8 Best Merino Wool Socks For Men – For Any Activity In 2023

Merino wool socks are the most comfortable socks you can buy.

The best merino socks combine the natural properties of merino with modern features. No more stiff cotton tube socks that slide down your ankles.

In recent years, merino has been used more and more for socks due to its breathability, odor-resistance, and many other benefits. Modern merino sock are soft and comfortable. They can also withstand many aspects of daily life.

It’s for many of these reasons that merino wool socks have become some of the best socks for men, but what should you look for in the ideal pair? There are many merino sock choices to suit different lifestyles. Whether you’re searching for something to wear while exploring the great outdoors or just lounging around the house, you can find what you’re looking for on this list.

So let’s slip into 8 of the best merino wool socks for men in 2023.

The Key Takeaways

I spent a lot of time researching for this article and found eight socks that were worthy of being on the list. Comfort, weight and style were the three factors that I considered most. The Bombas Merino blend calf socks are by far the best merino socks for men. Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking Socks is another pair of excellent socks.

Why they’re great: The London Sock Company Merino Heroes socks are not only luxurious but also breathable, hypoallergenic, and naturally antibacterial. These socks are made of high-quality materials. They’re versatile enough to be worn each season of the year, and they even come in a classy box which adds to the overall experience.

What they feel: These socks have a ribbed pattern that sits around mid-calf. They are not only durable but also extremely comfortable.

Although there are some flaws in the product, they do not make it unusable. Price is often the most difficult thing to accept when it comes to luxury goods. These socks are a bit on the expensive side but the comfort and quality you receive in return is well worth the price.

Material: Merino Wool 85%, Polyamide 15% | Sizes: XS-L | Colors: 3 | Style: Mid-Calf

Why they’re great: The Caudblor Merino Socks offer a good value for money option. They are moisture wicking, and they breathe well. Cleaning them is also a breeze because they’re machine washable. Additionally, they’re the perfect height for hiking boots or just lying around the house in comfort.

What they feel: These socks keep your feet feeling super cozy—the fabric feels reminiscent of a terry-cloth towel.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The Caudblor Merino socks are only suitable for men who wear shoe sizes 10 to 13. These socks are not intended for men who have smaller feet.

Material: Merino Wool | Sizes: 10-13 | Colors: 3 | Style: Low Cut

Why they’re great: Alvada Merino Hiking Socks won’t leave your feet itchy. Since they’re primarily designed for hiking, they have an excellent amount of cushioning and are easy to wash in a pinch. Despite being labeled hiking socks, they would also be a great choice for plenty of other lifestyles as well–like serving as a boot sock.

What they feel: These socks have a moderate weight and offer a decent amount of compression. The interior of the socks is finely woven and very soft.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The most apparent downside of these socks is that they don’t seem to be very durable. Some reviewers say that holes appeared in the socks as soon as two months after wearing them. Others claim they have lasted for years without showing signs of wear.

Material: 80% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Spandex | Sizes: S-L | Colors: 2 | Style: Crew

Why they’re great: Danish Endurance’s merino sock hiking provides excellent insulation during cooler weather. A variety of ventilation zones are also integrated into the design to ensure that your feet receive the air they require on hotter days. The socks also feature padding from heel-to-toe for maximum comfort in rocky terrain.

What they feel: The socks are thin and cushioned for comfort.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. As mentioned previously, these socks tend to be thinner and not as thick. While the insulation will help with moderate temperature drops, they won’t be as reliable as a thick pair of winter socks.

Material: 30% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 33% Acrylic, 1% Elastane | Sizes: 3.5-16 | Colors: 10 | Style: Crew

Why they’re great: These Fox River socks are easy to match with any outfit. They are also ideal for both cold and warm weather due to their medium weight. The micro-spring coils are also integrated into the design to provide plenty of shock absorption.

What they feel: These socks feature a simple ribbed design, yet are “remarkably comfortable” as one reviewer put it.

There are some flaws in the design, but these are not major problems. One of the only flaws regarding these socks is that they’re limited in color and size. They only come in a single “natural” color, and sizing ranges between medium and extra-large.

Material: 65% Wool, 35% Stretch Nylon | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 1 | Style: Crew

Why they’re great: Bombas’ Merino Blend Calvesocks are made with modern cushioning technologies, making them extremely comfortable. The Y Stitch heel creates a cup-like comfort around your heel. Combine that with some stay-up technology, and you’ll be saved from having to constantly readjust your socks throughout the day.

What they feel: These socks are comfortable and soft with good arch support. These socks also have moderate cushioning that helps to reduce fatigue in the feet.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. These socks are tight around the calves. Some reviewers claim the elastic band at the top isn’t large enough for them; however, this issue only seems to affect a small minority of people who wear them.

Material: 77% Merino Wool, 22% Polyester, 3% Elastane | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 8 | Style: Mid-Calf

Why they’re great: Cupron technology in these socks uses copper to reduce odor. This makes them an excellent choice for use in harsh conditions. The strategically placed compression zones provide arch support that is needed for long hours on your feet. These socks are tall and can be worn with any kind of boot, even cowboy boots.

What they feel: These socks are made from Cupron Polyester, which is a fabric that provides both comfort and utility. These socks are not as soft as other merino-wool socks.

Flaws are not the end of the world: These socks are made up of a blend that contains only 13% merino wool. If you’re a merino wool purist and want a pair mostly made of wool, these might not be right for you.

Material: 37% Cupron Polyester, 31% Nylon, 13% Merino Wool, 13% Acrylic, 4% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 3 | Style: Crew

Why they’re great: The L.L. Bean Wool Ragg socks are made from super heavyweight merino wool. These L.L. Bean Wool Ragg Socks are made of super-heavyweight merino. They forgo the “itchy” stereotype often associated with ragg socks, featuring an itch-free design. They’re also 10 inches tall which will keep as much of your legs covered from the cold as possible.

What they feel: These socks are very comfortable and thick, but still heavyweight.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Seeing as these are heavyweight winter socks, you won’t necessarily want to throw them on in the blistering heat of summer.

Material: Heavyweight Blend 77% Merino Wool 21% Stretch Nylon 2% Lycra Elastane | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 4 | Style: Crew

How to Choose the Best Merino Socks for Men

Comfort

The most important factor to consider when choosing the best merino socks for men is comfort. You want total and complete comfort with any pair of socks no matter how much time you will be on your foot. Fortunately, most merino-wool socks today are very comfortable. Some merino wool socks offer more cushioning and support than others. So, consider your preferences before you add to cart.

Weight

Weight is important because it will determine when you can wear your socks. Merino wool has a natural ability to be insulating and ventilating, but the thickness of the material can increase or decrease these benefits. Thin merino wool socks are more breathable, meaning they’ll likely thrive in the spring, summer, and fall. The heavyweight merino is better for insulation and should be used in the winter or fall.

Style

The style of sock you choose is a personal preference but it’s just as important of a consideration as the other factors here. Some people may prefer no-show or crew socks while others might prefer a pair that is taller. It is determined by the cut of the socks how they are worn and what type clothing you pair them with. In general, short cuts are casual and higher cuts can also be casual. Color and pattern can add flair to your outfit by enhancing the style of your socks.

Why you should trust us

As a writer at FashionBeans, I’ve done my fair share of research into men’s attire and style trends. I’ve also been putting these principles into practice for over a decade, trying out different brands and determining what’s best. When it comes to foot comfort, it’s nearly impossible to beat a cozy pair of merino wool socks. This is why I only included the top 8 options in this list. After narrowing down hundreds of pairs, the final eight were chosen. Hopefully these recommendations will help you know what to expect when shopping for the top merino sock.

Final Verdict

Bombas Merino Calf Socks are by far the best socks made from merino. They’re extremely versatile and feature modern technology for maximum comfort in almost any situation. Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking Socks is another excellent choice for outdoor exploration.