So my big toe poked through my last pair of cheap socks and that was it…
No more sweaty feet, no more cheap jumbo pack cotton rags they call socks, no more holes after three months—I couldn’t take it anymore.
I went on a mission to find the best work boot socks available, and I found some winners and some losers (p.s. some of the losers rhyme with the word “Carhartt”).
These eight work socks are all great for different reasons, and I’m going to break down how I tested them and why I think they’re the best work socks for your money.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
There are a ton of work boot socks out there, so I started with the research phase and found about 15 brands that I thought would be worth a try.
No joke, I ended up spending about $500 on socks, which seemed ridiculous at the time, and still does. I really hope you get something out of this.
I tested each sock in a few different ways, but the most consistent test was the “stay up” test, where I wore each sock for 12 hours and took a picture of how well they stayed up on my leg throughout the day without me pulling them back up.
I couldn’t get any objective measurement on foot sweat, temperature regulation, and support. Those elements are going to be more subjective based on how each sock felt on my feet with safety toe, steel toe, and soft toe boots.
While testing, I wore a range of boots (including safety toe and soft toe) with boot shafts measuring 6″, 8″, and even a 12″ boot. Though there was only one sock on this list that didn’t live up to the 12″ boot (the KMM’s).
So I assembled my list based on my own experiences with the brands and wearing the socks around for several weeks. Of the 15 pairs of socks I got, I picked 8 MVP’s that really stood out to me for different reasons, which I’ll dive into below.
Why Getting Quality Work Boot Socks Matters
A great work sock should do the following:
- Thermoregulate: they should insulate in the cold but never make your feet hot and sweaty.
- Moisture-wicking: as your feet release moisture, good socks should keep your feet cool and disperse that moisture.
- Provide cushion: the best work socks have plenty of padding in the heel and toe, and I like to see socks with extra cushion in the toe if you wear safety-toe boots for work.
- Last a long time: this goes without saying, but who wants to spend money on something that’s just going to break down in a month or two?
- Stay up on your calf: I hate trying to fish my socks out of my boots to pull them up again.
So in making this list, I really focused on those five critical factors. Some of these socks are definitely on the more expensive side of things, but I definitely think they’re worth the money.
For instance, the Camel City Mill socks are some of the most expensive here, but they’re also backed with a 10 year guarantee. So while they might seem pricey at first, in the long run, you’re getting your money’s worth.
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.
8 Best Work Socks for Men
Best Overall: Camel City Mill Lightweight Wool Work Sock
The Camel City Mill Lightweight takes my top spot because it’s a sock I can wear year round and it’s both durable and comfortable.
They’re 100% USA made with Ironside Merino wool and are backed with a 10 year guarantee.
Of all the socks on this list, the two Camel City Mill socks (the Camel City Heavyweight) and the Darn Tough Paul Bunyan socks were the only ones that didn’t budge an inch after 12 hours.
The Camel City Mill Lightweight has light compression through the calf and a little bit in the arch, too. The idea is that the compression leads to better circulation, which reduces foot fatigue and leads to faster recovery after a long day of work.
If I could only get one boot sock, it’d be the Camel City Mill Lightweight. My only issue is that it’s expensive, so not everyone (including myself) is going to be able to fill their whole sock drawer with them immediately.
What I Like
The high percentage of Merino wool makes these super durable and keeps my feet from getting sweaty.
They stay up for at least 12 hours at a time so I never have to pull them back up when working. Plus the support and compression through the calf and arch definitely help keep my feet feeling fresh.
The 10 year durability guarantee is pretty impressive, and you can get free shipping if you order a few pairs.
What I Don’t Like
They’re near the top of the list in terms of price, which makes it difficult to stock your whole drawer with them in one go.
They only offer black socks at the time of writing, and they only offer size L for guys with boot sizes 8-12. I’m hoping they expand their range soon.
What Other Reviewers Say
In reading through a ton of reviews for many of the brands on this list, the biggest concern many guys have is with sweaty feet and blisters. The Camel City Mill Lightweight has solved that issue—if you’re trying to tame your sweaty feet, you need to try wool socks.
The Verdict
The Camel City Mill Lightweight felt the most balanced of all the socks I tried. They stay up for a long time, they kept my feet dry and comfortable, and never felt too hot and certainly never too cold. I love the amount of padding in the toe, though for steel toe boots in the winter, I’d definitely get a steel-toe specific sock.
Overall, for an all-purpose work sock, I don’t think you can beat the Camel City Mill Lightweight.
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 for Steel Toe Boots: Fox River Steel Toe Heavyweight Crew
Fox River makes premium level socks and their Steel Toe Heavyweight Crew offers the best balance between heel padding, toe cushion, and value for money you can find.
If you’re regularly in steel toe boots, you know they can take a toll on your feet throughout a busy day. While I recommend the Fox River Heavyweight, you might also want to pick up a few pairs of the Fox River Steel Toe Lightweight Crew sock for summer.
The Heavyweight version has 1.5cm of cushion in the toe, which is plenty to keep blisters and unwanted abrasions from your feet. The Lightweight version has 1cm of padding in the toe, but it’s much more breathable and well worth the padding trade off if you’re working in hot conditions.
What I Like
Because these are made with all technical fabrics, they do an excellent job wicking moisture, despite how thick they are.
The amount of toe padding (1.5cm) is unusual at this price point and desirable if you wear tough boots.
The flat lock toe stitching is reinforced, which increases the durability significantly.
What I Don’t Like
There aren’t many size or color options.
What Other Reviewers Say
Looking through the reviews for these socks is making me sweat. If you’re like one of the reviewers who spend 12-16 hours a day in your steel toe boots, you know how much of a burden a bad sock can be. One reviewer says he’s been coming back to Fox River for 10 years and has no intention to stop.
The Verdict
Steel toe boots require an entirely different sock. The Fox River Steel Toe Heavyweight Crew is that sock. I’ll caveat that statement with an asterisk: if you’re working a lot in the heat of summer, then check out the Fox River Steel Toe Lightweight Crew. You’re getting 1cm of padding instead of the Heavyweight’s insane 1.5cm, but it’s still a ton of padding and the extra breathability is important in 90+ degree weather.
With 1.5cm of padding in the heel and toe, these socks have no problem keeping unwanted blisters away.
Best for Hot Weather: Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks
Unless you’re the Terminator T-800 honorably jumping into a vat of molten steel, Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control Socks will keep you cool and comfortable in the hottest working situations.
It’s made mostly of cotton, 78% to be exact, which is one of the most breathable textiles on the market. Cotton is also naturally sweat wicking and temperature stabilizing.
There’s just enough polyester in there for durability, but it’s balanced out with nylon to provide ventilation channels for air circulation and more moisture control.
These socks get bonus points for the fit. They’re firm, but not constricting, which is also great for hot weather.
They’re too short for 8″ and 12″ boots though, and they didn’t do a fantastic job staying up all day. I probably had to hike them up two or three times throughout the day.
What I Like
They feature moisture control fibers and its mostly cotton composition makes it breathable and cool.
They run true to size.
It’s not too tight, which is comfortable in hot weather.
What I Don’t Like
The bottom of the sock has thin padding.
Not good for 8″ boots and taller.
What Other Reviewers Say
Outdoor workers with diabetes loved how these socks didn’t cut off their circulation like a tighter work sock would.
There were a few complaints about how the bottom could be more padded, but there were just as many people who agreed that this quality added to the sock’s coolness.
The Verdict
Thanks to a mix of fit, cotton make-up, and moisture control fibers, the Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks are great for hot environments. It’s a good pick for sweaty feet too, if you aren’t concerned about the lighter padding at the bottom.
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 Dri-Tech Crew Socks provide all of that, while also controlling moisture for guys with sweaty feet.
Best for Cold Weather: Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker Socks
The Wigwam Merino Comfort Hikers are full cushion socks made mostly of Merino wool, which is crucial in cold weather. What makes these soar above the other cold weather socks out there though is that, unlike that ugly Christmas sweater, they’re not itchy.
Most “Merino wool” socks are anywhere between 15-25% Merino wool. These Wigwams are a whopping 67%.
The fabric composite of these socks efficiently holds warmth between the fibers. Even though it’s considered a mid-weight sock, this makes it warmer than a synthetic sock of the same weight.
Wigwam has the highest amount of wool in their socks compared to the other Merino wool brands, but I actually think that has a negative effect here. They’re really nice and durable, but I’ve had a decent amount of pilling on these so far. Definitely much more than on my Camel City Mill or Darn Tough socks.
Also, these lack the cool features other brands have like the ribbed padding of the Camel City Lightweight or the fat steel toe of the Fox River.
What I Like
It relies on material type and cooling technology to effectively keep your foot warm, instead of bulk, which can be uncomfortable inside your boot.
Wigwam socks are 100% American made.
Merino wool effectively neutralizes odor.
What I Don’t Like
Some find the top band a bit tight. I think Wigwam does that to counteract that the high percentage of wool doesn’t stay up as long.
The high percentage of wool leads to a lot of pilling and some general “looseness” of the sock over time.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers were pleased that these socks are 100% made in the USA.
The Verdict
If you’re going on a winter hike or you’re an Alaskan logger, Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker Socks are for you. Even from personal experience, I’ve found it difficult to find a warm work sock that won’t make my boot feel like it’s a size too small. By relying on specific material types and warming technology, these socks work smarter, not harder.
If you’re going on a winter hike or you’re an Alaskan logger, Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker Socks are for you. Even from personal experience, I’ve found it difficult to find a warm work sock that won’t make my boot feel like it’s a size too small. By relying on specific material types and warming technology, these socks work smarter, not harder.
Most Rugged: Camel City Mill Heavyweight Wool Work Sock
Camel City Mill literally only has two socks: the Lightweight and the Heavyweight, and I definitely didn’t want to leave this one off the list because it’s a durable little beast of a sock.
Like the Lightweight, the Camel City Mill Heavyweight is made with Ironside Merino wool, but has heavy cushion in the toe, heel, and throughout the footbed for extra comfort. There’s also extra padding through the calf, so this is a great sock for western work boots or any boot 8″ and taller.
I’ll probably be rocking my Heavyweights all winter long because they’re nice and warm, but because they’re wool, my feet don’t get sweaty.
What I Like
Heavy cushion in the toe and heel make these a great sock for safety-toe boots.
They’re over the calf socks and they stay up for at least 12 hours without having to adjust them.
They’re not so thick that your boot won’t fit—they’re more dense than thick, which means you can wear them comfortably.
What I Don’t Like
They only come in size L, which will fit guys with boot sizes 8-12.
I want to see a tan or khaki version of this sock.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers who have to go out in the cold with steel toe boots love this sock. If you’ve ever had to work in the freezing cold with a steel toe on, you know how bad it can get.
The Verdict
For a winter-weight wool work sock, I think the Camel City Mill Heavyweight is the best way to go. They’re over the calf, and they stay hiked up throughout the day. If you wear 8″ boots or taller, these will keep your calves and shins comfortable.
Even though they’re dense, because they’re wool, my feet never got sweaty or hot when wearing them, and they didn’t smell after a long day of work.
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 Sweaty Feet: KMM Moisture Wicking Work Boot Crew Socks
I’ve already talked about how breathable cotton is. Add spandex to that formula and you get a well-ventilated, lightweight sock that’s moisture wicking. Spandex’s agile quality is the reason it’s most often used in athletic wear.
This pair of socks is reinforced with high-density fibers and a mesh construction design on the top for breathability. The spandex also allows the tip to move with your toes better than most socks. These qualities help keep your feet dry in the first place.
These are really best for the budget-restricted buyer. They’re basic socks, and good for the price, but they don’t hold a candle to some of the other brands on this list. Plus, look at how they showed up at my door:
Comfort-wise, KMMs are well cushioned in high-impact areas and feature arch support. This superior cushioning is the big difference between these socks and my pick for the best hot weather socks.
What I Like
The fast drying composite quickly wicks away moisture so you stay comfortable and odor-free.
There’s just enough polyester in the blend so that it’s durable and won’t shrink, but won’t get in the way of the socks’ cooling properties.
They’re affordable.
What I Don’t Like
They snag easily, so always wash gently. They’ll wear out much more quickly compared to the wool brands on this list.
What Other Reviewers Say
Many reviewers were impressed with how long these socks lasted, even after dozens and dozens of washes.
The Verdict
Through a combination of sophisticated comfort technology and moisture-wicking technology, KMM Moisture Wicking Work Boot Crew Socks ensure your feet rarely sweat, but take care of the moisture in the event they do. They’re also a great comfort option.
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 Over the Calf: Darn Tough Paul Bunyan Over the Calf Socks
The point of having an over the calf sock is to ensure it stays on your leg. The last thing you want when you’re mid-aim during a hunting trip or moving a huge log is to be distracted by a slipping sock.
The leg of the Darn Tough Paul Bunyan OTC Sock goes as far up as your knee, effectively making your calf an anchor.
Another quality that helps these socks stick to your leg is its makeup. These over the calf work socks are 65% Merino wool, which is known for its strength and comfort. There’s also a touch of nylon and spandex for flexibility and durability in the mix.
For extra comfort, the inside of the sock is terry looped, which means a loop is formed between every stitch to create more cushioning.
What I Like
They’re true to size.
The use of Merino wool and the length of the leg keep these socks from slipping down.
The terry-looped Merino wool, nylon, and spandex make these socks stretchy and comfortable, despite how snug they are.
What I Don’t Like
Since they’re more likely to be exposed than shorter socks, I wish they came in a variety of colors.
What Other Reviewers Say
It seems these socks fit well for people of most sizes, even guys with larger calves. Of course, the brand name “Darn Tough” certainly invites criticism if they don’t live up to it. But reviewers stand by the name, with some saying they’ve owned their Darn Tough work socks for several years.
The Verdict
Darn Tough Paul Bunyan Over the Calf Socks are an effective solution to concerns over falling socks, but also a good liner for winter days when layers are a good idea.
Over the calf length socks stay on your leg better than shorter work socks, so opt for these if that’s your primary concern.
Made mostly with Merino wool, these socks wick away moisture and stay surprisingly breathable in warmer weather. And in cold weather, they're your best friends. Darn Tough is the business.
Best Cushion: MIRMARU Outdoor Trekking Crew Socks
There are three reasons the MIRMARU Outdoor Trekking Crew Socks win my award for best cushioned work socks:
First, they’re made of 55% combed cotton, which is a special process that makes it softer than other cottons. What’s left are the longest, straightest, and highest-quality fibers. These fibers are then piled weaved, which means extra fabric extends above the foundation for extra cushioning.
MIRMARU Outdoor Trekking Crew Socks are also reinforced with high-density fibers and cushioning under the foot. This protects from shear and stops blisters.
Finally, these socks are designed to be compressed and elastic. This means they gently support and protect your arch, as well as your heels and ankles. The compression also holds the sock securely on the calf.
What I Like
They have a fun style and come in great color options.
The combed cotton is smooth,comfortable, and durable.
The high-density fibers and pile cushioning prevent shear.
What I Don’t Like
They run small, so order one size up.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers love these socks for their comfort and durability.
I found some reviews saying the socks are so tight that they leave marks on the calf. Follow my advice and order the next size up to avoid this same fate.
The Verdict
Because of the combed cotton and the special cushioning technology, MIRMARU Outdoor Trekking Crew Socks are the most comfortable socks on our list.
Because of the combed cotton and the special cushioning technology, MIRMARU Outdoor Trekking Crew Socks are the most comfortable socks on our list. They’re also one of the best support socks outside of medical grade compression socks.
5 Things to Consider When Buying Socks For Work Boots
Size and Snugness: Always see if the sock runs big or small. If the sock doesn’t fit you perfectly, you run the risk of discomfort. The sock may slip or bunch up in your boot.
Leg Height: Over the calf socks stick to your leg better than shorter socks. If you’re more comfortable with shorter socks, just make sure they’re tight enough so they don’t ride down.
Material: Cotton is breathable, spandex is flexible, but wool is the best of the best when it comes to work sock materials. Wool—specifically Merino wool—is comfortable, breathable, durable, doesn’t get stinky, doesn’t let your feet get sweaty. It’s a fantastic material.
Durability: Polyester is often used to fortify work socks. Make sure you read descriptions so you aren’t investing in something that doesn’t have a proven track record.
Comfort: How comfortable you are in your socks is the best way to know if they’re working. If there’s insufficient arch support for example, you’ll feel it.
Price: There are always deals out there. Overall, you get what you pay for and you never want to compromise on safety.
Socked and Loaded
My go-to all-round socks for work are the Camel City Mill Lightweight because of their durability, reduced friction, and ability to stay in place. They make stiff work boots more comfortable to wear and my feet never got sweaty in them.
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.
And if you’re rocking a pair of steel toe boots, your best bet is the Fox River Steel Toe Heavyweight Crew.
With 1.5cm of padding in the heel and toe, these socks have no problem keeping unwanted blisters away.
Just remember that your work boots are only as good as the socks you pair them with. We’re pretty confident that one of these guys will do you well.
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.
FAQs
Should I wear thick socks with work boots?
Most work socks are thicker than regular socks due to added cushioning and support, but socks that are too thick might make your boot feel too tight. It’s more important to wear socks that are comfortable for you, with proper support, and with a longer leg than the boot shaft itself.
How do you keep socks dry in work boots?
To avoid outside moisture, make sure to wear waterproof work boots. To avoid sweat moisture, use moisture wicking socks. You can also put foot powder or an antiperspirant on your foot before you put your sock on, and a little bit in the shoe.
What type of socks should I wear with steel toe boots?
Wear work socks with cushioning in high-impact areas, like the ball and the heel, and a reinforced arch for extra support.
How can I stop my feet from sweating in my work boots?
Wear moisture wicking socks and use foot powder or an antiperspirant. Again, put the powder or antiperspirant on your foot and in the boot.
