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10 Best Merino Wool Socks for Men
Merino wool is one of the best materials to use for socks. It works great for both hot and cold seasons as it is extra soft and less coarse than most wool fibers. This lessens the chances of itching that some people experience when wearing wool socks.
This material is also fairly odor-resistant, so you can wear them a few times before having to wash them. With Merino wool’s lightweight nature, you will be warm and comfortable without feeling weighed down. If you are looking to get your first pair of these handy socks, check out our list of the 10 best Merino wool socks for men.
Best Buy
1. Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks
Bombas created calf socks made of 77% Merino wool. They feature a cushioned footbed for extra support and added comfort. The honeycomb arch support system also helps brace your feet regardless of your foot arch type.
Because Merino wool is naturally absorbent, your feet will stay dry and cozy, regardless of the season. It was originally worn during winter because it is soft and warm, but Merino wool was discovered to also keep you cool during hot weather.
The Bombas Merino wool calf socks should only be washed cold on a gentle cycle or by hand. Make sure you do not use bleach because it may ruin the colors. For each pair you purchase from Bombas, the company also donates one to homeless shelters they are partnered with.
2. Danish Endurance Merino Wool Socks
The Danish Endurance Merino wool hiking socks feature anti-blister cushioning so you can comfortably walk in them for hours. Whether you are hiking, camping, backpacking, or just having short outdoor walks with a loved one, these Merino wool socks will serve you well. These are hiking socks made for the outdoors, so you will want a few pairs for your yearly camping trip.
They are also made exclusively in Europe and designed in Denmark, where the company ensures fair working conditions for all its employees. You will not have to worry about purchasing unethical products.
There are several color choices you can pick from, and these socks also come in extra-small to extra-large sizes. Mix and match depending on who you are buying for and make sure everyone is happy with their own pair of Danish Endurance Merino wool socks.
3. Kavanyiso Thermal Merino Wool Socks
This is one of the most affordable pairs of Merino wool socks on our list. The Kavanyiso Men’s Thermal Merino wool socks are designed to maximize moisture absorption and keep your feet cool and dry. Kavanyiso makes sure your feet are never drenched in sweat or smell throughout the course of your day.
The heel and toe areas are reinforced with nylon material to provide support and prevent blistering. Heel friction is a real problem for many hikers and backpackers, and these socks help eliminate that. The toe area is also held together by a lycra rubber band so you won’t struggle with slipping wool socks.
Get these outdoor trail socks for your hiking buddies or your family so you can all experience Kavanyiso’s multi-performance strength and durability. At its price point, you can buy them for everyone during the holidays without breaking your wallet.
4. Filson Heavyweight Traditional Crew Socks
These might be the most heavy-duty socks on our list. The Filson Heavyweight Traditional crew socks use 70% Merino wool with 28% nylon and 2% spandex material for a very durable combination. They specifically designed their socks to be very thick and warm, which makes them perfect for the cold weather.
These socks are great for snow hiking, fishing, or even for staying at home on a cold winter’s day. The padded footbeds will prevent blisters even if you perform high-intensity activities for long periods of time. Get these socks for your friends and family members with active lifestyles to protect their feet from the elements.
The Filson Heavyweight Traditional crew socks come in two colors, black and gray heather. You can also pick between medium, large, and x-large for sizes. Merino wool socks of this quality are sure to last you a few years, so make sure to get a few for yourself.
5. Howlin’ Cosmonaut Striped Merino Wool Socks
You will not find a lot of Merino wool socks more stylish than the Howlin’ Cosmonaut Striped version. This beautiful pair of socks is made of 55% Merino wool, 43% polyamide, and 2% elastane material. It was designed as a medium-weight product for people who are looking for just the right balance between comfort and cooling.
Wear this to work, outdoors, or even formal events and they will blend right in. The heel and toe areas are reinforced for stability and extra padding for added comfort. These socks also have ribbed finishes to increase traction in case you prefer to walk around your house in socks. Keep in mind that the Howlin’ Cosmonaut striped Merino wool socks need to be hand-washed to avoid damaging them in the washer.
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6. L.L. Bean Merino Wool Ragg Socks
The L.L. Bean Merino Wool Ragg socks are the most classic-looking wool socks on our list. L.L. Bean manages to combine the vintage look with modern comfort and technology. They make sure to use only itch-free Merino wool in their products.
They have been marketed as the softest wool ragg socks anyone can find, so their comfort is definitely top-notch. They use 77% Merino wool, 21% stretch nylon, and 2% lycra elastane for structural stability. These socks are a fairly thick and heavy pair, so it is best for people who prefer that extra weight.
You can machine wash and dry under a gentle cycle, but some people may prefer to hand wash instead. There are several different colors and sizes to choose from. They also come in packs of two, so you can get them for your spouse or partner.
7. Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks
The Darn Tough Merino wool boot socks look like modern cotton socks while retaining the warmth and comfort of high-quality Merino wool. These socks are designed to prevent slipping, bunching, and blisters. The fine gauge knitting keeps the socks very durable without sacrificing comfort.
These socks are moisture-absorbent so they keep your feet dry during hot weather, which also makes them great for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The durability of these socks will help you brave the elements in any season. They also reach halfway up the calf for better protection when wearing shorts.
There are different styles and colors you can choose from, so you might consider grabbing some for your family. Darn Tough also produces them in all sizes for a more personalized fit. You can choose to machine wash on a gentle cycle or wash by hand for a safer clean.
8. People Socks Merino Wool Socks
The People Socks Merino wool crew socks look like your regular sports socks, but they bring a different level of comfort. This company aims to provide affordable and sustainable socks to consumers everywhere. They manufacture exclusively in North Carolina, USA to lower the production costs and, in turn, keep the retail prices low.
These socks come in packs of four, so you can get them for the whole family at a very affordable price. In fact, the People Socks Merino wool socks have one of the lowest price points per pair on our list. You can get four pairs of them for the price of one pair from premium brands.
With the medium thickness and weight, they will give you just enough warmth and comfort without feeling smothered. These are perfect for the winter season in most areas, but will also be pretty cool and comfortable in tropical summers. You can machine wash these but will then have to air-dry them to prevent shrinkage.
9. Icebreaker Merino Run+ Ultralight Micro Socks
To athletes and active people, these are the sports Merino wool socks you have been waiting for. The Icebreaker Men’s Merino Run+ Ultralight Micro Socks were designed specifically for all-terrain trail running performance. The reinforced heel and toe areas were made for extra durability and support for road and trail running.
Icebreaker added instep support so the socks feel stable and in place, as well as Achilles support for a tighter feel. Despite its reinforced support, the Icebreaker Merino Run+ stays very light and breathable thanks to its seamless toe closure. Each sock only weighs about 31 grams, which is almost unheard of for Merino wool socks.
If you are looking for a micro sock that helps your sports performance while protecting you from the elements, this is a great choice for you. Outdoor sports like football, marathons, and frisbee are fun activities you can do while wearing these socks. Cyclists and hikers also love the Merino Run+.
10. Onke Merino Wool Moisture Wicking Socks
This is one of the best choices for the winter season. The Onke Men’s Moisture Wicking crew socks were designed to be extra thermal for very low temperatures. They keep your feet warm and comfortable in outdoor scenarios like hiking, camping, or just walking around in the snow.
The combination of Merino wool and acrylic material was made to give your socks a snug fit and keep their shape even after long-term use and multiple washes. They were made with a good ventilation function so your feet will always stay fresh and dry. Onke also included full cushioning in all areas to prevent blisters and provide maximum protection.
The visible heel pockets make it easier to ensure you are wearing the socks right and also keeps the socks in place. If you live in a cold location, you should definitely try out the Onke Merino Wool Moisture Wicking thermal socks. They come in two sizes and a variety of neutral tones to choose from.
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Merino Wool Sock FAQs
Merino wool socks provide you with warmth or cooling depending on the weather. They keep the temperature of your feet just right for maximum comfort. Wool is better at keeping your feet fresh than most synthetic materials. Merino wool, specifically, is lighter and softer than most types of wool. It is also completely natural and renewable, which make merino wool socks an ethical product to consume.
Although Merino wool socks are great at warming up your feet, there’s no scientific evidence to prove them warmer than standard socks. Despite that, there’s no denying that they’re much more comfortable and softer to wear than traditional cotton socks.
Just like paying for any other socks, you should work around your budget. Wool socks can cost a lot more than regular cotton socks, and Merino wool socks are not an exception. For about $10 to $40, you can get a pair of durable Merino wool socks that will last you a long time.
