Best Socks for Hard Labor: Gold Toe Crew Athletic Socks
Goldtoe
656s Cotton Crew Athletic Socks
Pros
- Cushioned foot
- Moisture-wicking
- Reinforced toe
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Could be a tad more durable
Gold Toe’s athletic socks are great when you’re out doing tough, manual labor, and working up a sweat. They’re not made with anything too fancy like merino wool or futuristic fibers that’ll give you a pedicure while you’re kickin’ down studs. They’re built from combed American cotton for that classic comfort, some polyester and nylon for moisture-control and durability, and a touch of stretch. They come with a reinforced toe and a cushioned foot for some cozy support, too. And, at just around twenty bucks for a pack of six, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
Best Socks for Hardcore Lounging: Druthers Relacks Merino Wool Japanese House Socks
No, house socks are not like regular socks. If you don’t understand, just try Druthers’ Relacks socks. They’re made of a thick, non-mulesed Australian merino wool which helps regulate temperature and keep your feet dry. And what makes them so extremely plush is the loopback terry lining on the inside which gives them a bouncy, cushioned feel. In fact, they’re so thick that you might feel like you’re walking on carpet. They won’t replace your slippers, and we wouldn’t recommend running out to check the mailbox in them. So if you’re one of the poor saps who doesn’t have heated floors, these are a great alternative.
Best Socks for Menswear Nerds: RoToTo Socks
Rototo
Cotton Wool Rib Sock
Pros
- Super soft materials and luxurious knit
- Gentle tension that still stays up on the leg
Cons
Really nice, expensive socks seem superfluous. But slip on a pair of RoToTo socks and you will immediately change your mind. Crafted in the Nara Prefecture of Japan, an area with a long history of knitting expertise, RoToTo socks are some of the most luxurious feeling socks you’ll experience. They’re knit with a precise tension that feels simultaneously dense and ultra soft. It also has just the right amount of stretch, which doesn’t feel like it’s slowly squeezing the life out of your calf muscles. They come with a flush, flat toe seam that won’t prod your precious little piggies, too. RoToTo makes a variety of socks in a number of different material blends, but we’re keen on these cotton-wool blend joints for their warming properties, soft hand, and lasting quality.
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What to Look for in a Great Pair of Socks
Material: No single material rules the sock world—it really depends on what you’re after. Cotton is cheap, breathable, and easy to wash, says foot and ankle surgeon Brad Schaeffer, DPM. Wool offers warmth, but merino wool is the sweet spot for temperature regulation (just beware: some pairs can’t be machine-washed). Feeling fancy? Cashmere socks are pure luxury, but they’re high-maintenance and wear out fast. “[Cashmere socks are] great for just comfort and wearing around the house or sitting on the couch,” Schaeffer says. “If you wear them too much, they will wear down very fast and they do not wash well.”
Height: Socks will range in height from anywhere in between no-shows to calf-length. (We’re going to neglect thigh-highs here.) There’s not really an ideal sock height, and your choice will come down to how much sock you want to show off and what shoes you’re wearing. Opt for no-shows if you want to have protection between your feet and your shoes without looking like you’re wearing socks; go for ankle-height for just a little bit of extra coverage; and choose calf-length socks for pretty much any other occasion.
Fit: Most people will find that their standard run-of-the-mill socks will be one size fits all, but is it really possible for a pair of socks to fit someone with a size 7 foot and another person with a size 15 foot? “Although the socks have great stretch to them, you can fit a small sock on a large foot with stretch, but in my opinion, it becomes too tight,” Schaeffer says. “And depending on the patient, it can restrict vascular flow, and affect the nerves also, which can create swelling and overall pain.” Brands have been more regularly selling socks in different sizes, just like t-shirts, so that shoppers can find something snug enough that won’t slip off their foot, but also not too tight where it feels like the dogs are wrapped up in a straightjacket.
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