The 20 Best Wool Socks You Can Buy Online

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We found options for every style and budget.

Nicole Lund is the shopping editorial director for Real Simple with six years of experience writing product reviews. She has written product reviews, gift guides, and more for Real Simple, The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Apartment Therapy.

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When you imagine wool socks, you probably think of them as being thick, rough, and best for winter. While you certainly can find that type, today’s wool socks actually tend to be super soft and good for all types of weather and activities since they’re highly durable and moisture-wicking.

We researched and found the best wool socks to add to your sock drawer, including options for performance and everyday wear. Our top picks include some expert-recommended options, plus insight on how to shop for wool socks like a pro.

Ankle socks are typically made with either running or everyday use in mind. If you’re looking for running socks, make sure you pick one that has a tab on the back to prevent chafing as well as extra cushioning and a reinforced heel and toe, like the Feetures Merino 10 Max Cushion Tab Socks and the Icebreaker Merino Run+ Ultralight Micro Socks. If you want true no-show socks, we like the Peds Merino Wool Sport No Show Socks, while the Wool& Wren Ankle Sock is a straightforward option that is great for every day.

Crew socks are making a comeback in a big way and can be worn in all seasons with tons of different outfits. Our favorite everyday crew socks come in a wide color range—like the Falke Softmerino Socks and the Tabio Premium Finest Merino Crew Socks—as well as a lightweight, luxurious feel that can be paired with just about any shoe. Want to buy in bulk? Check out the Quince Merino Crew Socks, which are sold as a set of four. And if you’re looking for a more traditional, cozy style, you can’t do better than the patterned Sofia Socks from Nordic Socks.

Hiking socks typically come in lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight designs, and they’re designed for heavy-duty activities. Merino wool is a fantastic material for hiking socks because of its moisture-wicking properties and comfortable feel, and you can find tons of options out there. Our experts recommend the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, but we also like the Smartwool Hike Crew Socks and the Farm to Feet Damascus Light Targeted Cushion Socks if you’re looking for something lighter in weight. If you’re looking for a taller crew sock, we recommend the Cloudline Medium Cushion Hiking Socks.

Tall socks add extra style to skirts and dresses on days when you don’t want to wear a pair of tights. Some socks, like the Swedish Stockings Freja Ribbed Wool Knee-High Socks, have a lightweight feel to them that’s suitable for fall days, while the Bombas Merino Wool Blend Knee-High Socks are a bit thicker. You can also find more durable, heavyweight socks that are designed for very cold weather or outdoor adventures, like the Woolx Extreme Extra Cushion Over The Calf Socks or the Darn Tough T4050 Over-the-Calf Heavyweight Tactical Sock.

Compression socks help improve blood flow in the legs and are particularly suited to people who stand or sit all day, pregnant people, athletes, people with certain medical conditions, and people who are traveling on long flights. Lots of brands sell wool compression socks that are as soft as they are functional, like Sockwell, Comrad, Bombas, and Pacas.

Most wool socks are made of merino wool, a super soft material that’s also highly breathable and durable. Merino wool is moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, making it particularly suited to socks, especially hiking and other performance socks. Merino wool is also a good material for everyday wear and feels quite luxurious and soft. We love the Feetures Merino 10 Max Cushion Tab Socks for an ankle style and the Falke Softmerino Socks for a crew style. If you really want luxury, you can find cashmere and angora socks, which are best for at-home use when you want to get cozy. These socks are much more expensive than those made of merino wool and need to be treated with extra care.

You may think of wool socks as being best for freezing temperatures, but that’s not actually the case. If you’re hiking, running, or doing another physical activity, merino wool is a good sock material no matter the season.

“Merino wool is fantastic at absorbing moisture without feeling damp, keeping your feet dry and comfy no matter the weather,” says Echo Wang, founder of Cool Travel Vibes. “I love how quickly these socks dry—I've walked through puddles and had dry feet in minutes, which is pretty awesome. ​​Plus, merino wool doesn’t retain odors, even after a long day on the trail, thanks to its natural antibacterial properties.”

Hikers should look for crew styles or taller to prevent any irritation from hiking boots, like the Smartwool Hike Crew Socks, while an ankle or crew style, like the Icebreaker Merino Run+ Ultralight Micro Socks, is best for runners. You have more options when it comes to everyday wool socks, which come in ankle, crew, or knee-length styles. Everyday wool socks typically have lighter cushioning than performance socks and a more stylish appearance—plus, they tend to come in more colors than classic white.

Durability is particularly important if you’re searching for performance socks. “Reinforced heels and toes can be important, but make sure there isn't too much fabric,” says travel writer Samantha Meabon. “Seams and extra bulk can increase your chance of developing blisters. Make sure the socks fit well, too. Extra fabric sliding around can also make your feet more prone to blisters. I'd recommend looking for a sock with high merino content tailored to the season and conditions you plan to hike in.”

You’re also likely to find wool socks that come with warranties, giving you added peace of mind to your purchase. This is more common for brands that sell performance socks—Feetures, Darn Tough, and Cloudline offer lifetime guarantees on their socks, while Icebreaker, Smartwool, and Farm to Feet have either warranties or generous return policies.

Great news: They are not. “Today's wool socks are not the same as they were 20 to 30 years ago,” Meabon says. “Wool socks are now soft and comfortable. Once you try a pair for yourself, you'll never want to wear any others.” This is because most wool socks are made from merino wool, which is much softer than sheep’s wool. “Even my sensitive skin loves it,” Wang says.

Both of our experts agree that Darn Tough is one of the best brands to shop for wool socks, especially if you’re looking for performance socks. “I have tried many brands of socks, and I keep coming back to my Darn Tough Micro Crew socks,” Meabon says. “They're the most comfortable, durable socks I've ever owned, and they take care of my feet on every hike.”

“Darn Tough’s wool-blend socks are outstanding and come with a lifetime warranty,” Wang says. “They also make different weights for different seasons. Their light hikers are great for summer, while the heavier options work well in winter. The arch support they provide adds extra comfort, helping to prevent strain and improve balance while reducing the risk of blisters.”

If you’re not a hiker or just want everyday wool socks, Bombas, Falke, and Tabio have an excellent variety. You can also look at wool apparel and bedding brands, like Woolx or Pendleton, for quality options. And of course, Amazon, Target, L.L.Bean, and REI have a huge assortment of wool socks from different brands all in one place. Personally, I’m a big fan of Smartwool’s Run Low Ankle Socks for working out and everyday sneaker wear.

This article was written by Nicole Lund, a writer and editor who was most recently the shopping editorial director at Real Simple and Southern Living. She has over six years of experience researching and testing the best products, including footwear and, yes, socks.

To write this article, she conducted hours of research on wool socks, considering wool composition and type, durability, and style. She also pulled from her own extensive industry knowledge and testing experience—she personally swears by Smartwool socks for both everyday use and exercise. She spoke to two outdoor experts for this piece: Samantha Meabon, a travel writer who runs the PA on Pause blog, and Echo Wang, founder of Cool Travel Vibes.