The Best Socks for Work Boots And Why You Need One

Blisters, odor, and fungal infections are just some of the common problems when you are wearing work boots daily. Thankfully, these issues are highly avoidable with work boot socks with moisture-wicking properties and the right padding.

Choosing the best socks for work boots seems like a straightforward affair, but things get complicated once you realize that there are tons of hosiery in the market. For starters, make sure that what you are buying has these three features:

Knowing these three features can keep you from making mistakes and suffering the consequences. After all, no one likes stinky, sweaty feet! To learn more about specific products, read my recommended work boot socks below. When in doubt, check the “Buying Guide” for advice to further narrow down your options.

Best Work Boot Sock Reviews

1. Dickies I61003 Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks

Judging by its features, I would say that this set of men’s work socks for boots is highly versatile. Compared to most crew socks, the fabric is noticeably thinner, yet it is also thicker than the average dress socks. They easily became a wardrobe staple since I can pair them with my dress shoes without feeling any pinching. Plus, they are available in different colors, mostly neutral, so they blend in well with any outfit.

With ventilation channels, the crew socks let the air in to keep my feet cool during summer. Still, I find them surprisingly warm and comfy in the mildly cool weather. Combining cotton and other synthetic materials like polyester and nylon provides superb moisture control, which is great for hygiene.

2. Carhartt A422-3 Men’s Force Performance Work Socks

Composed of 98% polyester, these moisture-wicking socks for work boots keep my feet fresh and dry while on duty. Besides taking care of my sweat, they are designed with mesh cooling channels to boost ventilation. Due to the odor-neutralizing technology, I no longer have to deal with smelly feet and boots. On top of that, the targeted compression promotes good blood flow.

The spandex, which makes up the other 2%, makes the socks stretchy, but it snaps back to wrap my feet securely. Despite wearing them for a long time, the socks do not sag or slide down when I walk for long hours. Along with, the reinforced heel and toe ensure the sock’s durability. It can maintain its form and elasticity with good care for over a year.

3. Wrangler 3/9383 Men’s Western Boot Sock

Manufacturers are getting better at designing cowboy boots, but they are not exactly a good match with regular crew socks. Without shoelaces, you cannot tighten the uppers to keep the socks from slipping. I guess that these problems have driven Wrangler to create this boot sock. Its ability to stay up is probably one of the main highlights. Because I don’t have to pull up the socks every now and then, I can work more efficiently.

Plus, the length goes all the way below the knees, which is just right for tall shafts. While these aren’t exactly thick socks, I find them sufficiently capable of providing ample padding against the stiff parts of the leather uppers.

Blending polyester, nylon, and spandex results in excellent moisture-wicking abilities and elasticity. Even in the hottest time of day, these boot socks can keep my feet comfortable and dry. On the other hand, the half-cushion foot and arch support work in tandem to minimize impact and foot fatigue.

4. ONKE 1802 Crew Socks

Reinforced heel and toe allow the crew sock to withstand all the rubbing that comes with walking and running, but this ONKE set takes it to a whole new level! To increase the product life, it adds thickness to ensure that the rough surfaces of the boots will not scuff and tear the fabric. Considering its affordable price, I don’t see any reason why you should not give them a try. It’s a steal knowing that one pack contains ten pairs!

Aside from work, I find these socks appropriate for sports and outdoor activities. For instance, the moisture-wicking fibers keep my feet fresh and free from sweat. Regardless of the footwear, the full cushioning prevents my skin from scraping the harsh materials of the shoe, which often causes blisters. Furthermore, the arch support lessens foot fatigue.

5. Carhartt A767-2 Synthetic Work Boot Socks

Coming in at number five is this pack of two men’s socks for work boots. Unlike the other set of socks from Carhatt in this review, this one is designed for steel-toe boots. Wearing safety footwear while walking for long hours often results in sore feet because of the weight. Thus, the manufacturer constructed them to absorb the impact and shield my toes from the steel cap. Thanks to the “Coralast” fibers, I have never gotten any blisters.

Another problem that we commonly face when wearing boots is the smell. Hence, these cushioned work socks are crafted with odor-fighting and sweat-wicking properties. Ever since I started wearing them, I never had to change my wet hosiery before going home from work. Although the fabric is elastic, it is virtually sag-proof. For good measure, the compression arch is added to keep it from crumpling inside.

6. KMM Crew Socks

Admittedly, these thick socks for work boots are among the most comfortable ones I have tried. Besides wicking away my sweat, they create a cushy barrier against the rough surface of the boot. With the mesh construction, the fabric allows the air to pass through to cool my feet. Built with arch support, they reduce pain so I can work comfortably for long hours.

Featuring superior elasticity, the work socks stretch as I move without sliding, which enables me to focus on the job at hand. At the same time, they offer just the right amount of compression to stimulate good blood flow. Yet, they do not constrict my legs and feet too much. When I take them off, they do not leave red sock marks on my skin.

Taking into account all these features, I would say that they are also appropriate for sports and adventure. As for me, I wear them at home with my slippers because the fabric is so soft and it does not cause itching!

7. GKX ITSK-JS-0220-027 Cushion Crew Socks

It’s not every day that we find an inexpensive set of ten comfortable socks for boots that can also be worn outside of work. Well, this is precisely the reason why I’m recommending this product. If you have not heard of this brand before, then listen up. You’re in for a treat as these heavily cushioned socks can make long walks at work a lot more bearable. Think of them as a soft shield that will keep your tootsies from rubbing on your protective footwear.

Besides preventing blisters, the socks have arch support to minimize pain and fatigue. Crafted with soft materials, the fabric feels smooth on my skin and never itches. Even its moisture-wicking properties are praiseworthy. My feet never soaked in perspiration when I wore these. In addition to providing an optimal level of compression, the arch support keeps the socks in place.

8. YUEDGE hm18055pLca Men’s Crew Socks

They work like magic! That’s what I said after wearing these cushioned socks for work. Under cold temperatures, they can keep your feet warm. During summer, the breathable mesh allows the air to pass through to curb overheating. Constructed with a blend of combed cotton, polyamide, and spandex, the fabric flexes well. The moisture control fibers remove the sweat and stave off odor. At half the price, I can get the same benefits as merino wool socks.

Truly, these are the top-tier socks for working on your feet. Case in point: The cushioned sole absorbs the shock and reduces fatigue. Despite using them for a while now, I haven’t seen this machine washable hosiery shrink or sag. Also, the heel and toe are reinforced so that the fabric does not thin out when it rubs on the boot’s inner lining. On the other hand, the leg area is tall and thick enough to serve as a barrier against the leather upper.

9. APTYID Men’s Work Boot Socks

We all know that merino wool tends to be more expensive, yet we can enjoy more or less the same quality with this APTYID set. Like most good socks for work boots, this one has light yet durable fibers that do not lose their shape after repeated wash and wear. It provides ample padding to shield my toes from the stiff toe caps. At the same time, the material does not cause itching and irritation.

As someone with an active lifestyle, I bought this lightweight sock set mainly for work and play. Made of moisture-wicking materials, the fabric does a great job in keeping my tootsies dry and free of stench. To top it off, the cushioning is placed strategically in the areas that receive the most impact. The heel and toe area areas are reinforced to prevent these areas from tearing. Owing to the arch support, the socks can stay put as I move.

10. Debra Weitzner Thermal Socks

Let’s pause from reviewing socks for work boots in summer and check out this set of unisex thermal hosiery. With warm wooly fabric, this one feels like small pillows under my feet. While certain types of fleece can cause itching, I assure you that this one doesn’t. What’s more, it has moisture-wicking properties to remove sweat and prevent odor-causing germs from breeding in the footwear.

Unlike other socks with similar qualities, this one has better elasticity. It can stretch and snap back to follow the contours of my feet. Not once did I have to pause what I was doing at work to readjust. I think that the rolled rim is a nice touch as it gives me something to hold on to for easy donning and doffing. Those tired of the usual black and white hosiery will like that this model comes in gray, blue, and red.

11. MIRMARU MM-M221-MEDIUM Crew Socks

Though advertised mainly as hiking socks, the brand also recommends this set for workers. Engineered for winter sports, the fabric can keep your feet well-heated while maintaining an optimal level of breathability. Because athletes perspire as they train and compete, the manufacturer ensures that the socks can wick away the sweat. Logically, the quality will match the needs of people with physically demanding jobs.

Just like any heavy-duty work boot sock, the heel and toe areas are further strengthened with high-density fibers. Apart from prolonging the product life, it also makes for an awesome underfoot cushion. Obviously, these features are not exactly unique to this type of garment. What caught my eye when I discovered these socks was the padded shin. When worn with my boots, the rigid leather uppers do not hurt as much.

12. Ortis Men’s Merino Wool Crew Socks

Merino wool is the most coveted fabric for crew socks, especially among athletes, adventurers, and workers. Its natural temperature control, moisture-wicking properties, and optimal breathability are far better than synthetics. Plus, the textile feels so soft on the skin, which helps prevent irritation. Several manufacturers make fine-quality merino wool socks but this set from Ortis remains a crowd favorite.

Initially, I thought the thick fabric would only be useful for winter. Much to my surprise, these socks perform well throughout the four seasons. My tootsies never get cold or overheat. Even better, I never sweaty feet. As far as fitting is concerned, the hosiery provides ample compression around the arch and the cuff to stimulate blood flow. Yet, it does not leave red sock marks or slides down. Furthermore, the heavy cushion padding covers the full area of the feet.

What Is a Pair of Socks for Work Boots

These are socks that are worn with work boots. Some call them “crew socks” because of the length, while others refer to them as “boot socks,” “work socks” or “work boot socks.”

In any case, these socks are about eight to ten inches high, hitting right around the mid-calf. Some iterations deviate slightly from the traditional crew length. Unlike dress socks, they are thicker due to the padding. Meanwhile, the fabric is made from moisture-wicking materials like nylon and polyester. Some versions combine merino wool, cotton, and spandex.

Type of Socks for Work Boots

If you asked your friend, co-worker, or someone from a workwear forum about what socks to wear with work boots, you would likely get different answers. That’s because there are a couple of acceptable types of hosiery that you can pair with your shoes. Here are some examples:

Why Do You Need Socks for Work Boots

Socks offer a lot of benefits. The fabric itself can serve as padding to make your hardy work boots more comfortable to wear and prevent blisters. Moreover, the extra cushioning under your feet can work together with the boot’s insole and midsole to absorb the shock when you stand, walk, or run.

Another important reason for wearing socks is that it contributes to good foot hygiene. When you wear socks that have good moisture control, your feet and boots will not turn into a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

Buying Guide

Size and fit

Ideally, the sock should be snug, resting flat from your foot all the way to your calf. In this way, you do not have to crunch the excess fabric to cause pinching. Likewise, the tight-fitting socks over-compress your feet and keep your toes from spreading naturally.

Even so, not all manufacturers make true-to-size socks. Each brand has its own sizing convention. Some use the shoe sizes while others indicate “Small (S),” “Medium (M),” “Large (L),” and “Extra Large (XL),” which corresponds to foot measurements in centimeters or inches. Read their size charts and measuring instructions to avoid ordering the wrong set.

Also, make sure that the socks have compressed arch or arch support, as these will help keep the fabric from sliding. When the fabric gets dragged down, you will naturally pull them up. However, constantly pulling the socks will cause the textile to lose its elasticity and expand.

Height

Pairing ankle socks with boots can work occasionally, but it is not always a good idea. Most workers who wear boots choose crew-length or mid-calf socks because the fabric extends above the height of the footwear’s uppers. As such, the fabric can provide padding to prevent the skin from rubbing against the boot’s tongue and collar, which are often made of harsh materials. Hence, the sock height is just as important as the length of the feet.

Weather appropriate

Weather can make us sweat due to the heat or shiver because of the cold. As the seasons change, you will need to adapt and wear the appropriate hosiery. Be sure to stock up a set of work socks for hot weather, as well as thermal socks at home. If you live in a tropical country, you can opt for a breathable design that you can wear all year round. Mesh cooling panels, for example, improve the airflow, allowing your feet to stay cool.

Foot conditions

Preventing and managing certain foot conditions is possible with the right work boot socks. People with flat feet, for instance, can benefit from wearing footwear and hosiery with good arch support. If you plan to wear arch socks on top of your work boot socks, make sure that your shoes have ample room to accommodate these layers of fabric. You can also consult your doctor to learn more about your options for socks and boots.

Pricing

Darn Tough work socks, Carhartt’s All-Terrain Crew Sock, or the Fox River steel toe mid-calf sock are popular among workers. Their quality has set high standards and is used as a baseline when comparing products. The catch is that they are more expensive than most crew socks. At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide on how much to spend. Keep in mind that there are other cheaper options with decent quality. Besides, you need more than one pair for an entire year!

Care and Maintenance

For starters, wash your hosiery separately. Next, separate your work socks according to material and color. This may seem tedious but, trust me, it will keep them lint-free, prevent color bleeding, and help maintain their form. Remember, cotton socks need to be washed in water at around 40 degrees Celsius, but this temperature will shrink wool. At any rate, the manufacturer usually indicates the recommended washing instructions on the packaging, so read carefully.

Once your socks are sorted, turn them inside out since this area becomes dirtier after hours of being exposed to your skin’s oils and sweat. Another merit to this is that it prevents the lint from sticking to the sock’s exterior. Let’s say you have decided to wash the dark-colored socks first, toss them into the washing machine and set it to gentle. Most manufacturers suggest using a mild detergent for colored garments.

Repeat the process for the next batch of socks but make sure to use the right water temperature and appropriate detergent. If your socks are stained, you can buy any fabric stain remover and follow the instructions accordingly.

To dry your socks:

Once dry, group your hosiery according to the occasion. You can assign separate baskets for work boot socks and dress socks. This way, you will not end up wearing the wrong socks when you’re in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear work boots without socks?

Yes, you can but you will also have to deal with the consequences. Today’s steel toe work boots are padded and lined with moisture-wicking fabrics, yet they are not enough to give you a cushion and maintain a dry environment for your feet. In fact, many workers still complain about discomfort while breaking in their work boots. Plus, the chances of getting fungal infections and developing odor increase if you don’t wear socks.

How do you wear socks for work boots?

Donning crew socks is a no-brainer. Scrunch them around the toes and then pull them up towards your mid-calf. Avoid yanking your socks and applying too much force. Even the work boot socks can lose their form and elasticity if you wring or pull them constantly. When this happens, your socks will no longer be able to stay up. Instead, gently roll them up.

Should you wear thick or thin socks with boots?

Your work boots should have ample room for socks. What you need to figure out is the right fabric, length, and padding to prevent blisters while keeping your feet cool. Essentially, these qualities make for the most suitable socks to wear with boots. That said, I don’t recommend wearing very thick socks just to make the work boots feel snugger. Most protective footwear already comes with padding, thicker socks can cause your feet to overheat and sweat excessively.

How often should you replace socks for work boots?

A boot sock can last around six to twelve months if worn once a week, alternating with the other pairs in the set. If you see a hole, then it’s high time to replace them.

Conclusion

The quest to find the best socks for work boots is a never ending one. Year after year, we find ourselves updating our wardrobe. Since hosiery is delicate, we tend to buy and replace them more often than our jeans and shirts. While it can be quite a hassle, let’s not forget that it can also present an opportunity to try out something new.

In this listicle, I have compiled a dozen options to choose from. Now, it’s up to you to decide which one fits your needs.

Veronica James

Veronica is our content editor. She is a talent in delivery. Her main work is editing and writing articles that are both informative and simple to follow. She is in charge of synthesizing our understanding of what personal protection equipment (PPE) is needed in each job, how to best apply it, and how to visualize that equipment.