12 Warm Socks to Get You Through the Rest of Winter 2023
Most people don’t think much about their socks. You just put them on in the morning and go, rinsing and repeating until you wear a hole (or three) in them and have to buy a new pair. If you wear one pair of socks once a week, odds are you’ll have to replace them within 6-12 months. And when you’re spending anywhere from $8-$18 on a multipack of socks once or twice a year, that can add up, both financially and ecologically. By investing in some genuinely good quality warm socks, you not only will save yourself money in the long run, but you’ll be more comfortable in colder temps and contribute less to the damaging impact discarded clothing items like socks are making on our environment.
And when it comes to warm socks—the kind that keep your feet toasty for cold-weather hikes or shoveling during the winter, quality is even more important. While many socks are made from inexpensive materials like polyester, you’re more likely to see benefits from socks that are made from more substantial blends—and therefore, more expensive— materials, such as wool and cotton. Merino wool is lightweight, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant and insulating, but it’s definitely not the softest option out there. (Although it’s not nearly as scratchy as those sweaters your mom used to make you wear for the family holiday card.) Cotton is soft, breathable and a great option for those with wool allergies, but it’s also more likely to absorb moisture and therefore emits that rather unpleasant rancid sauerkraut smell more quickly. Another option is cashmere, which is not only moisture-wicking, like wool, and breathable, like cotton, but is also most certainly the softest of the three. With that said, it’s also higher-maintenance, less durable and often more expensive than wool or cotton options, meaning cashmere is a good “special occasion” sock material but not necessarily a good one for everyday wear.
Whether you’re walking, running, hiking or biking, here are the top 12 warm socks that will keep your toes feeling toasty and comfortable.
Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
12 Best Warm Socks
Merino Wool Ragg Socks 2-Pack, $39.95 at L.L.Bean
If you’ve ever wanted to do your own Risky Business dance routine when home alone, these are the socks to do it in. With eight colors and four sizes to choose from and a solid one-year limited warranty, you’ll get double the warmth with none of that itchy discomfort with this two-pack of socks. L.L.Bean’s Adults' Merino Wool Ragg Socks, 2-Pack, $35, L.L.Bean
Related: Best Winter Boots for Women
Bombas Stripe All-Purpose Performance Calf Socks, $18 at Nordstrom
From their quality cotton blend to their commitment to donate a pair of socks to U.S. homeless shelters for each pair sold, these socks are sure to put some pep in your step. Their thermoregulating knitted design ensures your feet won’t get too hot, too cold, or too sweaty—what more could you ask for? Plus, Bombas’ lifetime warranty is the bomb.com. Bombas Stripe All-Purpose Performance Calf Socks, $18 at Nordstrom
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Plush Socks, $15 at Bare Necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife with the Bare Necessities Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Plush Socks. With six fresh colors to choose from, these are the perfect go-to wherever you wander and wherever you roam...even if it’s just from the couch to your bed during a lazy day at home. Bare Necessities Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Plush Socks, $15 at Bare Necessities
Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot, 3-Pack, $19.99 on Amazon
Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot Sock For Men Women 3 Pairs ML
Three is a magic number, especially when it comes to a three-pack of these thick, warm Alvada Hiking Socks. With plenty of cushioning that molds to your feet and an anti-microbial 80% Merino wool design, you’ll definitely want these in your pack when you go on your next weekend hiking trip. Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot, 3-Pack, $19.99 on Amazon
Related: Best Lululemon Align Legging Alternatives
Rosie Sugden Cashmere Bed Socks, $45 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Why only walk on Cloud 9 when you could sleep on it too with the Rosie Sugden Cashmere Bed Socks, $45 at Saks Fifth Avenue? With clean lines, these plush socks are made with a cashmere blend, so your feet can bask in their snug, downy feel for years to come. Rosie Sugden Cashmere Bed Socks, $45 at Saks Fifth Avenue
UGG Cozy Chenille Sock, $20 on Amazon
UGG Women's Cozy Chenille Sock, Misty Lake, O/S
Believe it or not, you’ll be walking on air with the UGG Cozy Chenille Socks...one might even say, you never thought you could feel so free. These fluffy socks are knitted from a soft chenille yarn. Whether you want to wear them on a flight or while lounging at home, these socks are luxuriously thick without being too bulky. UGG Cozy Chenille Sock, $20 on Amazon
Merino Wool Thermal Boot Hiking Socks, 3-Pack, $19.99 on Amazon
Merino Wool Socks for Men and Women Warm thermal Boot Hiking Socks 3 Pairs ML
We dare you: Name something cozier than the COZIA Wool Thermal Boot Socks. In addition to having features like reinforced toes and heels for optimal durability, they boast a full-cushion footbed and vented ankles so you can wear them with even your tightest-fitting pair of boots. You can snag a pack of these substantial, 80% Merino wool socks in men’s and women’s sizes. Merino Wool Thermal Boot Hiking Socks, 3-Pack, $19.99 on Amazon
Related: Best Sweatsuits for Women
Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, $25 at Darn Tough
We would walk 500 miles and we would walk 500 more if we were trekking through the woods in a pair of the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crews. If you’re tired of your hiking socks scrunching, bunching, slipping and causing angry blisters, this mid-weight, Merino wool blend socks are the ones for you. They’re available in a variety of colors in both men’s and women’s sizes. They also have a lifetime guarantee. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, $24, Darn Tough
Snow Deer Heated Socks, $79.99 on Amazon
2023 Upgraded Rechargeable Electric Heated Socks,7.4V 2200mAh Battery Powered Cold Weather Heat Socks for Men Women,Outdoor Riding Camping Hiking Motorcycle Skiing Warm Winter Socks(Medium)
Do friends call you the Snow Miser? When your feet just can’t get warm enough, slap on a pair of these heated socks to defrost your digits. Though they’re the most expensive option on our list, these battery-operated heated socks generate plenty of warmth. Snow Deer Heated Socks, $79.99 on Amazon
Women's Everyday Color Block Cable Crew Socks, Originally $21, Now $12.60 at Smartwool
Have you blown out your flip-flops? Or stepped on a pop-top? Regardless of what aches and pains your feet may be feeling, the comfortable and vibrant socks are anything but a waste. These 60% Merino wool socks offer light cushioning and a secure, no-slip fit. They’re available for $20 in women’s sizes, and you can snag them for a little more in men’s sizes as well. Women's Everyday Color Block Cable Crew Socks, Originally $21, Now $12.60 at Smartwool
Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light No Show Tab, Originally $20, Now $14.60 at Zappos
If you like to leave an air of mystery, but not a stench, when it comes to your footwear, consider the Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light No Show Tab. These no-show socks provide ample support and keep your feet cool and dry thanks to their composition of 25% Merino wool and iWick synthetic fibers. You can pick them up in four sizes and two colors. Feetures Merino 10 Ultra Light No Show Tab, Originally $20, Now $14.60 at Zappos
High Performance Wool Ski Socks, Starting at $18.97 on Amazon
Pure Athlete High Performance Wool Ski Socks - Thermal Warm Merino Wool OTC Sock, Men Women (1 Pair - Black/Grey/Blue, Large)
Are you an athlete looking to take a walk on the wild side? The only thing greater than the performance of these 25% Merino wool socks is their coverage. No matter which of the nine available colors you choose, you can be sure the knee-high Pure Athlete High-Performance Wool Ski Socks will keep your feet, ankles, and shins comfortably cocooned and cushioned. Pure Athlete High Performance Wool Ski Socks, Starting at $18.97 on Amazon
If our suggestions knocked your, well, socks off, good news, you have plenty of replacements to choose from. With fall on the horizon and winter close behind, there isn't a better time to start upping your sock game, so run, don't walk, to pick up some of these options today!
Next up: The coziest, best sweatpants for women.
