8 Best Cold Weather Socks, Tested by Editors

Smartwool has been a go-to brand among Men’s Health staff for years. Many of its best-selling socks rely on a clever blend of Merino wool (already great for all of the reasons we alluded to above) with next-gen synthetics. The result: incredible moisture-wicking, all-day comfort, and A+ odor-resistance, so you can wear them for days without washing (not that we recommend it) if you have to.

The Nordic Crew Sock boasts all of the above features. It has a Merino wool base mixed with elastane and two different types of nylon for a soft, quick-wicking sock that didn’t tear or stink even after I wore it on an hours-long hiking trip during a cold-as-hell weekend. This is a performance-minded sock that has mesh zones throughout for extra breathability, making it great for every type of activity. It’s got a thin layer of cushioning, which added a touch of comfort when I lounge around my home in it.

What sets these apart, however, is the midweight thickness and minimalist look. The fit and aesthetic are perfect for all-day wear, no matter what you’re getting into. So, it transitions from the couch to the office to the trail seamlessly. It looks great and will keep you comfortable and, perhaps most importantly, warm in cold weather mile after mile. In fact, I’ve used the same pair of socks for more than a year, and found that they look and feel as good as new.

Read more: Best Thermal Underwear for Men

Darn Tough makes some of the best socks for extreme outdoor activities (think all-day wilderness hikes, hunting expeditions, and snowy summit assaults). I’ve worn its Over-the-Calf Extra Cushion Sock in some of the gnarliest winter conditions, and found that it kept my feet pretty dry and warm, even after hours of use. The mostly Merino wool construction holds up to long days on the trail with minimal sweat and foot odor, and the 2% Lycra Spandex adds just the right amount of give, so it never bunches or feels constricting. With gobs of cushioning built-in, it’s the ideal boot sock. I love the thick, knee-high design, too, that guarantees plenty of warmth no matter how far the mercury dips.

Read more: Best No-Show Socks for Men

While it’s more like a sock “accessory,” eWool’s Heated Sock Cover is a must-have for anyone who regularly ventures into the snowy outdoors. It slides over your favorite pair of socks and heats up to one of three temperatures, ensuring your feet stay toasty and warm. I wore a pair for two weeks while exploring Antarctica, and despite the sky-high price, it was worth every penny. The thin, stretchy design is exceptionally comfortable, and the swappable battery lasts for more than three hours after a full charge. Plus, the button uses vibrating feedback to let you know the current heat level, so you never have to mess with pulling your pant leg halfway up to visually confirm like you would with most alternatives. Of course, at more than $300 a pair, it’s by far the most expensive option on this list, but I think its heated features are worth the splurge, especially if you’re using these in freezing temps.

Read more: Best Heated Vests

Wigwam’s aptly named Comfort Merino Sock is a near-perfect hiker sock. The mostly Merino wool construction fights BO, wicks away sweat, and is comfortable to wear for hours. Built-in nylon and polyester ensure the right amount of give while adding durability and maximum machine-washability. The addition of heavy cushioning throughout both the foot and leg is super comfortable and supportive on the trail. We also appreciate that, alongside the Darn Tough option above, this is one of the few cold-weather socks we tested that’s made in the USA. The dozen available colors are a nice bonus, too.

Read more: Best Boots for Men