The Best Wool Socks That Are Soft and Breathable

Best Overall: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock

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Darn Tough has built a reputation for quality wool socks for active people who aren’t afraid of heading outdoors in the wintry cold, or on any hike where a pair of standard athletic socks just won’t cut it. The seamless construction helps keep blisters and hot spots from forming, while the merino wool keeps feet breathing and dry, even when you start to hit double-digit miles (though they may not be ideal for super-hot days). The thick knit makes these comfortable to wear, and you have colorful patterns (chocolate, lime, oatmeal, olive, etc.) to choose from. These wool socks also come with a lifetime warranty. A women's version is available here.

Best Budget: Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker Midweight Crew Length Socks

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Made of 62 percent merino wool, 34 percent nylon, 2 percent polyester, and 2 percent spandex, these affordable Wigwam wool socks are breathable with a built-in ventilation channel, yet the merino loops also help retain heat. They also come with extra long-life reinforcement, courtesy of the material blend that makes these shine when it comes to durability. The crew length fits great under boots, and there’s a huge variety of colors to choose from. The wool socks are also machine washable, making these a breeze to care for once you are back from the trail—or from a day of running errands in the cold.

Best for Getting Cozy: Joyca & Co. Women’s Multicolor Fashion Warm Winter Crew Socks

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Colorful and stylish, Joyca & Co.’s cozy wool socks are the kind of socks you want to curl up near the fire with. They’re 38 percent wool, with 32 percent cotton, 25 percent polyester, and 5 percent spandex. The latter two materials help increase durability and get rid of any scratchiness from the wool. The mixture of fabrics also helps the socks stay thin enough to tuck under everyday boots. One size fits almost all with these, which makes splitting a four-pack with a friend even better (sizes 10 wide and up might not fit in these well). They may not be technical trail socks, but sometimes you just need a cozy pair for relaxing, and these wool socks are perfect for that. 

Best for Hiking: Smartwool Trekking Heavy Crew Socks

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Made from 70 percent merino wool, 29 percent nylon, and 1 percent elastane (spandex), these Smartwool socks are suitable to take out on the trail all day, thanks to their moisture-wicking properties. Plus, they’re good for all seasons—the wool keeps feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The elasticized arch brace offers extra support and keeps the sock in place, and the flat-knit toe seam avoids rubbing up against the toe of your boots, even during the steepest downhill descent. Even more, they're designed with full cushioning that helps with shock absorption. Unlike some wool socks, you can machine wash and dry these—just keep it all on gentle and low, and they’ll be just fine for all different types of hiking boots.

Best for Running: Fits Micro Light Performance Trail Socks

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Created in response to what FITS calls an “industry-wide epidemic of ill-fitting socks,” these wool socks feature extra height around the ankle to keep twigs, pebbles, and other debris away from your skin and the inside of your shoes. The 50 percent merino, 40 percent nylon, 7 percent polyester, and 3 percent Lycra construction means that this sock breathes just as well as its more heavily woolen brethren (also aided by a vented lower), while encasing your foot in a snug fit that won’t slip down in the shoe. We also love the extra cushioning on the heel, toe, and arch.

Best for Kids: Eocom Children's Winter Warm Wool Socks For Kids

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Protect your little ones this winter season with these adorable wool socks from Eocom. This six-pair set for both boys and girls comes with a variety of kid-friendly colors and styles, including ones with cats, dogs, snowflakes, cars, deers, or foxes. The wool socks are also soft and thick enough to withstand cold temps—they're made from 45 percent wool, 40 percent polyester, and 15 percent spandex. Better yet, there is a wide range of sizes available: socks for ages 1 to 3, 4 to 7, and 8 to 12 years old.

Best Everyday: People Socks 71% Premium Merino Wool Crew Hiking Socks

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Not too thin, yet not too thick, these wool socks from People Socks hit the sweet spot between comfort and durability. Made of 71 percent merino wool, 21 percent nylon, 7 percent polyester, and 1 percent spandex, the socks are made for everyday wear with high-quality feel and odor- and sweat-free properties. The toe and heel have also been reinforced so they won't wear out quickly, ensuring the socks' long life. Despite their premium construction, these U.S.-made socks are relatively affordable compared to other merino wool socks on the market. The four-pair set comes in neutral color options, like charcoal, brown, Navy, and more.

Best for Extreme Cold: J.B. Fields 85% Wool Artic Trail 40 Below Winter Sock

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There’s cold, and then there’s teeth-chattering cold. For the latter, these wool socks are designed to keep you warm down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Made from 85 percent pre-shrunk wool and 15 percent nylon, the J.B. Arctic Trail socks are easy to care for. Wool is naturally breathable, so your feet won’t get clammy in these, even if you go from the chilly outdoors to a cozy fire. Plus, the wool helps to wick away any moisture that does build up, keeping your feet non-smelly, blister-free, and dry. These also come in a variety of heights, from standard calf-height to knee-length, and they’re available in pairs made just for women, too. They do tend to run large, so buy these one or two sizes small to be sure they won’t bunch up in boots.