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Every winter comes with the same struggle. Your toes are cold and you want warm socks, but if they’re too thick they won’t fit into your boots ― at least, not comfortably. Sure, you could force it and make your feel like a stuffed sausage all day. But in this economy? Who has the time? We want warm and woolly socks that will keep our piggies toasty but still fit into our shoes. And we want them now.
Whether you work on your feet or if you’re just going out to do errands, it can be a struggle to find good winter socks that still fit into shoes. With the cold winds, you want your ankles protected, and if you’re going to be breaking in a new pair of boots you want enough cushion to prevent heel blisters (but not so much cushion as to catalyze toe blisters).
In short, you’re looking for the Goldilocks of winter socks: warm, but not too warm; thick, but not too thick; and ideally in a color or pattern that feels right just for you. You also want a toe seam that isn’t so uncomfortable it makes you want to light something on fire, and a tube-part that won’t roll down.
From my own experimenting and serious sock research, I’ve rounded up the best winter socks that will keep your feet from freezing but still fit comfortably into your shoes. There are dress socks, work socks and fuzzy socks that just feel good.
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1
A crew sock moment
I bought these for myself last week and let me say, if you're looking for a warm sock that keeps your ankles covered but your calves free, these are your socks. Why? Because they only come up to a little above the ankle, they don't do the annoying roll down thing under your boots. They're warm but not too puffy, and still fit in my sneakers.
Promising review: "I bought these for my elderly mother who is always cold and loves her socks. She said they fit perfectly and her feet have not been cold once. She is in a pair on a daily basis and just had me made order her another set. She also said they clean much better than other socks in the wash and they fit great and don't slide off." — Topasna
These fit women's U.S. size 5-9.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $16.99.
Promising review: "I bought these for my elderly mother who is always cold and loves her socks. She said they fit perfectly and her feet have not been cold once. She is in a pair on a daily basis and just had me made order her another set. She also said they clean much better than other socks in the wash and they fit great and don't slide off." — Topasna
These fit women's U.S. size 5-9.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $16.99.
2
For festive feet
These socks have a 55% wool count in their blend, meaning they have more structure and thickness than many others. They have a fuzzy inner lining to keep your feet warm, but still hold their shape. They're a hiking sock, so more ideal for boots and outdoor wear.
Promising review: "I wanted to wait until I washed and wore these socks a few times to post my review, so here it is… I'm actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of the socks. The colors are accurately represented by the product photograph, and they appear to be well constructed. I did read some other reviewer's comments about a chemical smell, and I believe this is likely due to a standard wool treatment as it has faded with washing. I do recommend air drying the socks instead of throwing them in the dryer, though. They will hold up and fit better in the long term. Overall, after a few washes and wears, I'm happy with these socks, and I really appreciate the simple design and colors as opposed to some of the crazy patterns and colors I've seen on other winter socks here on Amazon. I would definitely buy more socks of this brand as long as the colors and patterns were appealing." — NV Rush Fan
These fit women's U.S. size 6-10.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $16.99.
Promising review: "I wanted to wait until I washed and wore these socks a few times to post my review, so here it is… I'm actually pleasantly surprised by the quality of the socks. The colors are accurately represented by the product photograph, and they appear to be well constructed. I did read some other reviewer's comments about a chemical smell, and I believe this is likely due to a standard wool treatment as it has faded with washing. I do recommend air drying the socks instead of throwing them in the dryer, though. They will hold up and fit better in the long term. Overall, after a few washes and wears, I'm happy with these socks, and I really appreciate the simple design and colors as opposed to some of the crazy patterns and colors I've seen on other winter socks here on Amazon. I would definitely buy more socks of this brand as long as the colors and patterns were appealing." — NV Rush Fan
These fit women's U.S. size 6-10.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $16.99.
3
For extra cozy toes
These may be the holy grail "fuzzy socks" that you can still wear in shoes. They don't do that annoying rubbing thing sometimes fuzzy socks do, and they're thin enough that they'll feel good in your shoes.
Promising review: "Soooo soft and cozy. It just stared to get chilly but I wear these all the time with slippers, berms, boots, Crocs… love them!" — K9Jax
These fit women's U.S. size 4-10.
Get it from Target for $5.
Promising review: "Soooo soft and cozy. It just stared to get chilly but I wear these all the time with slippers, berms, boots, Crocs… love them!" — K9Jax
These fit women's U.S. size 4-10.
Get it from Target for $5.
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4
A classic look
There are those who are into funny socks, and then there are the sock minimalists. If you like a no-frills plain sock that will keep your toes warm, look no further. This thick wool blend works as a hiking, winter and dress sock alike.
Promising review: "I bought an ankle-high boot manufactured by Skechers and they are built for comfort, not warmth so I bought these socks for warmth. I wanted socks mid-calf and they are. I wanted them thin enough to fit inside of the boot and they do because they are bulky or thin, they are just right. I did not want itchy wool and they are not itchy at all. Above all else I wanted warm and they are. They are soft, warm, comfortable, and just right. They feel like a padded sock but they are not. I am a woman. I could not find a sock this well made in the women's inventory and I did not want any design. I wanted black socks and the men's is where I found them." —SKWT
These come in black olive, navy, brown and gray and fit men's U.S. size 6-10.
Get a five pack from Amazon for $17.99.
Promising review: "I bought an ankle-high boot manufactured by Skechers and they are built for comfort, not warmth so I bought these socks for warmth. I wanted socks mid-calf and they are. I wanted them thin enough to fit inside of the boot and they do because they are bulky or thin, they are just right. I did not want itchy wool and they are not itchy at all. Above all else I wanted warm and they are. They are soft, warm, comfortable, and just right. They feel like a padded sock but they are not. I am a woman. I could not find a sock this well made in the women's inventory and I did not want any design. I wanted black socks and the men's is where I found them." —SKWT
These come in black olive, navy, brown and gray and fit men's U.S. size 6-10.
Get a five pack from Amazon for $17.99.
5
For arch support and a reinforced heel
Hot Feet's work socks are sturdy stock for those who actually do manual labor and those who wear coveralls as a fashion statement to their desk job. The cushiony bottom is perfect for winter and leather boots and the inner tube section will keep your ankles warm but still fit into your shoes.
Promising review: "Just the right size and not too bulky for boots. Love these socks. Both of us are wearing them. So comfortable in boots and hiking shoes." — Michal Diane Cottrill
These fit men’s U.S. size 6-12 1/2.
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $21.94.
Promising review: "Just the right size and not too bulky for boots. Love these socks. Both of us are wearing them. So comfortable in boots and hiking shoes." — Michal Diane Cottrill
These fit men’s U.S. size 6-12 1/2.
Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $21.94.
6
A sweater for your feet
If you like a brightly patterned sock in the winter time, these have your number. They're ultra-plush and super soft, without being too thick. You'll be able to wiggle your toes around and wear all your favorite shoes.
Promising review: "These are gorgeous. They are toasty warm. They fit my size 10 foot very nicely, I never have the heels twisting around or have the socks slipping off my feet like some socks that SAY they fit a size 10, but really don't. Come to about 2 inches above the ankle bone. I do wash them in cold water, on the most delicate cycle on my washing machine (usually with my bras), and hang to dry. They dry in about 6 hours. But they are really great looking, warm, and the tiny bit of extra trouble to hang them is no biggie, since I hang the bras to dry, too. Very nice for the price." — Gothyballerina
These fit women's U.S. size 5-9.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $19.99.
Promising review: "These are gorgeous. They are toasty warm. They fit my size 10 foot very nicely, I never have the heels twisting around or have the socks slipping off my feet like some socks that SAY they fit a size 10, but really don't. Come to about 2 inches above the ankle bone. I do wash them in cold water, on the most delicate cycle on my washing machine (usually with my bras), and hang to dry. They dry in about 6 hours. But they are really great looking, warm, and the tiny bit of extra trouble to hang them is no biggie, since I hang the bras to dry, too. Very nice for the price." — Gothyballerina
These fit women's U.S. size 5-9.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $19.99.
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7
Some vintage flair
There's something about a ribbed near-bobby sock that makes me feel like a fun vintage person going to get a burger for a quarter, or whatever people used to do. These socks have a universal thickness perfect for all types of shoes, and they're not super high so they won't roll down.
Promising review: "Love love love them. Finally, a professional-looking sock that is not flashy for work. I love how they fit not too long but not too short. Not a fan of no-shows and low cuts but that seems to be the only thing sold lately. So this is just what I want. Cotton with cable knit look is beautiful. Love the colors too. A very classic and traditional look that puts class into your socks." — Your Mama
These fit a women's U.S. size 5-8.
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $16.99.
Promising review: "Love love love them. Finally, a professional-looking sock that is not flashy for work. I love how they fit not too long but not too short. Not a fan of no-shows and low cuts but that seems to be the only thing sold lately. So this is just what I want. Cotton with cable knit look is beautiful. Love the colors too. A very classic and traditional look that puts class into your socks." — Your Mama
These fit a women's U.S. size 5-8.
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $16.99.
8
A bootie-approved crew sock
Finally, a sock that looks nice enough to be worn as a "dress sock" but isn't nylon material. These are thick enough to keep your toes warm, and a good height for ankle boots and booties.
Promising review: "I am a size 10 women's shoe. These socks are comfortable and soft, there isn't a lot of stretch to them but they fit wonderfully! They are just tall enough to not peak over some of my favorite short boots but keep full coverage of cold feet. This product would not fit anyone with a foot larger than women's 10." — Koda
These fit women's U.S. size 5-9.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
Promising review: "I am a size 10 women's shoe. These socks are comfortable and soft, there isn't a lot of stretch to them but they fit wonderfully! They are just tall enough to not peak over some of my favorite short boots but keep full coverage of cold feet. This product would not fit anyone with a foot larger than women's 10." — Koda
These fit women's U.S. size 5-9.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
9
A fuzzy interior and a sleek exterior
The Ebmore men's wool socks are like slippers pretending to be dress socks. The fuzzy inside is warm and cozy, but the outside is flat and straight. Wear them outside, inside and with all the shoes in your closet.
Promising review: "They are the best socks I've ever bought. I wear nothing but moccasins and I only wear one pair of these socks with my moccasins year-round. My feet don't sweat they don't get cold. If you're looking for a good pair of socks, these are the ones." — David Beebe
These fit men's U.S. size 6-12.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $21.99.
Promising review: "They are the best socks I've ever bought. I wear nothing but moccasins and I only wear one pair of these socks with my moccasins year-round. My feet don't sweat they don't get cold. If you're looking for a good pair of socks, these are the ones." — David Beebe
These fit men's U.S. size 6-12.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $21.99.
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10
For a camo moment
These Velice camo socks are an unexpected way to give your outfit a little pop. As they're technically hiking socks, these are on the thicker and warmer side and are probably better for boots and winter shoes, but will still fit into many others, too.
Promising review: "Awesome five-pack of socks for the price! Bought this set for the winter when I need a bit more warmth and they fit the bill. Medium-weight but not too heavy, the wool gives the sock a lot of warm but you don't get sweaty. They fit properly (perhaps better for smaller feet) and look pretty cool, although I'm not a huge fan of stripes. But for the price, they can't be beat!" — RonWen
These fit men's U.S. size 6-12.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
Promising review: "Awesome five-pack of socks for the price! Bought this set for the winter when I need a bit more warmth and they fit the bill. Medium-weight but not too heavy, the wool gives the sock a lot of warm but you don't get sweaty. They fit properly (perhaps better for smaller feet) and look pretty cool, although I'm not a huge fan of stripes. But for the price, they can't be beat!" — RonWen
These fit men's U.S. size 6-12.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
11
For a cable knit moment
If you like some texture in your socks, these are the ones. They're thick enough to keep you warm, but so thick that you can't wear them. And the cable detailing means they'll look cute with cuffed pants or loafers.
Promising review: "These are perfect. I have 3 pair. Just the right weight for boots and shoes alike, and cosy for walking around the house in winter." — mad
These fit women's U.S. size 4-10.
Get them from Target for $4.
Promising review: "These are perfect. I have 3 pair. Just the right weight for boots and shoes alike, and cosy for walking around the house in winter." — mad
These fit women's U.S. size 4-10.
Get them from Target for $4.
12
A hug for your feet
I also bought these for myself. They're on the thicker side, but they feel like a nice cushion in my boots and sneakers rather than uncomfortably tight. They keep my feet warm and are great for wearing around the house as well as outside. They've kept their shape through the wash a couple dozen times, and don't have that annoying toe seam.
Promising review: "A bit puzzled by some of the low-star reviews claiming these are thin and small. I find them to be thick, soft and plenty large enough for my size 9, archless pancake-shaped feet. (Seriously, I'm basically a Flinstone.) I now have two sets of these in two different patterns, and they may not be heavy enough for an Arctic expedition, but my first set kept my feet toasty warm all last winter when I was walking around my 80-year-old poorly insulated, difficult-to-heat house, and I expect my second set will serve me equally as well this coming winter." — A.M.B.
These fit women's U.S. size 5-9.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $10.69.
Promising review: "A bit puzzled by some of the low-star reviews claiming these are thin and small. I find them to be thick, soft and plenty large enough for my size 9, archless pancake-shaped feet. (Seriously, I'm basically a Flinstone.) I now have two sets of these in two different patterns, and they may not be heavy enough for an Arctic expedition, but my first set kept my feet toasty warm all last winter when I was walking around my 80-year-old poorly insulated, difficult-to-heat house, and I expect my second set will serve me equally as well this coming winter." — A.M.B.
These fit women's U.S. size 5-9.
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $10.69.
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