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The 32 Best Men's Socks: A Pair For Any Occasion and Budget

From the best budget pairs to luxury options, no-shows and overall comfort

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REI / Neiman Marcus / Nordstrom

It’s true. Socks are without a doubt the most cliché gift out there for men. In media, the giving of socks is portrayed as tired, lacking creativity and a disappointment. However, all clichés tend to have some truth to them. It’s also a fact that socks are a necessary part of life for most men out there and that if they didn’t receive them as gifts, they might go a scarily long time without buying new pairs. But figuring out the best men's socks can be daunting.

Whether you’re a man buying socks for yourself or someone buying socks for another man, we understand that this can be a much more complicated process than you expected. Let yourself destress though because we’re here to help. Below is a list of the 25 best men’s socks, with pairs broken down into a myriad of categories like the best dress socks, best no show socks, best running socks and more. After all, you wouldn’t wear the same pair of shoes to go to a party, to hike or to relax in, so why should socks be any different?

The Best Men's Socks, at a Glance:

What To Look For in Dress Socks:

A solid dress sock should be a nice comfortable fit with quality material. Most dress socks take care of the comfort element by being made with wool or cotton, but cashmere, silk, and bamboo are also very comfy on the foot as well.

1. Polo Ralph Lauren Egyptian Cotton Dress Socks

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Polo Ralph Lauren

Editor's Pick for Best Mens Dress Sock

  • Material: Cotton, Spandex, Nylon | Sock Height: Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These dress socks from Polo Ralph Lauren are 58% cotton, 40% nylon and 2% rubber. They’re ribbed too, which means they keep their shape a little better and feel firmer on you. The classic pony logo is embroidered on each sock too, so that you can show off on the right occasion.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $26

2. Stance Butter Blend Dress Socks

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Stance
  • Material: Stance Butter Blend | Sock Height: Over the Calf | Thickness: Lightweight

These dance socks by Stance are made with their signature butter blend fabric which is made to be especially soft. The material is also lightweight and breathable so you won’t sweat a lot in your suit. The toe and heel of the sock is also made with especially durable material. 

BUY NOW AT STANCE, $9.80

3. Tie Bar Solid Black Dress Socks

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The Tie Bar

  • Material: 80% Combed Cotton, 17% Nylon, 3% Spandex | Sock Height: Over the Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These solid black dress socks feature hand-sewn toe stitching and will match perfectly with most coloured suits, especially darker colours. They’ll go up to your calf and at the time of writing, they’re available in both black and navy. 

BUY NOW AT TIE BAR, $8

4. Calvin Klein Lightweight Dress Socks

19
Amazon
  • Material: 75% Mercerized Cotton, 25% Nylon | Sock Height: Over the Calf | Thickness: Lightweight

Calvin Klein are a trusted brand, especially for their essential clothing, so these lightweight dress socks from them are a great buy. If smoothness and softness are your top priority, then you can’t really go wrong with these. For $20, you can get 3 pairs too.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $19.99

5. Gold Toe Windsor Wool Dress Socks

20
Amazon
  • Material: 57% Wool, 42% Nylon, 1% Polyester | Sock Height: Over the Calf | Thickness: Heavyweight

These dress socks by Gold Toe are made with virgin wool, meaning wool that has never been used before. This makes them perfect for warmth, comfort and breathability. The heel and toe are reinforced and the socks go over the calf.

Shop now at Amazon, $23.10

What to Look for in No Show Socks:

Simple—you don't want the socks to show! You want them to be comfortable, and potentially sweat wicking as people frequently wear them during the hottest months.

6. Fruit of the Loom Men’s Ankle Socks

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Amazon

Editor's Pick for Best Men's No Show Socks

  • Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Lightweight

Fruit of the Loom is a popular brand for those that don’t want to break the bank for bare essentials like plain t-shirts and underwear. These ankle socks are 98% polyester and 2% spandex, machine washable and cushioned for comfort. Depending on size and colour, these can work out to less than $1 a pair.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON, $9.99

7. Spalding Men’s No Show Socks

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Walmart
  • Material: 96% Polyester, 2% Rubber, 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Lightweight

Here, Spalding offer a pack filled with black, grey and white socks for every occasion. It’s a 30-pack for $15, which is incredible value for money. They’re constructed to very light in weight and so you won’t find that your feet are sweating while wearing them.

BUY NOW AT WALMART, $17.98

8. MeUndies No-Show Sock

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MeUndies
  • Material: Supima Cotton | Sock Height: Below Ankle | Thickness: Lightweight

MeUndies’ no-show socks are great because they’re made with silicone gel grips which mean that they won’t sag and more importantly, you won’t slip in them. They’re made from supima cotton and are ethically sourced and imported.

BUY NOW AT MEUNDIES, $14

9. Bombas Performance Cushioned No-Show Sock

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Bombas
  • Material: Hex Tec | Sock Height: Below Ankle | Thickness: Lightweight

These Bombas no-show socks are great because they conform to the shape of your foot, making them great to relax in or even work out in. The special performance yarns wick away moisture, keeping you cool or dry and crucially, there’s no annoying bump on the toe.

BUY NOW AT BOMBAS, $49.50

10. Banana Republic Breathe No-Show Socks

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Banana Republic
  • Material: Merino Wool | Sock Height: Below Ankle | Thickness: Lightweight

These no-show socks from Banana Republic are sourced from sustainably managed forests. They’re crafted from soft and warm merino wool which makes them silky soft but still good at regulating temperature.

BUY NOW AT BANANA REPUBLIC, $9.97-$9.99

What to Look for in Wool Socks:

Aside from comfort, wool socks keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, you'll want to look for a sock that best suits your foot size.

11. Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

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Smartwool
  • Material: Merino Wool | Sock Height: Above Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

Not only are these Smartwool socks crafted to be protective, breathable and comfortable, but they’re also made with sustainable materials. The wool is ZQ-certified, meaning environmental sustainability is promoted and animal welfare is safeguarded. The cushioning on the bottom means your feet will be comfortable even on solid, uneven ground.

BUY NOW AT SMART WOOL, $24

12. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks

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Darn Tough
  • Material: Merino Wool | Sock Height: Above Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These hiker crew cushion socks by Darn Tough use a custom-count, shrink-treated merino wool that enhances comfort and durability. The wool also wicks moisture and regulates temperature, keeping you cool and dry. There’s elastic support around the arch and a medium level of cushioning too.

BUY NOW AT DARN TOUGH, $25

13. WORN Ultra Soft Sunday Sock

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Huckberry
  • Material: Merino Wool | Sock Height: Above Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These socks, as you might be able to tell by the name, are made for when you just want to relax. They’re naturally antimicrobial and odour-resistant so that you can wear them for long hours without worrying. Despite the softness of the material, these are very durable.

BUY NOW AT HUCKBERRY, $19

14. Bombas Men's Merino Wool Socks

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Bombas
  • Material: Merino Wool | Sock Height: Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These low-cut socks from Bombas are thick with a smooth feel. They'll keep you super warm, and they’re perfect on a winter day if you still want to wear socks. The anti-slip grips on the heel will make sure you don’t slip and the socks don’t move around your feet.

BUY NOW AT BOMBAS, $20

15. Bombas Men's Merino Wool Socks

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Lorenzo Uomo
  • Material: Merino Wool | Sock Height: Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These Merino Wool socks from Lorenzo Uomo are a rainbow-like colorful option that keeps you warm in the cold and cold in the warm. A great choice for those days that you want to step outside of the box.

BUY NOW AT LORENZO UOMO, $14

What to Look for in a Running Socks:

You should look for breathable fabrics such as polyester and nylon in running socks to help avoid discomfort from sweat.

16. COOVAN Cushion Ankle Socks

25
Amazon

Editor's Pick for Best Men's Running Socks

  • Material: Polyester | Sock Height: Calf | Thickness: Lightweight

If you want a combination of comfort and affordability, this 10-pack of cushion ankle socks by COOVAN is a good choice. They do a good job of moisture wicking and will do this regardless of if you wear them on their own or with a pair of sneakers.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $14.99

17. Reebok Men’s Pro Series Ankle Socks

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Walmart
  • Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Lightweight

This is a great choice if you’re on a budget because not only do you get bang for your buck with the quality of the socks and the amount you get, but here you also get a brand that everyone recognizes in Reebok. They’re antimicrobial and feature moisture control.

BUY NOW AT WALMART, $10.98

18. FEIDEER Men’s Hiking Socks

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Amazon
  • Material: 85% Cotton, 12% Polyester Fibre, 3% Spandex and Mesh | Sock Height: Over the Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

For the wintertime, this multi-pack of hiking socks by FEIDEER have an elastic closure and are 85% cotton, 12% polyester fibre, 3% spandex and also feature mesh. The mesh gives the socks breathability so that your feet can stay dry and cool on long hikes. The cushioned bottom also helps protect your feet and absorb impact.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $23.99

19. Hanes X-Temp Cushioned Ankle Socks

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Amazon
  • Material: Polyester and Cotton | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Medium Weight

Finally is another trusted brand for great value essentials. Hanes’ 12-pack of ankle socks feature a reinforced heel and toe for comfort and durability. They’re also breathable due to the mesh and spandex combination, making them great to wear in all kinds of weather.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $14.98

20. J. Crew Athletic Crew Sock

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J. Crew
  • Material: Cotton and Nylon | Sock Height: Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These athletic socks from J. Crew are a cotton/nylon blend that are essential for your running activities by protecting your feet and keeping sweat away.

BUY NOW AT J. CREW, $18

What to Look For in Work Socks:

For work, you'll ideally want a sock with compression properties to assist with standing/walking all day.

21. Farm To Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Socks

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REI

Editor's Pick for Best Men's Work Socks

  • Material: Merino Wool | Sock Height: Above Calf | Thickness: Heavyweight

These socks from Farm To Feet are made with advanced knitting techniques which create a good toe box that reduces bulk and decreases friction. The reinforced construction and low-stress seam placement also make the socks very durable. You can tell just by looking at them that these socks are very well constructed.

BUY NOW AT REI, $11.73

22. WRIGHTSOCK CoolMesh II Quarter Socks

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WrightSock
  • Material: Polyester, Nylon, and Spandex | Sock Height: Quarter Sock | Thickness: Medium Weight

The inner layer of these WRIGHTSOCK socks are made of hydrophobic polyester, nylon and spandex for moisture wicking. The outer layer of the socks also features a mesh weave which is great for airflow. The arch brace here also supports the feet and makes for a solid protective layer for your feet.

BUY NOW AT WRIGHTSOCK, $15

23. Dickie's Max Cushion Crew Socks

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Dickies
  • Material: 55% Cotton, 41% Polyester, 4% Spandex | Sock Height: Above the Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These logo tube socks from Dickies are great. They’re made from a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex, which makes them feel that little bit stretchier. The logo at the top doesn’t hurt either.

BUY NOW DICKIES, $16.99

24. Fox River Work Steel Crew Sock

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Fox River
  • Material: 80% Acrylic, 18% Nylon, 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Above the Calf | Thickness: Heavyweight

These steel toe crew socks come directly from the brand Fox River. Here, the acrylic, nylon, and spandex has been softened, and they’re machine washable. As long as you dry them flat, they should last a long while.

BUY NOW AT FOX RIVER, $16

25. Thorlo Cushioned Ankle Sock

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Thorlo
  • Material: 72% THOR•LON® Acrylic, 16% Nylon, 8% Elastic, 4% Polyester | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Medium Weight

These socks from Thorlo are a work pair that are 72% THOR•LON® acrylic , 16% nylon, 8% elastic and 4% polyester, giving them a stretch-cotton feel. The socks will go up about to your ankle making them easy to cover.

BUY NOW AT THORLO, $16.99

What to Look for in Athletic Socks:

Same as running socks—you want to look for breathable materials in your athletic socks for maximum comfort.

26. Adidas Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks

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adidas

Editor's Pick for Best Men's Athletic Socks

  • Material: 97% Polyester and 3% Spandex | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Medium Weight

This 6-pack of athletic cushioned crew socks by Adidas are made of 97% polyester and 3% spandex. They’re almost all black which makes them perfect for relaxing in or just going out in with sneakers. The arch compression makes for a secure fit and the cushioning means both comfort and durability are a go.

BUY NOW AT ADIDAS, $20

27. Athletic Works Men’s Tall Ankle Socks

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Walmart
  • Material: Lyrica Fiber | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Medium Weight

This 24-pack of tall ankle socks by Athletic Works is great if you’re on your feet for long hours due to the moisture wicking of the material. This means that they dry fast. The fabric is also especially soft and stretchy for that extra level of comfort.

BUY NOW AT WALMART, $10.98

28. Off-White Arrows Socks

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Neiman Marcus
  • Material: Cotton, Polyamide, Elastane | Sock Height: Above Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

Made in Italy, these arrow socks from Off-White are mid-length and boast a reinforced toe and heel which mean that you’ll feel like you have extra support and comfort where it matters. The ribbed cuffs prevent slipping and logos appear big and wide on the sock.

BUY NOW AT NEIMAN MARCUS, $78

29. American Trench Kennedy Luxury Athletic Sock

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Huckberry
  • Material: 77% Supima Cotton, 14% Nylon, 7% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Above Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

These socks by American Trench have Kennedy in the name because the late President was pictured wearing socks of the same style. They’re knit from supima cotton and have a cushioned sole with a reinforced heel and toe so that even if you’re lounging, you’ll feel comfortable.

BUY NOW AT HUCKBERRY, $20

30. Amazon Essentials Cushioned Athletic No-Show Socks

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Amazon
  • Material: 63% Cotton, 30% Polyester, 4% Nylon and 3% Elastane | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Lightweight

These Amazon Essentials no-show socks are 63% cotton, 30% polyester, 4% nylon and 3% elastane. The cushioning and mesh on here mean that you’re protected in high impact areas and there’s ventilation. 

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $17.40

31. Saucony's Men's Ankle Socks

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Amazon
  • Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Sock Height: Ankle | Thickness: Lightweight

These athletic socks are part mesh and are made with polyester and spandex. They’re available in 23 colors, which are a nice range of options.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $12.69-$13.99

32. Hotsox Men's Ankle Socks

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Hotsox
  • Material: Polyester | Sock Height: Above the Calf | Thickness: Medium Weight

And a pair of basketball socks for the athletic lovers that boast a vibrant design and lightweight comfort, striking a balance between casual and sleek.

BUY NOW AT HOTSOCK, $14
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