Best Socks for Sweaty Feet Reviewed for Moisture Wicking
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Water Resistance
Moisture-wicking
The material is the most important factor in how well your waterproof socks remove the moisture from your feet. Together your feet contain roughly 250,000 sweat glands and typically produce about half a pint of perspiration a day. However, for those with conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), or during periods of intense physical activity, that figure can become multiple liters of perspiration per hour. When not managed properly, excessively sweating feet can lead to many problems like embarrassing odors, bacterial infections, fungal infections, blisters and in some more extreme cases, even immersion foot syndromes. These problems can be generally avoided by simply choosing a good moisture-wicking material when selecting your socks. Moisture-wicking fabrics pull the moisture from the surface of your skin to the outside surface of the fabric where it can then evaporate, leaving your skin cool and dry. Materials like Merino wool, Coolmax, Olefin, and Drymax are all great choices.
Insulation
Breathability & Insulation
Breathability and insulation are also very important in preventing sweaty or stinky feet. Generally, you will always want to avoid materials like cotton, nylon, polyester and non-technical versions of plastic as these materials are not breathable and not only trap heat and moisture, but can also cause you to sweat more profusely. Air being able to circulate through the material allows heat to escape and fresh air to cool and dry the feet while also aiding in the wicking process by evaporating the moisture.
Insulation helps by regulating a comfortable temperature for your feet, keeping them cool in warm temperatures and warm in cool temperatures. Some materials are more breathable and/or insulated than others. For example, the Merino wool is both very breathable and insulated; capable of keeping your feet warm and dry in wet and cold conditions. Synthetic materials such as the Coolmax and Drymax however, can be far more breathable than the wool but, it can also be far less insulated depending on the weight of the sock. Breathability and insulation are important but, the degree of breathability and insulation needed will depend on factors like weather, environment, activity, footwear or the extent of your moisture problem.
Comfort
Comfort & Durability
In addition to keeping your feet cool, dry and odor free, a good pair of socks should also be comfortable and durable. This is where other features come into play like arch support, blister protection, ankle support, seamless toes and high density cushioning in high impact areas such as the heel and toes. Choose the features best for your personal comfort, lifestyle, and footwear. If you're someone who needs thick padding in the impact areas, for example, just be sure the socks are not too thick for your shoes, which can cause them to be too tight and will lead to blisters. Also, consider the quality and durability of the socks. How long will they last? Will the padding wear down quickly? Sometimes spending more on higher quality socks will actually save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to replace them as often. However, this is not always the case depending on what is best for you; it pays to shop around and try things out before you decide.
10 Best Socks For Sweaty Feet
1. Rockay Accelerate
Rockay may be the new kid on the block, but they're nothing to scoff at. They come highly recommended from trusted sources like Runner's World and RunnerClick so you know they're the real deal. The Accelerate comes with a lifetime guarantee so you have nothing to lose (except sweaty, stinky feet).
High-Quality Materials
The Accelerate socks are made with organic merino wool. This material is known not only for its durability, but its breathability, too. It's naturally odor-repelling, making it an obvious choice for people who tend to get sweaty.
Unique Features
The Accelerate feature a completely seamless construction. This prevents any blisters and protect the areas of your skin that are easily irritated. So, not only will they keep your feet dry, they'll be comfortable, too.
Cost and Value
There's a reason that the Rockay socks took the first place on our buying guide. They're not only the highest quality sock but they're backed by Business Insider and Forbes magazines so you know they're the real deal.
2. 20four7
Coming highly recommended by a variety of running and outdoor enthusiasts are the 20four7 Athletic Fitness Socks. These are designed with the runner in mind as it features performance cushioning and mesh zones for utmost breathability. The enhanced moisture management system provides all-day comfort and dry feet while running in any condition.
Polygiene
Whether you believe it or not, the technology exists now that promises your clothing stay odor-free for as long as possible. These socks feature Polygiene's Stay Fresh technology that helps to prevent any odor-causing bacteria from making a home in your socks. This is a godsend for folks who have really sweaty (and stinky) feet.
Guarantee
You have to appreciate a company who provides a 100% guarantee with all of their products. Rockay believes so wholeheartedly in their socks that they back them with a lifetime guarantee. You have nothing to lose (except those socks smelling up your dresser).
Cost and Value
The 20four7 Athletic Fitness Socks sit at a low to medium price range. When you consider all the heart that went into crafting such socks, you'll be able to easily justify the price tag.
3. Agile Ultra-Mesh
Rockay is really carving a name for themselves in the world of athletic wear. The Agile Ultra-Mesh is no exception to this. This sock is one of the newest in the companies line-up, but don't be turned off by its infancy. It can hold its own. Designed with strategically placed mesh zones, these are perfect for anyone whose feet tend to get a little sweaty.
Unique Features
This sock is made of recycled materials and is designed to provide arch support. This design feature along with the materials used makes for a durable sock that will work as hard as you do.
Moisture Vents
A great sock for sweaty feet needs to have some sort of venting. You don't want all of the moisture getting stuck in your sock; that's how you wind up with wet, stinky feet. The Agile Ultra-Mesh feature strategically placed mesh zones for the utmost in comfort and dryness.
Cost and Value
We think that Rockay's newest product is more than worth the price you're going to pay for it. It's a thin sock, perfect for the sweatiest of people. But don't let its thinness fool you, it's still as durable as ever.
4. Wigwam Comfort Hiker
WigWam is a company that has been in business in the United States for over 100 years. They have always sought to produce great apparel and have not been afraid to think outside of the box even if it doesn't work out for them sometimes. When they started manufacturing clothing in 1905 they did so by hand knitting most of their products. Today, WigWam has become a brand known for the comfort and function of the socks that they produce. These WigWams are specifically designed with the hiker's sweaty foot in mind.
Merino Wool
I have talked a little bit about why wool is superior to other fabrics when it comes to being used for socks. Merino wool comes from a specific breed of sheep. Wool can absorb around 30% of its weight in fluids. What puts wool above materials like cotton, is that once it can not absorb any more, the wool begins to mechanically move the fluid away from its source letting it evaporate. This, in turn, keeps feet dry.
Cushioned Comfort
Hitting the trails can do some serious damage to socks that are not built for such strenuous and repetitive motions. Often times one of the first things to go is the support hat a sock may offer. This is not an issue with The Wool Comfort Hiker. The sock is padded throughout and extra support is placed where a foot may need it.
Cost and Value
Wool socks tend to run a little higher on the price scale than other synthetic socks. WigWam socks are no exception. While they are not too terribly expensive there are other cheaper options available. However, merino wool is unrivaled in socks when it comes to activities such as adventuring or working so maybe spending a little extra is worth it.
5. PowerSox CoolMax
Combining the benefits from materials such as CoolMax, cotton, polyester, and spandex are the PowerSox CoolMax series. These socks offer superb moisture wicking capabilities as well as a comfort level above a lot of their competitors. The design features a vented portion at the top to allow increased airflow to and from the foot.
Form and Function
The PowerSox CoolMax socks are some of the most comfortable socks available at their price range. AY- fit heel keeps socks from bunching inside your shoes. Deeper heel cups and padded arch support keep you feeling supported. Also, these socks are 63% CoolMax fibers which give them incredible moisture managing abilities.
Dress to Impress
PowerSox Cool Max's are available in different lengths and styles. These socks can be used for any function including athletics, casual wear, or even occasions calling for formal dress.
Cost and Value
These socks are very cost effective. They offer versatility that the socks for sweaty feet may lack. Given that they are comprised of mostly Coolmax fibers, their price point is very reasonable.
6. Wigwam At Work DuraSole
WigWam makes another appearance on this list with the very affordable and highly functional At Work Durasole socks. These socks are very popular working socks. People who buy these socks are often hooked by the WigWam brand and make repeat purchases. These socks are made to last and will stand up to a lot of abuse you may put on them. The fabric is treated with an odor blocker. This automatically helps combat one of the problems caused by sweaty feet.
Hard Working
The WigWam company boasts the fact that their products are made in America by American Labor Unions. This literally makes this a sock made by the working man for the working man. Not only do these socks last but they will give you comfort and dry feet while they do.
Odor Treated Materials
One of the symptoms of sweaty feet is the smell that may develop as a result of bacteria growing in the sock or even in the shoe. This unfortunate effect does not only affect you but the poor people around you who smell it too. The At Work Durasole socks are treated with Odor Guard. This along with the fibers of the sock make them antimicrobial.
Cost and Value
The WigWam At Work Durasole socks are very affordable. Their comfort levels and durability will make you want to order more if the ones you have ever wear out.
7. Thorlos Experia Thin Padded
Voted "the best of both worlds" by Runner's world are the Thorlos Experia. Available in multiple lengths colors and sizes, the Experias are designed specifically for running and keeping your feet cool and dry. Comprised mainly of CoolMax material the Thorlos Experia socks will keep even the sweatiest feet dry. The Experias also have areas of support that other socks for sweaty feet might not have, such as, in the Achilles tendon.
Guaranteed Better Feeling Feet
Thorlos is a third generation family-owned company. With their success and faith in their products, they offer a money back guarantee. If you don't absolutely like these socks send them back.
Enhanced Sock Design
Thorlos Experia's feature vented designs that enhance moisture control. The socks are constructed from 66% CoolMax fibers. CoolMax or olefin is known for being resistant to mildew and other things that may cause odor-causing bacteria to stick around. Padded heels, toes, and arch support make these socks some of the most comfortable.
Cost and Value
Thorlos Experia sits at a bit of a higher price point than a lot of the other socks on this list. That being said, these socks come highly recommended for their moisture wicking capabilities. But special washing instructions usually means that you have to be careful in how you treat them and therefore may not be very durable.
8. Feetures Elite Light Cushion
The Elite light Cushion is the slimmer version of the Feetures! cushioned sock. While less cushion means a tad less shock absorption the Elite lights make up for it in breathability. iWick fibers help to manage moisture while targeted compression areas help to offer ankle and heel support. Feetures! Elite Light Cushion socks are a good choice if you experience pain from plantar fasciitis and have typically sweaty feet.
Ergonomic Design
Feetures! has done their homework on foot anatomy. The results have been put into the design of many of their quality products. Elite Light Cushion socks are designed to help keep feet healthy and supported. Compression areas are evident in the dorsal area of the foot as well as the arch and heel.
Unique Aesthetics
From the design of the sock to the variety of colors available, Feetures! socks will stick out above the rest in terms of aesthetics and function.
Cost and Value
Feetures! Elite Light Cushion socks are higher priced than other socks on this list. But the unique anatomical design enhanced support, and breathability these socks offer are some reasons to give them a try.
9. Darn Tough Solid Basic
Looking for a dependable, hardworking, moisture-wicking sock? Look no further than the top of the line Darn Tough Solid Basic sock. Products with words like "basic" in them usually mean bare bones. However, Darn Tough took the fundamentals of socks and created a nearly indestructible moisture managing monster. While other wool socks may be considered bulky, these socks are thinner by comparison but do not sacrifice comfort.
Versatile Everyday Use
The Darn Tough Solid Basics are a great fit whether you are running, working, or just doing regular everyday tasks. They are designed to be true to fit. Marino Wool and Lycra components give this sock amazing ability to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Lifetime Guarantee
While these socks are a bit pricey, the company has a lot of faith that you will not be disappointed. If you hate these socks or if anything happens to them, Darn Tough offers an unconditional warranty.
Cost and Value
These are easily the most expensive sock listed. As with anything in life, you usually get what you pay for. The Darn Tough Solid Basic's are no exception. People who buy these socks love them and often buy more. Not because they get worn out, but because they just want more of what these high-end socks offer.
10. CloudLine Merino Wool 1/4 Top
Closing out the Top Ten Best Socks for Sweaty Feet are the CloudLine Merino Wool 1/4 Tops. Comprised mostly of ultra-soft merino wool, these CloudLine Socks are durable, comfortable and great for moisture managing. The mix of fabrics is antimicrobial to combat stinky feet and helps prevent foot fungus. With five different color schemes available you are sure to find the right one to fit your style.
Athletic Foot Protection
Merino wool offers a very comfortable experience for your feet. If you run or live an active lifestyle, these socks are a great choice for keeping your feet cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and dry all year round.
Healthy Feet are Happy Feet
CloudLine Merino Wool socks keep feet happy and healthy by offering antimicrobial fabrics that are easy to wash. They are also blister resistant and do not bunch up.
Cost and Value
As far as "high end" socks go, the Cloudline's are up near the range of the Darn Tough socks listed above. While not the most expensive on the list they come at a close second. However, with Cloudlines warranty and reputation for high-quality products, you can rest assured these socks will not disappoint.
Sources
- How To Choose Socks, Webpage ,
- Socks FAQ, Webpage ,
- Sweaty Feet, Webpage ,
- The Best Socks For Sweaty, Smelly Feet, Webpage ,