So you’ve put the research in and found the perfect pair of work boots to replace the ones you wore into the ground on the job site.
Or you’re just tired of having sore feet at the end of every shift.
Just as an Aston Martin needs performance tires and a Jeep Wrangler must have off-roaders, your perfect work boots need to be paired with the right work boot socks. The wrong socks can cause discomfort and be distracting, which is a serious safety hazard.
We’ve rounded up the six best work boot socks to compliment those perfect boots.
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How Did We Come Up With Our List?
There are a lot of work boot socks out there, so we scoured the market to make sure we found a pair to suit each specific need.
We assembled our list based on our own experiences hunting, hiking, and on the job, along with in-depth investigations on each product to find demonstrated MVPs per category.
Do your steel toe boots rub you the wrong way? Do you need polar bear-level insulation for a hunting trip in South Dakota? Do you have the tendency to sweat and have a job that has you constantly moving? We’ve got you.
Key Benefits of Wearing Quality Work Boot Socks
Work boot socks keep you cool in the heat, and keep you warm in the cold. Temperature regulation is important, especially if you’ll be getting wet. Remember, cold plus wet equals frostbite.
The best socks help protect you from moisture from the outside and your own sweat from the inside. Moisture fighting work socks also help stave off the bacteria and fungus that cause bad odor.
Work boot socks provide arch support and cushioning in high-impact areas, which make you more effective on the job and prevent long-term foot damage.
Ultimately, if the socks are doing their job, you’ll know because you’ll be comfortable. So unless you’re a pain-loving masochist, let’s get to that list.
7 Best Work Boot Socks
Best Overall: Carhartt All-Terrain Boot Socks
Carhartt All-Terrain Boot Socks are made up of wool and acrylic blend that provide cushion. These make even the stiffest steel toe boot easier to wear. Wool naturally draws moisture away and even pulls water vapor before it turns into sweat (science!).
There’s also polyester in there, which adds durability and helps the sock hold its shape and avoid shrinking—though you should definitely wash these in cold water.
Carhartt All-Terrains are made with Nanoglide technology. This means that they’re reinforced with a synthetic fabric that’s lab tested to reduce static and kinetic friction by 200-300% compared to socks made without. Eliminated friction and reduced abrasion means less blisters.
The arch is reinforced with elastic, which adds stability by holding the sock in place.
Mesh cooling panels and instep channels promote airflow and provide ventilation. On the hygiene front, this also neutralizes odors.
What I Like
The anti-friction technology makes this one of the most comfortable work socks out there.
They’re easy to maintain and won’t shrink in the washer and dryer.
The specific blend of materials makes these socks exceptionally breathable.
What I Don’t Like
They’re slippery before you’ve broken them in, though a few washes will fix this right up.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers praised the quality of the socks and how they’re worth the extra dollars.
Most of the reviewers were outdoor workers who enjoyed the comfort factor, and how they were able to stand all day on the job sight even in stiff shoes.
There were mixed reviews regarding whether or not they effectively stay up on your calf, which I’ll chalk up to different body types (don’t skip leg day).
I even read a couple of reviews by people with policeman’s heel, when the bottom of your foot is inflamed, who mentioned that the cushioning on these socks allowed them to comfortably stand all day.
The Verdict
Like 100 proof whiskey, Carhartt All-Terrain Boot Socks cram in as much good stuff as possible. This is due to the use of wool for moisture wicking and performance fabrics for comfort and durability. If you’re looking for a quick, reliable jack-of-all-trades sock for your work boot, this one’s for you.
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.
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.
Arch compression keeps the socks in place in your shoe, and the heel and toe are reinforced for durability.
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.
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.
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.
Merino wool also absorbs odors caused by bacteria and stops these odors from building up.
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, though this helps with the warming factor.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers were pleased that these socks are 100% made in the USA (handcrafted in Wisconsin).
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.
Best for Sweaty Feet: KMM Moisture Wicking Work Boot Crew Socks
It’s more than just in the name, the KMM Moisture Wicking Work Boot Crew Socks are an effective option for you sweaty gents out there thanks to our old buddy, cotton.
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.
The socks are 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 prevent your feet from getting sweaty in the first place.
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 our pick for the best hot weather socks.
And of course, more comfort means less sweating which means less odor.
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.
It’s affordable.
What I Don’t Like
They snag easily, so always wash gently.
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.
Best Over the Calf: Darn Tough Paul Bunyun 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.
Best Cushion: MIRMARU Outdoor Trekking Crew Socks
There are three reasons the MIRMARU Outdoor Trekking Crew Socks win our 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 that 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.
They’re also one of the best support socks outside of medical grade compression socks.
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, but spandex is flexible. You want a sock that is the perfect mix of material that balances out the qualities you’re looking for.
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 both work hunting are the Carhartts because of their durability, reduced friction, and ability to stay in place. They make stiff work boots more comfortable to wear.
And if you’re rocking a pair of steel toe boots, your best bet is the Fox River Steel Toe Heavyweight Crew.
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.
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.
