The 18 Best Socks for Men, Tested by Style Editors

To help you find the best socks for men, we spoke with Matthew Mull, the Design Director for Gold Toe—one of the largest US-based sock producers—about a few key points to consider.

Comfort:
The best socks let your feet stay cool and comfortable throughout the workday. Which is why you should preferably look for socks with moisture-wicking, AKA arguably the most important feature in socks. In general, Mull recommends "soft hand-feel, Lycra and spandex for a perfect fit, and smooth toe seams for all-day wear."

Additionally, better make sure that your socks have arch support built-in as well; these socks can help reduce foot fatigue and improve comfort during long periods of standing or walking.

Material:
Socks’ materials are what make or break them. Cotton is a classic choice for comfort in lounging and everyday wear, but they’re not as durable, shape-retaining, or performance-friendly as synthetic blends. Synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and spandex are often lightweight, durable, and provide performance features like moisture-wicking and breathability. There’s also wool, especially merino wool that’s naturally quick-drying, moisture-wicking, breathable, and temperature-regulating.

Moisture-wicking:
Having moisture-wicking socks is extra crucial if you're wearing them for sports, long walks, or any hardcore outdoor activities because wicking away sweat and keeping your feet dry are keys to reducing the risk of blisters and fungal infections. "Moisture Management helps not only keep your feet dry and cool but can also help protect against unwanted abrasions," says Mull.

Odor:
Socks, for men especially, can easily become stinky due to sweat, bacteria, and other factors. Socks with odor-fighting properties keep the smell at bay and unnoticeable—by you or anyone near you. Choices are socks made with antimicrobial fibers or infused with natural odor-fighting agents like silver or copper.

Thickness:
Thick socks can sometimes add an entire size to your feet and make your shoe-wearing experience much more unbearable—unless you always size up for footwear—not to mention overheat your feet. On the other hand, socks that are too thin might not lend adequate protection, hence leading to blisters and foot pain. We, therefore, recommend midweight socks because they can provide a good balance of comfort and support.

A sock's thickness also denotes its weight, which, according to Mull, is very personal. "Some people like a heavier-weight sock with cushion to wear with a casual or lug sole shoe and others prefer lighter-weight with your oxfords or loafers."

Quality:
"People often aren't thinking about luxury or quality when they invest in socks," says Mull. "They aren't thinking about something they're wearing and washing day after day and how important their foot comfort is to the overall quality of life." Hence, always remember to choose socks that are constructed in long-lasting materials, and provide reinforcement in high-wear areas.