Best Merino Wool Socks

Last updated 04. March 2020

Merino wool is one of the softest, most comfortable fabrics that clothing can be made out of. It breathes well, but it keeps your toes warm when it matters the most. On our search for the best merino wool socks, we can across hundreds of options that all deserved a second look. However, we managed to cut down to just 10 of our favorite pairs on the market.

Instead of asking you to do all the research for yourself, we went ahead and took the task on. Through plenty of review websites, unboxing videos, and customer responses, we came up with the list you’ll see below. If you’re looking to stay warm in the winter and have breathable socks for the summer, read on!

It’s time to throw away those old cheap socks with holes in them! Let’s get you set up with the perfect soft pair that you can use for many years to come.

Related: Ski Socks Review.

View The Best Merino Wool Socks Below

1. AIvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks

AIvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks

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When you’re out on the trail trying to find any way possible to stay warm, there’s nothing like a soft pair of socks to keep you comfortable. The Alvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks are an excellent set for anyone who wants one step above the usual hiking socks. The whole sock is densely woven to allow light airflow, preventing sweat buildup.

We all know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to wearing socks. Even a little bit too small can cramp your foot, while loose socks can constantly curl up at the end of your shoe. Luckily for all of us, the Alvada Merino Wool Socks comes in a wide size range for both men and women, fitting nay and all who want to wear them.

One of the biggest problems that we all have dealt with is itchy socks. Merino wool is popular for reducing and sometimes completely eliminating itchiness. You’ll also notice that the small portion of nylon locks it in place on your ankle or calf until you choose to move it around. Rolling socks can be frustrating, so this pair is a huge relief.

Pros:
+ Choose from a wide range of sizes for men and women
+ Uses nylon and merino wool for a comfortable combination
+ Doesn’t cause unwanted itchiness

Why We Like It – We like these merino wool socks because they’re super warm and extremely comfortable. The padded foot bed is a huge bonus that many brands skip out on.


2. Ballston Medium Weight 86% Merino Wool

Ballston Medium Weight 86% Merino Wool

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The Ballston Medium Weight 86% Merino Wool socks are one of the greatest pairs that we found on our search for an array of outdoor activities. When you’re hiking in the snow, they’ll keep your foot and ankle warm. Going for walks in the summer will grant you with the fabric’s naturally breathable properties.

Much like the previous entry on the list, this pair of merino wool socks have a wide size range. Consult their sizing chart to figure out which one will work best for you. With sizes including Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large, everyone is bound to find the right pick to stay comfortable throughout the year.

We really enjoyed how well these socks get rid of excess sweat and moisture that other pairs seem to soak up. We’ve all stepped in puddles with socks that got soaked but hanging this pair up on the line for a few minutes will dry them out quicker than you’d think. Their weighty feeling adds to the overall warmth as well.

Pros:
+ Includes a large amount of merino wool per sock
+ Dries out incredibly fast after being soaked
+ Comes in four different sizing options

Why We Like It – We like these socks because they’re quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and they’re perfect for anyone during any time of the year. What’s not to love?


3. DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Socks

DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Socks

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These days it seems that all socks look the same. They’re black, white, grey, or a combination of the three. While it’s not really too big of a deal, it’s always fun to have a selection to choose from that fits your style. With the DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Socks, you’ll be able to sift through quite a few choices.

The unique colors included with these socks are Forest Green, Oak Brown, Yellow, Wine Red, and a few variety packs that let you find your match. Once you’ve found the right color for you, you’ll be able to choose from all sorts of sizes for both men and women. There’s no need to settle with socks, so head out on your next hike with your favorite combo!

It’s no secret that most sock holes come from wear and tear after several months of use. After constantly walking around, the under part of socks can start to loosen up and tear open. Don’t worry though, because these wool socks are ultra-padded on the heel and toe to keep them lasting much longer than most competitors.

Pros:
+ Comes in a wide variety of unique colors and packs
+ Choose your exact size match that’ll fit perfectly
+ Uses a padded sole for long-lasting use

Why We Like It – We like these socks because it’s hard to find a good pair that you can get in your favorite color and size. Not only that, but they’re ultra-warm in the cold winter snow!


4. Zealwood No Show Athletic Socks

Zealwood No Show Athletic Socks

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Although we absolutely love the high-ankle socks to stay warm year round, there’s a time and place for no-show socks. The Zealwood No Show Athletic Socks are great for working environments, professional settings, and any other situation where you want to stay warm without showing too much outside of your shoe.

If you liked the variety of colors with the previous set of merino wool socks on the list, then you’re going to love what the Zealwood socks have in store. Choose between Grey, Beige, Blue, Black, White, and all sorts of other options available in no show and low-cut combinations. There is even a good amount of sizes as well.

Unlike almost any other pair that we saw during our research, these socks are treated to be antimicrobial and antibacterial. We all know that smelly socks come from overuse and bacteria buildup. Without the bacteria being able to grow on your socks, you won’t have to deal with the stench very much longer!

Pros:
+ Includes a handful of sizes, colors, and styles
+ Treated to be antimicrobial and antibacterial
+ Designed to stretch and fit snug on your foot

Why We Like It – We like these socks because they come in all sorts of varieties that allow you to customize them exactly as you need. As we said earlier, there’s no need to settle. We’re here to help you find whichever pair of socks you want!


5. PEOPLE SOCKS Men’s Women’s Merino Wool Socks

PEOPLE SOCKS Men's Women's Merino Wool Socks

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For those of us who live out in the mountains or in extra-cold environments, the vast majority of socks simply won’t do. Sure, they might claim to be warm, but how can they actually help keep you warm while walking through snow and ice? The PEOPLE SOCKS Men & Women Merino Wool Socks were designed for just that!

These extra-thick and socks are heavy, which helps keep out the aforementioned snow and ice from leaking to your actual foot. The combination of padded hiking boots and these PEOPLE SOCKS is the ultimate setup to keep your feet, ankles, and calves warm in the harshest scenarios where many others would fail.

As with some of the other choices we’ve gone over, these socks come in a few colors and sizes. These colors include Brown, Green, Charcoal Black, and a couple of variety packs. They also come in Small and Large, which covers the range between a size 5 in men’s to a size 12. They also work for a size 6 through 13 in women’s.

Pros:
+ Ultra-dense weaving to keep your feet dry and warm
+ Choose the exact size and color that you’re looking for
+ Uses a reinforced heel and a soft-seamed toe

Why We Like It – We like these merino wool socks because they’re designed to provide an equal amount of comfortable throughout your entire foot. Choose your size and color and you’re all set!


6. Pure Athlete Low Cut Wool Running Socks

Pure Athlete Low Cut Wool Running Socks

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On the other hand, you might not be wanting the warmest pair of socks throughout the year. While it’s nice to stay cozy, summertime calls for a thinner set. The Pure Athlete Low Cut Wool Running Socks are designed for people who work hard, exercise, and put theirs all into the day ahead. No more sweating all day in your socks!

Aside from merino wool, these socks use a few other stretching materials that let it fit snug. The loosely-woven fabric creates a breathable combination that’s hard to find with other woolen socks. On top of that, they’re crafted to prevent itchiness that might cause an annoying rash when exercising.

As far as outlandish colors go, these socks take the cake on our favorites list. Neon Yellow, Hot Pink, Navy Blue & Azure, and Highland Green & Black are just a few of the designs that you’re able to check out if you go with this pair. The sizes include Small, Medium, and Large.

Pros:
+ Uses a low-cut design for style and comfort
+ Choose from all sorts of unique colors and three sizes
+ Loosely-woven for maximum breathability

Why We Like It – We like these socks because they come in wild colors and three sizes to fit your own wardrobe style. They’re also breathable, itch-free, and ultra-soft.


7. Kirkland Signature Men’s Socks

Kirkland Signature Men’s Socks

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Kirkland Signature is a well-known brand in the industry for its consistent quality and comfortable across the board. If you’re searching for a tried and true pair of socks after finding too many problems with your current pairs, check out the Kirkland Signature Men’s Socks. They high up on the ankle and as soft as they come.

As we mentioned earlier, walking around naturally tears apart any pair of socks. It breaks apart the fibers, but not with this pair. It’s double-padded from the toe to the heel, which results in you having them much longer than nearly any other set of socks on the market. The merino wool is woven well for any time of the year.

The smooth toe seam is often overlooked with these socks, which is a shame considering how much softer it feels than the competition. To boost the natural breathability of merino wool, these socks come with vented bottoms to allow for maximum airflow. Each step feels like you’re walking on a cloud!

Pros:
+ These socks sit high up on your ankle
+ Breathable and warm for any time of the year
+ Made from one of the most well-trusted brands in the industry

Why We Like It – We like these Kirkland Signature socks because they break the mold that wool socks are only good for either summer or winter. They won’t have you buying new pairs every season, that’s for sure!


8. JOYNÉE Men’s 4 Pack Winter Warm Thermal Socks

JOYNÉE Men's 4 Pack Winter Warm Thermal Socks

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The JOYNEE Men’s 4 Pack Winter Warm Thermal Socks are your go-to set for the upcoming winter. Not only are they reinforced with padding throughout the entire sock, but they’re woven tightly to prevent your body heat from escaping. Don’t worry though, they let sweat escape to keep your feet dry.

The stylish appearance of these socks makes them match well with any outfit that you could come up with. They’re either solid black or solid grey, which suits a plethora of combinations. Whether you’re looking for a good pair of hiking socks, a professional pair for dress shoes, or a casual comfortable set, this might be your best bet!

Another great feature with these merino wool socks is the fact that they’re designed to prevent blisters and rubbing burns. Blisters are usually caused by itchy fibers and thin socks, neither of which you’ll be getting with these. When you’re done using them for the day, they can be machine washed with the rest of your laundry.

Pros:
+ Comes with two solid, professional and casual colors
+ Extra padding throughout the sock prevents wear and tear
+ Designed to keep your feet dry and warm

Why We Like It – We like these JOYNEE socks because they’re some of the best merino wool socks for cold winters and virtually any social setting. Black or Grey will blend well with all wardrobe combinations!


9. Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Socks

Darn Tough Men's Merino Wool Socks

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Another brand that’s known for heavy-duty, long-lasting products is Darn Tough. Given their name, you can probably imagine how well they perform in rigorous environments. The Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Socks are not only well-made, but they’re also super stylish thanks to their color combinations and logo setting.

If you choose to go with the merino wool socks, you’ll get to choose from 5 different color options. These options include Black, Chocolate, Olive, Charcoal, and Oatmeal. They’re all earth tones that appear natural for any scenario. They’re durable for hiking scenarios and breathable to prevent sweat buildup.

With one of the widest selection of sizes, you’ll be able to get the right pair without finding them to be too loose or too tight. Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large, and 2X-Large is the available selection. Regardless of which size you choose, you’ll get the same antibacterial quality to keep your socks smelling wonderful!

Pros:
+ Made by a heavy-duty brand with great durability
+ Comes in 5 classic color choices
+ Crafted with antimicrobial fibers

Why We Like It – We like these merino wool socks by Darn Tough because they’re exactly what you need to find a pair that’ll last you several years before replacing them. They’re great for hiking, casual wear, and various athletic activities.


10. EnerWear 4 Pack Women’s Merino Wool Socks

EnerWear 4 Pack Women's Merino Wool Socks

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When you’re buying new socks, sometimes one pair simply isn’t enough. That’s why we were happy to come across such a great pair with the EnerWear 4 Pack Women’s Merino Wool Socks. With a slender center section, they hold snug to the arch of your foot for around the clock comfort and warmth.

Much like a few of the pairs we’ve already mentioned, this set comes in a wide array of colors and sizes. Finding your own style is what makes these socks well worth their position on the list. The range includes various options such as Purple Stripe & Light Blue, Wine & Brown, Stripe & Dot, and Fuchsia among several others.

One of the reasons that we like the EnerWear 4 Pack Women’s Merino Wool Socks is because they’re nearly seamless. There’s no itchiness, they’re ultra-breathable, and you won’t end up with sweat-soaked feet at the end of a rough hike or day out at work. Spandex, nylon, and polyester stretch to flex with your movements.

Pros:
+ Choose from plenty of unique, stylish color combinations
+ Designed to snugly fit with your feet
+ Prevents dryness and itchiness

Why We Like It – We like these socks because they’re breathable and they’re a perfect option for women who go on hikes, cycling rides, and so on. Wear them casually or put them on when you’re going for a jog! See more socks for cycling here.


Merino Wool Socks Buyers Guide

We’ve gone through all of our favorites, so now it’s time for us to give you a few more tips to help you find the right pair for you. Although we’ve managed to cut out all of the extra pairs that might not be the best around, it can still be difficult to pick out just one set from the list.

If you’re still on the list between a couple of choices, check out our buyer’s guide and a breakdown below to narrow down your selection. Enjoy!

What makes a good pair of merino wool socks?

We definitely saw quite a few good pairs of socks during our research, but there are a few requirements that we made before coming up with our list. The best merino wool socks should be breathable during any time of the year, double-padded for extra comfort, and last but not least, they should be super soft. It should go without saying that they can’t be itchy either!

Should you get low-cut or high ankle wool socks?

Choosing between low-cut and high ankle socks can be a challenge since different situations call for different socks. Generally speaking, low-cut socks are better for warmer weather and when you’re wearing shorts.

High ankle socks should be worn when it’s cold outside or when you’re wearing shoes with a high ankle as well. Remember, never wear low-cut socks with high ankle shoes or you’ll end up with blisters or a rash!

Expert Tip

Look at the merino wool amount used in the socks you intend to buy. 85% or more is usually better for cold weather, whereas less than 80% is great for breathability when it’s hotter outside.

Did You Know?

Merino wool differs from other fabrics because it’s specifically designed for a handful of purposes. The reason that its popularity went through the roof is that it prevents your feet from feeling so itchy and too hot like other wools might.

When socks are too itchy, they irritate your feet and toes. Paired with the heat buildup, you’d be in for a combination that makes your feet sweaty and gross feeling all day!

Fortunately, merino wool is woven from a specific type of sheep that lets your feet breathe. It’s also indescribably soft, incredibly warm in high percentages, and they cushion your feet to soften each step.

Whether you’re trying to find the right pair for summer, winter, spring, or fall, there’s a set of merino wool socks that’ll make you feel great in any situation. Once you found your match, you’ll never go back to the old socks!

Amazon Recommends:

Bestseller No. 1
DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Socks for Men & Women - Moisture...
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  • Outdoor design: Our hiking socks feature targeted cushioning to reduce the...
  • Made in Europe: Our hiking socks are designed with Everest mountaineer...
Bestseller No. 2
Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot Sock For...
  • MAKE HIKING A COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE These Merino wool hiking socks are...
  • ITCH FREE MATERIAL These wool hiking socks come blended with nylon to...
  • KEEP YOUR FEET WARM DURING COLD WINTER HIKES With these hiking socks, women...
Bestseller No. 3
Busy Socks Wool Knit Socks for Women Warm, Women's Non Blister Soft...
  • Premium Comfort for Your Feet: The merino wool blend ankle-length running...
  • Functional: These wool running socks with Moisture Control, Breathable...
  • Cushioned & Anti-Blister & Moisture Wicking: Cushioning on the toe and all...

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