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Best Merino Wool Socks Reviewed & Rated for Comfort
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Support
When you are purchasing a pair of merino wool socks, you will want to pay attention to the overall thickness of the sock itself so that you get the right sock for your needs.
Socks come in a variety of different thicknesses because some socks are meant for use in warmer temperatures while other socks are intended to be used in cold temperatures. It is important for you to match the sock to the season that you plan on wearing them.
The thickness of a sock is described in terms such as heavyweight, mid-weight, ultra-light, or lightweight. While the terms may seem subjective, you will easily be able to tell how thick the socks are by simply looking at them. A heavyweight sock simply uses more fibers to make the sock rather than using thicker fibers.
Size
Socks are sold in a variety of different heights so that you have plenty of choices
Sometimes there are different words for the same sock height which can become confusing. For example, the shortest sock height may be called peds, invisible socks, footies, or no-shows depending on who you purchase the socks from. These are the kind of socks that you wear when you do not want your socks to be seen at all. They are great for when you are wearing shoes such as flats, or sneakers. Since invisible socks cover the smallest area of your foot, they are great for summer weather because most of the skin on your feet is not covered by the socks and can breathe naturally.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important parts of a sock because nobody wants to wear a pair that are not comfortable.
If you have picked out the proper pair of socks, you will feel as if you are not wearing socks at all. That means that your feet will not be too warm or too cool and you won’t feel the wool scratching or itching against your skin. Your feet should feel dry and you should expect that the socks do not chafe against your skin while you are moving around. Finally, the socks should not feel as if they are squeezing your feet either.
Materials
Wool socks are rarely made completely from wool so chances are that you will see socks that are made from a blend of wool as well as other fabrics.
One of the things that you will want to think about is what percentage of the sock is made of wool and then you will want to look at the other fabrics that are used as well. Having a proper understanding of what goes into the socks will help you figure out how they will feel and what sort of features and benefits you can expect.
Durability
As with anything that we buy, you will want to make sure that you have purchased a high-quality item.
Since wool socks tend to cost more than cotton or polyester socks, you will want to make sure that you have purchased a pair of socks that will not develop holes or fall apart at the seams. Instead, you should make sure that your socks are built to last and can be worn for years to come.
When it comes to purchasing a pair of socks, there are a few problem areas that you will want to take a look at to make sure that they are well made. One of the first areas that you should inspect is the thickness of the sock. All socks come in different thicknesses. An ultra-thin sock should not be thick and heavy. If the weight of the sock is off and is not accurate, then chances are that it's not worth your money.
13 Best Merino Wool Socks
1. ROCKAY Accelerate
How many times have you found a pair of running socks that, after a few strides, slips down, causing an uncomfortable running experience? This happens when you don’t wear Rockay Socks. Made from premium, high-quality materials and designed to help further accelerate an individual’s capabilities, running has never been this enjoyable.
Safety First
Typically, sock makers do not focus much on the ideology of safety. This company intentionally crafted this product to ensure that all runners were safe, whether during the day or at night. With a reflective logo on for night-time running to a protective heel tab to prevent any slipping, each runner will be in control of their experience without any worry.
High-Quality Materials
When it comes to any type of sock, the materials used to make it are crucial. This brand utilized organic Merino wool, which if you are not familiar, is optimal for keeping your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Cost and Value
As far as cost and value are concerned, these socks are priced slightly higher than other running socks. Now, this is not a bad thing, which sometimes consumers tend to believe. What you need to consider is that these are probably one of the most valuable options on today’s list. They are infused with value in the very seams of the socks. The truth is, this sock is for the true runner.
2. Darn Tough Hiker
Darn Tough socks are a great brand of Merino wool socks that are perfect for when you are either working hard or playing hard. They are made from fine Merino wool which will help you stay warm yet still feel soft and comfortable while you are wearing the sock.
Antimicrobial
One of the best parts of these socks is that they are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. This will help reduce the odor that would otherwise be produced by foot sweat which can lead to smelly socks and shoes after you have worn the socks all day.
Seamless Design
Another great feature is that they do not have any seams. This helps to make the socks into a more durable product and it will also improve comfort because you won't feel the seams rubbing against your feet.
Cost and Value
When you are shopping for socks, you will notice that these socks have a price that is slightly higher than the average price for Merino wool socks. The higher price comes from the high tech design that emphasizes comfort and durability.
3. Wigwam Hiker
The hiker socks made by Wigwam are a great pair of socks that you can wear all your round. They feature a blend of Merino wool, nylon, elastic, and acrylic so that they feel comfortable and yet cozy warm while you have them on. The medium of the weight of the socks will help make sure that your feet stay warm in cooler weather without getting too hot in warmer environments.
Elasticized Arch
If you are looking for additional arch support then these are a great pair of socks for such a purpose. The arch of the sock includes elastic rubber which gives it a compression fit around your foot arches for additional support.
Seamless Toe
There are no seams in the toe area which helps to improve the durability of the socks. You will not need to worry about your toes poking out of the socks.
Cost and Value
You will see these socks sold at a price that is much lower than the average price.
4. Enerwear
If you are looking for something stylish and soft for every day and cold-weather hikes, this design from Enerwear is a great choice. This design is made from a higher concentration of superfine wool and is offered in casual designs that look great peeking out over a pair of hiking boots. We also love that this option comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank.
High Concentration of Merino Wool
The very first thing that we noticed about this option is that it is composed of 86 percent Merino wool, which is one of the highest concentrations out there on the market. It is also made from 10 percent polyester and 3 percent spandex for a tight fit that won’t cut off circulation to your toes.
Stylish
Users love that this design is incredibly stylish, and something that can be worn to the office or for a casual autumn trek in the woods. It has a higher cut that falls just below the base of your calf muscle and boasts a secure fit that won’t get bunched up inside of your hiking boots.
Cost and Value
For those in the market for something that is incredibly soft and comfortable to wear all day long, this option from Enerwear is a great choice. This design is thinner than some of the other designs out there on the market, yet the tight merino knit works to keep feet warm and dry all day long. Plus, it comes in stylish designs and color options that make it an ideal casual sock as well.
5. Danish Endurance
If you are somebody who loves to be active then you will love these performance socks that are made by Danish Endurance. They have the perfect blend of Merino wool which will help keep your feet warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. This makes the socks a great choice for when you are going to be running, jogging, or playing sports. The socks are also great for wearing casually.
Merino Wool Blend
These socks feature a blend of Merino wool, acrylic, polyamide, and elastane. The Merino wool is naturally breathable yet insulating but the rest of the fabric blend helps make the socks moisture-wicking and soft so that you have the best pair of active socks.
Anti-bacterial
The fibers used to make the socks are naturally anti-bacterial. That means that you will not need to worry about your feet, socks, or shoes smelling bad from sweat and moisture.
Cost and Value
This option is sold at a price that is lower than the average price for Merino wool socks. They are a bargain buy because you will get many of the features found in higher priced socks without spending a lot.
6. SmartWool Hike
When you are looking for a pair of socks that will keep your feet warm in winter weather, then you should look no further than THIS OPTION. SmartWool pushes clothing technology to the limit by blending Merino wool with other fabrics so that your toes will never feel cold. They look great and will match just about any outfit so you can stay warm in style.
Flat Seams
You do not need to worry about the seams rubbing against your skin and chafing your feet. That's because SmartWool socks have flat seams that you will not even notice are present while you have the socks on.
Moisture Wicking
Nobody wants to feel like their feet are hot and sweaty so SmartWool uses a blend of merino wool and other fibers to make a pair of moisture wicking socks that you will love to wear.
Cost and Value
Great value because you can get a pair of high-quality wool socks without having to pay a premium price.
7. People Socks
These are the best socks for general purpose use because they offer plenty of cushioning and support in the foot area so that you feel comfortable all day long. You will also love how quickly the socks dry so you do not need to worry about your feet feeling sweaty.
Quick Drying
These socks dry quickly which means that they will not keep your feet hot and sweaty while you are wearing them. Since they dry fast, you can also hang them dry so that they last longer and avoid the drier.
Shaped Cushioning
The socks have a shape that is contoured to your feet. This provides you with the maximum amount of comfort and support because they have a fit that is just perfect for anyone's foot.
Cost and Value
These socks are sold at a price that is higher than the average for Merino wool socks. The higher price is due to the socks being made from a high blend of Merino wool.
8. Buttons & Pleats Premium
If you are someone who loves to spend a lot of time outdoors on the hiking trail, then you will love these hiking socks that are made by Buttons and Pleats. They feature a luxurious fabric blend of 65% Merino wool that makes them feel strong and comfortable while you are wearing them. The design of the socks helps support and cushion your feet so that you can walk all day long in them.
Strong
Merino wool is known for its strength and these socks add to that strength by reinforcing the heel and toe areas. This helps the socks last for a long time so that you get your money's worth.
No-slip tops
Sometimes socks fall down your leg as they stretch and contract. This brand of socks features a smart design that helps keep the socks in place.
Cost and Value
You can expect to pay a price that is slightly lower than the average price.
9. Fun Toes
Fun Toes makes a Merino wool sock that is great for just about any purpose. That means that regardless as to whether you are active or inactive, these socks will be great for you. You can wear them on a hike or simply around the office and they will continue to look and feel great.
Reinforced Toes
These socks are reinforced in the toes which means that you will not need to worry about them developing holes. They have been designed to be strong and long-lasting.
Soft feel
The socks are made from a blend of Merino wool, nylon, polyester, and spandex which provides you the strength and insulating properties of wool while giving you a soft and elastic feel.
Cost and Value
You will see these socks sold at a price that is slightly higher than the average price for socks.
10. Smartwool City Slicker
If the idea of big and thick socks make you want to head for the hills, this City Slicker design from Smartwool is a great choice. We love this design because it is thinner than some of the other designs, which means your boots won’t fit as snug as thick and heavy options. They also do a great job of keeping your feet nice and warm as the temperatures drop.
Snug Fit
What’s great about this simple design is that it does a great job keeping your feet warm at work or on the trail. It is composed of 68 percent merino, 30 percent nylon, and 2 percent elastane. This blend of materials creates a snug fit that won’t shift around inside of your shoes or hiking boots. Plus, it provides just a little bit of extra cushioning in high impact areas for maximum comfort all day long.
Full Range of Motion
We also like that this design utilizes a 4 Degree Elite Fit System that promotes a full range of motion with comfortable materials to keep you light on your feet. While the wool works to keep your foot warm, the body-mapped mesh zones help to circulate air to keep your feet high and dry.
Cost and Value
If you are in the market for something thinner that works to keep your feet incredibly warm and dry, this is an excellent option. We love that this design will not bunch up inside of your shoes, and is it incredibly thin and lightweight so you can wear it all day long.
11. Kirkland Signature
People who spend a lot of time walking or hiking will love the trail socks that are made by Kirkland Signature. The socks feature a great blend of Merino wool that will help keep your feet warm while breathing well and resisting odors. They are not too thin or too thick so that they are great to wear all year round.
Breathable
You will not need to worry about your feet feeling hot and sweaty in these socks because they have been designed to be breathable and moisture wicking.
Midweight
You can wear them with just about any kind of shoe or boots because they are midweight.
Cost and Value
These socks are sold at a price that is slightly below the average price.
12. Meriwool
Meriwool makes a great brand of general-purpose wool socks that you can wear all day long. The blend of wool with other fabrics helps to keep the socks from getting itchy and scratching your feet. You won't even notice that you are wearing the socks thanks to their ability to properly regulate temperature around your feet and provide you with comfort and support.
No-Itch Blend
Sometimes socks that are made of wool can feel stiff and itch your feet. However, these socks are made with a blend of Merino wool that will not cause your feet to itch and will provide you with all-day comfort.
Breathable
Breathability is important for socks because if the socks do not breath then your feet will feel hot and sweaty. Merino wool is known for its excellent ability to breathe and keep your feet feeling great.
Cost and Value
These socks have a price that is lower than the average price for Merino socks which makes theman excellent value for the price.
13. DG Hill
If you need something that is able to keep up with all of your outdoor adventures, this design from DG Hill is worth checking out. Not only is it made from quality merino to keep your feet warm and comfortable, but it also has additional padding in high impact areas to keep your feet protected on those long treks on cool days.
Brushed Fleece
This design is composed of 80 percent premium merino with a brushed fleece lining for added comfort. It also has a smaller percentage of spandex to hold them in place and prevent them from bunching up inside of your hiking boots. The ribber design on the cuff also helps them from slipping down as you walk.
Additional Padding
What users love most about this design is that there is additional padding in the footbed. Not only does this padding work to keep your feet warm on cold days, but it also extends the life of your socks, and helps absorb the impact of each step. Plus, this design is also moisture-wicking as well as odor repelling.
Cost and value
If you are in the market for a real workhorse while out in the elements, this design from DG Hill is worth checking out. It is composed of premium materials that hold up well in the washing machine, and it boasts additional supportive features to keep your feet warm, dry, and incredibly comfortable on long days.
Sources
- , Wash Merino Wool, Website
- , Why Merino Wool, Website
- , Sock Height, Website
- , What is Merino Wool, Website
