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IF YOUR SOCK drawer has turned into a dark hole of forgotten junk, it's a sign to score some fresh pairs. Remember: your feet deserve nothing less than the finest because the best socks for men will truly elevate your wardrobe games—whether it’s athletic socks with unmatched support and all-day comfort, unique dress socks that actually make you want to flash some ankle, moisture-wicking socks for smelly feet, or no-show socks to accent your shoes.
Best affordable pack of socks
Gold Toe 656s Cotton Crew Athletic Socks
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Best socks on Amazon
Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control 6-Pack
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Best athletic socks
Lululemon Power Stride Ankle Sock 3 Pack
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best premium socks
Todd Snyder RoToTo Reversible Brushed Mohair Sock
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Best Solid Color Socks
Happy Socks 3-Pack Solid Socks
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Best Dress Socks
Banana Republic Breathe Merino Sock 3-Pack
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So toss those ripped, worn-out ones that are hanging on by a thread, since the best socks for men should be made from high-quality, long-lasting materials like merino wool, cotton, or a blend of performance fabrics that not only maintain their shape through countless washes and wears, but also ensure breathability and moisture-wicking. The best socks for men need to cater to specific sock needs too, whether you're always commuting in the city or need running socks for your adventures. Lastly, the best socks for men will fit well and stay put on your feet/ankles/legs to prevent unwanted bunching.
To find the very best socks for men, our team has tested several pairs ourselves as well as interviewed over 30 real-life customers to see what socks they like to buy and wear for different occasions. Gold Toe’s 656s and Mack Weldon’s Extended Crew Sock are classic everyday socks that buyers swear by, and Lululemon’s Power Stride and Stance's performance crew socks are the best athletic socks we’ve tested.
Ask any sock aficionado their favorite sock brand and there's a good chance they’ll say Bombas. If you’re wondering what makes Bombas socks so special, it’s the ultimate combination of smart design details and high-quality fabric. The brand takes all your needs into consideration with extra-durable cotton fabric, seamless toe construction for comfort, and even a little fabric tab at the back to prevent pesky, painful blisters.
In our testing, we found that these are—by far—the comfiest ankle socks we've tried. We love that their stretchiness doesn’t seem to decrease despite tons of wear and washes. It’s also nice that there’s a social mission for the company, as they donate a pair of socks for every pair sold. They’re also very versatile, great for walking thanks to the cushioned footbed as well as training at the gym—although they’re not as robust as actual workout socks for training.
Quantity | 1 pair |
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Material | 77% Cotton (Supima®) 16% Polyester 4% Nylon 3% Elastane |
Type | Ankle socks |
Best for | Everyday, walking |
Best affordable pack of socks
Gold Toe 656s Cotton Crew Athletic Socks
Best affordable pack of socks
Gold Toe 656s Cotton Crew Athletic Socks
There isn't a sock quite like a Gold Toe. While holding the throne as the ultimate Dad sock for the past 80 years, they have also started to make their way back into fashion in a big way. These updated classics, for instance, are made from a slightly thick blend of wool and nylon, and boast AquaFX Moisture Control that helps wick away sweat throughout the coverage area to help you stay fresh, cool, and dry. The ribbed construction also provides extra support and warmth, while the stretch will help the socks fit perfectly on your feet. We also love the reinforced toe that ensures no hole, wear, or tear will happen for a long time.
In my testing, I found that while these indeed are cushy and warm—and thus work great as winter socks—they are quite thick, which is why I love wearing them to fill up the space in my boots or dress shoes, but sometimes for sneakers and athletic shoes, the thickness can feel very tight. And unlike other socks, these don’t slide down even on large calf muscles.
Quantity | 6 Pairs |
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Material | 81% Cotton, 18% Nylon, 1% Spandex |
Type | Crew socks |
Best for | Cold weather, everyday, wearing with boots, sports |
Best crew socks
Mack Weldon Everyday Extended Crew Sock
Best crew socks
Mack Weldon Everyday Extended Crew Sock
These dress socks from Mack Weldon look cool in a way that goes just as well with a suit as they do with jeans and sneakers. Besides looking nice, the best part about these socks is their odor-fighting properties. Mack Weldon infused the Pima cotton with silver fibers that are naturally antimicrobial. They're using a little basic chemistry to keep your feet smelling good all day. We also love how they absolutely will stay on and won't slide down even after a whole day of wear thanks to the stay-put cuff of these socks.
In our testing, we found that Mack Weldon’s crew socks are also great for walking, courtesy of the cushioned footbed. And since both the toe and heel are seamless, coupled with an ultra-soft fabric, the comfort in these socks will keep your legs and feet feeling good all day long.
Quantity | 1 pair |
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Material | 85% Combed Cotton / 10% Spandex / 4% Nylon / 1% Elastic |
Type | Crew socks |
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Best socks on Amazon
Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control 6-Pack
Best socks on Amazon
Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control 6-Pack
In our opinion, these can go almost toe-to-toe (get it?) with Nike’s Everyday Plus athletic socks. The fabric blend—71% cotton, 27% polyester, and 2% spandex—is almost identical, meaning they’re moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant. They’re also incredibly comfortable for casual wear and for working out, and our testers love wearing them with boots. Their moisture-wicking technology and superior arch support are excellent for all types of activities.
With roughly 200,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s no surprise that these are an Amazon Best Seller. More than 150,000 of those are overwhelmingly positive, with five-star reviews to boot. Some buyers complain of issues with the sock bottoms rubbing through and developing holes prematurely. But, for the price (less than $14 for a six-pack), it’s hard to complain when you can stock up with three or four packs for around $50.
Quantity | 6 Pairs |
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Material | 70% Cotton, 28% Polyester, 2% Spandex |
Type | Crew socks |
Best for | Sports, training, physical activities, everyday, walking |
Best athletic socks
Lululemon Power Stride Ankle Sock 3 Pack
Best athletic socks
Lululemon Power Stride Ankle Sock 3 Pack
Hard training calls for socks that can keep your feet feeling good rep after rep. After all, they're putting in the work, too. Not only are these ankle socks made largely of breathable nylon and stretchy Spandex, but they also have full arch support and use the 3D-knit PerformaHeel™ to provide a contoured fit that definitely won’t slip, no matter how you move.
Overall, with 360-degree arch support, seamless toe construction, and a 3D-knitted heel, our testers love that these Lululemon socks have just the right amount of stretch and cushion for a supported, frictionless fit. We've noticed less chance of chafing when we sport these for a high-intensity workout or run. The heel is also complete with an extra-long fabric tab, so not only will you avoid a blister on your Achilles area, but you also won't have to worry about these slipping down while you run either.
Quantity | 3 pairs |
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Material | 95% Nylon, 5% Elastane |
Height | Ankle socks |
Best for | Sports, training, physical activities, everyday |
Best no-show socks
Ondo Organic Cotton No Show Socks 4-Pack
Best no-show socks
Ondo Organic Cotton No Show Socks 4-Pack
These are socks you wanna show off but can't. That fashion-forward, slipper-like veneer is a cut above the rest. Crafted from a one-of-a-kind blend of aerolight'™ fiber fabric, these socks feel extra soft, breathable, and very light, and I find that besides no-show, they are almost no-feel given how no-distraction they are once I put them on and walk in them. Also, the lightweight nature means fast sweat absorption and evaporation, keeping your feet dry and fresh throughout the day.
The double-layered toe also renders the cap extra durable, and having worn and washed these hundreds of times since 2021, there isn't any hole or tear to this day. But our favorite part is the brand's no-slip guarantee: you'd have a hard time trying to take these socks off, really, thanks to the brand’s specially designed and patented silicone grip.
Quantity | 4 |
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Material | 62% Organic Cotton, 32% aerolight Polyester, 6% Lycra |
Type | No-show socks |
Best for | Everyday, warm weather, walking |
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best premium socks
Todd Snyder RoToTo Reversible Brushed Mohair Sock
best premium socks
Todd Snyder RoToTo Reversible Brushed Mohair Sock
Made in Japan, RoToTo makes some of the finest, softest socks around. The chances are once you try one pair of these bad boys, you'll want more. Better yet, in addition to the handsome looks, these socks are also breathable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and cushioned to help ground your every step in the utmost comfort. And unlike many other crew socks, these don’t feel tight around the legs. That’s rare.
Quantity | 1 |
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Material | 51% Kid mohair / 28% Nylon / 14% Wool / 6% Polyester / 1% Polyurethane |
Type | Reversible |
Best for | Everyday wear, lounging |
Best Solid Color Socks
Happy Socks 3-Pack Solid Socks
Best Solid Color Socks
Happy Socks 3-Pack Solid Socks
Happy Socks is known for knits with fun patterns, but the brand’s collection includes solid color designs that work for everyday wear. Take the options in this triple pack. They’re made with a reinforced heel, a little plastic insert used to strengthen the heel cup of a shoe and increase support. In other words, this feature will keep your feet comfortable after a long day of standing. Not to mention, these socks are designed with stretchy breathable fabric, so your feet never feel clammy.
Quantity | 3 |
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Material | 78% Cotton, 21% Polyamide, 1% Elastane |
Type | Crew socks |
Best For | Everyday wear |
Best Dress Socks
Banana Republic Breathe Merino Sock 3-Pack
Best Dress Socks
Banana Republic Breathe Merino Sock 3-Pack
Banana Republic makes sleek socks for anyone who is looking for an updated pair to wear with their comfortable dress shoes. They come in a pack of three and colors that look great with casual and formal fits. Combined with elastane and Tencel modal fabric, these socks have a bit of stretch and sit lightly on your skin, almost feeling like a second skin. Best of all, they’re naturally moisture-wicking, which means your feet will stay cool and dry upon sweating.
Quantity | 3 |
---|---|
Material | 47% wool, 31% TENCEL modal, 19% polyester, 2% rubber, 1% spandex |
Type | Ribbed knit |
Best For | Casual and formal occasions |
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Best Performance Socks
Stance Performance Crew Sock 3 Pack
Best Performance Socks
Stance Performance Crew Sock 3 Pack
Whether you’re going for a run or hitting the weights, you will need a pair of performance socks to keep you balanced and comfortable. Enter Stance’s crew version. Made to sit at the top of the calf, this pair swaddles your feet with an ultra-soft cotton fabric that keeps odor at bay and wicks away sweat. Plus, they’re designed with channeled air cushioning and performance mesh, so your feet can breathe where it matters most.
Quantity | 3 |
---|---|
Material | 79% Nylon,12% Polyester, 6% Elastane, 3% Combed Cotton |
Type | Crew socks |
Best For | Running, sports, training, physical activities |
Best Socks for Boots
L.L. Bean Adults' Bean Boot Socks
Best Socks for Boots
L.L. Bean Adults' Bean Boot Socks
L.L. Bean’s boot socks are a classic for a reason. For starters, they’re composed of ultra-soft merino wool and CoolMax—a polyester fabric with extra breathability—which wicks away moisture. They’re also made with a hint of stretch, making them perfect for any activity that calls for heavy foot motion.We also love that this pair of socks has a flat toe seam, so there’s no stitching at the join to reduce bulk and prevent your feet from rubbing against skin or material. Plus, they’re thick enough to keep you toasty during chilly commutes to the office.
Quantity | 1 |
---|---|
Material | 78% Merino wool, 15% nylon, 6% polyester with 1% Lycra spandex |
Type | boot socks |
Best For | Walking, hunting |
If you’re not a suit-and-tie kind of guy, shopping for formal accessories can be tedious and expensive. Meet your one-stop shop for affordable accouterments to help you look sharp without breaking the bank. Polo Ralph Lauren's socks don various classic Argyle patterns to go with your Oxfords and business pants.
In short, the argyle pattern—consisting of varicolored diamonds and taking after the tartan of a clan in Scotland—is all about class and sophistication. These Polo Ralph Lauren argyle dress socks also boast craftsmanship, durability, and comfort. They come with built-in heel and toe reinforcement to not only last longer but also amp up the comfort with each wear and even each step. Made with odor-fighting technology, these dress socks will also stay fresh for a whole day. We also love how smooth the toe seam feels, which lends an even cozier wear. Styling-wise, we love how good these argyle dress socks look with chinos, khaki pants, and even jeans.
Quantity | 3 pairs |
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Material | 60% Cotton, 36% Nylon, 4% Spandex |
Height | Crew socks |
Best for | Dressing up, everyday, walking, wearing with dress shoes/pants |
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More Socks Our Editors Tested and Love
These athletic, anti-blister, and moisture-wicking socks are made with Coolmax fiber, which helps keep perspiration in check when lifting, running, or cycling. We appreciate the seamless toe closure to prevent yarn chafing and discomfort while on the move. The light compression design provides some compression to stimulate blood flow and provide a more snug fit. Bonus: Mesh ventilation on the instep ensures superb breathability from toe to heel. We also like that they're available in a variety of bold colors (like pink and bright red).
With a 3-pack priced at around $40 (and often on sale for much less), these are another great value moisture-wicking sock. They're also incredibly well-reviewed on Reddit and Amazon. It's hard to find much to dislike about these, although some buyers note long-term durability issues with socks fraying prematurely.
Quantity | 3 pairs |
---|---|
Material | Polyester, Spandex, Cotton |
Type | No-show socks |
Best for | Running, sports, training, physical activities |
Best wool socks
Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Zero Cushion Crew Socks
Best wool socks
Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Zero Cushion Crew Socks
Wool socks are a no-brainer as warm winter socks, but Smartwool’s wool socks take that to a whole new level. Made with Merino wool, these socks are naturally breathable, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and thermo-regulating to keep your feet feeling good at all times. With a secure, “stay put” fit, these socks also do not slide down, no matter how your feet or legs move. The seamless toe construction also makes it so comfortable to wear. They’re also thinner than, day, Gold Toe’s socks, and thus are versatile enough to work as athletic socks or socks for dress shoes.
Quantity | 1 pair |
---|---|
Material | 57% Merino Wool 38% Nylon 2% Recycled Nylon 3% Elastane |
Type | Crew socks |
Best for | Cold weather, everyday |
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Best socks for running
Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks
Best socks for running
Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks
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If there was a superhero version of a no-show sock, it would be this Balega option, and we especially approve of its usage in running. Made with yarn and impact-resistant plush cushioning in the ball and heel of your foot, each step you take becomes a breeze, regardless of your speed. Having jogged in Central Park in these socks a few times, we found that the moisture management fiber also keeps your feet cool and dry all day long, while the seamless, reinforced toe minimizes the risk of blisters by reducing friction.
Off the track, however, our testers found that these socks are also great for playing sports, working out, doing yard work, or simply enjoying the comfort of your own home. The ventilation panels in the fabric ensure optimal airflow while the high heel tab and deep heel pocket prevent slipping—and we love that it’s extra stretchy—meaning they’re perfect for anything involving heavy foot motion.
Quantity | 1 Pair |
---|---|
Material | Drynamix Polyester, Nylon |
Type | No-show socks |
Best for | Running, sports, training, physical activities |
Best performance socks
Swiftwick FLITE XT TRAIL Five
Best performance socks
Swiftwick FLITE XT TRAIL Five
A past-winner at our Outdoor Awards, these socks are truly great when it comes to performance. The Proprietary GripDry Fiber at the heel and forefoot works almost like a shoe outsole's traction to keep you steady—it’s got enough grip for anyone who wants to deadlift sans sneakers. The Merino wool blend fabric is also made to keep you blister-free and sweat-free.
In fact, ultramarathon athlete Jason Hardrath has even sported this to chase a 43-mile, insane mountain record on the tallest volcano in North America. “The socks performed flawlessly with no cold feet, no blisters, no holes. If you wanna talk about high-performing socks for men, the Swiftwick Flite XT Trail is absolutely front and center,” says Hardrath.
Quantity | 1 pair |
---|---|
Material | 38% Nylon / 24% Merino wool / 22% Olefin / 13% Polyester / 3% Spandex |
Type | Crew socks |
Best for | Trail running, hiking, training |
Wonderfully soft with a medium weight thickness, these American Giant socks can be traced all the way back to Mount Airy, NC where they're produced. Throw these on with your favorite sneaker or boots—they've got a finished toe seam to help prevent them from rubbing.
Quantity | 1 Pair |
---|---|
Material | 75% cotton, 23% stretch nylon, 2% Lycra spandex |
Type | Crew socks |
Best for | Cold weather, everyday, walking |
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Brooklinen is known for its luxe bedding and bath items, but the online retailer’s assortment also spans cozy loungewear and accessories. Take these cozy socks. We love wearing them around the house, thanks to its cushioned heel and cotton-lined interior, which provide extra comfort. The pair of socks also comes in a range of color options that work well with any style of PJs.
Quantity | 1 |
---|---|
Material | Terry lined |
Best For | Lounging |
Tracksmith socks always look as good as they perform. These retro-inspired tube socks can be worn with your casual fits and your running garb. And as merino wool socks, these boast all the natural benefits—breathable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, etc.
Quantity | 1 Pair |
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Material | 73% Merino Wool, 26% Polyamide, 1% Elastane |
Height | Calf |