The best wool socks for workouts, the outdoors and everyday wear

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Wool is naturally temperature-regulating and absorbent, which experts say can help reduce foot sweat.ShutterstockBuying socks is an inevitable part of life and in my experience, wool socks are a necessity. Their moisture-wicking properties come in handy for skiing and other outdoor sports, and when you’re indoors, wool is the coziest fabric you can wear to keep your toes toasty warm during the wintertime.

Before buying a pair of your own, read on for expert shopping advice from Ben Clower, an outdoor enthusiast and marketing coordinator at JAX Outdoor Gear in Colorado, Ken Bernard, an outdoor enthusiast and owner of Outlandish, an outdoor gear and apparel store in Brooklyn, NY, and Ashleigh McClary, a hiking enthusiast and Backcountry expert Gearhead. I also gathered a list of options to shop informed by their guidance and our testing experience.

Best overallDarn Tough Morgan Crew Lightweight Sock$undefined$24.00Sun & Ski SportsLearn moreBest cozy socksSmartwool Mountaineer Classic Crew Socks$undefined$27.00AmazonLearn moreBest hiking socksDarn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock$undefined$25.00darn toughLearn moreBest ankle socksBombas Merino Wool Blend Ankle Socks$undefined$21.00BombasLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedWhen is it simply too cold to run outside safely? Here’s what running experts want you to knowWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

This roundup includes top-rated options, expert recommendations, and products tested (and loved) by NBC Selected staff.

$24.00Sun & Ski SportsWhat to knowMaterial: 63% Merino wool, 34% nylon, 3% lycra | Sizes: S, M, LWhat we likeLightweight feelStretchyCushioned bottomSomething to noteNot as warm as heavier socksThese socks come recommended by Clower — their material is Merino wool blended with nylon and lycra, giving them a stretchy, flexible feel, according to the brand. These socks are thin and lightweight, making them great for everyday wear without overheating your feet, and have a slight cushion on the bottom for added comfort.

$21.00BombasWhat to knowMaterial: 83% Merino wool, 15% polyester, 2% elastane | Sizes: S, M, L, XLWhat we likeLarge size rangeBlister protectionGood for year-roundSomething to noteNothing to note at this time.Bombas is an NBC Selected favorite and Wellness Award winner — this option is Merino wool blended with polyester and elastane for a flexible yet firm fit, according to the brand. The socks have a cushioned footbed and a seamless toe for added comfort, along with an elasticized, honeycomb-design support around the arch. The socks also have a blister tab at the back of the opening to prevent ankle chafing while you walk. They’re available in men and women’s sizes.

$22.50Amazon$15.40$22.00SmartwoolNow 30% offWhat to knowMaterial: 51% Merino wool, 45% nylon, 4% elastane | Sizes: M, L, XLWhat we likeMesh areasLightweight designFriction-resistantSomething to noteNo cushioningThese socks are lightweight with minimal cushioning, making them ideal for running and high-intensity workouts. They have mesh air zones for extra breathability, which prevents your feet from overheating, along with reinforced toes for added comfort, according to the brand. The Merino wool fabric also helps to regulate the temperature and odor of your feet, while the fit is snug to help prevent friction and blisters.

$25.00darn tough$25.00REIWhat to knowMaterial: 56% nylon, 40% Merino wool, 4% lycra | Sizes: M, L, XLWhat we likeLight cushionFriction preventionOdor-resistantSomething to noteAvailable in larger sizesMcClary, a huge fan of Darn Tough socks, says this all-weather pair is one of her absolute favorites because, in over 15 years of wearing them, she’s never gotten a blister. The light cushion and wool-blend material are designed to wick sweat and prevent odor, according to the brand. Their height is just above that of a standard hiking boot for added protection against chafing. Bernard says they’re very durable and “excellent” for a wide range of activities. They also have a seamless toe design to minimize friction and blistering, and come in a version with medium cushioning, too (which McClary also loves).

$24.00darn toughWhat to knowMaterial: 57% Merino wool, 39% nylon, 4% lycra | Sizes: S, M, LWhat we likePerformance fitLightweightQuick-dry materialSomething to noteNo cushioned bottomAnother recommendation from Clower, these socks from Darn Tough are designed for casual wear and light activity, according to the brand. They’re made from a lightweight Merino wool blend that allows them to dry quickly, stretch well, and survive the strain of everyday wear. They have no cushion, which the brand says helps them to fit well in any shoe, and a performance fit, meaning they closely hug your feet like a second skin to prevent bunching or slippage while you walk.

$30.00Amazon$30.00SmartwoolWhat to knowMaterial: 55% Merino wool, 41% nylon, 4% elastane | Sizes: M, L, XLWhat we likeGreat for skiingOver-the-calf designLightweight feelSomething to noteNo cushionThese are McClary’s favorite ski socks — you may think you need a thicker sock when it comes to skiing, but she says lightweight socks “will fit significantly better in a performance ski boot.” These socks are made from a Merino wool, nylon and elastane blend that helps to control the temperature of your feet and absorb sweat, according to the brand. It has no cushioning for best fit with performance ski boots, and also reaches over the calf to provide additional cold-weather coverage.

$30.00darn tough$30.00REIWhat to knowMaterial: 69% Merino wool, 27% nylon, 4% spandex | Sizes: S, M, LWhat we likePerformance fitLightweightQuick-dry materialSomething to noteNo cushioned bottomWhen it comes to heavy-duty or rocky terrain, McClary grabs these wool socks. They have a lightweight material, but a heavy cushion that protects feet from blisters. They’re bunch-free, quick-drying and have anti-odor properties, according to the brand.

$23.99The Outdoor GeeksWhat to knowMaterial: 31% Merino wool, 31% acrylic, 29% nylon, 7% polyester, 2% spandex | Sizes: M, L, XLWhat we likeMesh panelsDurable designExtra cushionSomething to noteNo smaller sizesClowers also recommends these lightweight Merino wool blend socks from Fox River. They have a medium cushion for extra footbase padding and a flat, knit toe seam for added comfort at the front of your shoes. To help your feet stay cool, the socks have mesh venting panels on the sides, along with reinforced material along the heel and toe line for extra durability, according to the brand.

$24.00IcebreakerWhat to knowMaterial: 61% Merino wool, 37% nylon, 2% lycra | Sizes: S, M, L, XLWhat we likeBreathable zoneAnkle supportGood for warm weatherSomething to noteToo light for extreme coldBernard recommends these socks from Icebreaker, an ideal choice for warmer climates because of their lightweight texture. They have light cushioning and ankle and instep support for added stability while walking, according to the brand. The brand says they’re designed for day hiking and warmer conditions, and that the socks have improved ventilation around the middle of the foot for increased breathability.

$27.00Amazon$27.00BackcountryWhat to knowMaterial: 74% Merino wool, 17% recycled nylon, 8% nylon, 1% elastane | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLWhat we likeVery warmThicker materialLarge size rangeSomething to noteToo hot for everyday wearThese socks from Smartwool are great for long, cold periods of outdoor activity. They’re made from a thick Merino wool blend for maximum warmth, and have a plush bottom cushioning for comfort while out in the cold, according to the brand. NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown says that these socks are her “most cherished gift” from a bridesmaid goodie bag she received years ago. “The wedding was in the Midwest and it was cold, so these came in handy and I still use them today,” she says. The socks also have an elasticized arch brace for added support and to ensure a secure fit, according to the brand.

$23.99AmazonWhat to knowMaterial: 36% acrylic, 31% Merino wool, 18% nylon, 14% polyester, 1% spandex | Sizes: M, L, XLWhat we likeArch supportShock absorptionKnee-high lengthSomething to noteNothing to note at this timeThese knee high socks are made from a thick Merino wool blend that makes them great for winter and ice sports, according to the brand. They’re designed with terry loops in the forefoot, heel and toe to minimize friction and help absorb shock as you walk, along with padded areas on the front shin where skiers may need more cushion, according to Hylaea. The socks also have an elastic band around the foot for compressive arch support.

$18.99AmazonWhat to knowMaterial: 39.8% Merino wool, 21.9% polyester, 17.5% cotton | Sizes: S, MWhat we likeMultipackPadded bottomsArch supportSomething to noteSmall size rangeThese socks from Fitrell are made of a Merino wool and cotton blend to reduce itchiness. They have a reinforced heel and toe area to increase durability and prevent holes, along with a cushioned footbed for added comfort while walking, according to the brand. They also have a smooth toe seam and an arch compression area to help stop the formation of blisters.

Merino wool is a wool fiber grown year-round in Australia by Merino sheep. It has a softer, finer texture than normal wool, which is what allows it to be so smooth and lightweight. Clower says that, compared to regular wool, Merino wool also has more naturally odor-repelling properties. It’s also better at regulating temperature, as well as absorbing and wicking away moisture from your feet.

“Wool socks are ideal for sweaty feet,” says Bernard. “Wool fibers wick moisture away from the skin by absorbing it into the core of each fiber and releasing it gradually,” he says. “This keeps feet dry, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.” Wool also has natural anti-bacterial and odor-resistant properties.

McClary says the main downsides to wool socks is that they can feel itchy to some people. She also says that if you don’t pick the correct thickness for your activity, you may be too hot or too cold. Bernard also says that wool socks, especially ones made from Merino wool, can be pricey, and may take longer to dry than synthetic materials.

Clower says you can either hand wash or machine wash them. To hand wash, he suggests using a mild detergent with cold water, as warm or hot water can result in fabric shrinkage. For a machine wash, put your socks on a gentle or wool cycle and adjust the temperature settings for cold water.

Yes, you can. Since wool is naturally sweat-wicking, it makes for a great workout sock material, especially if it’s Merino wool. The natural odor-repelling and temperature-regulating properties are ideal for keeping your feet dry, cool and as fresh as possible during your workout.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I’m an associate SEO reporter for NBC Selected, covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more, including stories on the best exercise bikes under $500 and the best travel mugs. For this article, I spoke to outdoor gear experts about the best wool socks for everyday and outdoor wear, including their recommendations and guidance on how to shop for a pair of your own.

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Ashley MorrisAshley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Selected. Her expertise is in skin care, wellness and home and kitchen.