You Can Wear These All-Purpose Socks to Work, Workouts, and Everywhere in Between (2024)

There isn't a sock quite like a Gold Toe. While holding the throne as the ultimate Dad sock for the past 80 years, they have also started to make their way back into fashion in a big way. These updated classics, for instance, are made from a slightly thick blend of wool and nylon, and boast AquaFX Moisture Control that helps wick away sweat throughout the coverage area to help you stay fresh, cool, and dry. The ribbed construction also provides extra support and warmth, while the stretch will help the socks fit perfectly on your feet. We also love the reinforced toe that ensures no hole, wear, or tear will happen for a long time.

In my testing, I found that while these indeed are cushy and warm—and thus work great as winter socks—they are quite thick, which is why I love wearing them to fill up the space in my boots or dress shoes, but sometimes for sneakers and athletic shoes, the thickness can feel very tight. And unlike other socks, these don’t slide down even on large calf muscles.

What Do Buyers Say: "They breathe very well, minimizing perspiration. They are soft and gentle. I have ordered them for many years. The fit is very comfortable for a wide foot," says one amazon.com customer.

These dress socks from Mack Weldon look cool in a way that goes just as well with a suit as they do with jeans and sneakers. Besides looking nice, the best part about these socks is their odor-fighting properties. Mack Weldon infused the Pima cotton with silver fibers that are naturally antimicrobial. They're using a little basic chemistry to keep your feet smelling good all day. We also love how they absolutely will stay on and won't slide down even after a whole day of wear thanks to the stay-put cuff of these socks.

In our testing, we found that Mack Weldon’s crew socks are also great for walking, courtesy of the cushioned footbed. And since both the toe and heel are seamless, coupled with an ultra-soft fabric, the comfort in these socks will keep your legs and feet feeling good all day long.

What Do Buyers Say: "There’s only so much one can say about a pair of socks. Suffice it to say that these socks are pretty tasty… appreciated even by a guy who prefers to go barefoot," says one mackweldon.com customer.

Ask any sock aficionado their favorite sock brand and there's a good chance they’ll say Bombas. If you’re wondering what makes Bombas socks so special, it’s the ultimate combination of smart design details and high-quality fabric. The brand takes all your needs into consideration with extra-durable cotton fabric, seamless toe construction for comfort, and even a little fabric tab at the back to prevent pesky, painful blisters.

In our testing, we found that these are—by far—the comfiest ankle socks we've tried. We love that their stretchiness doesn’t seem to decrease despite tons of wear and washes. It’s also nice that there’s a social mission for the company, as they donate a pair of socks for every pair sold. They’re also very versatile, great for walking thanks to the cushioned footbed as well as training at the gym—although they’re not as robust as actual workout socks for training.

What Do Buyers Say: "The Bombas feel good right when I put them on. They are not too hot that they make my feet sweat but they do keep my feet warm," says one bombas.com customer.

In our opinion, these can go almost toe-to-toe (get it?) with Nike’s Everyday Plus athletic socks. The fabric blend—71% cotton, 27% polyester, and 2% spandex—is almost identical, meaning they’re moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant. They’re also incredibly comfortable for casual wear and for working out, and our testers love wearing them with boots. Their moisture-wicking technology and superior arch support are excellent for all types of activities.

With roughly 200,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s no surprise that these are an Amazon Best Seller. More than 150,000 of those are overwhelmingly positive, with five-star reviews to boot. Some buyers complain of issues with the sock bottoms rubbing through and developing holes prematurely. But, for the price (less than $14 for a six-pack), it’s hard to complain when you can stock up with three or four packs for around $50.

What do buyers say? “I am very impressed with their performance. My partner is a firefighter who does 24 hour shifts. These are the only socks he’s ever had that successfully keep his feet dry. And that’s a rare occasion. Might need to pick up some more,” said one Amazon reviewer.

If there was a superhero version of a no-show sock, it would be this Balega option, and we especially approve of its usage in running. Made with yarn and impact-resistant plush cushioning in the ball and heel of your foot, each step you take becomes a breeze, regardless of your speed. Having jogged in Central Park in these socks a few times, we found that the moisture management fiber also keeps your feet cool and dry all day long, while the seamless, reinforced toe minimizes the risk of blisters by reducing friction.

Off the track, however, our testers found that these socks are also great for playing sports, working out, doing yard work, or simply enjoying the comfort of your own home. The ventilation panels in the fabric ensure optimal airflow while the high heel tab and deep heel pocket prevent slipping—and we love that it’s extra stretchy—meaning they’re perfect for anything involving heavy foot motion.

What Do Buyers Say: "All runners need these socks. I rely on these for my long runs and they’ve always prevented blisters and are extremely comfortable. Worth the price," says one amazon.com customer.

Hard training calls for socks that can keep your feet feeling good rep after rep. After all, they're putting in the work, too. Not only are these ankle socks made largely of breathable nylon and stretchy Spandex, but they also have full arch support and use the 3D-knit PerformaHeel™ to provide a contoured fit that definitely won’t slip, no matter how you move.

Overall, with 360-degree arch support, seamless toe construction, and a 3D-knitted heel, our testers love that these Lululemon socks have just the right amount of stretch and cushion for a supported, frictionless fit. We've noticed less chance of chafing when we sport these for a high-intensity workout or run. The heel is also complete with an extra-long fabric tab, so not only will you avoid a blister on your Achilles area, but you also won't have to worry about these slipping down while you run either.

What Do Buyers Say: "They're so soft and comfortable that it feels like you aren't wearing socks. I wear these under my work socks in my steel-toed boots as well and they wick moisture and help throughout the day keep my feet dry," says one lululemon.com customer.

These are socks you wanna show off but can't. That fashion-forward, slipper-like veneer is a cut above the rest. Crafted from a one-of-a-kind blend of aerolight'™ fiber fabric, these socks feel extra soft, breathable, and very light, and I find that besides no-show, they are almost no-feel given how no-distraction they are once I put them on and walk in them. Also, the lightweight nature means fast sweat absorption and evaporation, keeping your feet dry and fresh throughout the day.

The double-layered toe also renders the cap extra durable, and having worn and washed these hundreds of times since 2021, there isn't any hole or tear to this day. But our favorite part is the brand's no-slip guarantee: you'd have a hard time trying to take these socks off, really, thanks to the brand’s specially designed and patented silicone grip.

What Do Buyers Say: "No show socks ALWAYS slip off my heals but these ones are amazing. They NEVER slip off. They are a nice, comfortable fabric that isn’t heavy or hot. I love these socks. Worth every penny," says one ondo.com customer.

If your body temperature runs on the warmer side, you know that a heavy sock can cause you to overheat. CDLP’s bamboo dress socks feel cool to the touch, are incredibly breathable, and will keep your feet smelling fresh even in the most unbearable dress shoes. With reinforced toe and heel, they also last despite being thin and light.

Crafted from 89% bamboo, these socks are thin yet super durable, and I love wearing them with Oxford shoes or dress sneakers that are hard to break in: they provide a protective barrier without adding the bulk, and their light, breathable fabric feels like wearing no socks at all. In my experience, my feet have never felt sweaty in them, and they’ve held up their shape and softness very well even after over six cycles of wash and dry.

What Do Buyers Say: "What I love about this product is how comfortable they are, also they look amazing on you. I love the color choices that they offer as well," says one customer.

Adidas is known for making some of the coolest top-quality workout clothes in the game and these socks are no different. These everyday pairs come with a substantial arch compression fit that provides the wearer with some much-needed support and stability when digging those feet into the ground while deadlifting. Engineered with moisture-wicking yarn, they keep my feet cool and dry, even in the face of sweat-inducing activities; and the supportive fit gives my feet the extra love they deserve.

All in all, they're the perfect companion for your daily workouts or casual strolls. With close-fitting yarn that actually stays and stays dry, if you can't make par in these, it's not the socks. The only qualm is that they’re on the thick side and can squeeze your feet a bit if the shoes are already tight. And unfortunately, the white options do get dirty easily.

What Do Buyers Say: "The comfort level of the cushion on these bad boys is stellar! Great fit, feels good, and 6 pairs for the price you can't beat it," says one adidas.com customer.

These athletic, anti-blister, and moisture-wicking socks are made with Coolmax fiber, which helps keep perspiration in check when lifting, running, or cycling. We appreciate the seamless toe closure to prevent yarn chafing and discomfort while on the move. The light compression design provides some compression to stimulate blood flow and provide a more snug fit. Bonus: Mesh ventilation on the instep ensures superb breathability from toe to heel. We also like that they're available in a variety of bold colors (like pink and bright red).

With a 3-pack priced at around $40 (and often on sale for much less), these are another great value moisture-wicking sock. They're also incredibly well-reviewed on Reddit and Amazon. It's hard to find much to dislike about these, although some buyers note long-term durability issues with socks fraying prematurely.

What Do Buyers Say: "I appreciated how the socks were designed to wick away moisture and keep my feet dry, which is essential when you're hiking in hot or humid conditions," says one amazon.com customer.

If you’re not a suit-and-tie kind of guy, shopping for formal accessories can be tedious and expensive. Meet your one-stop shop for affordable accouterments to help you look sharp without breaking the bank. Polo Ralph Lauren's socks don various classic Argyle patterns to go with your Oxfords and business pants.

In short, the argyle pattern—consisting of varicolored diamonds and taking after the tartan of a clan in Scotland—is all about class and sophistication. These Polo Ralph Lauren argyle dress socks also boast craftsmanship, durability, and comfort. They come with built-in heel and toe reinforcement to not only last longer but also amp up the comfort with each wear and even each step. Made with odor-fighting technology, these dress socks will also stay fresh for a whole day. We also love how smooth the toe seam feels, which lends an even cozier wear. Styling-wise, we love how good these argyle dress socks look with chinos, khaki pants, and even jeans.

What Do Buyers Say: "Fit and feel is comfortable. Quality. Holds color and firmness after several wash cycles," says one amazon.com customer

A past-winner at our Outdoor Awards, these socks are truly great when it comes to performance. The Proprietary GripDry Fiber at the heel and forefoot works almost like a shoe outsole's traction to keep you steady—it’s got enough grip for anyone who wants to deadlift sans sneakers. The Merino wool blend fabric is also made to keep you blister-free and sweat-free.

In fact, ultramarathon athlete Jason Hardrath has even sported this to chase a 43-mile, insane mountain record on the tallest volcano in North America. “The socks performed flawlessly with no cold feet, no blisters, no holes. If you wanna talk about high-performing socks for men, the Swiftwick Flite XT Trail is absolutely front and center,” says Hardrath.

What Do Buyers Say: "Great trail socks (and road too). Breathable and fit nicely. The grippy portions on the forefoot hand heels work perfectly to keep foot from slipping around on trail runs," says one swiftwick.com customer.

Wonderfully soft with a medium weight thickness, these American Giant socks can be traced all the way back to Mount Airy, NC where they're produced. Throw these on with your favorite sneaker or boots—they've got a finished toe seam to help prevent them from rubbing.

What Do Buyers Say: "Socks are great. Good fit, quality materials and comfortable. No itching feet after wearing all day. Tried Bombas socks, but my feet were always itching," says one american-giant.com customer.

Wool socks are a no-brainer as warm winter socks, but Smartwool’s wool socks take that to a whole new level. Made with Merino wool, these socks are naturally breathable, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and thermo-regulating to keep your feet feeling good at all times. With a secure, “stay put” fit, these socks also do not slide down, no matter how your feet or legs move. The seamless toe construction also makes it so comfortable to wear. They’re also thinner than, day, Gold Toe’s socks, and thus are versatile enough to work as athletic socks or socks for dress shoes.

What Do Buyers Say: "All day comfort, good support and zero cushion for low volume footwear," says one smartwool.com customer.

These lounge socks will caress your feet all year round, no matter the season. Built to last a lifetime, they're piling-resistant and provide warmth without dragging your feet down. Better yet, they always stay up—one less thing to worry about when you're loafing about the house or enjoying your downtime at home. They're also not itchy to boot.

What Do Buyers Say: "The socks are good quality and super soft. They keep my feet warm but are still breathable. My husband ended up trying mine on because I raved about them so much. He ordered a set for himself and wears them all winter long (we live in the Midwest)," says one cozyearth.com customer.

These ankle socks are cut extra low to almost look like no-show socks. So when you feel like sporting some low-top sneakers or driving loafers, these won’t get too much in the way. But when you want to sport them with trainers and runners, their cushioned sole and 360-degree arch compression will come in a pinch. And when you’re walking the walk, their heel tab will keep the blisters at bay, and the mesh panel will keep your feet dry. All in all, these versatile socks are primed for whenever you go out.

What Do Buyers Say: "As soon as I put these on, I noticed how well they fit and how comfortable they felt on. During my long runs and lifting workouts, they were comfortable and didn't get stretched out and sweaty," says one definitearticles.com customer.

Made in Japan, RoToTo makes some of the finest, softest socks around. The chances are once you try one pair of these striped bad boys, you'll want more. Better yet, in addition to the handsome looks, these socks are also breathable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and cushioned to help ground your every step in the utmost comfort. And unlike many other crew socks, these don’t feel tight around the legs. That’s rare.

What Do Buyers Say: "These are great socks. They are comfy and thick while being stylish. Only issue is if you have a small foot they might be a little big. Will be buying more," says one toddsnyder.com customer.

A-list style just got a lot easier to achieve. Ilaria Urbinati—the celebrity stylist behind Chris Evans, Ryan Reynolds, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s killer style flexes—collaborated with London Sock Company on 12 crazy-cool designs so any guy can look red-carpet ready from head to toe. As such, these socks also make great gifts for men.

What Do Buyers Say: "As far as I am concerned your socks are the only ones to buy. They feel good, they fit well and last. I was given a set 5 years ago as a Christmas present. None have worn out. No holes," says one trustpilot.com customer.

To help you find the best socks for men, we spoke with Matthew Mull, the Design Director for Gold Toe—one of the largest US-based sock producers—about a few key points to consider.

Comfort:
The best socks let your feet stay cool and comfortable throughout the workday. Which is why you should preferably look for socks with moisture-wicking, AKA arguably the most important feature in socks. In general, Mull recommends "soft hand-feel, Lycra and spandex for a perfect fit, and smooth toe seams for all-day wear."

Additionally, better make sure that your socks have arch support built-in as well; these socks can help reduce foot fatigue and improve comfort during long periods of standing or walking.

Material:
Socks’ materials are what make or break them. Cotton is a classic choice for comfort in lounging and everyday wear, but they’re not as durable, shape-retaining, or performance-friendly as synthetic blends. Synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and spandex are often lightweight, durable, and provide performance features like moisture-wicking and breathability. There’s also wool, especially merino wool that’s naturally quick-drying, moisture-wicking, breathable, and temperature-regulating.

Moisture-wicking:
Having moisture-wicking socks is extra crucial if you're wearing them for sports, long walks, or any hardcore outdoor activities because wicking away sweat and keeping your feet dry are keys to reducing the risk of blisters and fungal infections. "Moisture Management helps not only keep your feet dry and cool but can also help protect against unwanted abrasions," says Mull.

Odor:
Socks, for men especially, can easily become stinky due to sweat, bacteria, and other factors. Socks with odor-fighting properties keep the smell at bay and unnoticeable—by you or anyone near you. Choices are socks made with antimicrobial fibers or infused with natural odor-fighting agents like silver or copper.

Thickness:
Thick socks can sometimes add an entire size to your feet and make your shoe-wearing experience much more unbearable—unless you always size up for footwear—not to mention overheat your feet. On the other hand, socks that are too thin might not lend adequate protection, hence leading to blisters and foot pain. We, therefore, recommend midweight socks because they can provide a good balance of comfort and support.

A sock's thickness also denotes its weight, which, according to Mull, is very personal. "Some people like a heavier-weight sock with cushion to wear with a casual or lug sole shoe and others prefer lighter-weight with your oxfords or loafers."

Quality:
"People often aren't thinking about luxury or quality when they invest in socks," says Mull. "They aren't thinking about something they're wearing and washing day after day and how important their foot comfort is to the overall quality of life." Hence, always remember to choose socks that are constructed in long-lasting materials, and provide reinforcement in high-wear areas.