You can wear the warmest coat and coziest thermal in the world, but if your socks are lacking, your toes will still freeze. This is where wool socks come in. For while we love all kinds of socks, when the mercury plummets, only hosiery of the wooly variety allow us to commute in total comfort.
Generally speaking, the best wool socks for men are made from merino wool. Warm, naturally water-repellent, and breathable, it’s nature’s own magic fabric. But cashmere socks have their place too, especially when talking about dress socks. And of course, within those two wools alone, there are countless blends and variations in thickness to pay attention too.
All that to say: Like any menswear essential, there are thousands of wool socks on the market these days, and the challenge is to surface the very best. Below, the only pairs you need to consider, for every budget and lifestyle. (And below that, enjoy some grail knowledge on blends and materials, should you really want to get into the weeds.)
The Wool Socks Hit List
Wool Socks Under $25
Smartwool
Everyday Solid Rib Crew Socks
The clue’s in the name: Smartwool knows how to get the most out of merino wool. The entire sock line is strong, but these Everyday crew socks are the MVP—with light cushioning, they’re ready for a long walk, but won’t boil you alive while binge-watching on the couch. Bonus points for the seamless construction,“stay put” fit, and being made in America.
Goldtoe
Men’s Windsor Wool Crew Socks, 3-Pack
Gold Toe has been the gold standard in the businessman’s sock world for over 90 years. They’re comfortingly classic, with a blend of warming wool and just a bit of stretch — perfect for work, and more formal winter outfits. And of course, the signature reinforced gold toe design adds an extra bit of distinction should you find yourself at a shoes-off house party.
American Trench
The Merino Retro Stripe
Made in America from soft Italian merino wool, American Trench’s wool socks pack a lot of value into a $20 price point. The striped retro design adds a sporty touch, but the rare white wool—a color usually reserved for cotton socks—is a personal standout here. With a cushioned footbed for all-day comfort and stay-up fit, it’s no wonder it’s a GQ Recommends All-Star.
Boardroom Socks
Mid Calf Dress Socks
Fed up with the sorry state of today’s over-the-calf socks, textile industry veteran Mike James started Boardroom with his wife and youngest son. Made in North Carolina, the result—breathable, premium Merino wool stockings, in all manner of pleasing colorways—is enough to make us all work a bit harder to secure that corner office.
Darn Tough
Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock
Walk into any hiking store, and there’s a good chance socks from Vermont’s Darn Tough are proudly displayed. The brand’s built a cult following not just for its exceptional quality, durability, and comfort, but also because the socks come with an almost unheard-of perk: a lifetime guarantee. (Though the design team sort of knows you won’t need it.) The most popular style comes in this nice Neptune color, but also five other, muted ones if you don’t want to shine as bright.
Bombas
Landscape Merino Blend Wool Crew Socks
Just over a decade ago, Bombas followed up their crowd-sourcing campaign with a successful appearance on Shark Tank. Today, Bombas is still the show’s most successful company, boasting over $1 billion in revenue. Once you try the socks, it’s easy to see why: The brand’s unique design features signature honeycomb stitching for added arch support, and the wool-blend styles are perfect for winter. Though it’s not all high-tech stuff: peep the alpine motif on this woolly pair.
Wool Socks Under $50
Pantherella
Merino Wool Blend Dress Socks
Pantherella has been crafting top-notch dress socks in Leicester, England, since 1937, and they’re still keeping things local. Known for their seamless hard-linked toes, meaning no more annoying seam rub, these socks keep your feet comfy at work so you can remain focused on creating shareholder value. They also come in six different colorways—everyone still needs Sunday off at least.
Todd Snyder
Merino Dress Sock
WWD’s 2024 Menswear Designer of the Year—and Recommends’ menswear designer of basically every year—doesn’t overlook the little things, like these Italian-made merino blend dress socks from the famed Biellese mill, Tollegno 1900.
Rototo
Double-Faced Merino Sock
This truly thick pair from Japanese sock savants Rototo is uniquely double-faced, with Merino wool on the outside for warmth and cotton on the inside for softness and breathability—the best of both worlds. Plus, the raw hemmed edge adds a cozy, mountain cabin touch.
CDLP
Mid-Length Wool Rib Sock
CDLP’s underwear and tank tops are Recommends mainstays, so it’s no surprise that the Swedish brand’s socks have ended up here. The designers prize organic, local and sustainable sourcing with their warmer-weather bamboo socks, and the winter version is no different, using ethically-sourced wool, along with a reinforced toe and heel.
Anonymous Ism
Wool Ski JQ Crew
It’s not a list of best socks without Anonymous Ism, the two decade old first name in unusual Japanese socks. Known for its playful patterns, this pair features a ski and snow-inspired design that brings a little après vibe to your everyday rotation.
Barbour
Fair Isle Socks
Want to be Barbour-maxxing? The wax jacket, vintage Range Rover, and Golden Retriever named “Archibald” aren’t enough. These Fair Isle socks (in thick, toasty lambswool) will complete you.
John Smedley
Rowsley Socks
For over 230 years, Smedley has been crafting some of the finest knitwear from their factory in Derbyshire, England. (In fact, the term “long johns” is said to have originated from John Smedley.) The brand has even earned the admiration of the royal family, receiving an official Royal Warrant in 2024. These dressy merino socks have a touch of nylon—proving that stretch is indeed fit for a King.
Falke
Wool Crew Socks
If Darn Tough socks line hiking store shelves, dress socks from family-owned German brand Falke adorn the shelves of higher-end men’s tailors. This cotton-wool blend has flat seams and targeted cushioning. German engineering—not just reserved for cars.
Wool Socks Over $50
The Elder Statesman
Yosemite Ribbed Cashmere Socks
Cashmere is The Elder Statesman’s bread and butter, so it’s no surprise they’ve used the material to whip up one of the most luxurious pairs of socks around. Like returning to coach after flying first class, these could ruin regular wool socks for you forever, but it might be worth it.
Johnstons of Elgin
Cashmere-Blend Socks
Johnstons of Elgin, one of Scotland’s oldest knitwear companies, is best known for their luxurious cashmere sweaters. Here, they’ve taken their knack for fine knitwear to a rich Donegal wool sock, and the contrast heel and toe add a thoughtful touch. Aye!
Tekla
Tekla x Auralee Baby Cashmere Night Socks
Two of 2025’s most buzzed-about fabric powerhouses have joined forces to create a cozy pair of what they’re calling “night socks.” Personally, I’d ignore that and wear them all day.
Drake’s
Beige Striped Donegal Wool Socks
Here, Drake’s brings together the holy trinity of Merino, cashmere, and silk in a sock with vintage athletic vibes. The result is warm, breathable, and luxuriously soft but with a silky sheen.
What to Look for in Wool Socks
While cashmere socks have their (indulgent) days for city dwellers, generally merino wool is top of the heap for an all-purpose winter sock, offering excellent insulation, softness and moisture-wicking properties to help you avoid cold, clammy feet. (This is why serious hikers steer clear of cotton socks, which trap moisture and can freeze in colder temperatures.) Merino is so magical that it isn’t just for winter— its natural breathability makes it a great choice for outdoor activities in warmer summer weather, keeping your feet cool, dry and comfortable year-round. Merino (and cashmere) wools are also naturally antimicrobial, keeping stink-producing bacteria at bay, which means you can often wear them for multiple days before washing, as long as they get enough air overnight.
For Merino blends, aim for at least 40% wool for softness and warmth; additional materials are often added to enhance fit, durability, flexibility, and temperature-regulation. For cashmere socks, look for at least 80% cashmere for maximum softness. Pay attention to thickness, too, you’ll want lighter ones for fitting into dress shoes, and thicker ones for lounging around at home.
Once the blends are looking right, the next thing to consider is construction: A well-constructed cuff and arch support helps the socks stay up and maintain their shape without cutting off much-needed circulation. Cushioning can be a game-changer for activities like hiking or all-day wear, and look for seamless or flat-linked toes to prevent irritation and blisters (Pantherella and Gold Toe do this well.) Lastly, while reinforced heels and toes are often touted as a durability feature, keeping your toenails trimmed can be just as important—sharp nails are a common culprit behind holes in your favorite socks.
