11 Best Wool Socks of 2024
These socks are perfect year-round, from summer to winter and beyond.
Tested by Grace WuTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
You may associate socks with stocking stuffers or a nice, warm sock to gift to the person who runs cold. But wool socks are more versatile that you may think as they are naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, ideal for hiking in the summer or winter to keep feet dry as you move. If your feet are always chilly or you're in need of a new everyday sock, wool socks are a necessary addition to your collection.
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab have tested over 90 different socks for women and men, including 17 pairs of wool socks, and have analyzed over 18,000 data points in total.
Our top picks:
To find the best wool socks of 2023, we consulted results from our Lab tests as well as consumer testers' survey responses. We looked for socks that scored high for abrasion resistance and didn't shrink after multiple washes. When reviewing tester feedback, we considered socks that consumers said felt comfortable, fit well and had good cushion.
At the end of our guide, you can find more information on what to consider when shopping and whether or not 100% wool socks are the best. For more top-performing picks to add to your sock drawer, check out our round-ups of the best grip socks for pilates, barre and yoga as well as the best fuzzy socks to keep you cozy as you snuggle in for movie night.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks
Darn Tough is a popular brand for high performing wool socks that are up to any adventure. Great for hiking or wearing with boots or sneakers, these versatile socks are made from merino wool for a soft feel and have a smooth, seamless design. Testers found the socks super comfortable and say the socks kept their feet sweat-free in the summer and cozy warm in the winter.
One pair of socks is rather expensive at just under $25, but these wool socks are made to last. In fact one tester says, "They are extremely durable, last forever and keep me blister free. I feel very fortunate to have found such a high quality, locally manufactured product." Darn tough even has a lifetime guarantee should you need it.
Material: 66% Merino wool, 32% Nylon, 2% Spandex | Height: Micro-crew or 3/4 crew | Sizing: Small-Large | Machine washable: Yes
You don't have to spend a lot to find a great pair of wool socks. This popular pack on Amazon is under $20 and includes three to five socks in a variety of neutral shades and fun patterns. You probably won't find a better price point or greater value than this pick, and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon across over 13,000 customer reviews suggests you won't compromise on quality either.
One five-star review even says, "I live in these socks." We haven't tested these socks yet but included them in our round-up of the best warm socks for the fluffy interior and plush feel all at an affordable price point. Note that the socks are on the thicker side and may not be the most comfortable in certain shoes.
Material: 45% Polyester, 30% Wool, 15% Spandex, 10% Cotton | Height: Crew | Sizing: One size | Machine washable: Yes
Bombas Women's Lightweight Merino Wool Blend No Show Socks
Bombas is another buzzy sock brand that's performed well in our past tests of no-show socks. The wool version received perfect scores for comfort and staying in place (a main concern when it comes to no-show socks). One tester who said, "They stayed firmly on my feet. No slipping."
Another tester added, "these are awesome for the winter when you want to wear shoes that are lower, and it's frigid and you want to keep your feet warm." Note that while these socks are warm and soft, they don't have cushioning. Bombas does have a cotton-cushioned version, though.
Material: 82% Merino Wool, 16% Polyester, 2% Elastane | Height: No-show | Sizing: Small-Large | Machine washable: Yes
Icebreaker Merino LifeStyle Light Crew Wool Socks for Women
While our experts haven't tested this particular style by Icebreaker, we have evaluated other socks by the brand and continue to be impressed by the standout quality and durability. Amazon shoppers seem to agree with those results when it comes to this pair of wool socks, which have a 4.3-star rating.
One five-star review writes, "I have been wearing these for about eight years and there’s not any wear showing on the heel or anywhere else. They keep my feet dry and warm. They are expensive, but they are worth it!" Other satisfied reviews gave five-stars for comfort, which our testers who tried out another style by Icebreaker also reported. The sleek look of this sock and three neutral shades available make it the perfect sock to wear under more formal wear to work or a family event.
Material: 61% Merino Wool, 37% Nylon, 2% LYCRA | Height: Crew | Sizing: Small-Large | Machine washable: Yes
Smartwool Women's Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks
Moisture-wicking is one of wool's benefits, which is why many athletes turn to this material for the best running socks. This Smartwool pair received high praise for comfort, keeping testers' feet dry, with one tester saying, "I have super sweaty feet, and these kept my feet drier and more comfortable than the socks I typically wear."
In our Lab tests, the socks barely shrunk or showed signs of wear, making them a durable pick that will last — important if you are a frequent runner. Thanks to a super thin design, these socks will feel comfortable in your running shoes. Choose from a wide selection of bright colors including frosty green, power pink and ultra violet.
Material: 46% Merino Wool, 29% Nylon, 22% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane | Height: Ankle | Sizing: Small-Large | Machine washable: Yes
Wigwam Comfort Hiker Socks
Nothing is better for winter weather than cushiony wool socks that wick moisture away from your skin while also providing insulation. That means your feet will stay nice and warm but still feel dry even if you start to sweat. These socks by Wigman are made of luxe merino wool and have a pile-lined interior (an extra layer of loops of yarn to keep your toes even warmer as you shovel snow or sit by the fire).
Although these socks didn't demonstrate the greatest durability in our Lab tests, they barely shrunk after multiple washes and one tester says they are not too thick and not too thin.
Material: 62% Merino Wool, 34% Stretch Nylon, 2% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Height: Crew | Sizing: Small-XL | Machine washable: Yes
Ridge Merino Minaret Lightweight Merino Wool Hiking Crew Socks
When we tested these hiking socks, consumer testers gave great feedback with almost perfect scores across the board for comfort, fit, cushion, temperature regulation and appearance. One tester said they were impressed by how well the socks performed in hot and humid weather, adding that the socks "Were comfortable for forest hikes on flat terrain with some grade changes."
Needless to say, you'll want to have these hiking socks in your daypack for your next hike — so keep an eye on the brand's site for when all of the sizes and colors are back in stock!
Material: 59% Merino Wool, 38% Nylon, 3% Spandex | Height: 3/4 crew | Sizing: Small-XL | Machine washable: Yes
While we haven't formally tested Quince's socks in our Lab yet, initial feedback is positive and the socks have a great price point for four pairs. Available in six beautiful colors (black, charcoal, navy, gray, oatmeal and heathered olive), these merino wool socks have glowing online reviews on the brand's site, amounting to a 4.8-star rating.
Shoppers praise the unbeatable price and comment on how well the socks fit as well as how comfortable they are, thanks to the cushioned footbed and added arch support. We appreciate the seamless toe design to help prevent a bulky fit and the Y-stitched heel meant to mold to your foot's shape. They're perfect for year-round wear, from summer to winter.
Material: 71% Merino Wool, 23% Polyester, 4% Rubber, 1% Spandex, 1% other | Height: Crew | Sizing: XS/S-XL | Machine washable: Yes
Buttons & Pleats Merino Wool Socks for Men and Women
Amazon makes ordering socks easy with two-day shipping for Prime Members, and these wool socks have a 4.6-star rating with more than 5,500 five-star customer reviews calling the three-pack "comfortable and cool in the heat" and a "great winter gift."
We appreciate the budget-friendly price point and the reinforcements in the heel meant to increase durability, as well as the cushioned footbed for extra comfort. The merino wool makes them super soft and we like that the socks have a blend of polyester, nylon and spandex for both structure and stretch.
Material: 80% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Spandex | Height: Crew | Sizing: S/M-M/L | Machine washable: Yes
Darn Tough Animal Haus Crew Lightweight Sock
Across the board, testers liked the appearance of these socks and also gave top scores for overall comfort and fit. One testers says they are a fun option to wear during winter months to keep your feet warm (in style), adding, "they are very cute. I liked that I could wear them without shoes if I wanted to."
There were, however, mixed reviews on the socks tendency to slouch, with some consumer testers saying the socks stayed on while others reported the opposite. Still, testers said they would continue to wear the socks, and with a 4.7-star rating on Amazon it seems that shoppers can't get enough of the different animal patterns, including striped socks with a dog, fox, panda, pig, elephant and more.
Material: 60% Merino Wool, 37% Nylon, 3% Spandex | Height: Crew | Sizing: Small-medium | Machine washable: Yes
VIM&VIGR Merino Wool 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks
Although we haven't tested this particular version of compression socks by Vim & Vigr, the brand's cotton version did well in our latest round of testing, receiving top scores in performance and durability. Compression socks are a great knee-high option for individuals who experience swelling in their feet.
This pair will also keep your feet extra warm while still applying pleasure to help promote blood circulation. The merino wool blend offers breathability too, and we like that you can choose between four colors and patterns if you decide you want something more unique than black, say a rust polka-dot pattern.
Material: 45% Nylon/40% Merino Wool/15% Spandex | Height: Knee-high | Sizing: 1-6 | Machine washable: Yes
What to look for when shopping wool socks
✔️ Materials: Merino wool socks tend to be softer than traditional wool socks and may feel more comfortable for people with sensitive skin. Besides wool, socks will also contain a blend of other fibers, such as synthetic ones like nylon and polyester that add to the structure and shape of the sock. Meanwhile, spandex and elastane offer more stretch and help ensure your sock is snug.
✔️ Height: Wool socks are available in a variety of heights from shorter ones including no-show, ankle, quarter and micro-crew to longer heights such as regular crew and over-the-knee. To help you decide which length is best for you, consider what type of shoe you plan to wear with the wools socks as well as the activities you plan to do in them and whether you want to wear them in the winter, summer or year-round. If you’re pairing your winter boots with socks, chances are, they’ll be crew height or taller as opposed to low-cut no-shows. Instead, no-show socks are ideal for work shoes like loafers and ankle socks are great for running sneakers.
✔️ Intended use: Consider whether you want to wear wool socks everyday or if you are looking for a pair that is specific to an activity. For example, if you intend to hike or run in the socks, you'll want a high-performing pair that scores high for wicking away sweat.
✔️ Care: All of our picks are machine-washable, which makes care easy. To extend the life of your socks, make sure to follow the care label when washing: if the water is too hot, it can damage to the wool fibers and shorten the lifespan of those investment-worthy socks.
Are 100% wool socks the best?
Our pros recommend that shoppers avoid 100% wool socks as they won't fit as snug on your feet. Instead, look for socks that are made up of a blend of other materials including nylon, polyester, spandex and elastane. A 100%-wool sock lacks additional fibers that help create structure and keep the sock in place.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with experts across Labs to ensure all product guides reflect the most current information. She has written on everything from the best comforters on Amazon to the best tennis shoes for women. Before her role at the Institute, she was an Editorial Assistant at Woman's Day.
To update this article, Elizabeth worked with Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu to add new testing data on top-performing socks. Prior to starting at the Institute in 2022, Grace earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress Review
The Best Cooling Blankets
The 15 Best Tinted Sunscreens
The 7 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Pet Stains
