A few years ago, my wife got me a 12-pack of cotton socks for work.
Six months later, they were all basically destroyed: holes in the toe, elastic all worn out…
It wasn’t a good look. I spent a good 15 years working in the cheapest socks I could possibly find, and maybe it’s called “maturity,” but I decided to invest in some real socks.
I haven’t looked back.
These are the best work socks you can find right now.
Table of Contents
How Did I Come Up With My List?
As you’ll see below, I actually bought all of these socks. I’ve tested them through many long days working, dozens of washes, and I’m also including my experiences with the brand (like customer service, shipping, etc).
My pet-peeve is when my socks fall down in my boots, so I made sure to do a specific test for that (it was tough not hiking my socks up mid-day.
The 9 pairs of socks you see here aren’t all the socks I tested. I probably tested 13 or 14 for this article, not to mention how many socks I’ve worn prior to writing this.
What I Look For in a Great Work Sock
These are the most important factors for me when choosing a work boot sock:
- Durability
- 12-hour comfort
- They don’t get swampy and sweaty
- They stay up on my calves
I’m less concerned with price as I’ve found that truly great quality socks last a longer than cheap socks and end up being more cost-efficient.
Don’t ask me how many cheap Hanes socks I’ve blown through in less than six months.
9 Best Work Boot Socks
Best Overall: Camel City Mill Lightweight
I reach for the Camel City Mill Lightweight every Monday morning. It’s my go-to work sock, and it’s the best sock I’ve ever worn with work boots.
It has a lot going for it: it’s made with 53% Ironside Merino wool, which is a tough thread that’s also soft and comfortable. Camel City Mill actually has a 10-year guarantee on their socks, which is pretty crazy.
I get sweaty feet a lot on the job, but wool is actually the best material for wicking moisture and sweat away from your foot. This not only keeps my feet dry all day, but it also stops my boots from getting moldy.
And the Camel City Mill Lightweight has compression through the calf and around the arch, which definitely helps cut down on the recovery time from a 12-hour shift. Usually I wake up the next day and my feet aren’t sore at all.
They’re pretty pricey, but after I tried one pair, I went back and got three more.
What I Like
- Camel City Mill guarantees these socks for 10 years, which says something.
- The Ironside Merino wool is soft and durable, plus it keeps my feet dry (less stinky and fewer blisters).
- These socks come up quite high (near the top of the calf) and have slight compression so they help with blood flow and recovery from a long day on the job (plus they don’t fall down into my boots).
What I Don’t Like
- My shipping took a few days longer than I expected.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Many reviewers for the Camel City Mill Lightweight say these socks were the ticket to keeping their feet dry in their boots during long work days. This solves painful blisters, stinky feet, moldy boots, and the discomfort of feeling like you’ve been walking in swamp water all day.
The Verdict
If I could only get one work sock, it’d be the Camel City Mill Lightweight. In fact, even though I have all of the other socks on this list, I still went back and got three more pairs of the Lightweight because they’re the perfect sock for what I need.
They’re light, so they don’t cram my boots. They keep my feet dry all day and stay up. And they’re durable enough for the brand to guarantee them for 10 years.
Made with Ironside Merino wool, these work socks feature compression through the calf which promotes better bloodflow and helps your feet recover after a long day. Plus, because they're Merino wool, they're breathable and completely knock out foot-sweat.
Best Over the Calf: Fox River Work Fatigue Fighter
Over the calf socks are the best if you like western-style work boots or any boot with an eight inch shaft or taller.
So logger boots, western boots, 8-inch Ironworker wedge boots: those all feel better with an over-the-calf sock.
The Fox River Work Fatigue Fighter is the only OTC work sock I found that actually has measured graduated compression through the calf. I wish they offered a wool version, since the 100% synthetic weave doesn’t help much if you have sweaty feet, but still, this is a tremendous sock if compression is what you’re after.
What I Like
- 8-15 mmHg compression throughout the calf keeps these hiked up and helps with blood flow.
- They’re medium weight, but feel like they have heavyweight padding because of the synthetic fibers.
- The heel and toe are reinforced. .
What I Don’t Like
- Because they’re made with synthetic fibers, they aren’t great if you struggle with sweaty feet.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
It can be hard to find work socks with measured graduated compression—Fox River is one of the only brands I found that actually offer it. So reviewers that found this feature loved it. Some reviewers that struggled with sweaty feet found these to be tough to wear for long periods.
The Verdict
Fox River offers the only graduated compression work socks I’ve found, so if you need an over the calf sock to help with blood flow, the Fox River Work Fatigue Fighter is the way to go.
On the downside, the socks are made entirely with synthetic threads, so they can trap in moisture—I don’t think it’s a huge deal if you don’t normally have sweaty feet. But if you do have sweaty feet, I’d stick to a Merino wool sock.
The Fox River Work Fatigue Fighter is the only OTC work sock I found that actually has measured graduated compression through the calf. I wish they offered a wool version, since the 100% synthetic weave doesn’t help much if you have sweaty feet, but still, this is a tremendous sock if compression is what you’re after.
Best Steel Toe Boot Sock: Camel City Mill Heavyweight
Camel City Mill only has two socks. And the Heavyweight is in my top three. I don’t wear it as often as the brand’s Lightweight, but this was a must on cold winter days with my steel toe boots.
If you wear steel toes, you know how bitter cold your big toe can get in the dead of winter. The Camel City Mill Heavyweight gave me the most comfort because of the added padding through the toe, arch, and heel.
And these are also made with a high percentage of Merino wool, so they insulate well without making your feet sweaty.
What I Like
- Padded toe and heel made from 53% Ironside Merino wool for excellent durability (and backed with a 10-year guarantee).
- It’s a heavyweight sock, but the wool allows for great breathability so your feet don’t get swampy or sweaty.
- Thermoregulated so your feet are warm in winter and cool in summer.
What I Don’t Like
- These are some of the most pricey socks on this list.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Several reviewers mentioned these socks keep their shape after multiple washes, which I also found to be true. And of the reviews I saw, many people were pleased to find that these socks aren’t so thick that they crowd the boot.
So you can still wear any of your boots with these socks and you don’t have to worry about the boots fitting too snug.
The Verdict
Getting a pair of socks for steel toe boots that aren’t huge, bulky, and uncomfortable is a much harder task than I thought. In the end, the Camel City Mill Heavyweight is my favorite steel toe boot sock.
I love the high percentage of Ironside Merino wool—it makes for great padding and great insulation in colder months without making my feet feel swampy and sweaty.
They’re one of the most expensive socks on this list though, so I haven’t fully stocked my drawer with them. But I’ll be getting another pair for the colder months for sure.
The Camel City Mill Heavyweight gives me the most comfort because of the added padding through the toe, arch, and heel. These are also made with a high percentage of Merino wool, so they insulate well without making your feet sweaty.
Best for Sweaty Feet: Darn Tough CoolMax Hiker
If you have seriously sweaty feet, then I recommend the Darn Tough CoolMax Hiker.
It’s more of a hiking sock than a work sock, which means it has less padding in the toe and in the heel particularly.
Personally, I still think the Camel City Mill Lightweight keep my feet plenty dry, but adds some of the bonuses like padding and compression. But I do also love the CoolMax Hiker.
That said, the Darn Tough CoolMax Hiker is best for six-inch boots. Since they’re built for hiking boots rather than work boots, they don’t come up very high on your leg. It’s not a problem for most boots, and it’s actually pretty nice in the summer.
What I Like
- They’re designed for long hikes in hot weather, so the knit translates well to working conditions.
- The seamless toe that reduces rubbing and blisters.
- Light cushion throughout the heel and toe.
What I Don’t Like
- These don’t stay up all day like the previous entries on the list. You’ll have to pull them up a few times mid-day.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
A lot of reviewers wear these socks exclusively. And they’re particularly popular with hikers and people who wear low top shoes and boots.
Some reviewers liked them because they’re made with 100% synthetic fibers, so while the CoolMax thread doesn’t wick sweat better than wool, it’s a vegan alternative. So if you’re looking for a sock that doesn’t use any animal products, the Darn Tough CoolMax is a good choice.
The Verdict
While I still think wool is the best material you can get for sweaty feet, the Darn Tough CoolMax hiker offers a vegan-alternative to wool that does almost as good of a job.
The CoolMax Hiker is a shorter sock, which is nice when the weather gets hot, though you should only get these if your work boots are six-inches or shorter (that’s the most common boot height).
The Darn Tough CoolMax Hiker is best for six-inch boots. Since they’re built for hiking boots rather than work boots, they don’t come up very high on your leg. It’s not a problem for most boots, and it’s actually pretty nice in the summer
Best for Hot Weather: Carhartt Force Performance
The Carhartt Force Performance has plenty of perforated mesh through the arch, instep, and even above the heel.
While I’ve found that this mesh hurts the overall durability of the sock, they’re still a good choice for hot weather. You might not have them around for several years like you would with a Darn Tough or a Camel City Mill sock, but they can get you through a brutal summer.
What I Like
- These are pretty inexpensive, so it’s easy to stock up your drawer.
- The mesh panels make for a very lightweight sock that helps keep your feet cool.
- These don’t get stinky quickly. .
What I Don’t Like
- They’re not the most durable socks—I’d say they’re good for a season.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Many reviewers commented on how comfortable these socks are. While some noted that the socks lasted about a year and would typically wear out in the heel, many of those reviewers also noted that they still felt they got a good value for their money.
The Verdict
If the hot months are rolling in and you need a new set of socks to get you through and you’re not willing to shell out for a pair of lightweight wool socks, then the Carhartt Force Performance socks are the way to go.
While they’re not the most durable—they last maybe a year or so before they typically get holes in either the heel or the toe—the price is right. You won’t feel as bad when you lose one in the dryer.
The Carhartt Force Performance has plenty of perforated mesh through the arch, instep, and even above the heel. While I’ve found that this mesh hurts the overall durability of the sock, they’re still a good choice for hot weather.
Best Winter Work Socks: Fox River Colorblock Thermal
The Fox River Colorblock Thermal socks are made with a whopping 82% wool, which is the most wool I’ve personally ever seen in a sock.
They have tons of padding and insulation, which makes these a great pick to pair with insulated winter boots. I’m in North Carolina, so it rarely gets cold enough for me to bust these socks out, but if you’re in Michigan, Minnesota, or New York, these could be exactly what you need.
What I Like
- 82% wool makes these the most insulated socks on the list.
- They have some Spandex around the arch to keep the socks in place throughout the day.
- Because they’re Merino wool, they’re quite soft and don’t feel scratchy. .
What I Don’t Like
- With such a high percentage of wool, they tend to lose their shape a little in the wash and they don’t stay up well.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
There are only a few reviews online for these, but these socks have approval from folks who have to brave Michigan winters, so that tells you about how warm these socks are.
The Verdict
If you want insulation, you need wool. It’s the best fabric for the job. And if you’re walking into sub-zero temperatures, the more wool you can get the better.
That’s why I like the Fox River Colorblock Thermal sock as a deep cold winter sock. It’s a bit loose fitting and doesn’t keep its shape too well after washes, but I’d still rather take the high percentage of wool and get that added protection.
The Fox River Colorblock Thermal socks are made with a whopping 82% wool, which is the most wool I’ve personally ever seen in a sock. They have tons of padding and insulation, which makes these a great pick to pair with insulated winter boots.
Best Socks for Muck Boots: Darn Tough Paul Bunyan
The Darn Tough Paul Bunyan offers a rare mix of features that make it an amazing sock if your job has you wearing muck boots often.
If you don’t know what muck boots are, then you don’t need ‘em. These are tall rubber or neoprene boots farmers wear when the mud and dung get thick, and they’re also necessary for some late-season hunters if the area is more swampy.
I don’t need to wear muck boots for my job, but if I did, I’d have more pairs of the Darn Tough Paul Bunyan.
They have really thick but compressed padding because of the terry-loop weave. They have a high percentage of Merino wool, so they have all the same great features of all the other wool sock I’ve mentioned so far. And the Paul Bunyan comes up over the calf and stays up.
What I Like
- They come up over the calf and can stay up for over 12 hours.
- The fabric is 65% Merino wool, so it offers a lot of insulation and protection from moisture.
- They have a reinforced toe, which is especially helpful for harder rubber boots. .
What I Don’t Like
- These socks may make your boots feel a little too snug if your sizing is close. If you have extra room, then it’s no problem.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The Paul Bunyan is one of Darn Tough’s most popular socks, and several reviewers were willing to shell out a hefty chunk of change to make sure they had enough pairs of these socks to last them through the whole work week.
Despite the socks being quite thick, I saw multiple reviews saying that these socks are still comfortable in warm weather. I’ve only had the chance to wear them through the winter, so that’s good to hear.
The Verdict
If you’re working in the muck, a bad sock can make for a miserable day. But the Darn Tough Paul Bunyan has a high percentage of wool in its weave, so it’s durable, comfortable, and has plenty of padding.
The Darn Tough Paul Bunyan offers a rare mix of features that make it an amazing sock if your job has you wearing muck boots often. They have really thick but compressed padding because of the terry-loop weave.
Best Socks for Athlete’s Foot: CopperJoint Compression Socks
When you have athlete’s foot, it’s hard to get comfort. Getting a good pair of wool socks is going to help you avoid getting athlete’s foot in the first place because you won’t have so much moisture between your toes.
But if you get athlete’s foot, try the CopperJoint Compressions Socks until you’re able to take care of yourself.
Since copper is antimicrobial and antifungal, it won’t aid in spreading your athlete’s foot—and the compression helps with increased blood flow which is also an important part of the healing process.
What I Like
- The copper nylon fabric has antifungal properties.
- The compression increases blood flow which helps heal your feet faster.
- They stay up for 12 hours and go over the calf. .
What I Don’t Like
- They can become uncomfortable during a long day because they have so much compression.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Many reviewers who stand on their feet for long periods of time swear by CopperJoint socks. In my opinion, they were a bit too restrictive, and I felt I had plenty of compression with the Camel City Mill Lightweight sock, but if you want to crank your compression to the next level, CopperJoints are good.
The Verdict
When athlete’s foot gets going, it’s hard to stop. If you find yourself struggling with itchy feet, get a few pairs of the CopperJoint Compression Socks. The copper nylon has antifungal properties which helps reduce the spread of athlete’s foot. Plus, the heavy compression also promotes greater blood flow to your feet for faster healing.
Since copper is antimicrobial and antifungal, it won’t aid in spreading your athlete’s foot---and the compression helps with increased blood flow which is also an important part of the healing process.
Best Waterproof: SealSkinz
Ever heard of waterproof socks? They’re a thing. And they might just be exactly what you need if you’ve got a grueling workday ahead of you in deep mud or slush.
It’s a pretty advanced sock with three layers. And it’s not just a neoprene sleeve that makes your foot feel like it’s trapped in a wet-suit.
The outer layer of SealSkinz socks is a synthetic weave that’s quite similar to a regular ol’ sock. In the middle, there’s a thin hydrophobic membrane, which is what does the waterproofing. It’s not stiff and it’s not so thick that you need an entirely different boot.
And then the inner layer is a nice insulated 35% Merino wool weave that’s soft and comfortable and feels just like a solid work sock.
What I Like
- Because the middle layer is so thin, these actually feel like socks rather than thin neoprene boots.
- You don’t need a bigger sized boot when you wear these.
- SealSkinz offers some versions for extreme cold weather.
What I Don’t Like
- They’re crinkly, though that’s probably not an issue when you’re standing ankle deep in water and it’s -27 degrees outside.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
These socks deliver on their promise. There are hundreds of reviews that confirm the effectiveness of these socks.
Surprisingly, a lot of cyclists and hikers also use SealSkinz, so they can serve you beyond the job site, too.
The Verdict
I only recommend waterproof work socks if you’re working a wet, muddy job in the middle of winter. These are more for extreme cold conditions.
SealSkinz are definitely the most comfortable waterproof sock you can get by a huge margin. But they’re still not all that comfortable. And you should only really wear them when you need them. I recommend bringing another sock with you to get to and from the job site.
The outer layer of SealSkinz socks is a synthetic weave that’s quite similar to a regular ol’ sock. In the middle, there’s a thin hydrophobic membrane, which is what does the waterproofing.
Is It Better to Wear Thin or Thick Socks in Work Boots?
It’s entirely dependent on the weather and how broken-in your work boots are already.
I like to wear thicker socks for the first three wears with a new pair of boots. The extra padding helps stretch the leather a bit, plus the thickness reduces blisters.
If you’re using a wool sock, wearing a thick sock shouldn’t make your feet dramatically warmer if it’s the middle of summer—sure, they might feel hot and sweat. But a thick cotton or polyester sock is going to create a swamp in your boots.
My favorite socks by far are the Camel City Mill Lightweight. Now, I work in North Carolina, so the temperature doesn’t dip below freezing very often. So I’ve found these socks to be plenty warm in the winter.
Made with Ironside Merino wool, these work socks feature compression through the calf which promotes better bloodflow and helps your feet recover after a long day. Plus, because they're Merino wool, they're breathable and completely knock out foot-sweat.
That said, on days where it’s really chilly (or I’m just not feeling it), I reach for a heavier weight sock like the Camel City Mill Heavyweight or the Darn Tough Paul Bunyan.
The Darn Tough Paul Bunyan offers a rare mix of features that make it an amazing sock if your job has you wearing muck boots often. They have really thick but compressed padding because of the terry-loop weave.
If your boots are already quite snug, a thick pair of socks may make your boots too tight. But if you have a little extra room, you can choose thick or thin based on how worn-in your boots are and what the temperature is like outside.
Does Doubling Up on Socks Really Work?
A lot of people in the construction industry actually wear two pairs of socks on cold days, or when they’re breaking in their new boots.
Again, this is a matter of getting the wrong material.
You may have to do this with cotton or polyester socks (in which case, prepare for your feet to be totally wrinkly and soaked by the end of the day).
But with wool, there’s really no point. You can just get a thicker wool sock and wear a single pair.
I’ve heard of some people wearing a nylon liner and then a sock over top, which can reduce blisters. If you’ve already got a nasty blister going, this is helpful. Or if you’re breaking in a super tough pair of boots like Nick’s, White’s, or JK’s, then this can help get you through the first month.
But I’ve broken in Nick’s and White’s boots just fine with a thick pair of wool socks.
Sock It Up
Never knew there was so much to think about when buying a pair of work socks, did you?
My top recommendation is the Camel City Mill Lightweight.
After buying most of these socks and wearing them around, I went back and bought three more pairs of the Lightweight. I love the durability, the 10-year guarantee, the compression and support, and how they keep my feet dry all day and don’t fall down into my work boots.
If you can only get one, the Camel City Mill Lightweight is the way to go.
Made with Ironside Merino wool, these work socks feature compression through the calf which promotes better bloodflow and helps your feet recover after a long day. Plus, because they're Merino wool, they're breathable and completely knock out foot-sweat.
FAQs
What are good socks to wear with work boots?
A great pair of work boot socks should be made with Merino wool, should come up over the calf, and should have a reinforced heel and toe. The best work boot socks I’ve found at the Camel City Mill Lightweight.
What socks do construction workers wear?
Construction workers wear all kinds of socks, but the ones that have been in the business many years all swear by Merino wool socks, even when it’s summer. Merino wool is the best sweat-wicking material—far better than cotton or polyester—so they keep your feet dry.
Should I wear compression socks if I stand all day at work?
Compression socks help promote blood flow and can help your feet recover faster after standing for 10-12 hours at a time. If you don’t want to wear a full nylon compression sock, you can also find regular socks that have compression features built into the calf.
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