JSYK, Winter Is No Match for These Ultra-Cozy Thermal Socks
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JSYK, Winter Is No Match for These Ultra-Cozy Thermal Socks
Remember when you were a kid and you'd open a pair of socks from your parents and be like, "Ugh, srsly, more socks??" Yeah, that's probs not the case anymore. With adulthood comes the realization that a pair of super-cozy socks is actually one of the best presents you can receive, especially when the temps outside start to drop. Whether you spend your winters skiing, skating, hiking, or hibernating, the best thermal socks are sure to make those chilly months a bit more bearable, 'cause I don't know about you, but losing a toe to frostbite is not my idea of a good time.
Even if you invest in the coziest winter jacket out there, you won't last five minutes in the snow without a good pair of socks (and I can guarantee that no one wants to listen to you whine about your chilly lil toes). Merino wool and acrylic socks are your best bets for keeping warm and comfy (but not gross and sweaty), and believe me when I say that not all socks are created equal. Yes, a pair of awesome thermal socks can be a bit pricy, but they're an investment worth making—especially if you get someone to buy 'em for you. Our personal faves, ICYWW:
Our top picks for thermal socks for 2022:
If you like your slippers more than you like most people, then you'll wanna add these top-rated thermal socks to your shopping list ASAP. Your feet will thank you for them, promise.
Getty - 2/15
Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks
bombas.com
$20.00
Material: 77% merino wool, 21% polyester, 2% spandex
In the world of thermal socks, Bombas are legit royalty—and yes, they really, really do live up to the hype. Featuring a cushioned footbed and Honeycomb Support System that cradles your arches, these socks are comfortable and breathable enough to wear every damn day, and they're a purchase you can feel good about, since Bombas donates one pair of socks for each pair sold.
THE REVIEWS: "I'm a repeat Bombas customer—these socks are as fantastic as socks can get," reads one review. "What else would drive a person to go to a specific website to order socks!?! Warning: Once you wear Bombas socks, all the other socks in your drawer will feel like junk. Might as well clean out your sock drawer now— you'll dig through them all looking for your Bombas."
Bombas - 3/15
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight Hiking Sock
Darn Tough
amazon.com
$27.95
Material: 69% merino wool, 27% nylon, 4% lycra spandex
Made in Vermont, these moisture-wicking, odor-resistant socks feature plenty of cushion, as well as virtually undetectable seams for a smooth, invisible feel. The best part: Darn Tough socks have a lifetime guarantee, so they'll legit last forever—and on the off chance your socks wear, tear, or develop holes, Darn Tough will replace them, no questions asked.
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, "So never in my life did I think I would spend so much money on a single pair of socks. However, after putting them on it was quite evident that these were in fact much more cushioned than any other sock I’ve ever worn. The best part is the do add cushion to your shoes... I really was in disbelief that not only did my feet stay cushioned but cool and dry as well."
Darn Tough - 4/15
Farm to Feet Damascus 3/4 Crew Socks
Farm to Feet
amazon.com
$21.50
Material: 52% nylon, 44% merino wool, 4% lycra spandex
Attention, ppl with sweaty feet: These lightweight merino wool crew socks boast a ventilation channel that'll keep you from overheating, and it's a game-changer. You'll also love the targeted full-density cushioning on the heels and toes, as well as the fact that—just like Darn Tough—Farm to Feet offers a lifetime guarantee.
THE REVIEWS: "A friend recommended these socks to me, and his recommendation was spot on!" one person writes. "The socks have extra cushioning in the toes and the heels, which provides comfort during long walks. There is support for the arch in between the cushioning. I found the socks true to size and fit well. This was money well spent. Buy them—you'll like them."
Farm to Feet - 5/15
L.L.Bean Bean Boot Socks
llbean.com
$24.95
Material: 78% merino wool, 15% nylon, 6% polyester, 1% lycra spandex
For supreme warmth, go with these extra-soft, heavyweight merino lambswool socks from L.L.Bean, which wrap your feet in coziness while also wicking away moisture and keeping odor at bay. Reviewers L-O-V-E these bestselling socks for their flat toe seams, thick cushioning, and unbeatable toastiness.
THE REVIEWS: As one person notes, "I live in central Maine. The weather gets pretty cold up here and these socks perform beautifully. They keep my feet warm and are extremely comfortable. The seam over the toes is flat, which adds to the comfort level. Once I started wearing these socks, I donated all my other winter socks to Goodwill and use only these. I love them. Period."
L.L.Bean - 6/15
Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks
Smartwool
amazon.com
$26.00
Material: 62% merino wool, 12% nylon, 24% recycled nylon, 2% elastane
What makes these socks so damn comfy, you ask? It probably has something to do with the virtually seamless toes, performance-oriented fit, body-mapped mesh zones, and the generous full-foot cushion. Plus, these socks are made with Indestructawool technology for incredible durability, which means they'll last ya through many, many cold-weather hikes.
THE REVIEWS: "These are exactly what I needed for long hikes," writes one tester. "In conjunction with a toe sock liner, they’re ridiculously comfortable and drastically reduce chances of blisters and hot spots. They have held up very well over several months, fairly constant wear, and many washes. I expect they will last for years."
Smartwool - 7/15
FITS Medium Hiker Crew Socks
FITS
amazon.com
$23.99
Material: 70% merino wool, 22% nylon, 6% polyester, and 2% lycra
With their patented Full Contact Fit technology, these merino wool socks are designed to hug your foot securely all day long without ever constricting your movement, so you'll never have to worry about tugging these bbs back up. In addition to boasting a non-slip fit, these bad boys also have impressive durability and incredibly breathability.
THE REVIEWS: "FITS are the best wool socks I have ever used," one customer raves. "Lots of good brands out there, but FITS holds up the best, fits the best, and is the most comfortable."
FITS - 8/15
Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Heavy Crew Socks
women's
icebreaker.com
$19.50
Material: 65% merino wool, 33% nylon, 2% lycra
When it comes to all your cold weather activities, these durable and odor-resistant Icebreaker socks mean SERIOUS business. Ideal for rugged hikes and backpacking trips, this option is perfectly toasty but still lightweight, with tons of cushioning, seamless toe closures, and a breathe zone for improved ventilation. Oh, and did we mention the lifetime guarantee??
THE REVIEWS: "These are my favorite backpacking socks," says one buyer. "They're thick, soft, and fitted. I recently wore them on a trip where we had to cross streams, soaking my feet. My feet felt great, wet socks and all, and I never got a blister. That happened several times. I wouldn't hike without them!"
Icebreaker - 9/15
Carhartt Heavyweight Synthetic Wool Blend Boot Sock
Carhartt
amazon.com
$11.99
Material: 72% acrylic, 15% wool, 11% nylon, 1% polyester, 1% elastane
If you can't justify spending big bucks on a new pair of socks, then you should probs go with this beloved wool blend pair from Carhartt. Made with soft, abrasion-resistant yarns, these budget-friendly thermal socks feature extra cushioning at the heel, arch, and toe, as well as mesh insteps for breathability, and reviewers say the thickness is *perfection.*
THE REVIEWS: "I just love these socks," one person writes. "They fit correctly. Not too tight, but snug enough not to bunch when you put boots on.T hey are warm and perfect for wearing around the house—cushy and comfy. Price is very good and quality is excellent."
Carhartt - 10/15
Thorlos Maximum Cushion Crew Hiking Socks
thorlos
amazon.com
$16.99
Material: 85% THOR•LON acrylic, 11% nylon, 4% elastic
Wanna feel like you're walking on lil clouds? These extra-cushioned hiking socks from Thorlos are the way to go. Packed with cushy padding in the instep and arch, these socks provide more support and put less pressure on your feet, while the built-in ventilation panel for allows for moisture control and breathability.
THE REVIEWS: "These socks are so comfortable and the cushioning is perfect for long hikes," one customer notes. "I wore them on my 22-mile hike of Mt. Whitney and my feet felt great."
Thorlos - 11/15
Allbirds Trino Cozy Crew
Home
allbirds.com
$24.00
Material: 50% Tencel, 22% merino wool, 17% recycled nylon, 4% recycled polyester, 4% polyester, 1% nylon, 2% spandex
Hi, did you know that Allbirds makes super-cozy socks? Made with a blend of superfine ZQ Merino wool and other recycled materials, this pair will keep you warm without leaving you overheated, and the reinforced bottoms will keep these socks looking like new for years.
THE REVIEWS: As one reviewer says, "Somehow these are cozy, silky, and dry simultaneously. The inner texture of the fabric is like a little massage. I love the cushiony thickness, too—especially on cold wood flooring. I wear these in bed and they are also luxurious to wear under the covers."
Allbirds - 12/15
Danish Endurance Merino Wool Light Hiking Socks
DANISH ENDURANCE
amazon.com
$15.95
Material: 30% merino wool, 36% nylon, 33% acrylic, 1% elastane
Nothing will ruin your day faster than sweaty socks (especially when the temperature drops below freezing). That's why these performance socks from Danish Endurance were designed with the help of a Everest mountaineer to keep your toes dry and happy. They've got anti-blister targeted cushioning, moisture-wicking cool mesh, and they'll keep your feet the ideal temp all day.
THE REVIEWS: "Absolutely AMAZING!!" raves one buyer. "No sweating or irritation at all!! Went on a 6-mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak for about 5 hours, and it was like I had a brand new pair on at the end."
Danish Endurance - 13/15
Patagonia Heavyweight Merino Performance Knee-Length Socks
patagonia.com
$32.00
Material: 57% merino wool, 40% nylon, 3% polyurethane worsted sock yarn
Anyone who's hitting the slopes this season will want to keep toasty warm all the way up to their knees. Enter: these heavy-duty wool socks from Patagonia. Made with responsibly-sourced merino wool blended with nylon and polyurethane for stretch, these super-tall ski socks are snug enough to stay right in place without cutting off your circulation.
THE REVIEWS: "I use these socks to ski, both at the resort and touring. Overall really positive experience with them!" one person writes. "They fit great and have just enough compression to stay in place and not slop around, but also good circulation. The wool blend is super nice for moisture management when touring and working up a sweat, which is key to keeping the feet warm."
Patagonia - 14/15
Brother Vellies Winter Sock
brothervellies.com
$35.00
Material: 83% organic cotton, 15% nylon, 2% spandex
For those who love warm toes but just CANNOT deal with wool (or for those who have a wool allergy), these organic cotton socks from Brother Vellies are a great substitute. Though incredibly soft and breathable—because, ya know, cotton—they're still thick enough to get you through all the coldest days this winter.
Brother Vellies - 15/15
Tabio Premium Finest Merino Crew Socks
tabiousa.com
$25.00
Material: 86% merino wool, 13% nylon, 1% polyurethane
When it comes to thermal socks, it doesn't get any more luxe than this celebrity-approved pair from Tabio. Made with the world's highest quality of superfine wool (which makes 'em feel even softer and cozier than cashmere), these versatile and durable socks are pretty much impossible to take off once you put them on.
Tabio
Whether you spend your winters skiing, skating, hiking, or hibernating, the best thermal socks are sure to make those winter months a bit more bearable.
