Whether for lounging, embarking on a cold-weather endeavor, or hiking in warm temperatures, wool socks are always my top choice. I personally love wool socks from Smartwool and Ibex for all types of trips and adventures.
Wool is known to be far superior when it comes to a do-it-all material. With its moisture-wicking properties and ability to regulate temperatures, wool is an ideal material for socks. Since the fibers are particularly travel-friendly, we tested 15 pairs of wool-blend socks. We evaluated them for comfort, fit, quality, and breathability. From sightseeing to sitting on a plane, these are the wool socks that impressed us most with a high-quality feel and comfortable fit.
Credit: L.L. Bean
The L.L.Bean Adults’ Merino Wool Ragg Socks earned top points in our tests, landing them as our best overall pick. We wore these socks for more than 24 hours straight during a long-haul flight (and extra-long travel day) to Europe. After clocking more than 20,000 steps in one day while wearing these socks, we noticed that they maintained their shape well, with minimal shrinkage or stretching. Their stretch added to the comfort level, and we found them to be fantastic at temperature regulation. We appreciated that they stayed in place and didn’t bunch up. Though they are on the thicker side, it’s important to decide what kind of shoes you will use them with regularly. Even when our feet became warm, they did a great job of keeping moisture away, so our feet didn’t feel sweaty. We also really like that they come in a two-pack. After a short time of wearing the socks, there were some loose threads, but nothing excessive.
The Details: S-XL | Crew length | 77 percent Merino wool, 21 percent stretch nylon, 2 percent Lycra elastane blend
Credit: Smartwool
These running socks performed so well that our testers used them for everything from daily runs and hikes to a half-marathon. We found them to be very soft and extremely comfortable to wear, with no blisters, hot spots, or bunching, perfect for high-impact activities. Since they are crafted from about half Merino wool and half synthetic fabric, they are breathable yet stretchy, which is key for runners. Light cushioning maximizes comfort and support in the arch of your foot, while keeping its thin profile. The ankle height works well for running shoes or low hiking shoes. We appreciated that our feet didn’t feel sweaty, even on longer runs, thanks to their moisture-wicking properties. They’ve also held up over time, staying true to their size after several washes, with no shrinking or stretching evident.
The Details: S-2XL | Ankle length | 55 percent Merino wool, 43 percent nylon, 2 percent elastane
Credit: Falke
We love the luxurious feel of the Falke Cosy Wool Socks, as well as the numerous color options they come in. The material is super soft and breathable, and it kept our feet dry and odor-free. Made from a blend of wool, cashmere, and synthetic fabrics, we found them to be exceptionally soft and breathable, making them ideal for a cozy day at home in pajamas. We did notice small signs of pilling and some stretching out after a couple of washes, making them more appropriate for casual lounge wear. We think these would be the perfect pair of socks to slip on during a long-haul flight when you want a touch of coziness and luxury.
The Details: Sizes 5-7.5 to 8-10.5 | Crew length | 31 percent wool, 27 percent rayon, 24 percent polyamide, 18 percent cashmere
Credit: ONDO
No-show socks have a reputation for not staying put, but we found that wasn’t the case with the Ondo Merino Wool No Show Socks. The fit was superior, and we found them to have fantastic breathability with impressive odor control. While these socks are very thin, their standout feature is their ability to stay in place, so you don’t have to keep pulling them up. This is thanks to the sticky grip on the back of the sock that worked effectively during our real-world testing. We appreciated the reinforced toe, which should help with their longevity. Combined with their moisture-wicking capability as well, these proved to be the perfect pair of discreet socks to wear with comfy flats to slip-on sneakers. During our tests, we noted that they run large, so you may want to size down.
The Details: XS-XL | No-show length | 67 percent Merino wool, 27 percent nylon, 6 percent spandex
Credit: Icebreaker
The Icebreaker Merino Lifestyle Crew Casual Wool Socks earned high praise for being very comfortable when worn for long days in a variety of settings. We wore them for everything from commuting to hiking or biking, and they performed well. During our tests, we found that they were durable with high-quality construction that maintained their shape even after several washes. We liked the fit and appreciated that they stayed up. While they are more suitable for colder temperatures, we found them to be breathable, and they didn’t leave our feet sweaty. They offer some support in the ankle and arch, and the wool fabric didn’t pill or shed.
The Details: S-XL | Crew length | 64 percent wool, 34 percent nylon, 2 percent elastane
Credit: REI
What’s better than one good pair of socks? Four pairs of good socks, of course. We found the Bombas Merino Wool Blend Quarter Sock 4-pack to be comfortable and true to size, with a snug enough fit to stay up and prevent bunching. They are great for lounging or as an everyday sock, and have great moisture-wicking capabilities. During our tests, we found them to be breathable despite being on the slightly thicker and warmer side. They feel high quality despite showing signs of wear after washing them multiple times, though it didn’t affect their functionality.
The Details: S-L | Quarter length | 81 percent Merino wool, 17 percent polyester, 2 percent elastane
Credit: Darn Tough
Travel + Leisure editor Taylor Fox wore these socks while hiking the Camino de Santiago, and was impressed by how comfortable these were. During our tests, Fox found these hiking socks to be an ideal height, coming over the top of her hiking boots without being too tall. She appreciated how soft the fabric felt, with ample cushioning and insulation. On her hikes, Fox noticed that they stayed in place and didn’t experience any hotspots or uncomfortable seams. Though she didn’t find them to be as breathable as other models, Fox still didn’t end up with sweaty feet or odor after use. Even after hiking in them for a year, they remain durable and high quality with no holes or fraying.
The Details: S-L | Crew length | 54 percent nylon, 43 percent Merino wool, 3 percent Lycra spandex
Others Wool Socks We Liked
A couple of pairs of wool socks that we tested didn’t quite make the list, but they have some great features that might be a good fit for some.
Dale of Norway Myking Wool Socks Crew Cut: These proved to be breathable and stylish, as well as comfortable on long days. However, we found that their material stretched out with wear, and the cuff didn’t have great elasticity, making them hard to take off.
Finisterre Ribbed Sock: We liked the unique, retro design of these socks and found them to be well-made, with durable construction that didn’t thin or pill. However, the fabric wasn’t very soft or snug, which affected the comfort level.
Our Testing Process
Our T+L team tried 15 pairs of wool socks for both hiking and leisurely activities. We evaluated each pair for fit and features such as reinforced toes and heels, seams, ribbing, cushioning, and arch support. We also looked at the fabric to see if they were moisture-wicking or temperature-regulating, and how stretchy or thick they felt. Then, we wore them several times for long and short periods of time to conduct activities we normally do, such as commuting, lounging, running errands, and exercising, to see how they performed in low and high-impact activities.
We evaluated their performance and comfort, as well as how well they kept our feet sweat and odor-free, even after hours of wear. We also washed them multiple times to look at their durability and overall quality of fabric, noting any stretch, shrinking, or pilling.
Tips for Buying Wool Socks
Understand the types of wool
Before purchasing a pair of wool socks, it’s best to understand the types of wool they might be crafted from. Regular sheep’s wool is insulating and warm, even when wet; however, it’s not designed for performance activities like hiking or running, and tends to be less soft and sometimes itchy. Merino wool is the most common type of wool (coming from Merino sheep) used in socks for its ability to hold heat in, keeping your feet warm, and wicking moisture away, keeping your feet dry. Alpaca or cashmere wool is another popular type of wool used in socks for its incredible soft feel; however, it’s usually more expensive and less durable. Most socks will use a blend with synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or spandex to create socks that have a good stretch and don’t lose their shape, and can dry quickly.
Think about breathability and moisture-wicking properties
For those who plan to wear wool socks for outdoor activities or long days, it’s important to prioritize breathability and moisture-wicking properties to ensure your feet stay regulated and dry. Since wool is great at being breathable and keeping moisture away from your feet, socks with higher wool content will perform better. Odor control goes hand in hand with temperature regulation and moisture-wicking as well, since sweaty feet will likely produce unwanted odor for both your socks and your feet. Higher wool content in the socks will also keep your feet from smelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What percentage of wool is best for socks?
Most socks have between 30 percent and 80 percent wool. For everyday, casual wear, somewhere around 40 to 50 percent is ideal, and for high-impact activities such as hiking or running, looking for something with higher wool content, around 60 to 70 percent is best for optimal moisture-wicking and breathability. It’s not recommended to get 100 percent Merino wool socks as they need a synthetic blend for durability and stretch.
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Are wool socks warmer than cotton?
Yes, they are warmer thanks to their natural ability to wick moisture, insulate, and regulate temperature. Cotton socks can be highly breathable, too, but if your feet sweat, the material holds on to the moisture. This can make your feet stinky, clammy, and all-around uncomfortable for long days on your feet.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure writer Lauren Breedlove used her personal experience as a hiking and running enthusiast (and owner of multiple pairs of wool socks) to write this guide. She also used T+L’s extensive testing insights to determine the best wool socks. She personally wears L.L.Bean’s Merino Wool Ragg socks and loves both her Ibex and Smartwool pairs for everyday use, long travel days, and hiking, all over the world.