10 Best Warm Socks, According to Clothing Experts

For those with perpetually cold feet, warm socks are a necessity, and this pair from Heat Holders is a must-have option. It’s lined with soft, brushed sherpa-like interior that traps heat to keep your feet toasty warm all winter long. The crew height is perfect for pairing with boots. It was a favorite among our testers for its soft interior One tester compared it to “walking on a soft pillow," and another said, “These are like the Goldilocks of socks. Not too cold, not too hot — perfectly warm.”

And if you’re looking for an even warmer option, the brand’s original thermal sock is your best bet — it's a bit thicker, with extra loops of pile lining the interior to trap even more heat. One tester from Alaska commented that this pair was “perfect for keeping [her] feet warm and cozy.” Another user with neuropathy in her feet who often wears two to three pairs of socks for warmth said, “With the Heat Holders, I did not need to wear another pair of socks or slippers.”

Plus, our analysts were impressed by the construction of both styles, and they each earned respectable scores in our Lab's durability testing. Just keep in mind that these socks are one-size-fits-all for women’s sizes 5 to 9, so those with larger feet should purchase the men’s version.

These extra plush socks come in a pack of three — meaning each pair is less than $6! Made of a blend of polyester, wool, spandex and cotton, these socks are a heavier-weight option with a fluffy inner lining, making them perfect for colder weather to keep your toes all cozied up. While we haven’t had a chance to test them out in the Lab, our analysts love that this pair has a snug elastic band at the top to keep them in place. Online users love them — the style has more than 11,000 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars! Plus, they're available in tons of colors with the added convenience of Prime shipping.

This style from Darn Tough uses mostly merino wool for soft insulation, keeping your feet warm while hiking, shoveling snow or just walking to work. This style is mid-weight, meaning it’s the perfect thickness for year-round use, and the wool helps keep your feet at a comfortable temperature in any weather. One tester reported that this pair kept their feet sweat-free in the summer and toasty warm in the winter. Other testers gave the pair high scores for overall comfort, cushioning and a snug fit, with one telling us, “I have hiked many hundreds of miles in Darn Toughs over the years. I have not been able to find a better sock brand. They are extremely durable, last forever and keep me blister-free.” Darn Tough also offers a “lifetime guarantee,” meaning the brand will send you a new pair if you are able to wear them out, but based on our Lab durability tests, our analysts think that’s unlikely to happen for most users.

If you struggle to fall asleep in winter temperatures or wake up with cold feet these socks for Zensah might be the solution. They're made using merino wool for a luxuriously soft feel with naturally thermoregulating properties. Testers called them “super comfortable” and loved pairing them with their pajamas for sleeping and lounging. While some may be daunted by the idea of wearing socks to sleep, this pair is thin, so it won’t feel heavy or bulky in bed. The fabric is also great for wicking away any night sweats, so you won’t find yourself waking up from overheating. Our experts also like that the pile-lined band at the ankle helps comfortably secure the sock through any tossing and turning while you sleep. Just note that these socks are meant for indoor wear and not outdoor use.

This sock has a fluffy, pile-lined interior (which means it's got an extra layer of loops of yarn to keep your feet warm) made of luxe merino wool for extra warmth and comfort on the trails. Testers loved the softness of these socks and the cushioning on the sole. One tester said, “They kept my feet at a good temperature throughout my hikes,” while another commented that they were the perfect thickness without being bulky. In Lab tests, these socks weren’t the most durable out of the ones we tested, but our analysts appreciate that this pair had minimal shrinkage compared to similar socks after multiple washes.

If you prefer thinner socks, but still want to keep your toes warm in colder weather, take a look at this pair. These socks use the brand's signature HEATTECH technology, which Uniqlo says "wicks the body’s moisture into fibers and converts the kinetic energy into heat." The fabric is also made with microfibers, to minimize the amount of heat that can escape from the body, so you can stay warm without the added bulk. Uniqlo’s HEATTECH clothing is a favorite among GH textile analysts, who swear by the brand’s base layers in the colder months. One tester even told us these socks felt warmer than her go-to thick wool socks in cold weather. This pair had great scores in Lab durability tests, particularly excelling in abrasion resistance tests, but they did shrink more than some socks we tested. Plus, if you're in need of a taller sock for any knee-high boots, this pair also comes in a knee-high version.

These socks feature rechargeable lithium batteries that can heat your feet for 3 to 6 hours when fully charged. While we haven't been able to test these socks out in our Lab quite yet, our experts were impressed that this pair has heating elements that cover the entire foot, from the top to the sole to the toes, where you typically get cold first. Each sock also features additional reinforced padding on the heel, providing extra comfort and support when you’re on your feet. The brand also offers several sizes, so you can ensure a snug fit. Just remember to remove the battery pack before washing!

When skiing or snowboarding, you need a pair of socks that not only will keep you warm all day on the slopes, but also provide cushioning on the shin, ankle and footbed to prevent discomfort in boots. Smartwool is a top-performing brand in our Lab tests and a favorite among GH analysts for its comfortable, cushioned merino wool socks. This knee-high pair is designed specifically for winter sports, with thoughtful construction details like a seamless toe, breathable mesh zones and a snug fit. It’s also less thick than other skiing socks while being just as warm, making them great for any outdoor winter adventure. Just note that in our tests, we've found that Smartwool's cushioned socks aren't as durable, with lower scores in abrasion resistance compared to their thinner styles.

For compression sock users or for anyone who experiences swelling or cramping from long periods of standing or post-workout, this pair from Vim&Vigr is hard to beat for the winter. While it isn’t as temperature-regulating as the brand's merino wool offerings, this heathered cotton sock offers the same durability and moisture-wicking properties as its original cotton compression socks — our top-tested favorite compression socks — with some added softness and warmth. Long-term users at GH love pairing these with all sorts of shoes from boots to sneakers.

When heading outside with your little one, make sure their toes are properly bundled up. These wool socks by Eocom are available for kids ages 0-5 years old and come in a pack of six, so if a sock goes missing, you have a backup. Our analysts love that this pair uses a blend of wool, polyester and spandex for a mix of comfort and stretch. Wool is naturally moisture-wicking and breathable, so these socks are also great to wear year-round.