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The 9 Best Socks For Cold Feet

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Plagued by cold feet? (No, I am not talking about that nervous feeling we all get sometimes.) Luckily, the solution is pretty simple — getting a nice, toasty pair of socks.

The best socks for cold feet can help keep your toes warm and dry whether you’re spending time outdoors on a snowy day, or are simply always chilly. In order to prevent your feet from getting cold, look for socks made from thermal fabrics or ones that trap warmth inside; if they’re also breathable or able to wick moisture, even better, especially if your feet tend to sweat.

When it comes to picking out the best cozy socks for cold feet, one of the most important things to remember is that really thick socks aren’t necessarily the warmest socks. The factor that is most likely to determine a sock’s warmth is the material that they’re made from. Insulating materials like acrylic and warm yet moisture-wicking materials like merino wool are ideal. Regular wool is not quite as soft or breathable as merino wool, but other kinds of wool socks are still a good option and tend to be more friendly on the budget than merino. Oh, and 100% cotton really isn’t the best pick for cold feet; when cotton gets wet (read: if you venture outside in wet weather at all), then it loses all insulating properties.

Aside from the material, choosing the best pair of socks comes down to a matter of personal preference. I included both low and high-end picks on this list, as well as picks that come in a range of colors and patterns. I even found a pair that has built-in heating elements if you really want to keep things toasty.

To help warm up your feet, here are a bunch of highly-rated sock picks on Amazon that reviewers swear by.

1

A Cult-Favorite Pair Of Socks With A Lifetime Warranty

This pair of socks from Darn Tough has a 4.8-star overall rating on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. Reviewers say this pick keeps their toes warm in even the coldest weather. According to one reviewer, “Darn Tough are hands down the best socks I have ever owned. Everything else pales in comparison. They don't wear through, they don't retain smells, they're soft and supportive, they last longer than all my other socks."

At $20-plus for a single pair of socks, this pick is undoubtedly pricey — but the fact that it's backed by a lifetime warranty makes the high-quality socks well worth the upfront cost. The crew-length socks are made of a blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex, and come in a range of fun colors. Choose from sizes small, medium, or large, and get ready to experience the best pair of socks you have ever owned.

Helpful Amazon review: “My feet get cold so easily and take forever to warm up. Sometimes the only thing that will do it is soaking them in hot water. I have started to put these socks on when my feet get cold, and they warm up almost instantly. I end up wearing them almost every night. These were originally purchased for a hike I'm going on soon, but have been so great for more than that.”

2

A Budget-Friendly 4-Pack Of Merino Wool Socks

This pack of four crew-length merino wool socks from People Socks is an absolute steal at just $35. But just because this pick has a good price, doesn’t mean the quality is sacrificed. The socks are made of 71% merino wool, with nylon, polyester, and spandex also making an appearance in the blend. They’re made in the U.S. and are described as a “medium-heavy thickness.” Choose from a few different sizes, and from a bunch of neutral colors.

Helpful Amazon review: “I love these socks. They aren't super-heavy, but they are a vast improvement over cushion cotton socks. I bought these to use as a hiking sock, with hiking boots. But they work so well I've been using them for everyday use. Your feet stay dry no matter how sweaty you may get. Hadn't realized how much of a difference that makes to your feet at the end of the day.”

3

A 2-Pack Of Thermal Socks With A Warm Lining

Made mostly of acrylic, this two-pack of socks from Hot Feet feature an extra-warm inside layer that traps heat (by literally creating a vacuum of air, according to the manufacturer) so your feet will always be the perfect amount of toasty. And no, it’s no gimmick; Amazon reviewers report that they actually notice a difference when they wear this pick. The socks are made from an acrylic blend and are brushed for extra softness.

These socks will work for most feet (from women's sizes 4 to 11), and you can choose from a variety of different color and pattern combinations.

Helpful Amazon review: “I have been searching for warm socks for years and these are my new favorites. They keep my feet warm without making them sweat. I wear them in my house as well as outdoors with my Crocs. They cushion my feet and keep them warm. I ordered a second set the day after I received the first.”

4

An Editor-Favorite Pair Of Merino Wool Socks

"My feet are always cold, so for most of the colder months, I wear Smartwool's merino socks around the house,” explains Bustle Editor Jen Fiegel. “They're thick, cushioned, and cozy. Plus, they definitely last a while!" Smartwool’s merino socks are definitely well-known for their warmth and are a favorite of Associate Editor Kori Perten as well, who raves that they truly do keep her feet warm and dry in just about any conditions.

Helpful Amazon review: “I wish I had a million pairs of these socks! They are my go-to winter wear! As someone who suffers from perpetually frosty toes in the winter months, I'm so happy to have been gifted these socks. They're incredibly warm without leaving one over-heated after a while, moisture-wicking so your feet stay dry and odor-free. The prints are really lovely as well.”

5

A Pair Of Low-Cut Merino Wool Running Socks

If you want the comfort of merino wool, but prefer a low-cut sock, this pick from Pure Athlete is the perfect option. You can wear these socks year-round (yes, even in the scorching heat), thanks to the superb breathability of the material. They're even great to wear during a workout. A cushioned heel and toe prevents blisters, and no seam at the front means there's nothing to irritate the front of your foot. This pick comes in sizes from youth to an adult’s XL, and you can choose from a bunch of colors. Oh, and Amazon reviewers? They say this pick has surpassed expectations and give it a 4.5-star rating overall.

Helpful Amazon review: “Love these socks. Great fit and my feet stay warm in cold temperatures. Think they are a little pricey and only bought two to try out; will purchase a few more pairs. They’re high quality!”

6

A Pair of Ski Socks To Keep Your Feet Warm During Outdoor Activities

If you spend a lot of time outdoors (especially doing activities like skiing or snowboarding), then you’ve got to click “add to cart” on these ski socks from Pure Athlete. The socks are made of the ideal blend of merino wool, nylon, spandex, and polypropylene to wick moisture away, while still keeping your feet warm. They also have a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon, from thousands of reviewers. If you're not convinced yet, know that this pair of socks boasts some noteworthy features, including cushioning in the shin, ankle, and feet to ensure the ultimate level of comfort. An elastic at the top prevents the socks from sliding down, which is ideal whether you're hitting the ski slopes or just going for a walk in the cold. Choose from different color options (which are mostly black and gray, with splashes of color), four different sizes (small, medium, large, and extra-large), and packs of one or three.

Helpful Amazon review: “These socks are amazing in comfort, fit, warmth, and style! They stay up to your knees as they luxuriously hug your feet and calves. I have not tried them with ski boots yet, but tested them this past week during the frigid bomb cyclone in New York in fairly deep snow. I paired them with my Sorel Caribou Wool boots, and was toasty warm in sub-zero temperatures while shoveling snow for hours.”

7

A Multi-Pack Of Cute, Editor-Approved Wool Blend Socks

BDG Editor Adeline Duff swears by these cute, multicolored socks for cold weather. “"I ordered these socks because they’re cute — I’m a sucker for fair isle anything — but I was pleasantly surprised by their quality,” she reports. “I’m always cold, and they’ve kept my feet toasty and warm during frigid Vermont winters. And while buying clothing online can sometimes be a bit of a gamble, I’m pleased to report that these socks look exactly like they do in the picture." The socks are made from a blend of wool, cotton, polyester, and spandex, so they might not be the best choice if you think your feet might get wet, but for cozy toes indoors or on a dry day outdoors when you aren’t doing anything sweaty, they’re an adorable choice that’s also incredibly affordable — we’re talking less than $5 per pair of socks. They come in a bunch of different designs in packs of three or four, so pick the one you like most.

Helpful Amazon review: “The colors go with anything, they are on the thick side and very soft. These toasty socks contain wool with the benefits of warmth without any itching that can happen with wool. They wash up great, I air dry them so they last and fit like new. Very cozy — highly recommend.”

8

A Toasty Pair of Heated Socks

Heated socks? Yeah, they totally exist and are the best way to warm up your feet in a snap. Use a button to choose between three different heating settings (high, medium, and low) and stay incredibly warm for up to ten hours. When the battery life runs out, you can simply charge it back up again. The heating elements are coated in silica rubber so they won’t be affected by any wetness you encounter, and are located in the sole of the sock. While the other socks on this list can keep your feet warm without the electric heat, these ones may truly require it, since they’re made of a fabric blend that contains polyester, spandex, cotton, spandex, and “COOLMAX” fabric, which is designed to be breathable but may not keep your feet dry once it gets wet. Amazon reviewers say that this pick keeps even the coldest of feet warm. They come in your choice of three colors in small, medium, or large sizes.

Helpful Amazon review: “These socks are great, I love them so much I bought another pair! The batteries seemed to last even longer than expected and charged quickly. The 3 heat settings on the batteries are nice as well bc while walking around (inside) my feet actually got a lil too toasty! Even still, I didn’t want to take them off.”

9

A Pair Of Fuzzy Alpaca Wool Socks

Sheep’s wool makes a truly great sock, but these socks made from alpaca wool, acrylic, nylon, and Lycra are really cozy, too. They’re lined with fuzzy alpaca terry, so they’re incredibly warm and soft on the feet, plus they’re really thick if that’s something you want out of your socks. Choose from a bunch of solid colors and two snowflake patterns.

Helpful Amazon review: “I bought these for my wife as she always has cold feet in the house. We live in the north east and it gets down to single digits and teens a good number of days during the winter. I've now bought 3 pairs for her and they actually keep her feet warm when nothing else would. She likes them better than merino wool, smart wool and any other ‘winter’ sock we've tried. They are really soft and ultra comfortable.”

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