12 Best Socks for Men
When you’re a kid, you never fully appreciate the magnificence of a solid pair of socks. Whether it be ankle socks, calf socks, or no-show socks, having a number of quality socks is necessary for everyday comfort and function. While women can often get away with open-toed shoes or footwear that requires no extra layer, pretty much all men’s shoes except flip flops require the use of socks.
There is nothing worse than unpleasant odor or uncomfortable rubbing and blisters due to not having the right protection while wearing anything from formal footwear to sneakers. In addition to giving you premium function and comfort, having the right kinds of socks can also help you remain fashionable and in style, even in the most subtle of ways.
Being that pretty much everyone can always use a new pair of socks, it is not a bad idea to begin adding to your wardrobe, especially before the colder weather of winter sets in. To help you narrow down your options, here is our list of the 12 best socks for men in 2021.
Best Buy
1. Pantherella Thornham Ribbed Socks
The Pantherella Thornham Ribbed Socks are a great option for those who have a quirky yet simple style. The best part of these socks is the fact that you get two pairs in one order, and though the main body of both pairs is a sort of brown, the colorful ends add a unique twist that sets them apart from the most basic of ribbed socks.
With the help of expert sock-maker Scott-Nichol, Pantherella has created a comfortable yet quirky pair of socks. Their composition is rather mixed with them being made up of 28% merino wool, 28% viscose, 28% nylon, 14% silk, and 2% lycra. The reinforced heel and clinched-in cuff give these knitted socks the perfect shape and ensures a nice fit.
2. The Elder Statesman Hot Yosemite Tie-Dye Cashmere Socks
There is no denying that tie-dye has made quite the comeback in the last couple of years. From sweatshirts to footwear, you truly can’t go wrong with a tie-dye piece. While socks might not be the first item that you think of when trying to up your style, these Elder Statesmen Hot Yosemite Tie-Dye Cashmere socks make it easy. The socks fall more on the simpler side, though the tie-dye pattern is enough to make a statement.
The Elder Statement Hot Yosemite Tie-Dye Cashmere socks are also available in a few different colors such as white, green, blue, and pink, meaning you can easily add a pop of color to even the most understated of get up’s. On top of that, these socks are made out of 100% cashmere, giving them the ultimate level of softness and comfort.
3. London Sock Company Simply Sartorial Socks
The red London Sock Company Simply Sartorial Socks are an elegant addition to any footwear. Inspired by London’s renowned Savile Row, these socks appear both regal and classic, giving them a specific look that men of all different styles will appreciate.
The socks are created from a mid-weight cotton-blend jersey that also has a soft ribbed texture for ample absorption and softness. The reinforced sole also adds to the over quality in terms of experience while wearing them, even throughout a long day. Plus, you can’t deny the sleekness of the sock’s signature black logo toward the top of the cuff.
4. Nike Dri-Fit Training Cotton Crew Socks
If you’re looking for the most basic of socks that will not only get the job done but also aid in any sort of athletic activity or intense movement, the Nike Dri-Fit Training Cotton Crew socks are about as good as you can get. Available in 12 different color combos, these socks provide extra cushion for athletes and active men who put a decent amount of strain on their feet.
In addition, an arch band contours around the foot for a solid and locked-in fit that will prevent your foot from slipping or rubbing against the cotton. Best of all, the sweat-wicking technology prevents moisture from accumulating and causing discomfort.
5. Sunspel Ribbed Cashmere Socks
For those looking for socks that are both refined and basic, Sunspel’s Ribbed Cashmere socks are all of that and more. Using implacably soft cashmere, they are knitted in Italy from only the finest of materials. On top of that, the elastic cuffs and articulated panels at the heel and toes create a snug fit and ergonomic finish. They are also available in four different colors of navy, brown, grey, and white.
6. L.L. Bean Merino Wool Ragg Socks
The L.L. Bean Merino Wool Ragg Socks are exactly what you need in the winter months when it starts to get cold. They are available in several different funky and fun colors and are made from a blend of 77% merino wool, 21% stretch nylon, and 2% Lycra elastane, creating a perfect harmony of insulation and warmth.
Best of all, merino wool is itch-free, something that is incredibly important when dealing with wool. The nylon and elastic stretch allows for these thicker socks to be durable all while having some extra stretch for comfort.
See more about - The 10 Best Merino Wool Socks For Men
7. Bombas Space Dye Calf Sock
For their Space Dye Calf Sock, Bomba uses an interesting technique that results in a stylish look. Through the use of Space Dye, multiple colors are dyed on a single strand of yarn. This creates a stunning texture along with a perfectly imperfect pattern that is both quirky and elegant. The socks also feature intricate comfort that is sure to make these one of your all-time favorite go-to socks.
8. Paul Smith Intarsia-Stripe Mercerised Cotton Socks
The Paul Smith Intarsia-Stripe Mercerised Cotton socks are both playful and elegant. Though they are primarily navy in color, the colorful stripes add a nice accent that makes the socks so much more than a simple pair of navy no-show socks.
Made in Italy from a mercerized cotton-blend jersey, the Paul Smith Intarsia-Stripe Mercerised Cotton socks have a smoother handle and are also finished with elastic ankles that allow for the socks to remain invisible inside of your shoes. The reinforced toe box provides added comfort that is often desired in no-show socks.
9. Frank and Oak Calf-Length Socks
If you’re in the market for something simple, sleek, and breathable, then turn your attention toward the Frank and Oak Calf-Length socks. These black calf-length socks are made with Cool-Plus polyester in order to ensure that your feet are able to breathe and free from suffocation or overheating at all times. There is nothing worse than having your feet feel as though they are trapped in a hot chamber, which is why the Frank and Oak Calf-Length socks are perfect for long, hot days in closed-toed shoes.
10. Missoni Striped Cotton Blend Socks
The Missoni Striped Cotton Blend socks are a funky, multi-colored option that is created through a meticulous space-dyeing technique that colors the individual yarns in the socks. The soft cotton-blend jersey material makes them easy to wear while the ribbed cuffs ensure a tight yet flexible fit. Plus, the classic, white Missoni logo adds a subtle yet elegant touch that shows the quality and premium status of this footwear.
Due to the delicate nature of the yarn, these socks are best reserved for hand washing and drying. On the plus side, you won’t have to worry about your socks mysteriously going missing from the washing machine.
11. Gucci GG Supreme Socks
For those who like to turn heads with even the simplest of accessories, the Gucci GG Supreme Socks might be a necessary purchase for you. The main body of the sock is adorned with the signature GG emblem that has made Gucci such an iconic household name, while the traditional green and red coloring is stitched in a very thin line across the ribbed top.
These socks are a great and easy way to throw fashionable twists into an otherwise basic ensemble. They are also crafted in Italy from the softest of cotton blends, and though they are flexible, they provide a secure fit that will prevent any rubbing or pesky blisters.
12. Polo Ralph Lauren Liner Socks
If you’re in the market for some no-show socks, the Polo Ralph Lauren liner Socks manage to be totally subtle while still making a statement. These sleek and simple beige no-show socks come in a pack of three, meaning you’ll have plenty of backup use in between washes.
The socks also feature a jacquard of the label’s iconic Pony logo, which first debuted in 1974. Knitted from a soft, absorbent cotton blend, the Polo Ralph Lauren Liner socks are incredibly lightweight and easy to wear throughout the day. The socks are also quite stretchy, and they are known to have a rather tight fight that avoids being suffocating.
See more about - The 10 Best Ankle Socks For Men In 2021
Sock FAQs
Socks are available in a wide range of materials such as cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, and more. In addition to these, materials such as silk, bamboo, linen, cashmere, or mohair might also be used to provide extra softness and comfort.
The fit of your socks is one of, if not the, most important element to keep in mind while sock shopping. While it is important that your socks fit snugly and have no extra empty material or folds, it is equally important that they do not cramp or crowd your toes too much. Overall, there should be no pinching or rubbing that might cause any friction.
It depends on what occasion you are wearing them for and with what outfit. For example, ankle socks or no-show socks come in handy when you do not want your socks to show with your outfit. Calf socks on the other hand can be used either for comfort when being hidden by your trousers, or for fashion if wearing some shorts and low-top shoes.
