Now that temperatures are going to start dropping in earnest, those of us who are perpetually cold are starting to suffer. Despite my best efforts, I can’t ever manage to keep my extremities warm, leading to crankiness, panic and overall despair. No amount of faux fur blankets and cozy sweaters ever seems to be enough, but the right pair of socks can make a big difference in my comfort levels.
This humble item of clothing does some serious heavy lifting during the frigid months, and finding the right pair can make or break my comfort level. And who better to speak on such a topic than people who are are always cold? Below, I’ve rounded up the best warm sock suggestions from individuals with expertise in frosty limbs. Take a look for yourself and pick up a pair or two to keep your tootsies toasty all winter long.
A pair of Heattech socks from Uniqlo
When the temperatures drop, you can’t catch me without my Uniqlo Heattech socks. They are my daily go-tos during the cold-weather seasons, and I have them in a range of colors because they’re way cuter than they actually need to be. They have a nice heavyweight fabrication that feels cozy but doesn’t bunch up in the way a big wool sock can. If you’re someone who runs cold, you can’t go wrong with Heattech. I wear these socks with everything from sneakers to clogs and even slim, elegant loafers.
A three-pack of deliciously slouchy Hanes socks for men
My dad has been cold my entire life, regardless of the season. So while he doesn’t necessarily choose socks by warmth, these are his absolute favorites. “Notice how the top doesn’t have the typical hyper-constricting elastic band, but a gentle ending,” he pointed out. He likes that the sock has gentle crevices throughout (that we in the biz call “ribbing”) to prevent the socks from dropping.
He also said, “These socks were a lifesaver after my knee [replacement] surgeries. They were warm enough while my legs were so hypersensitive that I couldn’t stand anything touching them, including bed sheets. So I slept with no covers for about two months during winter, no less.”
These Hanes socks are currently only available at the Hanes website in packs of three. Snag a set while you can!
A pair of ultra-luxe cashmere socks
Once you go cashmere, there’s no going back. While these are admittedly a splurge, there’s nothing quite like slipping on cloud-like, ultra-soft cashmere socks on a cold, dreary day. I love to wear mine while lounging around the house or when I want to add a bit of subtle texture to my outfits. And when I’m not wearing compression socks on long-haul flights, they’re my go-to for travel days. You can get these in a few different colors.
A pair of super soft fleece-lined slipper socks with grippers
“When I want juuuust a bit more traction than regular socks while hanging around inside, I often turn to these thick and cozy fleece-lined socks with little grippy silicone gel dots on the soles. Not quite a slipper but more than a sock, they both keep my feet warm and keep me from sliding on the tile in my apartment. I loaned my first pair to a friend and never saw them again, which tells you how comfy they are.” — Campbell
A pair of merino wool hiking quarter socks
My eternally cold friend, art therapist Ingrid Mellor, swears by these hiking socks from R.E.I. She has Reynaud’s disease, which can cause her extremities, like her fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to certain situations, making warm socks absolutely imperative. These cushy socks are breathable and moisture-wicking and can keep your toes nice and toasty no matter how cold it is outside.
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A pair of sturdy merino wool hiking socks
“Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating and sweat-wicking, but it can be really pricey. I love these unisex merino wool hiking socks from Amazon, because you get three pairs for less than the price of one from a fancy name brand! I bought a pack last year and was really impressed by their thickness and quality, and how they kept my feet super warm and cozy in snowy rural Michigan (their 4.6-star rating suggests a lot of people agree with me). They’ve also got a cushioned footbed and reinforced heel and toe areas; I’ve been wearing these year-round in the house ever since and they are holding up beautifully and are still toasty warm.” – Campbell
A heavyweight synthetic wool blend boot sock
“A couple of years ago I wanted a boot sock that was just sliiiightly more refined than typical wool hiking socks, but still warm enough for snowy conditions and tough enough to last forever. On a whim, I bought these heavyweight wool-blend boot socks from the workwear brand Carhartt, and immediately knew these socks meant business. They are both tough and warm, naturally odor-resistant, and the perfect thickness for many winter boots. I was impressed with how warm they kept my feet, and how they come out of the washing machine looking like new every time. They are reinforced with abrasion-resistant yarn and have plenty of cushioning for added comfort and blister protection, too.” — Janie Campbell, former HuffPost senior editor
Amazon Essentials cotton crew socks six-pack
“As someone who consistently runs cold, I’ve been on the hunt for the best socks FOR YEARS. My ultimate advice might be contrary to what you’d expect, though. Thick wool socks often make me so hot that my feet perspire, which, in turn, makes me colder and crankier than I was beforehand. So my recommendation is this: Wear mostly cotton socks with well-made leather and/or waterproof boots. It’s just as much about finding the best boots as the sock, in my opinion. Keep it simple.” — Kate Easton, actor
A pair of cushioned hiking socks
HuffPost senior editor Jillian Capewell loves Darn Tough hiker socks. They’re made with shrink-treated merino wool that helps to make them long-lasting and durable while also making sure they’re as comfortable and warm as possible. They’re perfect for hikes and other outdoor activities or cozy on days spent lounging on the couch. They’re available in a variety of sizes and colors.
A pair of editor-beloved SmartWool classic crew socks
There’s a general consensus among those polled that SmartWool is an absolute must during the cold months. Mellor, former HuffPost head of visuals Christy Havranek and HuffPost breaking news reporter Ryan Grenoble all recommended SmartWool socks. They’re fully cushioned for maximum comfort, while the innovative wool fabric keeps feel cozy and warm without getting too sweaty.
Cashmere-blend trouser socks at J.Crew
When I want to enjoy a cashmere feel that’s a bit more lightweight than the Naadam socks listed above, I go for these adorable trouser socks from J.Crew. I stock up every season, and not only are they perfectly warm and cozy, but they also look stylish. You can get them in a bunch of different colors and really make a statement.
Wigwam merino comfort hiker socks
Lilli Petersen, news editor at HuffPost, loves her Wigwam socks. Made with a delicious merino wool blend that provides cushion without feeling bulky, they are odor-resistant and naturally moisture-wicking. They’re available in several different colors and sizes.
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The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
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