offer light cushioning and a secure, no-slip fit. They’re available for $20 in women’s sizes, and you can snag them for $2 more in men’s sizes as well. Smartwool Everyday Margarita Crew Socks, $20, Smartwool
Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light No Show Tab, $18, Zappos
If our suggestions knocked your, well, socks off, good news—you have plenty of replacements to choose from. With fall on the horizon and winter close behind, there isn’t a better time to start upping your sock game, so run, don’t walk, to pick up some of these options today! Next up: The coziest, best sweatpants for women.
