10 Best Socks for Work Boots in 2024 Reviewed & Rated

It took me well over a week to create this list of the best socks for work boots available on the market in 2024.

The work environment, weather in the area, and foot conditions are the key factors that influence the type of socks you should wear.

The arch type of your feet, workload, and work boots you wear are some other factors that you should take into account before choosing a pair of socks for yourself.

I decided to write this comprehensive guide to resolve the complexity involved in the task of buying the best socks for work boots. Go through the guide and it will help you make an informed decision.

Here are 10 Best Socks for Work Boots in 2024:

• Dickies Men’s Dri-Tech Moisture Wicking Work Socks (Best for moisture wicking, breathable, sweaty feet, and steel toe work boots).
• Danish Endurance Merino Wool Winter Work Socks (Best for moisture wicking, insulation, and construction work).
• Carhartt Men’s Force Performance Work Socks (Best for construction work and other heavy duty jobs).
• Fruit of the Loom Men’s Heavy Duty Cushioned Work Socks (One of the most comfortable socks for work boots).
• Hanes Men’s Over the Calf Tube Work Socks (Best for all day comfort and medium duty jobs).
• Darn Tough Merino Wool Moisture Wicking Cushion Work Socks (Best for comfort and durability packed together).
• KMM Moisture Wicking Heavy Duty Full Cushion Work Socks (Best for heavy duty jobs, steel toe work boots, and concrete floors).
• Carhartt All-Season Cotton Crew Work Socks (Best for all day comfort).
• Carhartt Men’s Full Cushion Steel-Toe Boot Work Socks (Best for steel toe work boots and concrete floors).
• Thorlos Unisex Max Cushion 12 Hour Shift Crew Work Socks (Best for standing all day and 8-12 hours long shifts).

10 Best Socks for Work Boots in 2024 with Reviews

Dickies Men’s Dri-Tech Moisture Wicking Work Socks

• Best For: Moisture wicking, breathable, sweaty feet, and steel toe work boots.
• Season: Summer and extremely hot weather.
• Material: 78% cotton, 19% polyester, 2% spandex, and 1% nylon.
• Length: Crew length socks.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

Dickies Dri-Tech work socks are all about fighting moisture and keeping your feet cool & fresh all day. You must give these socks a try if you are suffering from sweaty feet or live in an area with extremely hot weather.

Dickies use a proprietary blend of fabrics in these work socks which is very effective at locking in moisture and transporting it away from your feet.

The efficiency of this anti-moisture blend of fabrics does not degrade throughout the day. Thus, you will always find your feet dry, cool, fresh, and odor-free even after long work shifts.

Icy on the cake, Dickies Dri-Tech work socks come with mesh ventilation channels. These vents maintain a healthy flow of air inside work boots. Thus, your feet remain cool and sweat less.

Coming to durability, the Dickies work socks come with reinforced toe and heel areas. The added strands of polyester make the pair quite resistant to abrasions and forming holes. This makes the pair safe to wear with tough steel toe work boots.

Dickies Dri-Tech socks come with superior comfort features as well. The full-cushioned design, extra padding under the foot, and compression arch ensure your feet do not catch any fatigue all day long.

The fit of Dickies Dri-Tech work socks is also worth admiring. The generous use of Spandex gives the socks needed stretchability. These stretchable socks wrap around your feet & legs without feeling tight or impeding blood flow.

What I Like

• The combination of a blend of wicking fabrics and mesh ventilation channels keep your feet dry and cool all day long.
• Even if you wear the socks with steel toe work boots, the socks will not form holes.
• Machine washable socks that do not get shrunk.

What I Don’t Like

• The work socks may shed some loose bits after a few washes.
• The superior fit technology may feel a bit tight to some users.

Danish Endurance Merino Wool Winter Work Socks

• Best For: Moisture wicking, insulation, and construction work.
• Season: Winter and extremely cold weather.
• Material: 30% merino wool, 36% nylon, 33% acrylic, and 1% elastane.
• Length: Crew length socks.
• Washable: Yes, hand wash only.

Danish Endurance merino wool socks were originally made for hikers. Later, the pair got picked up by the worker community with satisfactory results.

Due to the high merino wool content, the DE socks are natural thermal insulators. This helps the socks to maintain a warm temperature of your feet by fighting outside heat and cold.

Plus, merino wool is very effective at absorbing moisture and wicking it away from feet. This transportation of moisture is boosted by the weaved in ventilation lanes in ankles and along the legs.

The socks use high acrylic content which is natural at wicking moisture and retaining heat. This makes the socks even more suitable to wear in wet environments and winter seasons.

Nylon threads give the Danish Endurance socks exceptional durability. This makes the pair suitable to wear on heavy-duty jobs such as construction work.

For comfort, the Danish Endurance work socks come with fairly thick underfoot padding and full-length cushioning. These two features ensure that your feet remain free from blisters, aches, and soreness.

The work socks come with a touch of elastane as well that gives the pair needed elasticity for a snug fit. This elasticity ensures that the socks stay in place and do not bunch up inside the work boots.

What I Like

• Fabrics used are natural at wicking moisture and retaining heat.
• The used merino wool is sourced without cruel mulesing practices.
• The high use of nylon material gives the socks exceptional durability.

What I Don’t Like

• Low merino wool ratio.
• Not suitable for hot weather.

Carhartt Men’s Force Performance Work Socks

• Best For: Construction work and other heavy duty jobs.
• Season: Winter and extremely cold weather.
• Material: 98% polyester and 2% spandex.
• Length: Crew, short-crew, and low-cut.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

As the name implies, Carhartt Force work socks are built for performance. The high durability and all-day moisture-wicking properties make these socks perfect for heavy-duty workers.

Carhartt Force socks feature 98% polyester content. Polyester is a lightweight yet ultra-durable material. 

The polyester-powered socks are not going to tear apart soon. This makes the socks suitable for working on concrete, walking & standing all day, and pairing with steel toe work boots.

Polyester brags significant moisture-wicking properties and gets dry very quickly. This makes these work socks, together with mesh cooling channels, an all-day dry solution.

The only caveat is that polyester is a natural insulator. It traps heat and is not as breathable as cotton. This may make your feet sweat higher than usual.

Carhartt tried to offset this shortcoming by adding mesh cooling channels in the socks. Yet, given the high heat retention properties of polyester, I am hesitant to recommend this pair to people who live in areas with hot weather.

As far as durability is concerned, the 98% polyester content itself is a badge of high durability. Polyester is an extremely tough fabric in general.

On a careful look, you will notice some extra yarn added in the heel and toe areas to reinforce them. These are the areas that, if not reinforced, will develop holes in them pretty quickly leaving the pair useless.

The Carhartt Force socks come with great support features as well. The targeted compression pad under the foot supplies constant help to your arch to sustain body weight. Thus, your feet stay fatigue-free all day long.

The higher than usual spandex content gives the pair high stretchability. This means the socks will fit your feet snugly without marking your skin or impeding blood flow.

What I Like

• The durable pair may last you as long as your work boots do.
• Polyester holds color very well. So, the color of the socks will not fade out even after daily use.
• A premium quality pair of work socks made in the USA.

What I Don’t Like

• The tops of the socks are a tad too tight for people with big calf muscles.
• Not suitable for very hot weather.

Fruit of the Loom Men’s Heavy Duty Cushioned Work Socks

• Best For: One of the most comfortable socks for work boots.
• Season: Year around.
• Material: 76% cotton, 22% polyester, 1% lycra, and 1% fibers.
• Length: Crew length socks.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

The Fruit of the Loom socks are one of the most comfortable work socks that I have ever come across. The socks will pamper your feet all day long even if you are a heavy-duty construction worker or lift weights all day long.

The high cotton content in the socks makes the pair super soft on your feet. The pair gets even softer with each wash. The premium quality cotton acts as a barrier against abrasions that keep your feet free from blisters.

The full-length cushioning in the socks soothes pressure points on your feet. Whereas, the thick padded sole relieves your arch from pressure and shock.

It may sound like an exaggeration but the thick cushioning and padding make the socks feel like clouds of heaven under your feet.

The Fruit of the Loom work socks keep your feet free from irritants such as dampness, odor, and bacteria. This also adds to the comfort offered by the socks.

The soft and comfortable fabric of the socks does not mean it lacks durability in any way. The generous use of polyester makes sure the socks stay strong regardless of the work conditions. A heavy-duty and rugged use is what Fruit of the Loom socks are made for.

The comfort and stability offered by the Fruit of the Loom work socks are heightened by a super snug fit. Thanks to the lycra content that the socks mold to the contours of your feet.

What I Like

• A high focus on comfort without losing durability.
• Premium softness wash after wash.
• A long lifespan.

What I Don’t Like

• The reinforcement in the toes and heels is a bit lacking.
• A strong scent that takes a few days to go away.

Hanes Men’s Over the Calf Tube Work Socks

• Best For: All day comfort and medium duty jobs.
• Season: Year around.
• Material: 55% polyester, 44% cotton, and 1% spandex.
• Length: Over the calf long socks.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

Hanes Over the Calf Tube work socks are for you if you are fond of wearing long socks. They are roughly 22 inches long (after a wash) that is enough length to cover your legs up until a little below the knees.

The Hanes socks are made for offering all-day comfort to both your feet and lower legs. The full-length cushioning makes sure every inch of your feet and legs gets equal attention.

You will admire the comfortable toe of the work socks as well. There is no thick seam in the toe that may rub against your feet and cause blisters.

The 44% premium cotton content absorbs moisture without getting damp. This moisture is quickly wicked away by 55% polyester content. Thus, your feet remain dry and fresh all day long.

On top of that, the brand’s FreshIQ technology ensures no odor-causing bacteria can survive on your feet. 

This combination of full-length cushioning, seamless toes, and dry features makes these socks one of the most comfortable socks for work boots.

In terms of durability, I would say the Hanes OTC work socks are suitable for medium-duty jobs only. The reason being is that the toe and heel areas are not reinforced. For the same reason, I would deter you from wearing these socks with steel toe work boots.

The fit of the Hanes OTC Tube socks is quite satisfactory. Moreover, the extra-long socks stay up all day without bunching up inside your work boots.

The use of premium materials and a made in the USA mark made me include these socks in this list of the best socks for work boots.

What I Like

• The long length does not allow the socks to slide down and bunch up inside your work boots.
• The seamless toes do not cause any blisters on your feet. 
• The socks are made in the USA.

What I Don’t Like

• For large feet, the length of the sock may fall a bit short.
• The socks’ fabric is a bit on the thinner side.

Darn Tough Merino Wool Moisture Wicking Cushion Work Socks

• Best For: Comfort and durability packed together.
• Season: Year around.
• Material: 66% merino wool, 32% nylon, and 2% spandex.
• Length: Crew length socks.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

The Darn Tough Merino Wool socks are true performance work socks. The pair is all about comfort and durability packed together. This makes the socks able to serve heavy-duty workers who do long shifts.

Darn Tough socks feature a high 66% premium quality merino wool content. This makes the socks both insulated and breathable which keeps your feet cool in summers and warm in winters. Thus, you can wear these socks year-round.

The generous use of nylon (32%) gives the Darn Tough socks exceptional durability. 

Nylon is more durable & water-resistant than cotton and polyester. Likewise, merino wool is more durable and water-resistant than cotton and polyester. 

Thus the intelligent blend of nylon and merino wool makes the socks one of the most durable work socks on this list.

In fact, the seller is so confident about the durability of his socks that he offers a lifetime guarantee. This means that if these socks do not last you longer than your other socks, the seller will replace them without any questions asked.

For comfort, I must highlight the high knit density of Darn Tough work socks. There is more yarn per inch of these socks than most socks from other brands. This makes the socks feel plush on your feet.

Last but not the least, Darn Tough socks use a generous amount of spandex (2%). Spandex gives stretchability to socks making them fit on your feet without feeling tight.

What I Like

• The materials used are natural at wicking moisture and neutralizing odor in your work boots.
• Dense knitting for comfort and durability.
• The socks are made in the USA.

What I Don’t Like

• To avail warranty, you will have to pay for the shipping.
• Not for extremely cold weather.

KMM Moisture Wicking Heavy Duty Full Cushion Work Socks

• Best For: Heavy duty jobs, steel toe work boots, and concrete floors.
• Season: Year around.
• Material: 60% cotton, 27% polyester, 2% nylon, and 1% spandex.
• Length: Crew length socks.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

KMM work socks are optimized for providing all-day comfort to heavy-duty workers who do long shifts. The comfort features and fabric durability convinced me to say that.

The KMM socks are full-cushioned across the toe, heel, and top closure. The socks are extra cushioned at high-impact areas such as heels, balls, and ankles. This prevents shock from reaching your feet.

The KMM socks are well-equipped with mechanisms to keep your feet dry and cool all day. Mesh ventilation channels regulate the temperature, cotton fibers absorb the sweat, and polyester threads wick the sweat away from your feet. Thus, your feet remain fresh all day long.

The polyester and nylon content is a badge of exceptional durability and a long lifespan. The fabrics are well capable of combating the rigors of a worksite.

KMM has put great effort into ensuring the socks fit super snug on your feet. 

The “Y” shape design of the pair creates a deep heel that braces your feet tightly. It prevents the socks from sliding down and bunching up inside your work boots. 

The stretchable shafts wrap around your legs without squeezing them unnecessarily. Thus, the KMM socks fit your feet snugly without restricting your blood flow.

What I Like

• The material blend is naturally moisture-wicking.
• Emphasis on a great fit.
• A long trail of happy customers.

What I Don’t Like

• The socks may shed some loose fuzz pieces after washing.
• A slight discrepancy in size for large feet.

Carhartt All-Season Cotton Crew Work Socks

• Best For: All day comfort.
• Season: Year around.
• Material: 74% cotton, 17% nylon, 8% polyester, and 1% lycra.
• Length: Crew length socks.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

The Carhartt work socks are aimed at serving the entire blue-collar community. The socks provide the necessary comfort and durability to all medium to heavy-duty workers. Moreover, the socks are suitable to wear in all seasons.

The full-length cushioning pamper your feet all day long. The high-impact area such as heels and toes are made extra thick to absorb the shock from impact. 

The arch of your foot sustains the weight of your body and requires extra support to do that. The socks feature a compression band that helps your arches to do their job better. 

Carhartt work socks feature premium quality cotton which is highly absorbent and breathable. It absorbs moisture which is promptly wicked away by polyester and nylon threads. Thus, your feet remain dry and cool all day long.

The moisture-wicking fibers of the socks are laden with the brand’s Odor Fight technology. This technology helps to kill even the toughest of the odor-causing bacteria.

The fit of the work socks is fairly snug. The stretchable shaft and top closures wrap around your legs like a second skin. Such a fit prevents the socks from sliding down and bunching up.

Last but not the least, Carhartt work socks are made in the USA by union workers. The material used is also of premium quality.

What I Like

• The socks keep your feet warm in winter and cool in summer.
• A versatile pair of socks appropriate for a wide range of jobs.
• The material used is able to fight even the toughest of the odor-causing bacteria.

What I Don’t Like

• Relatively thinner material for a pair of work socks.
• Hard to put on as the neck is a bit small.

Carhartt Men’s Full Cushion Steel-Toe Boot Work Socks

• Best For: Steel toe work boots and concrete floors.
• Season: Year around.
• Material: 70% cotton, 21% nylon, 8% acrylic, and 1% spandex.
• Length: A little taller than crew socks but not over the calf socks.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

I am not biased towards Carhartt that I featured several pairs from the brand on this list of the best socks for work boots. This is the quality of their work socks that made me do so.

This pair of Carhartt socks go very well with steel-toe work boots.

Steel toe caps are notorious for rubbing into the socks and causing holes in them. Few socks can withstand the rub from steel caps.

Carhartt seems to have this problem solved with this pair of work socks. The heavily reinforced toes of these work socks do not tear apart or develop holes soon even if you wear them with steel toe boots every day.

Carhartt has woven unique Coralast fiber in the yarn of these work socks. The Coralast fiber is super smooth yet super sturdy. The fiber reduces the friction and prevents the holes from forming up.

Besides durability, the Carhartt steel toe work socks come with superior comfort features as well. Full-length cushioning, padded arch support, seamless toe, and wicking material make the socks ultra-comfortable.

The mix of durability and comfort makes these socks suitable for heavy-duty workers who work on concrete floors all day long.

Just bear in mind the grey color variant of the same work socks feature a different fabric composition. It is 53% Cotton, 20% Nylon, 18% Polyester, 8% Acrylic, and 1% Spandex. Such a composition makes the pair a bit more durable and moisture-wicking.

What I Like

• One of the few socks that go well with steel toe work boots.
• A separate grey variant that is extra durable and moisture-wicking.
• The socks will protect your feet from blisters when you are breaking in your new work boots.

What I Don’t Like

• The socks fit a bit tight, especially for people with big calves.
• The small opening makes it a bit difficult to put the socks on.

Thorlos Unisex Max Cushion 12 Hour Shift Crew Work Socks

• Best For: Standing all day and 8-12 hours long shifts.
• Season: Winter and extremely cold weather.
• Material: 69% acrylic, 19% nylon, 8% elastic, and 4% polyester.
• Length: Crew length socks.
• Washable: Yes, turn inside out machine washable.

Thorlos crew socks is another pair of the most comfortable work socks on this list. The pair is suitable for workers who do long 12-hour shifts and/or have to stand on their feet all day long.

Thorlos uses unique padding in the sole of the socks. The entire padded layer is fairly thick but extra thick in the pressure areas such as toes, heels, and sidewalls. This prevents shock from reaching your feet.

The padding of the socks is clinically proven to reduce blisters, pain, and pressure.

Besides padding, a compression band around the arch of your feet is also very useful in relieving your feet from unnecessary pressure. The band supplies regular support to your arch to do its job of sustaining the weight of the body with ease.

Thus, your feet stay comfortable and free from fatigue all day long.

The moisture-wicking efficiency of the socks is also admirable. The brand uses a blend of fabric known as Thor-lon to keep your feet dry and cool.

Thor-lon material wicks moisture away fast, gets dry very quickly, and repels water very well.

Moreover, the knit of the socks maintains a healthy flow of air inside the boots. Thus, your feet stay dry, cool, and fresh all day long.

The durability of the Thorlos work socks is also remarkable. Thorlos socks are extra dense in high abrasion areas such as toes, heels, and ankles. This density can withstand the rigors of a worksite without tearing the socks apart.

Finally, the fit of the Thorlos socks is worth a shoutout. The socks are knit in variable patterns that follow the profile of your feet. This makes the socks wrap around your feet and legs like a second skin.

What I Like

• The large padding area with equal thickness.
• The arch band provides ample support without feeling too tight.
• The socks are made in the USA.

What I Don’t Like

• The arch band makes it a bit difficult to put the socks on.
• Due to the high acrylic content, the sock may fray a little after wash.

What to Look for Before Buying the Best Socks for Work Boots in 2024

Right Length

The crew length socks are my tool of choice here. Aim for a length that gets past your ankles and reaches your mid-calves or higher.

The reason being is that work boots usually come with long shafts and snug boot openings. The boot opening may rub against your skin and cause blisters unless your work socks act as a barrier.

This is why ankle socks and no-show socks are a big no for work socks.

Correct Size

Too tight socks may cause unnecessary pain and discomfort at work. Whereas, too loose socks may fail to stay in place and will bunch up inside your work boots. This may compromise your stability at work. So, wearing socks of the correct size is a must.

I have created a handy chart below that will assist you in finding your true socks size. 

The chart is based on your boot size. Just run the number through the chart and you will come to know of an equivalent sock size you should wear. Here you are:

Weather, Environment, and Foot Conditions

Take into account the weather in your area and the environment of your worksite before buying the best socks for work boots.

If you live in a hot area or have sweaty feet, prefer breathable socks with exceptional moisture-wicking properties. Cotton or merino wool socks should be your choice here.

The same is true if you work in a wet environment.

If you live in a cold area or your feet get swollen, prefer insulated socks with exceptional heat retention properties. Polyester or acrylic socks should be your choice here.

The same is true if you work in a cold environment.

Right Blend of Fabrics

The best socks for work boots use a blend of different fabrics to weave softness, durability, and elasticity together. This is otherwise difficult to achieve with only one kind of fabric.

For example, cotton and merino wool provides cushioning and absorbing properties. Whereas, polyester and nylon provide great durability. Similarly, lycra and spandex add stretchability to the socks.

Here are some of the key fabrics used in quality work socks:

• Cotton: Cotton is a soft and absorbent fabric. It gives cozy cushioning, breathability, and high moisture-absorbing properties to your work socks.
• Merino Wool: Merino wool is a naturally insulating and absorbing fabric. It can absorb up to a third of its weight in water without feeling damp on your feet.
• Polyester: Polyester is a tough fabric known for its durability.  It is a non-absorbent fabric that quickly wicks moisture away from your feet.
• Nylon: The properties of nylon are similar to that of polyester. The only difference is that nylon is stronger than polyester.
• Acrylic: Acrylic is a heat-retaining and moisture-wicking material. These properties make it suitable to use in winter work socks.
• Lycra/Spandex/Elastane: Lycra/Spandex/Elastane are elastic materials. These are used in a small amount (between 1% to 5%) to give the work socks a bit of stretchability.

Durable Build

The rigors of work sites are quite demanding on your work socks. So, the work socks ought to come with high durability.

Polyester, acrylic, and nylon are tough fabrics and are known for their durability. Look at the package and make sure there are at least one of these materials added to the work socks in a generous amount.

Plus, make sure the high-impact areas such as toes, heels, and ankles are reinforced with extra yarn. Otherwise, these areas may develop holes leaving the pair useless.

Snug Fit

The work socks should follow the natural contours of your feet and wrap around your feet & like a second skin.

Generous use of lycra, spandex, or elastane material gives your work socks the stretchability necessary to wrap around your feet without impeding blood flow.

Make sure there is at least a 1% mix of any of the elastic materials mentioned above in the total composition of work socks. The more the better for stretchability.

Non-Fading Color

This feature is optional but there is nothing wrong with giving your uniform a touch of style.

If you decide to buy work socks of bright colors, make sure there is a generous amount of polyester, nylon, or acrylic available in the pair. These materials hold colors very well. Thus, the work socks do not look faded wash after wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Compression Socks Good for Workers?

Compression socks are not suitable for workers. They are thin and not durable enough to combat the rigors of worksites.

If you have to wear compression socks (post-surgery or because of a foot condition), you can use a layered approach. Wear compression socks first then wear work socks on top of them. This way, you will get the best of both worlds.

However, wearing two pairs of socks on your feet may take some time to get used to.

Should You Wear Thick Socks with Work Boots?

Work socks are fairly thick already. You do not have to look for extra thick ones.

The thickness of work socks alone does not equal comfort. Comfort is a combined output of padding, cushioning, support, fabric, etc.

Moreover, extra-thick work socks may take up a lot of space in your work boots making them fit a tad too tight on your feet.

How Often Should You Change Your Work Socks in a Day?

In general, you should change your work socks every day.

If you live in a hot region or have sweaty feet, carry with you an extra pair and change your socks in the middle of the day.

If you live in a cold area, you can wear the same pair of work socks for two days straight unless the pair gets damp.

This article from Mona Chalabi on how often to change your socks in a day is a good read.

How Often Should You Buy New Pair of Work Socks?

Ideally, you should change your work socks every six months.

Most socks for work boots will last you over a year but will start to lose efficiency past the six months mark. 

So, change your work socks every six months, once in summer and once in winter.

The Verdict

As you saw, there is no one size fits all answer to the question of what are the best socks for work boots. Different jobs, weather, and foot conditions demand different types of work socks.

Before we call it a day, I would suggest you not rush the process of choosing the best socks for work boots. The right combination of work socks, work insoles, and work boots will enhance your comfort, stability, and performance at work.