10 Best Socks For Work Boots – Added Comfort For Men In 2023

If you wear socks all day, either in the office or on a job site, you likely want something strong and dependable.

The best boots require the best pair of socks, especially when talking about work boots. Socks are an often neglected piece in any man’s wardrobe, but they can make a huge difference for daily wear. Being comfortable while you work is paramount. That’s why your quest to find the best socks for work boots ends today.

Of course, it’s important to note that different types of boots benefit from different types of socks. The primary purpose of all of these socks is to be worn while working, and that applies to whatever work is to you. Whether you’re looking for a pair of socks on a budget or you want to invest in something high-quality, this list has it all.

So let’s unpack the best socks for work boots.

Key Takeaways

While developing this list, I shuffled through dozens of sock options, narrowing down the selection to these top 10 choices. The three most important considerations while searching for the best socks for work boots were material, thickness, and overall design.

The Men’s Hybrid Ribbed Calf Socks from Bombas flawlessly meet all of these expectations. This brand has become well-known for its high-quality socks that incorporate modern technology for enhanced comfort.

Why they’re great: Let’s shift to the office style work boot for a second here. Everything about these socks from the London Sock Company screams luxury. They’re made from lightweight, breathable Scottish Isle Cotton using modern knitting machinery. Many of the socks from this brand are offered in a classy box set–more like a Rolex than a pair of socks.

How they feel: London Sock Company socks offer a premium experience for your feet with their buttery soft knit fabric. These will likely serve as dress socks, meaning they’ll seamlessly pair with a sleek suit and some dress boots.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The biggest downside to socks of this caliber is that they come at a cost. Some of the box sets can be nearly as expensive as a brand-new pair of boots; however, you do get your money’s worth if you can shell out the cash.

Material: 80% Scottish Isle Cotton, 18% Polyamide, 2% Elastane | Cushioning: No | Moisture-Wicking: No

Why they’re great: Isto is a brand that offers full transparency regarding how its products are made and how they are priced. As a buyer, you can gain an inside perspective on the materials of these socks and what goes into them. The socks themselves offer all of the features you’d expect, serving as a simple solution for your needs.

How they feel: These socks combine comfort and class, able to be worn in dressy environments like the office. Their simplistic design and colorways make it easy to transform these socks into a wardrobe staple.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: There isn’t much of a unique factor with these socks since they are essentially your basic boot sock reduced down to the necessities. However, this blank canvas approach makes them incredibly versatile for everyday wear.

Material: 70% Organic Cotton (GOTS), 28% Recycled Polyamide (GRS), 2% Elastane | Cushioning: No | Moisture-Wicking: No

Why they’re great: These environmentally-conscious socks offer a premium value for what you pay. The bamboo fiber material is stretchy and soft which is something often difficult to find within cheaper price brackets. They’re breathable but still offer moisture-wicking technology when the temperature really begins to rise.

How they feel: The blended material of these socks is extremely soft and comfortable. They’re also relatively thin, making them a great choice for wear in warmer conditions.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Since these socks come at such a low price, the materials might be a little cheap. Some reviewers have said the socks wear out faster than usual. Luckily, they come in an 8-pack and are cheap enough to replace with ease.

Material: 74% Rayon (from Bamboo), 21% Polyester 2%, Nylon 3% | Cushioning: Yes | Moisture-Wicking: Yes

Why they’re great: Amazon Basics rarely fails at delivering simple products with excellent value. The Men’s Cotton Half-Cushioned Socks provide the bare essentials you’d want–with nearly five stars from over 21,000 reviews. They feature cushioned soles, seamless toes, and can wick away moisture when necessary.

How they feel: These socks are comfortable and versatile enough to be worn with plenty of outfits, in plenty of environments. You can also get them in an array of simplistic colors to fit whatever style you’ll be going for.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The overall construction of these socks is a bit thin and cheap, so they’ll likely wear out pretty quickly, especially under heavy stress. The 10-pack ensures you have plenty of socks to go through before needing to purchase a replacement pack.

Material: 75% Cotton, 20% Polyester, 3% Nylon, 2% Elastane | Cushioning: Yes | Moisture-Wicking: Yes

Why they’re great: If you need some of the most heavy-duty socks built for the outdoors, Darn Tough has got you covered. The Men’s Micro Crew Midweight Socks provide excellent cushioning for when you get lost and end up hiking much longer than anticipated. They also come in plenty of eye-catching colors so you’re never forgotten among the foliage.

How they feel: The merino wool from these socks is silky smooth on your feet which is exactly what you want when wandering the great outdoors. They’re built to complement a pair of rugged, hiking boots when hitting the trail.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The design of these socks is meant to be used outdoors and the mountain pictograph on the side makes that explicitly clear. These socks will definitely feel out of place with a pair of dress boots if that’s what you typically wear for work.

Material: 61% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex | Cushioning: Yes | Moisture-Wicking: Yes

Why they’re great: These socks will become the best friends of your steel-toe work boots. The cushioned design not only offers insulation but shock absorption as well. Hot-spot areas are reinforced with nylon to lengthen their lifespan, even when put through the wringer. One reviewer even described them as “indestructible”.

How they feel: As the name implies, these socks were designed to be worn while working on your feet. It should go without saying that they’ll work best with steel-toe boots, but any pair of work boots will go great with these.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Since these are heavyweight, wool socks, they’re probably best for cooler days over hot ones. If you tend to work in a hot environment, it’d be wise to find a thinner, more breathable sock.

Material: 88% wool, 10% nylon, 1% acrylic, 1% spandex | Cushioning: Yes | Moisture-Wicking: No

Why they’re great: When the temperature begins to drop, you’ll want to pick up a pair of Carhartt Arctic Socks. These provide excellent insulation and they sit very high up on the leg to keep as much of you warm as possible. The blend of wool ensures your feet are never too cold, even when trudging through dense snow.

How they feel: These socks will complement any pair of winter boots or water-proof boots, and will keep you warm even on the worst days.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: It should probably go without saying that these socks aren’t the best choice for hot, summer days. Reserve these exclusively for the colder months.

Material: 50% Merino wool, 22% acrylic, 14% virgin wool, 12% nylon, 1% elastane, 1% polyester | Cushioning: Yes | Moisture-Wicking: Yes

Why they’re great: The Ultra Merino Over-the-Calf Sock from KUIU is a uniquely futuristic take on work boot socks. These bad boys are thermoregulated which means they will keep your feet at the perfect temperature no matter how hot or cold it gets. They also resist moisture and odor so you can get a lot of life out of them before needing to go for a wash.

How they feel: These socks are heavily cushioned and protective for long travel on your feet. They’re designed for hunters and travelers, so you can trust them when embarking on your next expedition.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unfortunately, these socks only come in one color option, so hopefully you like green, gray, and black. I personally find the design very cool, but it might be off-putting to some. Safe to say, you may not want to wear these into the office.

Material: 55% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, 15% Lycra, 5% Spandex | Cushioning: Yes | Moisture-Wicking: Yes

Why they’re great: The design of these Sodello socks is so colorful and intricate, you’ll want an excuse to show them off. The Egyptian cotton is super comfortable and they do a good job of keeping your feet insulated in mild conditions. Color retention technology also prevents the vibrant colors from fading, no matter how frequently you wash them.

How they feel: These socks are very comfortable and are mid-weight, so they can be used during the fall or winter. The beautiful design is great if you want a pop of color.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: These socks are one size fits most and they might require a bit of break-in time to fit comfortably. The first time I put them on, I thought they were too small for me, but as I wore them they began to fit my feet.

Material: 80% Egyptian Cotton, 18% Nylon, 2% Elastane  | Cushioning: No | Moisture-Wicking: No

Why they’re great: These Bombas Hybrid Ribbed Calf Socks are the perfect mix between lightweight and durable. They feature honeycomb arch support, a seamless toe, and stay-up technology to prevent them from slipping down to your ankles. Bombas is also determined to give back; for every pair of socks purchased, a pair is given to someone in need.

How they feel: These socks were designed with comfort in mind which is why they’re perfect for all-day usage. They’re classy enough to be worn in the office but durable enough to be worn at a job site as well.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sizing might be a little difficult to pin down if you’re ordering these socks online. Some reviewers claim they run small and that you should order a size up–something to keep in mind before purchasing.

Material: 72% Cotton, 18% Polyester, 7% Nylon, 3% Elastane | Cushioning: Yes | Moisture-Wicking: Yes

What To Look For In The Best Socks For Work Boots

Material

The type of material used is important for just about any article of clothing, but this is especially true with socks. Since socks are the first line of defense your feet have, you must find the right material for you.

If you’ll be wearing socks with work boots, it’s always good to find a pair made from a blend of fabrics for maximum comfort. Cotton works as a great base fabric, especially a high-quality option such as Egyptian cotton. In addition, polyester, nylon, and elastane can add some stretch and resilience to your socks. Most modern socks consist of these materials because they offer desirable perks like moisture-wicking and breathability.

Thickness

The thickness of your socks also plays a major role in how you wear them. Thicker socks, primarily made of cotton or wool, are excellent for cold weather. They keep your feet from freezing over and they can be game-changing if you often work in the cold. Thinner socks are more breathable and therefore well suited to warmer weather.

Design

The overall design of your socks is of course an important factor as well. The size and length of the sock determines what type of boots you can pair it with. If you pick a pair of socks that are shorter than the shaft of your boots, it could result in some discomfort and irritation. If you have tall boots, it’s generally best to find tall socks as well. The external design, such as color and pattern, should also be considered because socks are an accessory to any outfit.

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.

So I know just how important a solid pair of socks is when wearing them with work boots. Each selection on this list serves a different purpose. Hopefully, these recommendations can inform you of what to expect when searching for the best socks for work boots.

Final Verdict

If you want one of the best socks for work boots available on the market, it’s hard to beat the Men’s Hybrid Ribbed Calf Socks from Bombas. If you want a unique pair of socks to complement a formal outfit in the office, the Sodello Giza Socks from Thursday Boot Company are some of the best out there.