Best Winter and Cold Weather Socks of 2021 (Buying Guide)

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Height: Crew

Category: Heavyweight

Price: $ (the usual price is $20.95)

Materials: 79% RWS merino wool, 20% nylon, 1% Lycra

Notable features:

• RWS-certified merino wool (RWS is a rigorous animal-related standard)
• Heavy plush cushioning with reinforcement at heels, toes, footbeds, and Achilles
• Seamless toes prevent chafing

REI

#12 Thorlos EXCOU Extreme Cold Maximum Cushion

Pros:

• High-quality winter and cold weather socks, these work well even in very low temperatures
• Effective moisture management for dry feet
• Thick, cozy, toasty, and super comfortable no matter the weather
• The extra padding in the heel, ball, and toe help keep your feet comfortable while walking or sitting in the woods

Cons:

• A bit itchy
• Fit snug but it may be too tight to those who need circulation

Best for: Extended cold weather activities

Women’s Version: Unisex

#13 J.B. Field’s Icelandic -40 Below Arctic Trail Crew

Pros:

• Very thick, soft, and warm – suitable for harsh winters and snow – maybe the warmest socks you’ve ever worn
• Do their job without making sacrifices on comfort
• High wool content ensures excellent moisture management, odor-resistance, hypo-allergenic, and insulating properties
• Stay rugged without losing their shape and thickness

Cons:

• Very bulky and heavy – they are so thick that you have to get a size or two bigger boot to accommodate your feet – so consider shoe fit prior to purchase
• Not very comfortable on bare skin; it’s much better if you wear these socks with a pair of liner socks underneath

Best for: Extreme cold temperatures

Women’s Version: Unisex

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#16 Farm to Feet Cedar Falls Full Cushion

Pros:

• Constructed with high-quality materials – soft merino and sturdy nylon blend
• Versatile – fit nicely in all kinds of boots – can be worn with heavy boots in extreme cold or with non-insulated boots in warmer weather
• Great feeling thanks to the quality materials and heavy cushioning placed wherever needed most without making them look too bulky
• Offer good snug fit and stay up

Cons:

• The sock reaches just below the knee, which might seem and feel a bit strange to all those used to wearing OTC socks (it’s longer than most OTC models)
• Might slide down the leg when worn with a boot with a high ankle cuff that’s too soft

Best for: Hunting in colder conditions

Women’s Version: Unisex

#17 Farm to Feet Denali

Pros:

• Sock engineered for use in extreme cold environments in the mountains
• Thick, with heavy padding that insulates well and provides more comfort while moving or sitting in the cold
• Solid, sturdy construction that could withstand some intense activity (for all kinds of cold weather pursuits) and low temperatures
• Good moisture-wicking properties for dry and happy feet

Cons:

• A little tight
• Once wet, the wool inner part of the sock is slow to dry

Best for: Extreme cold environments

Women’s Version: Unisex

#18 Warrior Alpaca Socks Toasty Toes Comfort

Pros:

• With a decent percentage content of Alpaca wool – a soft and silky natural fiber similar to but warmer than sheep’s wool
• Incredibly soft, warm, and comfortable – those with cold feet will be happy to wear these socks at night
• Great for those with nerve and temperature sensitivity
• Well-made, they are perfect for outdoor pursuits as well as casual wear (yes, the Toasty Toes Comfort look stylish and elegant)

Cons:

• Expensive
• Tight, fit snug and might constrict blood circulation

Best for: Casual wear

Women’s Version: Unisex

Table 1: Best hiking socks – comparison table

PRODUCT	DESCRIPTION	PROS	CONS
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full Cushion	#1 Best overall sock for winter/cold weather Height -> Mid-calf Category -> Midweight Price -> $27 Material -> 66% Merino wool, 32% nylon, 2% Lycra	-> Excellent hiking socks with great cushion -> Tough, comfortable and versatile -> Performance socks: hard-wearing and functional -> Very warm	-> A bit pricey -> Run small
Carhartt Arctic Wool Sock	#2 Best sock for extreme cold Height -> Mid-calf Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $19 Material -> 74% wool, 10% polyester, 9% nylon, 6% acrylic, 1% spandex	-> Built for harsh conditions -> Thick cushioning -> Great for any indoor or outdoor activity in the cold -> Good quality, comfortable, and super warm sock	-> Not the most durable socks -> Thick in the ankle and calf areas but a bit loose in the top part
Darn Tough Mountaineering OTC Cushion	#3 Best mountaineering sock Height -> Over the calf Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $30 Material -> 73% Merino wool, 25% nylon, 2% Lycra	-> Top-quality winter and cold weather socks for a range of pursuits -> Heavy-padded -> Thrive in harsh environments and cold weather conditions -> Great durability plus lifetime warranty	-> Hefty price tag but it's worth it -> A little tighter
Smartwool Performance Ski Full Cushion OTC	#4 Best sock for winter sports Height -> Over the calf Category -> Midweight Price -> $27 Material -> 62% Merino wool, 36% nylon, 2% elastane	-> Well-made high-performance socks -> Excellent craftsmanship and high-quality fabric -> Provide enough padding for support and comfort -> Stay in place and don’t slip down	-> Expensive -> Not very warm
Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Knee	#5 Best waterproof sock for cold weather Height -> Knee-high Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $55 Material -> Inner Layer: 35% Merino wool, 35% acrylic, 23% polyester, 3.5% nylon, 3.5% elastane; Outer Layer: 90% Nylon, 10% elastane	-> Fully waterproof -> Designed for colder temperatures and wet weather -> Hand made and hand-tested -> Flat seams along the toes	-> Slow to dry -> This kind of socks still need special care -> Very expensive
Cozia Merino Wool Socks	#6 Best casual winter sock Height -> Crew Category -> Midweight Price -> $20 for 3 pairs Material -> 80% Merino wool: 15% polyester, 4% nylon, 1% elastane	-> Good price/quality ratio -> Warm and comfortable -> With high merino wool content -> Easy to wash and dry	-> Run smaller than expected -> Durability issues
Darn Tough Hunter OTC Extra Cushion	#7 Best cold weather socks for hunting Height -> Over the calf Category -> Midweight Price -> $30 Material -> 79% Merino wool, 19% nylon, 2% Lycra	-> High-quality socks that provide durability, warmth, and comfort -> Well-padded and supportive -> Fit snug and stay put; don't bunch up -> Great for hunting and other cold-weather activities	-> A bit pricey, but it's worth buying them because of their overall quality, warmth, and comfort -> Warm but not the warmest socks -> Tend to pill a bit too much
Heat Holders Thermal Socks	#8 Best non-wool winter sock Height -> Crew Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $16 Material -> 91% Acrylic, 5% nylon, 3% polyester, 1% elastane	-> Warm and comfortable in very cold environments; they can also be worn year-round -> Thick socks that ensure a snug fit -> They look and feel good -> Diabetic-friendly	-> Don't feature merino wool -> Wear out quite fast especially in the heel area
Injinji Liner Crew Nuwool	#9 Best liner socks Height -> Crew Category -> Lightweight Price -> $13 Material -> 41% NuWool, 41% acrylic, 15% nylon, 3% Lycra	-> Easy layering -> Toesock blister protection -> Soft and super light -> Provide top-notch comfort	-> Wear down too fast -> Too thin -> The individual toes widen your foot
Patagonia Heavyweight Merino Performance	#10 Height -> Over the calf Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $28 Material -> 57% RWS merino wool, 40% nylon, 3% polyurethane worsted sock yarn	-> Extra insulation for winter and cold -> Adequate warmth (no bulk) -> Thick, cozy -> Good breathability	-> Durability could be better -> Not very interesting color combinations
REI Co-op Merino Wool Expedition Crew	#11 Height -> Crew Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $21 Material -> 79% RWS merino wool, 20% nylon, 1% Lycra	-> No sacrifice of warmth and comfort -> Natural odor control -> Multifunctional -> Can be used alone or layered above a pair of liners	-> Used to be thicker -> Decent quality
Thorlos EXCOU Extreme Cold Thick Cushion	#12 Height -> Over the calf Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $25 Material -> 60% Worsted wool, 26% Exclusive THOR•LON Acrylic, 11% nylon, 3% elastic	-> Work well even in very low temperatures -> Effective moisture management -> Thick, cozy, toasty, and super comfortable no matter the weather -> Extra padding in the heel, ball, and toe	-> A bit itchy -> Fit snug but it may be too tight to those who need circulation
-40 Below Arctic Trail Crew	#13 Height -> Crew Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $28 for 2 pairs Material -> 85% PreShrunk wool, 15% nylon	-> Very thick, soft, and warm - suitable for harsh winters and snow -> Efficient without making sacrifices on comfort -> High wool content -> Rugged; keep their shape and thickness	-> Very bulky and heavy -> Not very comfortable on bare skin
Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Extra Cushion Crew	#14 Height -> Crew Cushion -> Heavy Price -> $23 Material -> 56% Merino вool, 31% recycled nylon, 11% nylon, 2% еlastane	-> Great craftsmanship -> Sturdy construction built for enduring hard conditions -> Soft, cushioned, breathable, and very comfortable -> Thick and insulate very well even when wet	-> A bit bulky -> The wool need more time to dry
Danish Endurance Unisex Premium Merino Wool	#15 Height -> Crew Category -> Midweight Price -> $20 for 2 pairs Material -> 38% Merino wool, 35% polyamide (nylon), 24% polypropylene, 3% elastane	-> Warm, sturdy, and comfortable socks -> Cushy; offer good fit -> Fantastic price/quality ratio -> Eco packaged	-> The merino wool content could've been higher for cold weather socks -> The top of the sock is a bit too tight, which restricts circulation
Farm to Feet Cedar Falls Full Cushion	#16 Height -> Over the calf Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $26 Material -> 76% Merino wool, 23% nylon, 1% spandex	-> Constructed with high-quality materials -> Versatile -> Quality materials and heavy cushioning without being too bulky -> Offer good snug fit and stay up	-> Longer than most OTC models -> Might slide down the leg when worn with a boot with a high ankle cuff that's too soft
Farm to Feet Denali	#17 Height -> Extended crew Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $30 Material -> 91% Merino wool, 8% nylon, 1% spandex	-> Engineered for use in extreme cold environments -> Thick, with heavy padding that insulates well -> Solid, sturdy construction that could withstand some intense activity and low temperatures -> Good moisture-wicking properties	-> A little tight -> Once wet, the wool inner part of the sock is slow to dry
Warrior Alpaca Socks Toasty Toes Comfort	#18 Height -> Crew Category -> Heavyweight Price -> $30 Material -> 47% Alpaca wool, 38% acrylic, 9% nylon, 6% Lycra	-> With a decent percentage content of soft and silky Alpaca wool -> Incredibly soft, warm, and comfortable -> Great for those with nerve and temperature sensitivity -> Stylish, elegant, and well-made	-> Expensive -> Tight, fit snug and might constrict blood circulation

A crash course in merino wool:

• Probably the most popular type of sheep’s wool used in the outdoors industry
• Generally, finer, softer, more comfortable and retains its shape longer than traditional wool
• There are different grades of merino wool fineness from 17 to 25 μm – superfine (with a soft texture similar to cashmere) to strong respectively
• Wicks moisture and transports it to the outer side of the garment so that the wearer might not even feel wet
• Provides lightweight insulation, retains body heat and feels warm even when wet
• Dries relatively fast
• Merino is naturally antimicrobial and is much more resistant than most fibers to odor-causing bacteria
• It’s much less likely (than traditional wool) to irritate the skin
• It has many positive characteristics of synthetic fibers
• Blends well with various man-made materials for increased functionality (durability, moisture management, and thermoregulation, elasticity, etc.)
• Merino wool is considered one of the luxury yarns; it’s more expensive than other typical fibers used for making winter and cold weather socks such as traditional wool, cotton or basic synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene, and elastane

All these characteristics and properties have made merino wool one of the most sought after materials for socks, gloves, and garments worn close to the body.

Contrary to popular belief, wool socks can be used in all seasons    Photo by Susanne Jutzeler

#3 Synthetics are used for improved functionality

While “functionality” often sounds too vague, in the case of winter socks it could be defined easily: durability + wear and tear resistance + insulation + moisture management properties + lower weight + elasticity – shrinkage – pilling.

Man-made fabrics and materials are quite popular among manufacturers of winter socks because they are modified to meet specific requirements of the wearer. For example, polyester and nylon are famous for their durability and high abrasion resistance, acrylic is lightweight and has a wool-like feel, polypropylene is tough and flexible and remains dry while transporting moisture (just like polyester), whereas spandex or elastane or Lycra is used because of its exceptional elasticity and good recovery properties. While man-made materials have many positive characteristics, they do not come without disadvantages. Some of these disadvantages include odor retention (polyester, polypropylene), poor elasticity, pilling (nylon and polyester), low melting point, heat shrinkage, fibrillation (acrylic), poor dimensional stability or elongation at break, etc.

Note that there are various merino and synthetic blends with different wool/synthetics ratios. The manufacturer might have a ton of reasons for manufacturing a particular blend – from lowering the costs to achieving better functionality (increased durability, insulation, elasticity, etc.). So more merino does not always mean better quality product (for instance, more merino wool content means softer and warmer but also less durable garment) just as less merino content does not always mean a poor quality product.

Cushioning

An important function of winter socks is to cushion and insulate the feet. Tightly woven socks provide more support, better cushioning, and feel more comfortable against the skin. It’s important because socks should also reduce friction between the foot and the inside surfaces of the boot. Usually, high-quality socks have different densities of material at different points for more cushioning or warmth or both. Such points with added cushioning are often heels and soles. The density of the fabric within the sock plays a crucial role in the protection of the foot. The extra padding also makes the socks warmer, more comfortable, and reduces the chances of blister formation.

Thickness and warmth

In most cases, there is a strong connection between overall sock thickness and warmth. For winter and especially for extreme cold, heavyweight socks almost always provide more warmth than their lighter counterparts. It’s the same with the cushioning as thick soles are cushier than the lightweight versions. Keep in mind that heavy thickness does not always translate into warmer socks though. There are quite too many examples of thick and heavy socks that failed to insulate well when they were expected to do so. It’s no coincidence that many experienced outdoorsmen prefer wearing two or three pairs of socks inside the boot. Such combinations (a thin synthetic inner layer underneath a merino blend outer layer is classic) reduce the incidence of blisters compared to single-layer sock systems.

Sock height

Many people consider this factor as not-so-important but often wearing the sock with the right height could literally make or break your experience. Here are the most popular types of sock heights (the figure to the right comes from Darn Tough and is included for easy reference; keep in mind that sock sizing can vary significantly among manufacturers):

Micro (mini) crew

Not a very good choice for winter, the micro crew is usually preferred for warm weather. Models such as the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion are a great example of functionality and comfort. However, this length is quite short for cold weather conditions and we do not recommend it for winter.

Crew

Probably the most common height for socks, crew or lower calf (as it ends just below the calf muscle) is a standard height used for all-year-round socks for universal applications. It’s the optimal height for most environments and conditions, which makes it a great option for three-season socks but not-so-great for cold weather, at least not for high-intensity activities such as climbing or skiing. Nevertheless, there are some great models suitable not only for socks for casual use in the cold but also for pursuits where high performance is required.

Boot height and mid-calf

The height of boot socks is somewhere between lower and mid-calf but it’s a bit closer to mid-calf. Many backpackers prefer socks with this height as it somewhat combines well with both hiking shoes and boots. Hunters, backpackers, and professionals from different areas wear mid-calf socks mainly with boots.

Over the calf+

Over-the-calf and knee-length socks rise to (at least) just below the knee. This length is typical for some types of sports socks such as ski, football (soccer), endurance running, and mountaineering socks. Compression and elasticity in the leg or at the top of the sock are important for the over-the-calf design because they keep the legs from sagging and slipping down and may have clinical and performance
benefits for some people. Darn Tough Mountaineering OTC Cushion is a good example of a tough, warm, and comfortable heavy-padded sock suited for various sports and activities.

Price

The prices for good winter socks vary quite a lot – from less than $10 to more than $30 a pair. The main factors behind this disparity include:

• Brand awareness and popularity – Darn Tough, Smartwool, Thorlos, Farm to Feet are renowned as manufacturers of great socks, which means that many consumers are prepared to pay a premium for their products
• Features – more technical features usually translate into a higher price
• Materials and the quality/quantity of insulation used – the utilization of high-tech fibers and yarns such as merino and alpaca wool, modified polyester fibers (COOLMAX, Thermolite, Hollofil) is more expensive than the use of other fibers like acrylic, polyester, and nylon
• Product lifetime and warranties – the longer the useful life of a pair of socks, the higher its price

While the factors above are more or less objective, some of the most important factors are subjective ones. Here’s what you need to know about three of them.

Durability

There is a huge difference between sturdy winter socks built to last for ages and flimsy constructions that won’t survive their first use. Manufacturers use mainly synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon for reinforcing their constructions. Many popular and not-so-popular companies make socks that hold up fairly well. By this, we mean that good socks can last at least a couple of seasons if properly treated. Nevertheless, Darn Tough are still a mile ahead. Simply, their socks are a symbol of toughness.

Comfort

The perception of the presence or absence of comfort is strictly individual. Comfort depends on fit, sock materials, breathability, price, i.e. on everything that contributes to the overall experience. No single manufacturer makes the most comfortable socks. Some people prefer Smartwool while others swear by Darn Tough or Wigwam. Sometimes comfort is brand specific but more often than not, it isn’t as there are often differences in the level of comfort among different models and designs made by the same manufacturer.

No matter how they look, cold weather socks should be warm and comfortable    Photo by Maksim ŠiŠl

Various winter sock warranties

Unfortunately, this is not always an objective factor as different manufacturers have established different policies related to the warranties they offer. For example, Darn Tough offer an unconditional lifetime guarantee for its clients from the US (apparently, the warranty policies for internationals differ). Others such as Farm to Feet offer a satisfaction guarantee so that if you aren’t completely satisfied with the durability or performance of your socks, you can return them for a replacement pair or a refund (with proof of purchase). Smartwool’s warranty policy is very similar to this but it comes with a set timeframe of 2 years. Other companies offer more limited policies like the standard 30 or 60-day return policy.

Generally, be careful when you see something such as “lifetime guarantee” or “lifetime warranty” or “2 years guarantee”, etc. Often, in order to be eligible for a replacement pair or a refund, you must satisfy certain condition(s).

Conclusion

The socks marketplace is a highly competitive field filled with good products. When looking for winter and cold weather socks, look for socks that are comfortable, fit well, cushion feet, reduce abrasion from your footwear, have decent moisture management properties, and can ensure proper thermoregulation for the feet.

What’s your favorite choice for winter socks and why? Drop us a line in the comments section below. Your remarks and opinions will be welcomed.

*  We classified the prices in $-$$$ scale in the following manner:

• usual price is between 0 and $15 -> $
• price is between $15.01 and $25 -> $$
• usual price is above $25 -> $$$

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