Pairs for All Types of Needs

You might be confused reading all the different blends used in wool socks these days, but for the most part, this is a good thing. You don’t really ever want a wool sock made of 100% wool, as the fabric won’t hold shape on your feet and could prove to be itchy or scratchy. A sock made with 100% wool can also trap too much heat, resulting in sweaty feet.

Instead, look for wool socks with respectable percentages of wool—some use up to 80% of wool while others might use as low as 20%. Also, most of the best wool socks today are made with merino wool, since you still get natural thermoregulation from that fabric but it’s also breathable and moisture-wicking. Other added fabrics like nylon, spandex, and elastane are good signs to see too because you’ll know the sock has a level of stretch and a snug fit to your foot.

Wool socks aren’t fragile, but you don’t necessarily want to treat them like any old pair of cotton socks you might have. In order to extend the lifespan of your wool socks make sure to wash them according to the care the respective brand provides. Some brands mention washing their socks in cold, while others might recommend washing on warm—a warm wash will probably be listed for socks that are made with a higher percentage of wool since the wool fabric can tend to lose its shape over time.

For drying, try to air dry your wool socks. This will ensure the fibers don’t come undone or get mangled. Most wool socks can be set to tumble dry on low, so if you don’t have time drying your wool socks this way via machine is your next best option.

For the past two years, we’ve consulted with Men’s Health‘s editors and writers on the best wool socks for men. Experts, including our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, put a number of wool socks to the test and evaluated their quality, price point, warmth, and fit. We also considered wool socks that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.