10 Best Wool Socks in 2022 (Smartwool, Boardroom, and More)

Socks that are too thick might affect the fit of your shoes. Yet, if the socks are too thin friction might occur and leave you with blisters. 

Blisters are more likely to occur if you're playing sports, walking or standing for long periods, or sweating a lot. To prevent blisters, we recommend socks with padding at the impact zones and back of your heel. 

This might be advertised as extra padding or specific blister protection, and customers will often confirm the socks' blister prevention in the reviews.

For ultimate comfort, ski socks are constructed with extra padding on the shins. Thinner material is used on your heels to prevent bulkiness and combat blisters, too. 

When it comes to height, go for a knee-high sock. This length will give you the best fit in your boots and keep your feet warm.

Toe socks are designed to provide comfort and mobility. Compared to regular socks, toe socks allow for more movement. This increased movement generates more blood circulation, which increases the warmth in your feet in a natural way. This circulation may also reduce swelling.

Toe socks can also prevent toe blisters since your toes will rub on the fabric and not each other.

Thankfully, wool already has natural properties that make it ideal for wet conditions. It can absorb quite a bit of water without feeling wet, making it a great material if you have sweaty feet or live in a rainy area.

If you want even more water protection, look for waterproof socks. They use a mix of materials to prevent water from soaking through the socks. Socks with an outer layer of waterproof nylon and an inner layer with standard wool and elastane are the best choice since you get the benefits of both materials. 

It's also important to consider moisture-repellent properties to keep your shoes in their best condition. The sweat from your feet can damage your footwear. Finding a pair of socks that can absorb your sweat will help ensure that your footwear can be used longer. 

For the best sweat absorption, consider socks made of pure wool or a mix of wool and polyester. Polyester is a lightweight and durable synthetic fabric that offers decent breathability. It also dries more quickly than materials like cotton, making it a great addition to wool socks.

If you're looking for durability, natural wool is a great pick. However, for extra strength, consider socks made with a blend of wool and synthetic materials. Nylon (sometimes listed as polyamide) and polyester are strong yet lightweight synthetic materials, and they both add durability. In addition, polyester has the benefit of adding water repellence. 

For added comfort, consider socks with a small percentage of elastane, also known and lycra and Spandex. This synthetic material adds stretch, making it helpful for people with larger feet or calves. Elastane helps the socks hug your foot, which can prevent them from sliding around. It can also prevent tall socks from drooping!

If softness is important for you, consider socks made with merino wool. This type of wool comes from a breed of sheep with the same name! It has a finer fiber and offers the softest feel. Cotton also offers softness, but it can wear out and stretch over time. 

If you find wool too scratchy, look for socks with a lower percentage of natural wool. You will still get the benefits of wool without the itchy feeling. Wool blends with both natural or synthetic fibers will work well. For example, acrylic is a durable synthetic fiber often used as a wool alternative. 

Invisible socks, or ankle socks, are popular in hotter weather. When wearing these socks, your sneakers, flats, or even heels will be the star of the show. These socks offer comfort and a low profile while giving you the moisture-wicking benefits of wool.

However, these socks aren't ideal for taller shoes or colder weather since they offer the least amount of protection and coverage.

There are several styles of crew socks. Micro crew socks will barely peek over the top of your sneakers. This does not take away from the fact that your feet will still be protected from friction. If you want something with a little more coverage than ankle socks that still look unobtrusive, micro crew socks are a great choice.

Mini crew, also known as ankle, socks stand a couple of inches above the ankle bone. They are popular to wear with trendy sneakers, flats, or heels. They are also a great height if you are looking to wear them with booties since they are about the same height. 

Regular crew socks hit mid-calf and are a classic style. They work with virtually all shoes, and they offer a good amount of protection. They are a great option if you want to stay warm, avoid blisters, and protect some of your legs.

Trouser socks are a bit higher than crew socks but still don't completely cover your calf. They are the ideal choice for office wear or more formal occasions. If you have a freezing office or sweaty feet, wool trouser socks might be perfect for you.

Knee and over-the-knee socks are ideal for colder months. If you want to show off your legs, consider pairing them with skirts or shorts. You can also wear them under over-the-knee boots for extra warmth or by scrunching the fabric around your knees for a fun twist.

However, we recommend looking at customer reviews to get an idea about the fit. If the socks stretch out, they may have trouble saying up. Sizing is also especially important, as knee socks can't be too large or small! If they are, you'll likely spend a lot of time tugging them back up your legs.