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Cold feet make for a miserable travel experience, even if you’re in the most beautiful location. Our readers voted for the warmest socks for winter travel. Find out what they chose!
Warmest Socks for Winter
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
Does anyone have recommendations for warm socks for winter that are medium weight? My “warm” socks (including a smartwool pair) have not held up in the recent cold temperatures in Portland, Oregon. I’m headed to Denver for 4 months and know it’ll be just as cold or colder there. Thanks!
To help you make the most of your winter gear and limited luggage space, start by reading these general tips on packing for cold weather travel:
- Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather
- Extreme Cold Weather Clothing Strategies
- The Secret to Packing Light in Winter
- The Best Travel Shoes for Winter
Socks are like the underdogs of an outfit. They’re easy to overlook and neglect, but they’re a packing essential, especially if you’re headed to a cold location. Here’s what our readers rated as the warmest socks for winter travel.
Best Warm Socks for Winter
Kirkland Merino Wool Socks
Several readers agreed that Kirkland’s merino wool socks are a great pick. One reader shared, “I wash them in cold water and hang them to air dry, but they have held up really well and keep my feet warm, too.”
They come in a pack of four and you can choose from several different patterns and colors. With a cushioned footbed and reinforced heel and toe, these warm socks will last all season long.
Want to look your best when traveling but still be comfortable and warm. Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Darn Tough Vermont 1/4 Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks
Darn Tough socks are just that — darn tough. They’re made from a mix of merino wool, nylon, and spandex for a comfortable fit. With high density terry loop padding, the sock won’t wear down even when you’re hiking nonstop.
One reader said they’re great due to their lifetime warranty, with another adding, “Darn Toughs are awesome,” and a third reader saying, “I’ll never even bother buying another brand of sock again. They’re made in Vermont and are designed for the winters there”.
Sounds like these may be some of the warmest socks available! You can also get the Darn Tough socks Amazon sells as a high rise sock and as a no-show sock.
Find out why merino wool is the best fabric for cold weather travels!
Icebreaker Merino Lifestyle Light Crew
Icebreaker Merino Light Crew Socks
Like the Darn Tough socks, Icebreaker comes with a lifetime guarantee. Made from a mix of merino wool, nylon, and lycra, the fabric offers odor resistance. They’re some of the warmest socks yet still lightweight, durable, and strong.
Plus, the reinforced heel and achilles support keep your feet comfortable. One reader said, “great socks for keeping you warm.”
These are the best under layers to keep the rest of your body warm, too!
Woolx Tempo Cushioned Ankle Merino Wool Socks
Woolx Ankle Light Merino Wool Socks
There’s nothing worse than excruciating blisters while you’re exploring a new place, but with the USA Made Ankle Light Sock, you won’t suffer that fate! The merino wool fabric will leave you with dry feet! The heel pull tab adds an extra convenience, while the cushion supports high impact resistance for active adventures.
A review mentions how much she loves her socks, “Needed these! Durable, breathable, and great for everything socks related (hikes, workouts, cold feet in the morning, etc.).”
Find out why Woolx is a go-to brand for our readers for merino wool clothing, and take a look at some of their favorite pieces right here!
SEALSKINZ Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Sock
SEALSKINZ All Weather Wool Socks
SEALSKINZ socks are designed to be 100% waterproof, while remaining breathable and comfortable on warm wet days, making them the best wool socks for winter when there’s more moisture on the ground. They’re padded at the heel and toe with flat seams to protect you from chafing. The inner layer is merino wool lined with sweat-wicking technology to keep your feet cool, dry, and warm.
Alvada Merino Wool Thermal Socks
Editor’s Pick: Alvada Merino Wool Socks
Alvada merino wool hiking socks are built to provide you with total support and comfort during your trips, no matter the weather. Blended with nylon to promote a comfortable, itch free experience.
These are unisex socks, and are super cozy with a cushioned footbed and reinforced heel and toe, these warm socks will last all season long. I really find them to be cozy, and they’re the most comfortable winter socks ever, far better than any slippers I’ve had on. The thicker fabric is so warm!
Want to look your best when traveling but still be comfortable and warm. Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Columbia Low Cut Trail Running Performance Sock
Columbia Medium Weight Wool Socks
Columbia is a popular brand for hiking gear, from jackets to backpacks. But many travelers don’t realize they make the warm winter socks, too! One reader says she “loves” the Columbia medium weight socks.
These socks are designed for trail running, so they have moisture-wicking fabric arch support to combat against fatigue, along with mesh zones for improved breathability. These socks will keep your feet warm and dry all season long.
Check out this post on the best no-show socks!
Bamboo Super Soft Moisture Wicking Socks
Bamboo Moisture Wicking Socks
Who would have thought bamboo could be used to make comfy socks? Bamboo fabric is beneficial for moisture-wicking and antibacterial qualities. One reader loves them, saying, “they are lightweight, incredibly soft, and kept my feet really warm in the cold rain. They really held up on the backpacking trips in the Pacific rainforest, too.”
These warm socks also have a cushioned sole and an anti-slip design on the heel to make sure the sock stays in place.
Here’s our readers’ top picks for the best compression socks!
EnerWear Merino Wool Crew Sock
EnerWear Merino Wool Socks
For a more budget option, try these EnerWear quick dry socks, they come in multi-pack bundles and are priced similarly to other socks that only sell one pair. They come in a range of colors and designs, made from a high-quality merino wool blend for 72-hour odor control. The footbed is cushioned with a reinforced heel and toe box and a seamless toe finish.
One shares, “I wore these on heavy rotation during a three-week cold-weather vacation. Even when my feet were sweating, they didn’t get cold. When I peeled the sweaty wet socks off at the end of long walking days, they didn’t even smell!” Another shares, “These socks are just the best. They keep my feet totally warm and dry. They don’t get stinky at all and they don’t shrink. Best of all, they’re oh-so-soft.”
Smartwool Hike Crew Medium Merino Wool Socks
Smartwool Merino Wool Socks
Smartwool is another brand highly rated by TFG readers, and these socks get you prepared for the trails in comfort. These Smart wool socks Amazon carries are lightly padded, but comfortable, with a flexible ankle zone and seamless toe area. Like other Smartwool products, it can be used for three or more days before changing to a new pair of socks and won’t smell!
Reviews agree that these socks, albeit pricey, are worth the cost, one shares, “Smartwool socks are well worth the extra cost because they last longer and hold up in the wash. They keep feet cushioned, dry, cool, and have good arch support that helps if you struggle with plantar fasciitis.”
DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Cushioned Hiking Socks
DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Cushioned Socks
Another highly recommended brand is Danish Endurance. These durable socks are made with merino wool for warmth in winter and keep cool in summer. The vented mesh is sweat-wicking and has spongy cushions and padded areas to stop any blisters.
Reviews sing praises for these pillow sole socks. With users rating them for both “durability and comfort,” and others sharing “These are the only socks I will buy from now on.” But be warned they do run larger than expected, so you might need to size down.
Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks
These merino wool socks from Bombas are blended with polyester and spandex which not only adds a comfy amount of stretch, but also a built-in support system that cradles the arch of your foot! Because merino wool is thermoregulating, these socks will keep you warm without feeling overly hot, and their moisture-wicking properties keep things dry and fresh!
They also add extra cushioning, and both the heel and toes are seamless for extra comfort. A reader adds, “I love Bombas! The fit and feel on my feet are wonderful! And I love that they donate socks.”
Superfeet Thermal Insoles
Along with warm socks, insoles can help keep your feet warm. One reader recommended the Superfeet thermal insoles, sharing, “I bought a pair to wear in a pair of their ballet flats. They kept my feet warm in 30-degree weather”.
The insoles are great to add to shoes you’ll be wearing for long periods of time. They’ll make your shoes comfier and keep your feet toasty. They’re also reasonably priced for the quality and you can use them in any pair of shoes.
Socks are perfect for squeezing into the nooks and crannies in your packing cubes!
Best Warm Socks Product Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
Kirkland Merino Wool Socks |
“I wash them in cold water and hang them to air dry, but they have held up really well and keep my feet warm, too.” | Check Price |
|
Darn Tough Vermont 1/4 Cushion Socks |
“I’ll never even bother buying another brand of sock again. They’re made in Vermont and are designed for the winters there”. | Check Price |
|
Icebreaker Merino Lifestyle Light Crew |
They’re some of the warmest socks yet still lightweight, durable, and strong. | Check Price |
|
Woolx Ankle Light Merino Wool Socks |
"Needed these! Durable, breathable, and great for everything socks related (hikes, workouts, cold feet in the morning, etc.).” | Check Price |
|
SEALSKINZ Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Sock |
The inner layer is merino wool lined with sweat-wicking technology to keep your feet cool, dry and warm. | Check Price |
|
Alvada Merino Wool Thermal Socks |
These are unisex socks, and are super cozy with a cushioned footbed and reinforced heel and toe, these warm socks will last all season long. | Check Price |
|
Columbia Medium Weight Wool Socks |
One reader says she “loves” the Columbia medium weight socks. | Check Price |
|
Bamboo Super Soft Moisture Wicking Socks |
One reader loves them, saying, “they are lightweight, incredibly soft, and kept my feet really warm in the cold rain. They really held up on the backpacking trips in the Pacific rainforest, too.” | Check Price |
|
EnerWear Merino Wool Crew Sock |
“These socks are just the best. They keep my feet totally warm and dry. They don’t get stinky at all and they don’t shrink. Best of all, they’re oh-so-soft.” | Check Price |
|
Smartwool Hike Crew Medium Merino Wool Socks |
“Smartwool socks are well worth the extra cost because they last longer and hold up in the wash. They keep feet cushioned, dry, cool, and have good arch support that helps if you struggle with plantar fasciitis.” | Check Price |
|
DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Cushioned Hiking Socks |
“These are the only socks I will buy from now on.” But be warned they do run larger than expected, so you might need to size down. | Check Price |
|
Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks |
“I love Bombas! The fit and feel on my feet are wonderful! And I love that they donate socks.” | Check Price |
|
Super Feet Premium Insoles |
“I bought a pair to wear in a pair of their ballet flats. They kept my feet warm in 30-degree weather”. | Check Price |
What do you think are the warmest socks for winter travel? Please share in the comments!
For more ideas on what to wear in cold weather, please read:
- Skirt Outfits for Cold Weather
- Different Ways to Wear A Scarf
- Best Thermal Underwear for Women
- How to Wear a Travel Dress in Winter
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Merino wool is my all-season sock drawer champ! I just bought a pair of Icebreakers and a thicker pair of Smartwools for a trip to a cool-weather climate. We’ll see how they do!
Waterproof socks exist – who knew?! These by Sealskinz are amazing: https://www.sealskinz.com/collections/socks
A bit weird and stiff/crinkly to begin with, but wear in well.
Hi Cynthia, thank you for sharing your recommendation for warm winter socks with us! We always love hearing what our readers favorite products are! ?
Love Nordic socks. They are not heavy but very warm socks and so cute. Not terribly expensive and a good variety of patterns. So cute sticking out from under boots.
Hi Leslie, thank you for sharing your favorite warm socks with us! ?
I recently discovered “Heat holder Ultra light” socks. The warmest thinnest socks. Love them!
Hi Karen, thank you for sharing your latest discovery with us, they sound fantastic! ?
I just bought Bombas 3/4 merino wool socks for my my booties for my upcoming trip and hope they are warm.
Hi Shelley, thank you for sharing your new purchase with us, hope they keep your feet warm and toasty. Have an amazing time on your upcoming trip! ?
I’ve never had a problem with my Smartwool socks. I’ve been wearing them exclusively for years and since they come in more sizes than just one (“fits women’s shoes 4-10”. NO THEY DON’T), they don’t migrate down my heel.
good to know!
My favorite winter socks are my handknit merino wool socks. Made to fit MY feet perfectly.
great idea!
nice! I have the coldest feet and need many warm socks specially if traveling north!
xx
lau
http://www.malibluemymind.com
me too! warm sock are a must!