After 12 hours of research evaluating 120 products, we picked Gold Toe Men’s Big & Tall Cotton Cushion Crew Socks as our top choice.
Socks are the item of clothing we ALL take for granted! We’ve been wearing them since before we can remember, and we use them without really thinking about why they’re so important.
So why do socks matter?
Socks provide padding and cushioning for your feet, protect your skin from friction, absorb some of the impacts on your ankles and feet, reduce soreness, prevent blisters and calluses, protect you from the cold, reduce moisture, and fight foot fungal and bacterial infections. Simply put, socks are one of the most important articles of clothing!
Who knew?
You can find decent socks in any supermarket or department store, but why settle for less than the very best socks for men?
We’ve done the research to find the best men’s socks and even took it a step further to categorize each pair to help you easily find the socks which will best suit your needs (athletic, business use, casual, comfort, etc.).
Check out our list of the best socks for men to keep you warm, comfortable, and protected in your shoes.
#1 Best Mens Socks Overall
Gold Toe Men’s Big & Tall Cotton Cushion Crew Socks
- The all-around best pair of socks for comfort, durability, and versatility
- Great value for the price; 6 excellent pairs of socks per pack
- Stay warm in winter and cool in summer
Pros
Comfortable, durable, inexpensive, great thickness, good breathability and ventilation, keep you warm in winter, moisture control, super-soft, comfortable padding, and plush.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
9.5/10
If you want the best socks for any purpose, give these bad boys a try. They’re made with soft, plush material and good padding, and their “just above the ankle” cut makes them versatile enough to use for exercise, hiking, dress shoes, or casual use.
The socks are ideal for those who move around a lot, as they’re tight enough around the toes that they won’t shift as you work out, run, or walk. The elastic around the ankles will stay securely in place without constricting or binding. They’re comfortable enough to wear all day long without worrying about sweating or overheating.
Material/Durability
9.5/10
The socks are made with 78% cotton, which makes them soft and incredibly comfortable. They also use 1% polyester, 2% spandex, and 19% nylon, which gives them good elasticity, makes them lighter and enables them to control moisture/sweat around your feet. The socks come with AquaFX Moisture Control that will keep your feet dry and comfortable even after long hours of wear.
Though the synthetic material is prone to pilling, the design, construction, and seams of the socks are highly durable. The reinforced toe and cushioned heel make them long-lasting offer excellent support, and the toe seam is smoothed out for your comfort.
Value
9.8/10
Starting at just $12 for a 6-pack, these are some of the best-priced socks you’ll find on the market. Plus, they offer excellent durability, comfort, and versatility—what more could you want?
Overall Editor Score
9.6/10
#2 Best High-End Socks
Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Rich Dress Socks (Pack of Three)
- Offers a premium blend of cotton for a luxurious feel
- Durable material
- Enough thickness to offer some tightness that is still breathable
Pros
If you’re looking for dress socks that are comfortable and would stand the test of time, these Calvin Klein socks are some of the best that money can buy.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
9.5/10
These Calvin Klein dress socks end mid-calf and have a simple ribbed design. The comfort of these is unmatched and the thickness sits just right.
Material/Durability
9.5/10
Made with a rich blend of Mercerized cotton, nylon, and lycra, these socks offer a luxe and comfortable feel that is soft and breathable. The 2% lycra provides enough stretch and shape retention. With proper care, these socks would last you a few good years.
Value
9/10
While they are on the pricier end, you can really feel the difference in comfort.
Overall Editor Score
9.3/10
#3 Best Lightweight Socks
MeUndies Supima Cotton Crew Socks
- Super lightweight and comfortable; the perfect indoor socks!
- Durable, good length (mid-calf), and resistant to sweat and odors
- Keep your feet dry and cool all day long
Pros
Super lightweight, great breathability, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, seamless toe, comfortable cuff, durable Supima cotton fiber, and reinforced heel and toe design.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
9.5/10
These socks are one of the most comfortable you’ll find anywhere, thanks to their soft cotton feel and sleek design. They hug your feet tightly without adding excessive compression, and the mid-calf elastic will keep the socks firmly in place all day long. They’re long enough to wear with boots, shoes, or dress shoes, though sadly they tend to slide around inside active/dress shoes.
The style is where these socks really shine! In addition to classic black, white, and grey, the socks come in bright, bold, colorful patterns for the more “adventurous”.
Material/Durability
9.5/10
The socks are made from 84% combed Supima cotton, harvested in the USA. The cotton is strong and resistant to wear and tear, as well as supremely breathable. The 15% Nylon and 1% elastane ensure the socks have just the right amount of elasticity, not to mention lightweight.
The reinforced heel and toe offer excellent durability, and these socks can handle a lot of regular use without wearing out. The hand-linked toe seam makes the sock feel seamless, so no pressure on your toes or feet. The material isn’t prone to pilling, tears, or rips, and it’s a pair of socks that will last for years of regular use.
Value
7.8/10
At $12 for a single pair, these are the priciest socks on our list. However, you get good quality for the price, not to mention lightweight material and a snazzy style. Definitely a pair of socks worth buying!
Overall Editor Score
9/10
#4 Best Oder Resistant & Cooling Socks
Cariloha Crazy Soft Men’s Athletic Socks
- Great arch support
- Extremely soft
- Wick away sweat
Pros
The Cariloha Crazy Soft Men’s Athletic Socks have hand linked toe stitching and excellent arch support. They are in fact “crazy soft” and allow your feet to breath throughout the day.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
9/10
The signature arch support and toe stitching help provide ultimate comfort for these socks. The sizes fit as they say they will and these socks allow your feet to breath throughout the day. The style is ankle cut – perfect for sneakers or when you’re looking for that no-show sock style!
Material/Durability
9.3/10
These socks are made from bamboo to provide ultra plush comfort! The exact materials of the Cariloha Crazy Soft Men’s Athletic Socks are 62% Viscose from Bamboo, 28% Organic Cotton, 5% Nylon, and 5% Spandex. Can you say cozy?
The socks are thick and built to last. No thin-stretch material that’s easy to poke holes in, these guys hold up.
Value
8.8/10
Currently, there is a deal on Amazon that if you buy three pairs of these socks you will get the fourth one free. $15 for one pair may seem like a lot but these socks are going to hold up and we believe you are getting your money’s worth – remember that these socks are made partially from bamboo!
Overall Editor Score
9/10
#5 Best Comfortable Stealth Socks
Mack Weldon 2-Pack Everyday No Show Sock
- Stealth design with no-slip heel grip
- Cushioned footbed for A+comfort
- Seamless toe and heel design
Pros
These no show socks take it up a notch with their cushioned footbed and seamless design for a luxurious look and feel.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
9/10
These everyday no-show socks are excellent if you’re looking for a stealthy pair. It comes with a rubber insole to provide a no-slip heel grip while giving you a soft cushion for extra comfort. Although they are invisible inside your sneakers, there’s a good variety of prints to choose from.
Material/Durability
9.2/10
These socks are made with 85% combed cotton. Unlike regular cotton, combed cotton is made with longer fibers that are designed to be softer and more durable over the years.
Value
8.5/10
At over $8 a pair, they are quite expensive but worth the money.
Overall Editor Score
8.9/10
#6 Best Performance Socks
NIKE Performance Cushion Crew Socks with Band (6 Pairs)
- Engineered socks that are meant to offer good support
- Combines both cushioning and comfort
- Thick durable material
Pros
Performance is the name of the game with these Nike socks with their reinforced heel, arch support, and ribbed cuff for a snug, comfortable fit for whatever you do.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
9/10
Built to support athletes, these socks were designed with support, cushioning, and comfort in mind. It has compressive arch support and is tight around the mid-calf for a snug fit.
Material/Durability
9/10
Made with 76% cotton, these socks are soft, comfortable, and limit sweat and odors. With a reinforced heel and toe area, they’re also meant to be durable.
Value
8.5/10
For around $40 for a pack of six, they are competitively priced for the quality.
Overall Editor Score
8.8/10
#7 Best Dress Socks
Tommy John Solid Stay-Up Dress Sock
- Super soft, comfortable, and breathable
- Fit like a glove, “make you forget you’re wearing socks”
- Stylish, look good in your dress shoes
Pros
These socks are designed for all-day use, and they’ll keep you dry and cool in your dress shoes. The built-in cushioning is super comfortable, adds durability, and enhances joint support. They even come with light compression to improve blood flow.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
9/10
These calf-high socks are designed to be the perfect solution for a stylish businessman. They are designed to be no-slip socks that stay in place all day, and the InvisiGrip Technology will keep them firmly gripping your calf. However, if you get too active, they may slip down and need readjusting.
If you want comfort, you’ll definitely love these bad boys. They’re lightweight enough you’ll forget you’re wearing socks, and the zoned ventilation will keep your feet dry and cool all day long. There’s even built-in cushioning to keep your feet padded and add joint support. With their lightweight compression, they’ll enhance blood flow to your feet and legs.
Material/Durability
8.9/10
The socks are a mix of 65% Pima cotton, 32% nylon, and 3% spandex. This makes them lightweight and fairly durable, though some users say that the socks are too light. Their elasticity is excellent, and they’ll slip on and off with ease.
They won’t wear out in the wash, and though they’re a tad on the pricier side, there’s no questioning their durability. Definitely a pair of socks you want to own!
Value
8/10
$16 for a single pair of socks is pricey, especially if you need to buy 5 pairs of socks (one per day of the week). But when you feel their supreme comfort, breathability, and light weight, you’ll never regret the purchase!
Overall Editor Score
8.9/10
#8 Best Socks for Sports
Saucony Performance Comfort Fit No-Show Socks
- Ventilated design keeps your feet nice and cool
- Great for running, weightlifting, cycling, and dancing
- Comfortable, well-padded, and stylish
Pros
Soft, good padding, low cut, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, nice elasticity, reduces blisters, snug fit, inexpensive, and comfortable.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
9/10
If you’re an athletic guy, you’ll want to give these socks a try. Their no-show, low cut, and excellent padding makes them perfect for wearing in any sports shoe, but they’re high enough that they’ll protect the back of your heel from rubbing/blistering. They’re a surprisingly comfortable pair of socks that can be worn even in dress/formal shoes.
The fit is a bit tight in your arch area, but it’s not constricting on your toes. The ventilated design will keep your feet cool and dry no matter how much you sweat.
Material/Durability
8/10
The socks are made with 3% rubber and 2% spandex mixed into 95% polyester, making them a lightweight, soft pair that offers good moisture-wicking to pull sweat and water away from your feet. The material is also quick-drying, so they’ll reduce odor and bacteria/fungi build-up.
Sadly, the socks aren’t the most durable. They’re thin enough (especially at the toes) that you can put a hole in them with just a few weeks of heavy use, and they’re prone to snagging and fraying after 3-5 washes.
Value
8.5/10
At $13 for a 6-pack, these are very well-priced socks. Slip them on when you want to work out, and you’ll find they offer maximum comfort at an excellent value.
Overall Editor Score
8.5/10
#9 Best Compression Socks
Adidas Men’s Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks (6-Pair)
- Superior compression for sports
- Moisture-wicking fabric keeps sock dry and odorless
- Durable build
Pros
If you like wearing compression socks to prevent tiredness and aches, as well as improve game performance, the Adidas athletic socks are your best bet.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
8.4/10
If you’re looking for the best compression socks in the market, these are it. The tightness and hold of these socks are superb, and are great for easing swelling and tiredness of the feet.
Material/Durability
8.3/10
Made from 97% polyester and 3% spandex, these socks capitalize on their compression factor. These are thick and very well-cushioned so they are made to last.
Value
8.2/10
For under $15 for a six-pair pack, these are a steal!
Overall Editor Score
8.3/10
#10 Best Hidden Socks
Arvin Goods Recycled Cotton No Show Socks 3 Pack
- Made with 98% recycled materials
- No show design suitable for many styles of footwear
- Great for warm weather environments
Pros
These hidden socks are versatile for many occasions, are eco-friendly, and provide all-day comfort with their breathable, sweat-wicking fabric.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
8.5/10
If you’re looking for socks that won’t show even with low-cut shoes, look no further than Arvin Goods. These socks are a true no-show, although the low cut does mean that they can slip down your foot occasionally.
Material/Durability
8.6/10
Made with eco-friendly materials, these socks are made from reclaimed cotton and elastane. Although they are made from recycled materials, they are durable and are able to keep their shape after multiple washes.
Value
7.8/10
They cost a pretty penny but they are made responsibly from ethically-sourced materials.
Overall Editor Score
8.3/10
#11 Best Patterned Socks
Alpine Swiss Cotton 6 Pack Dress Socks
- Cotton blend is breathable, comfortable, and versatile
- Stylish; look your best in these snazzy socks
- A perfect pair of work, home, and casual socks
Pros
Super stylish, comfortable, good value, suitable for active use, breathable, cotton blend, good fit, fairly durable, and lightweight.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
8/10
For those looking for something stylish, these patterned socks are where it’s at! You get six bright, colorful, bold patterns that will stand out beneath your dress pants, business suit, sports clothes, or pajamas. The cotton blend is super soft and comfortable, and they’ll keep your feet nice and cool all day long.
The mid-calf cut makes them ideal for wearing with dress shoes, exercise shoes, and even boots. The sizes do run a bit larger than expected, but the elastic around the calf will keep them comfortably in place without constricting your blood vessels.
Material/Durability
8/10
The socks are made with 73% cotton, 26% polyester, and 1% elastane. The cotton makes them soft and comfortable, the polyester makes them lightweight, and the elastane gives them just enough elasticity to be easy to wear all day long.
Sadly, the material is a bit thinner than you might like, and durability is an issue with these socks. A number of users have complained that holes appear in one or two of the six pairs after just a few months of use. However, while they last, they’ll be one of the best, most stylish pairs of socks you’ll ever own!
Value
8.5/10
At $10 per six-pack, this is a total steal! The socks are colorful, bright, and bold, and they’ll be a fashion statement well worth the price.
Overall Editor Score
8.2/10
#12 Best Comfortable Socks
Stance Men’s Joven Socks
- Superior comfort with extra padding
- Stands the test of time
- Great fit
Pros
These thick Stance Joven Socks provide premium comfort and a nice fit with excellent durability.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
8.3/10
Stance Men’s Joven socks will give you a new standard of comfort. These socks are ultra soft and the extra padding is a nice feature. They have enough stretch to fit well and come in a nice variety of designs.
Material/Durability
8.2/10
With 83% combed cotton and 8% polyester, these socks are soft and durable with enough stretch to them.
Value
7.5/10
These are some of the most expensive socks on this list but it’s worth it if comfort is what you’re after.
Overall Editor Score
8/10
#13 Best Woolen Socks
People Socks Merino Wool Crew Socks
- Great for a base layer or winter wear
- Comfortable, plush, and protective for your feet
- Breathable and well-ventilated, but good for staying warm in cold weather
Pros
Thick, comfy, very warm, durable, reduce risk of feet infections, good fit, quick delivery, made in the USA, breathable, smooth inside, soft, and moisture-wicking.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
8/10
These socks are ideal for those who want to stay warm in cold weather, or for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. Not only are they thicker than classic cotton socks, but reinforced heel and toe offer good cushioning and protection for your feet. Wool naturally reduces the risk of bacterial and fungal infection.
The socks aren’t the most stylish—they’re a bit thicker than you might be used to, and their color is pretty dull. However, they are made to keep your feet warm even in the dead of winter, and you’ll find they offer better traction in your shoes. All in all, an excellent pair of winter socks to own!
Material/Durability
8.5/10
The socks are made of 71% Merino wool, which makes them highly durable, moisture-wicking, and comfortable. However, they also contain 21% Nylon, 1% Spandex, and 7% Polyester, giving them greater elasticity and making them lighter than 100% wool socks. This combination makes them super soft yet more resistant to wear.
A number of users commented on the socks’ tendency to pill, some immediately after the first use. This is a problem common with woolen socks, and it won’t affect durability or comfort.
Value
7.5/10
The 4-pack of socks will run you $30, though the original price tag is $75. They’re certainly among the pricier socks options, but worth it if you want better warmth in winter.
Overall Editor Score
8/10
#14 Best Sweat-Wicking Socks
Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks Multipack
- Excellent moisture control
- Soft and breathable with good airflow
- Great compression support for sports use
Pros
The Dickies socks are great if you’re looking for a nice pair that would keep your feet cool and supported sports and workouts.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
7.9/10
For sports players and active users that need more cooling than cushioning, the Dickies Dri-tech socks are a nice bet. Made with moisture control fibers, they are guaranteed to be sweat-wicking and feel cool on the feet with good airflow while providing enough compression.
Material/Durability
7.9/10
This blend is made of 78% cotton and 19% polyester. They have enough stretch to form and fit nicely and are reinforced in the heel and toe for added durability.
Value
7.8/10
These are very affordable for the quality and would make for great everyday socks if you aren’t on your feet the whole day.
Overall Editor Score
7.9/10
#15 Best Temperature-Control Socks
Hanes Men’s Active Cool 12-pack No Show Socks
- Keeps feet cool and fresh
- Adapts to your temperature for all-day comfort
- Minimal visibility
Pros
These no show socks are great if you have trouble with smelly feet as they are made to keep your feet cool and sweat-free and fights odor-causing bacteria.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
8.5/10
If you struggle with smelly and sweaty feet, these Hanes Men might be able to help you out. The cloth technology is made to adjust to your temperature so you can keep cool and dry and free of odor-causing sweat and bacteria.
Material/Durability
7.2/10
Made with 55% polyester and 43% cotton, these are designed to wick-sweat away and keep your feet cool. However, note that these are on the lightweight side and do need to be taken care of to last.
Value
8/10
A pair comes down to less than $3 in this 12-pack so it’s a total steal!
Overall Editor Score
7.9/10
#16 Best Ankle Socks
Champion Men’s No Show Socks
- Thick and cushioned without being bulky
- A great pair of active sports socks; low cut fits in any sports shoes
- Durable, comfortable, and very well-priced
Pros
Durable, comfortable, designed for active use, good elasticity, provides arch support, built-in heel cushioning, great fit, low-cut, and easy to pull on/off.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
7.5/10
These no-show socks are designed to hug your ankles, just beneath where your leg bones meet the ankle joint. They’re low-cut enough that they can be worn with any running, sport, or weightlifting shoe, though they’re too low for wearing with boots or high-tops. However, they deliver excellent traction in your shoes, as well as heel and forefoot cushioning.
The socks are a bit tight on the heel and toe, which can make them prone to wear (fabric stretched tight is more likely to develop holes or tear). However, the cotton is wonderfully soft and comfortable, and the socks have just the right amount of breathability to make them perfect all-day socks.
Material/Durability
7.5/10
The socks are a mix of 74% cotton, 21% polyester, and 1% each nylon, spandex, and natural rubber. This makes them lightweight yet durable, not to mention super comfortable. They have a good elasticity and are easy to pull on/off.
When it comes to durability, these socks are a bit of a mixed bag. The heel and toes are more prone to wear (thanks to the tight fit), but the underside and ankle of the foot are durable and resistant to damage. If you get half a size larger than normal, you’ll find these socks will last you a long time without tears or holes.
Value
8/10
Starting at just over $9 for a 6-pack, these socks are as good as it gets for ankle socks. They’re comfortable, breathable, and durable—everything you need in a great pair of athletic or day-to-day socks.
Overall Editor Score
7.7/10
#17 Best Socks for Large Feet
Bombas 3-Pack Men’s ankle Socks
- Caters to larger sizes
- Comfortably cushioned footbed
- Every sock purchased is equal to a sock donated
Pros
Comfortable and built for movement, these socks are great especially if you have larger size feet.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
8/10
Made to support motion, these socks are lightweight and breathable and features a cushioned footbed to aid with comfort during sports. Sizes run from a size 6 to a size 16.
Material/Durability
7.6/10
Made with 51% polyester and 33% nylon, the fit, and moisture-wicking are simply excellent. However, their construction does need extra care to last.
Value
7/10
For over $15 for a pair of socks, these are quite pricey.
Overall Editor Score
7.5/10
#18 Best Over-the-Calf Socks
Boardroom Socks Men’s Over the Calf Merino Wool Ribbed Dress Socks
- Made from soft merino wool
- Great over the calf design that stays up
- Durable build
Pros
These socks made from merino wool are some of the most comfortable socks you’ll ever wear. They stay up all day over the calf and do not rollover.
Product Ratings
Fit/Comfort/Style
7.9/10
These socks are some of the most comfortable dress socks you’ll see at this price range. They are soft and cooling on the skin, although they do fit a little tight so they can stay on without rolling down from your calf.
Material/Durability
7.5/10
Made with 67% merino wool, these dress socks really maximize comfort. The fabric blend also contains 30% nylon and 3% spandex which makes them fit tightly. The heel and toe are reinforced with extra yarn for added durability.
Value
7/10
For $15 a pair of merino wool socks, we find the price justified.
Overall Editor Score
7.5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Which socks is best for working out?
For workout socks, cushioning, support, and odor-control is of utmost importance. Our best pick for working out and sports is the NIKE Performance Cushion Crew Socks with Band. The NIKE socks are excellently designed to support performance. With combined cushioning and a ribbed design to maximize compression, these are great for athletes looking for an all-around sports sock.
What brand of socks is the best?
We’ve considered the fit, style, comfort, and durability of many socks in the market. After hours of research and testing evaluating hundreds of options, we’d say that the Gold Toe men’s 656s Cotton Crew Athletic Sock Multipairs are still the best overall. They are comfortable from the 78% cotton blend, and they have enough elasticity while maintaining durability.
What is the most comfortable mens socks?
If you’re looking for comfortable socks, what you need to look out for is the cotton and wool percentage. Our top pick for comfortable socks is Gold Toe Mens 656s Cotton Crew Athletic Sock Multipairs, If you’re looking for an all-around pair that’s good for every day and every occasion, there’s no going wrong with the Gold Toe Mens Socks.
What is the big deal with Bombas socks?
What Bombas does well is that they offer a wide range of sizes and can cater to those with larger feet which many other brands don’t cater to. Another thing, the honeycombing around the arch offers excellent support while the Y-stitched heel helps the sock to fit nicely around the contours of your feet. And for every sock purchased, one pair is donated to the homeless community.