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These durable, insulating options will get you through the colder months with ease.
Socks are often an afterthought, an accessory that doesn’t get considered until the very last minute, usually right before you slip into your shoes. But come winter, it’d be wise to think of them first and foremost when getting dressed in the morning; when the temperature dips, your fingers, nose, and toes are what catches the cold from the go. Sure, you can opt for footwear with added insulation, but why take the risk? Your feet will be plowing through snow and slush, which means you’re going to need some of the warmest socks to withstand all that.
The key thing to look for is the material, obviously. Silk blends, light cottons, or anything made entirely of synthetic fibers should be avoided. These socks are airy and breathable—two characteristics that won’t help when the streets are blanketed with several inches of snow. Instead, opt for wool and wool blends. Merino wool is preferred, because the textile is moisture-wicking and heat-retaining. Also look for styles with added cushioning, which will go a long way in keeping your feet comfy as you’re trudging through rough terrain.
Better yet, just take a look at the options below. We know that winter can be perilous and, well, fucking cold, which is why we gathered the warmest, most durable socks to get you through the season with ease.
Bombas is the name to know in the sock game. The brand offers a variety of styles for all seasons, in an assortment of patterns and materials. Of course, it has the goods for winter, like this sweat-wicking merino wool pair.
Flint and Tinder takes its materials very seriously, always making sure that its styles can withstand the cold, but don't leave you collecting sweat either. These textured socks, for example, are made of moisture-wicking wool blend that is also temperature-regulating.
Carhartt, perhaps more than most, understands how to make pieces that are durable and able to withstand the most strenuous situations. And these moisture-wicking socks with a reinforced sole, made of 100 percent wool, definitely live up to the brand's reputation.
Uniqlo's Heattech technology should be no stranger at this point. But for the unfamiliar, it's the brand's collection of basics—from tees to outwear—made of lightweight fibers that insulate impressively. Of course, socks are part of the package.
If an ankle length is more to your liking, Worn has a pair that'll last you all winter. The set is made of enhanced merino wool with added cushioning, which means it's incredibly warm and comfortable.
Columbia, that brand mountaineers know all too well, of course has the kind of socks built for harsh conditions. This pair, in particular, has a brushed interior for added warmth and comfort when ice crystals start forming.
Under Armour's ColdGear collection does as its name suggests. The styles, made of wool and synthetic fibers, are constructed to keep your feet warm when the temperatures drop to a debilitating degree.
Swiftwick designs socks for long grueling treks and mountain biking, which means they're sturdy as hell. And the Pursuit Hike—with a durable merino wool-blend fabric that controls moisture and a hydrophobic fiber on the footbed that helps keep feet blister-free—is the sturdiest of 'em.
Trust that the Maine-based maker of some of the warmest winter boots around also has socks that fit the same bill.
The other name to know in the sock game is Stance. The label strives to provide options that can withstand friction, allowing you to have hole-free socks for years and years. The brand is so sure of the durability of its products, especially when they are made of its Infiknit fibers, that it offers a lifetime guarantee.
Vermont-based Darn Tough makes socks that, true its name, are warm, hardwearing, and odor-resistant.
When its comes to alpine adventures, Filson has what you need. Take, for example, these thermal socks, made of two kinds of wool with some synthetic fibers for stretch, along with extra cushioning for long, winding treks.
Japanese sock specialist Anonymous Ism offers patterned, wool-blend socks that are as warm and plush as they are stylish.
If there is one sock you want to show off, its definitely one from Off-White. Along with its ribbed arch and targeted cushioning for comfort, it has the logo that'll have hypebeasts salivating.
Three figures for socks may sound steep, but Fear God's pair, made of an Egyptian cotton blend, is definitely worth it.