So you’re a sweaty gent and your work boots always feel like a South American rain forest by the end of the workday.
You think you’ve tried everything.
You may be one step away from solving your problem, and it’s probably just buying the right socks. You’d be surprised what a difference a good moisture-fighting pair can make.
Whether you work construction, you’re a lineman, or you work in a warehouse, these are five best socks for sweaty feet in work boots right here.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
Our list is based on personal experience and a lot of research, online and in the wild. I have a lot of experience on the ranch and on the hunt, while several of my colleagues and resources range from construction workers and firefighters to hikers and loggers.
Different situations call for unique features, so we’ve broken our down choices into distinct categories so you can choose the right pair for your needs.
5 Moisture Wicking Socks for Sweaty Feet in Work Boots
Best Overall: Camel City Mill Lightweight Work Socks
Made in the USA from Merino wool, these work socks really are something else in terms of quality. They feature compression through the arch and calf which helps your feet recover after a long day. Plus, because they're Merino wool, they're breathable and help reduce foot sweat.
You know a brand is confident in their product if they’re willing to offer a 10 year durability guarantee on it.
The Camel City Mill Lightweight work sock is 53% Ironside Merino wool, which is the best material for sweat-wicking.
It might come as a surprise, but Merino wool is 25% more effective at wicking sweat than polyester and 15% more effective than cotton. So if you want dry feet, you want Merino wool.
Beyond the wool, Camel City Mill Lightweight socks have compression through the calf and arch so my feet recover faster after a 12-hour shift.
They also have a bit of padding in the toe and heel, which makes them very comfortable with work boots.
What I Like
Ironside Merino wool is the best sweat wicking material you can get in socks—beats polyester and cotton all day.
Camel City Mill socks are all made in the USA (North Carolina to be exact).
These socks come with a 10 year durability guarantee.
What I Don’t Like
Right now they’re only available in black.
What Other Reviewers Say
One particular review on the Camel City Mill site is particularly telling: mailmen who walk 16 miles a day tend to end up with wrinkly, sweaty feet. But Camel City Mill Lightweight socks have apparently solved that problem.
The Verdict
The Camel City Mill Lightweight is the best work sock I’ve ever worn, and it’s a game changer if you typically struggle with sweaty feet.
Due to the high Merino wool content, they’re durable, they keep your feet dry all day, they stay up for over 12 hours, and the compression in the calf and arch help your feet recover faster after a 12-hour shift on the job.
And if you get a pair of Lightweight’s, Camel City Mill guarantees them for 10 years.
Made in the USA from Merino wool, these work socks really are something else in terms of quality. They feature compression through the arch and calf which helps your feet recover after a long day. Plus, because they're Merino wool, they're breathable and help reduce foot sweat.
Best on a Budget: KMM Moisture Wicking Work Socks
If you want cozy socks that don’t make you sweat, the KMM Moisture Wicking Heavy Duty Work Boot Socks are your guys. You can easily find packets of 10 for about $25, making these some of the most affordable yet effective sweat-wicking socks in their price range.
Though breathable, cotton sometimes works against sweaty feet, since it holds on to the moisture. KMM brilliantly mixes cotton with lightweight spandex and moisture-wicking polyester, for a well-ventilated, soft sock that staves off sweat.
The KMM Moisture Wicking Work Socks are comfortable but thick, which makes their cooling factor even more impressive. Just watch out for the inevitable falling fuzz pieces after each wash.
What I Like
The cotton construction adds a breathable softness that won’t hold on to moisture, thanks to the hint of spandex and polyester.
They stay thick and strong after several washes.
Due to x, you can also use these as athletic socks.
What I Don’t Like
These socks snag easily, so always use the gentle cycle when washing, and don’t let them get caught on anything if you’re walking around the house in them.
What Other Reviewers Say
Several reviewers mention how easily they snag and shed. However, the snags don’t unravel or compromise the socks in any way, even though there will be loose fuzz pieces in your wash.
The Verdict
If you want cozy socks that don’t make you sweat, the KMM Moisture Wicking Heavy Duty Work Boot Socks are your guys. These are some of the most affordable yet effective sweat-wicking socks in their price range.
If you want cozy socks that don’t make you sweat, the KMM Moisture Wicking Heavy Duty Work Boot Socks are your guys. You can easily find packets of 10 for about $25, making these some of the most affordable yet effective sweat-wicking socks in their price range.
Best for Stinky Feet: Danish Endurance Merino Socks
Thanks to their merino construction and ventilation mesh lanes, the Danish Endurance Merino Socks help minimize odors. These are also good for distance hikers and those working in hot environments.
The Danish Endurances are anti-odor hiking socks made out of merino, which is naturally breathable and comfortable. They feature ventilation mesh lanes which wick away sweat and bolster odor control.
They keep my feet from stinking after 10-hour upward hikes, and they’ll do the same for you during a grueling work day.
Other cool features include cushioning to prevent blisters and stylish unisex color choices.
What I Like
Merino wool is naturally breathable, durable, and comfortable
Ventilation mesh lanes fight odor, while wicking away sweat.
These socks are quick-drying, which makes bacteria less likely to appear and multiply, further reducing odor
They come in four stylish colors, including oak brown, forest green, yellow, and wine red.
What I Don’t Like
The elastic is a bit tight, which just takes some getting used to for those with moderately big legs. If you have substantially big or muscular calves, they may feel uncomfortable, in which case, you can size up.
What Other Reviewers Say
These socks are exceedingly popular among hikers, as well as those who admit to having potent smelling feet. Many reviewers mention going on all-day hikes and noticing a significantly reduced smell at the end of the day compared to when they wear other socks.
The Verdict
Thanks to their merino construction and ventilation mesh lanes, the Danish Endurance Merino Socks help minimize odors. These are also good for distance hikers and those working in hot environments.
Thanks to their merino construction and ventilation mesh lanes, the Danish Endurance Merino Socks help minimize odors. These are also good for distance hikers and those working in hot environments.
Best for Steel Toe Boots: Camel City Mill Heavyweight Work Socks
The Heavyweight from Camel City Mill is the best work sock you can get for a steel toe boot. The padding is heavy in the heel and toe, but since it's made with Merino wool, this sock is also very breathable and won't make your feet sweaty.
Camel City Mill is back on this list because they seriously make the best work socks. It’s all they do.
I like the Heavyweight for my steel toe work boots because they have some extra padding in the toe that helps keep the front of my boot comfortable all day.
Again, the secret to keeping your feet dry is the high percentage of Merino wool.
So if your feet typically get stinky, wrinkly, and sweat like a hog in steel toe boots, then the Camel City Mill Heavyweight is your best option.
What I Like
Reinforced heel and toe for extra durability and comfortable structure, even in the most robust boots.
They stay up for 12 hours so you don’t have to pick them back up in the middle of the day.
Made in the USA with a 10-year durability guarantee.
What I Don’t Like
I’d like to see different sizes—right now they’re only available in size L (men’s boot sizes 8-13)
What Other Reviewers Say
Lots of reviewers like these for the colder months, and while they’re certainly great cold-weather socks, because they’re made with so much Merino wool, I think you’d easily be able to wear these in summer too.
The Verdict
Steel toe boots are heavy, and you’ll need socks that counter that with comfort and breathability, but don’t skimp on the support factor. The Camel City Mill Heavyweight work socks have compression, offer a ton of padding in the toe and heel, and have that high percentage of Merino wool you need if you want to keep your feet dry and avoid blisters.
The Heavyweight from Camel City Mill is the best work sock you can get for a steel toe boot. The padding is heavy in the heel and toe, but since it's made with Merino wool, this sock is also very breathable and won't make your feet sweaty.
Best for Winter: Wigwam Merino Comfort Socks
If you work in cold conditions but find thick winter socks make your feet sweaty, the Wigwam Comfort Merino Socks’ smart construction will give you the perfect balance of insulation and ventilation.
The Wigwam Merino Comfort socks work smarter, not harder. A lot of brands build winter socks by piling on the material making for a bulky fit that’s tight in the shoes. The Wigwam Comfort Socks just up the merino content to 67% from the standard 15-25%.
They’ll keep you warm in the winter while avoiding over-activating your sweat glands. As mentioned, merino is a naturally breathable material, but is also naturally insulating.
What I Like
These socks are made from 67% merino, which makes them warm but still moisture-wicking, breathable, and odor neutralizing
They aren’t as bulky as most winter socks and won’t overheat your feet.
They’re 100% made in the USA.
What I Don’t Like
The fit around the calf is a bit tight.
What Other Reviewers Say
In addition to the Wigwams’ ability to keep your feet warm without overheating, reviewers also love the comfortable cushioning and how long they last.
A few reviewers mention that they’re tight around the calf. However, several of them who are diabetic report that it isn’t a huge issue, even for them.
The Verdict
If you work in cold conditions but find thick winter socks make your feet sweaty, the Wigwam Comfort Merino Socks’ smart construction will give you the perfect balance of insulation and ventilation.
If you work in cold conditions but find thick winter socks make your feet sweaty, the Wigwam Comfort Merino Socks’ smart construction will give you the perfect balance of insulation and ventilation.
4 Key Things to Look for in Socks When You Have Sweaty Feet
The main thing to look out for when buying socks for sweaty feet is the material. Keep the following in mind for your next pair:
- Cotton Socks: Avoid 100% cotton socks. They absorb and keep the moisture. Look for blends that ensure there’s a place for that moisture to be released.
- Merino or Polyester: Merino is natural wool, while polyester is synthetic. Both are moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
- Sweat Fighting Technology: While they’ll cost extra, technical fabrics like Coolmax, developed by DuPont in 1986, uses the best qualities in different fabrics for maximum moisture fighting.
- Mesh Lanes: Socks with mesh lanes provide extra ventilation to help fight odor.
Work Hard, Sweat Less
Thanks to that 10-year durability guarantee, high percentage of Merino wool, and USA-made construction, the Camel City Mill Lightweight tops my list as the best overall.
Made in the USA from Merino wool, these work socks really are something else in terms of quality. They feature compression through the arch and calf which helps your feet recover after a long day. Plus, because they're Merino wool, they're breathable and help reduce foot sweat.
KMM socks are a solid pick if you’re on a budget, while the natural breathability of merino makes the Danish Endurance socks our go-to for smelly feet.
Are steel toes required at your job? Go for the Camel City Mill Heavyweights, which are reinforced yet still soft and comfortable.
The Heavyweight from Camel City Mill is the best work sock you can get for a steel toe boot. The padding is heavy in the heel and toe, but since it's made with Merino wool, this sock is also very breathable and won't make your feet sweaty.
If your job subjects you to cold temperatures, the warm but not overheating Wigwams are your best bet.
With the right pair of boots and the right pair of socks, you can work as hard as you need to without feeling embarrassed about taking your shoes off at the end of the work day. Besides, after a hard day’s work, you deserve to sit back and kick those heavy boots off.
FAQs
Why do my feet sweat so much in my work boots?
If you exert a lot of physical energy or work in warm conditions, it’s normal to sweat in work boots. If you sweat excessively, make sure you buy breathable boots and socks. It’s never a bad idea to talk to your doctor if you think it’s over-excessive.
How do I stop my feet from sweating in my work boots?
Wear sweat-wicking socks, well-ventilated boots, and if use an antiperspirant if necessary.
