Best Socks for Men of 2023
1. BEST OVERALL SOCKS FOR MEN
Uniqlo Colorful 50 Socks
Choose from a whopping 50 different colors, including orange (pictured), beige, green, blue, purple and more. One GH staffer has been wearing these crew socks for years and describes them as “very comfortable,” adding that the socksdon’t feel too tight in the lower leg but stay put throughout the day.While our Lab analysts are still in the midst of running tests on this particular pair, so far, they have received a perfect score in our abrasion tests.
But don’t just take our word for it — these socks have an almost perfect five-star rating on Uniqlo’s site, with customers commenting on the high quality and versatility of these soft socks. One five-star review writes, “These socks are perfect as they are not only soft and comfortable but can be worn with whatever sneaker.”
We appreciate the stylish crew height, as you can pair them with dress shoes or a more casual shoe depending on the occasion. We also think the price is also right for a trendy sock that is comfortable and breathable.
2. BEST VALUE SOCKS FOR MEN
Champion Double Dry Socks (6-Pair Pack)
While we’re still in the process of testing these Champion ankle socks, we have tested other Champion styles — in fact, we selected the brand’s Heel Shield Socks as the best value pick in our guide to the best socks for women due to the level of comfort, minimal shrinkage and cushioning you get for the price.
At $3.50 per pair, Amazon customers love these budget-friendly socks that are as comfortable as they are good for your wallet. Multiple customers report a good fit and say they continue to go back to Champion for socks. One customer writes, “These socks are very comfortable, durable and last for a good long time. I’ve only been buying this brand and model of socks for the past 10 years because they’re that good.”
We appreciate the cotton and spandex blend that work to improve softness and fit. The socks also have a cushioned bottom to provide support, according to the brand, and the socks are designed to be moisture-wicking — which our own Lab testing confirms! A 4.6-star rating on Amazon with close to 4,000 five-star reviews continues to suggest this pack of six socks is a necessary addition to your sock drawer.
3. MOST POPULAR SOCKS FOR MEN ON AMAZON
Saucony Comfort Fit Performance Socks (6-Pair Pack)
This #1 best-seller on Amazon has a 4.6-star rating across over 57,000 customer reviews (78% being five-star ratings). You can buy them in packs of six, 12 or 18 and choose from sets of black, gray or multi-colored.
This popular, budget-friendly pick is designed to be moisture-wicking and has an arch compression system meant to provide support. It also features a cushioned sole and mesh ventilation on the top of the sock.
One five-star review says, “These bad boys are so comfortable, they make my feet feel like they’re lounging on a fluffy cloud. Seriously, I’ve worn these socks every day, and I swear my toes are singing a happy tune.” He adds that his wife even steals his pairs — and who can blame her! Some online reviews do note that the quality and sizing could be better, though.
4. BEST ATHLETIC SOCKS FOR MEN
Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab
Best for low-cut shoes, like your favorite pair of gym sneakers, these thick socks have maximum cushioning (hence the name) to provide added comfort during high-impact training.
Our testers gave the socks high marks for fit, comfort and appearance — you can choose between 26 different colors from a neutral gray (pictured) or a bright neon yellow if you want a pop of color on the gym floor. Testers appreciated the arch support and cushioning the socks provide, but noted that shoppers may want to size up as the compression feature can make the socks feel rather snug.
The socks also have a tab on the heel to help prevent chafing and blisters and many comment on how the socks are great at moisture-wicking, leaving their feet dry rather then wet post-workout. “Excellent feel and performance during high intensity workouts, I felt the moisture-wicking and cooling effects and they stay put,” says one tester, adding that they are “the best workout socks I have tried!”
The brand also has an Ultra Light version if you want a thinner sock for lifting.
5. BEST HIKING SOCKS FOR MEN
Darn Tough Micro Crew Hiker Sock With Cushion
Our top pick for the best overall hiking socks, this sock by Darn Tough incorporates every design feature you’d want for beginner, intermediate or advanced hikes.
Ideal for year-round hiking, consumer testers said the socks kept their feet sweat-free during summer hikes and warm in the colder months. The durable socks are made from merino wool and nylon, and have good cushioning — important for those longer trails. “These kept my typically sweaty feet at a perfect temperature while hiking,” one tester says. “They were super comfortable to wear while traveling as well and I just love how my feet didn’t overheat.”
We also appreciate that Darn Tough socks are guaranteed for life, meaning the brand will send you a new pair should you wear your current ones out. But our test results suggest this probably won’t be a problem, as multiple testers say the socks hold up well.
6. BEST ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN
Bombas Men’s Tri-Block Ankle Socks
Both our own consumer testers and online shoppers love these ankle socks by Bombas — in fact, the pair has a 4.8-star rating on the brand’s site and over 46,000 reviews.
Users say the socks are high-quality, very comfortable and run true to size, giving high ratings for each category. One five-star review says, “I love these socks! I give them as stocking stuffers every year. I love their durability and comfort. It’s the only sock I own!” The socks have great cushioning, perfect for long days on your feet. One customer even comments, “I wore these to Disneyland and Universal Studios, my feet were very happy and I contribute that to my Bombas.”
Available in six colors, these socks also have a honeycomb arch support system to increase support and comfort in the midfoot area. The socks have a lot of pros, but in our testing, the socks were more prone to shrinking in the wash than others, and had poor abrasion resistance. Customers also point out the relatively steep price tag for a single pair of ankle socks. However, the comfort and support the socks offer can make the splurge worth it.
7. BEST FUZZY SOCKS FOR MEN
Barefoot Men’s Cozychic Heathered Socks
Fuzzy socks exude cozy comfort, especially when paired with your favorite loungewear pieces. From head to toe (literally), you will be warm as you settle in to watch a movie, TV show or sports game.
When we tested this pair in the Lab, the socks barely shrunk and consumers testers noticed hardly any change in softness after washing. They have a slouchy style that manages to stay put and experts and testers alike confirm the super soft feel. Note that this pair of fuzzy socks don’t have any type of grip on the bottom, which can make them slippery on certain surfaces in your home.
If we haven’t already convinced you to purchase a pair of these lounge socks, this tester’s review will do the trick: “These are by far the best fuzzy socks I have ever worn…. EVER! I look forward to putting them on when I get home and I even started wearing them to sleep, and I am not a regular wearer of socks in bed.”
8. BEST WOOL SOCKS FOR MEN
Darn Tough Cushion Sock
This pair of socks by Darn Tough is similar to our recommended pick for hiking, but has a crew style that makes it ideal for wearing with winter boots, as they will cover more skin so your boot doesn’t rub against your leg.
This pair also features full cushion for added support and has more insulation so your feet will stay toasty warm in the colder months. Per the manufacturer’s description, the merino wool is breathable, moisture-wicking and fast drying — which is critical when you are trudging through snow, slush, rain and the like.
A 4.8-star rating on Amazon with over 5,000 online reviews suggests these wool socks are super popular among shoppers with one review calling them “the best wool socks to date” and others chiming in about how comfortable and durable the socks are, even if they are a little pricer.
9. BEST RUNNING SOCKS FOR MEN
Smartwool Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks
One of our Textiles Lab experts says this is the most impressive pair of running socks she’s come across, as it aced every test, receiving the highest overall score for consumer satisfaction, lack of shrinkage and moisture management.
These high-quality socks are super thin (measuring just 1 millimeter!) so they’re lightweight, yet still durable. Made from merino wool, nylon and elastane, this pair is both moisture-wicking and stretchy. With all of that in mind, we named these Smartwool socks best overall in our guide to the best running socks.
Testers gave high scores for fit and comfort — and a 4.6-star rating on Amazon reflects the same among online shoppers. One five-star review calls it the “perfect running sock” and one of our testers agreed saying, “The socks are lightweight and perfect for exercise that requires speed and agility — that is if you desire an overall tight shoe-and-sock fit to achieve such agility.”
10. BEST DRESS SOCKS FOR MEN
GoldToe Over-The-Calf Dress Socks
Although we have not formally tested these unisex dress socks in the Textiles Lab, GH Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine owns and a pair and says they fit great great and have held up over the years. “The socks are long enough to prevent any gaps when my suit pants inevitably ride up when I sit down,”she says. Her husband (and even former-President Barack Obama!) own these socks as well.
“Over the calf socks will stay up on your legs and offer a polished look,” says Textiles Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu (as opposed to crew socks which can sometimes slip down to show a sliver of skin between your skin and pant leg).
The socks have a 4.6-star rating on Amazon with over 2,660 five-star customer reviews. Multiple satisfied reviews describes them as “excellent socks” that are comfortable and don’t fall down to reveal an awkward skin gap. We appreciate that you get three pairs in one pack, increasing the overall value of the purchase, and that the three neutral colors available will pair well with your work pants, whether it’s a pair of khakis or trousers.
