10 Most Cosy And Best Work Socks For Men And Women (Review)
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What Are The Best Work Socks?
How The Reviews Are Organized
In this article, I am going to highlight the ten best work socks, discussing what makes each of them one of the best. To this end, I have divided the following reviews into three sections.
In the first section, I discuss the best work socks for men. Although these socks are designed with men in mind, many may also work for women whose shoe size and foot width are comparable to the men sizes offered. In the second section, I highlight the best work socks offered to both men and women. Finally, in the third section, I focus solely on the best work socks that are designed for women.
In all sections, I provide a range of work socks that satisfy many different style needs. First, those that fit into different kinds of shoes, such as dress shoes, boots, trainers, sneakers and clogs. Second, those that offer a variety of lengths, such as ankle-high, mid-calf, or all the way to just below the knee.
Best Work Socks For Men
Dickies Men's Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Dickies Men's Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks are one of the best work socks out there. They are budget priced and a blend of materials, comprising cotton, polyester, spandex, and nylon.
They include soft breathable moisture control fibers with mesh ventilation that help keep feet cool, dry and comfortable. There is arch compression for support and stability and to keep socks in place. Its durable reinforced heel and toe improves its wear and tear. Further, a full length foot cushion helps keep your feet comfortable all day long.
The upper elastic at the tops of Dickies Men's Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks are firm but not tight, thus allowing the sock to stay in place and not slide down. They are offered in multiple colours for various men's shoe sizes from 5-15. They are very competitively priced and are offered in multi-pack sizes from 6 to 18 pairs.
Fruit of the Loom 10 Pack Men's Work Crew
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Fruit of the Loom Men's 10 Pack Everyday Work Crew Socks are a blend of cotton, polyester, lycra spandex and other unspecified materials, all of which creates softness with full cushioning to maximize comfort.
The spandex is knitted throughout to provide a contoured and smooth fit. The antimicrobial properties help fight odour and wick moisture so that feet stay cool and dry. In addition, they are designed to be all-season. They are breathable socks for when it's warm but thick enough for when it's cold during the winter. There is extra reinforcement in the toe and heel to protect against wear and tear.
Fruit of the Loom Men's 10 Pack Everyday Work Crew Socks are offered for men's shoe sizes 6-15. They are only available in white, black and grey.
Carhartt Men’s Force Performance Work Socks
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Carhartt Men’s Force Multipack Performance Work Crew Socks are 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex. They are lightweight and strategically cushioned to keep feet comfortable all day. In addition, they offer compressed ankle and arch support for additional stability and comfort, and reinforced heels and toes for fit and durability.
Its "Fast-Dry Technology" with mesh cooling channels delivers breathability, and superior sweat-wicking action removes sweat and keeps feet dry. They fight odour with its own odour-neutralizing technology.
Carhartt Men’s Force Multipack Performance Work Crew Socks come in black, grey and white and fit men's shoe sizes 6-15. They are ideal for those who spend all day working outside on their feet whether they wear work boots or shoes. For that and all of the other features, they are some of the best work socks for men.
Wrangler Men's Steel Toe Boot Ultra-Dri Work
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Wrangler Men's Steel Toe Boot Ultra-Dri Work Crew Socks 2 Pair Pack are designed for steel toe boots to provide optimal comfort for all day wear. They provide mid-weight boot protection and support for all season wear.
They offer ultra-dry technology which means they wick moisture to keep feet cool and dry. In addition, they include a full cushion for comfort and impact protection while also supplying arch support to reduce foot fatigue.
Its stay-up top prevents slipping and bunching. Lastly, its reinforced heel and toe provide better fit and durability, making them one of the best work socks and best boot socks on the market.
Wrangler Men's Steel Toe Boot Ultra-Dri Work Crew Socks are 60% Polyester, 22% Nylon, 15% Acrylic, and 3% Rubber. They are perfect for the outdoors, work, boots, hunting, hiking and fishing. They come in black, white and grey; have a knitted weave feel; and only come in size large for men's shoe sizes 9-13.
Fruit of the Loom Heavy Reinforced Cushion
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Fruit of the Loom Men's 6 Pack Heavy Duty Reinforced Cushion Full Crew Socks are perfect for work boots and any activity that requires heavy duty comfort, stability and breathability. They are 76% cotton, 22% polyester, 1% lycra spandex, and 1% other fiber. They come in white, black and grey, for men's shoe sizes between 6-16. Even better, they are competitively priced.
As one of the best work socks and best boot socks for men, Fruit of the Loom Men's 6 Pack Heavy Duty Reinforced Cushion Full Crew Socks offer a number of qualities. They fight fatigue and enhance stability through their cushioned foot and reinforced sole.
Breathability is achieved through ventilation channels and moisture-wicking fibers to keep socks, and your feet, cool and dry. In addition, they have antimicrobial fibers to suppress odors. Spandex knitting delivers a snug fit, without constricting the ankle or the calf, and helps retain their shape even after repeated washes.
Carhartt Men's Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Socks
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Carhartt Men's Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Socks are designed for rugged cold-climate work and are one of the best boot socks for those who are outside in the cold for long hours. They are 83% wool, 6% acrylic, 5% nylon, 5% polyester, and1% lycra spandex. Their heavyweight wool blend features a ribbed-knit cuff and comes in two colours, grey or heather black, and for men's shoe sizes 6-15. Their non-binding stretch top provides additional comfort and prevents slipping.
Carhartt Men's Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Socks offer reinforced heels and toes and an engineered arch to provide full motion support and stability to reduce fatigue. They offer maximum thermal regulation and "FastDry technology" which efficiently wicks moisture, thus keeping feet dry. Their odour- resistant fibers keep your feet smelling fresh.
Carhartt Men's Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Socks are expensive relative to other socks designed for boots, but are competitively priced when compared to other men's socks designed for extreme cold weather. For this and other reasons described above, these are one of the best work socks available for men.
Best Work Socks Designed For Men And Women
Under Armour Resistor 3.0 No Show Socks
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Under Armour Resistor 3.0 No Show Socks, 6-Pairs are one of the best work socks for trainers, sneakers, or clogs. They are comprised of 98% polyester and 2% spandex. They are unisex and are offered for men's shoe sizes from 4-16, and women's shoe sizes from 6-12. They are offered in multi-packs in all black or all white, or a combination of both.
Under Armour Resistor 3.0 No Show Socks offer medium cushion in strategic locations with a dynamic arch support, both of which diminish foot fatigue.
For extra stability, they offer a precision heel cup for a more secure fit, and slip resistant technology for better traction on the soles. Signature moisture management technology wicks moisture faster and accelerates evaporation, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. They cinch nicely at the top of the foot to prevent them from sliding down and provide seamless toes to reduce toe irritation.
Under Armour Unisex Charged Cotton 2.0
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Under Armour unisex-adult Charged Cotton 2.0 Crew Socks, 6-Pairs are made from a blend of 76% cotton, 22% polyester and 2% spandex, which wicks sweat and keeps feet cool and dry. In addition, their anti-odor technology helps prevent odours.
They offer "dynamic" arch support which helps reduce foot fatigue and allows you to stay on your feet longer. Its strategic cushion under foot offers flexibility but without adding bulk. For a more reliable fit, they offer a precision "Y-heel" pocket.
Under Armour unisex-adult Charged Cotton 2.0 Crew Socks are offered in various multi-packs of six pairs, some of which are all white, black or grey, while others are multi-coloured including red or green.
They are offered in women shoe sizes 6-12 and men shoe sizes 4-16. Depending on your height, the socks will hit you mid to upper calf. For those who are looking for the best work socks with a little bit of fun and colour, these are a great choice.
Best Work Socks For Women
Saucony Women's Performance Socks
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Saucony Women's Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks (8 & 16 Pairs) are some of the most popular women's socks suited for running shoes, sneakers, trainers and clogs. They are sold in 8 or 16 pair multi-packs in women's shoe sizes from 5-13 at very competitive prices. As for material, they are made from 98% polyester and 2% Spandex.
Unlike other work socks, they come in lots of fun colours and patterns. They sit just above the shoe line, but below the ankle bone, and are in between a liner and a thick sock. In my opinion, they offer an excellent blend of cushion without being too bulky.
Saucony Women's Performance Heel Tab Athletic Socks provide a heel tab design which provides added protection and comfort. In addition, they offer advanced breathability through their "AirmeshVenting Technology" and keep your feet dry through its "Rundry Moisture".
As for comfort and cushion, these work socks have a cushioned sole and targeted zone cushioning in high impact areas. In addition, their arch support provides support and stability.
The toe seam is located on top of the toe and not at the point. For most people, this reduces irritation and provides a more comfortable experience. However, for some, this is uncomfortable. Nevertheless, for all the excellent features mentioned, these are some of the best work socks for women that offer a lot for the price.
Dickies Women's Dritech Moisture Wicking Socks
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Dickies Women's Dritech Advanced Moisture Wicking Crew Socks are fantastic work socks that are a blend of polyester, spandex and rubber. They are offered in multi-packs that range from women's shoe sizes 5-12 and come in multiple colour combinations from solids to fun patterns.
Dickies Women's Dritech Advanced Moisture Wicking Crew Socks offer the perfect amount of thickness to easily fit into your shoes but also to provide full cushion comfort.
Its patented "Dickies dri-tech moisture control" wicks sweat with its fibers and its mesh ventilation channels keep feet dry. They offer arch compression for added support and stability. In addition, their "reciprocated heel and toe" allows for superior fit and comfort, and extra durability. They are some of the best work socks for women.
Buyer's Guide To The Best Work Socks For Men and Women
If you are required to spend a lot of time on your feet, it is very important that you find the best work socks that suit your particular needs. It is one thing to find an amazing pair of work shoes or boots that look and feel incredible, but you need more.
Choosing the right work socks could provide many things, such as:
- extra cushion;
- vents for enhanced breathability;
- sweat wicking fabrics or technology to keep your feet dry;
- anti-microbial elements to reduce odours; and
- even arch support to stay comfortable while you stand on your feet all day.
Not everyone wants the same thing. For example, if you work in construction, it might be essential that your work socks cover most of your calves, fit comfortably into a boot, offer lots of cushion, and enhance breathability to avoid excessive sweating. On the other hand, if you work as a nurse and stand or walk on concrete for long hours, you may need work socks that fit into a pair of trainers that supply lots of cushion, arch and heel support.
However, there are certain fundamental elements that make a great work sock regardless of what your particular needs are. Here is what you should know.
Material For The Best Work Socks For Men And Women
The best work socks offer a combination of different materials such as cotton, wool, polyester, lycra, spandex, wool, and more. That is not to say that each one of these materials should be in every sock, just that the best work socks are made from more than one type of material.
Each material offers something different. For example, cotton often supplies the soft cushion feel whereas wool provides warmth. Spandex is often the reason why socks contour to the foot, ankle or calf and stay in place for long hours. Polyester will help keep a sock's shape and resist shrinkage after washing. Polyester also plays a role in wicking away moisture inside shoes, especially if there is a lot of cotton.
Cushion
Most of us want some sort of cushion from our work socks. This is usually created from building up extra material in targeted spots on the sole of the foot that sees high impact. Some socks offer cushion for the whole sole while others may only add padding to the heel or the ball of the toes.
Extra cushion offers comfort and shock absorption to help reduce fatigue in feet and legs. However, too much cushion may create a thick sock and cause your shoes to be tight. Accordingly, you need to assess how much room you have in your work shoe or boot and then, how thick your socks can be.
Arch And Ankle Support
Some socks offer arch support. This could be an important benefit for those with high arches and who are on their feet all day. Some socks offer additional support around the ankles as well which help with leg alignment, and knee or hip pain.
Reinforced Heels And Toes
For durability and comfort, it is important to have reinforced heels and toes for the best work socks.
The most wear and tear on any sock occurs around the heels and toes. If they are not reinforced, holes will appear prematurely as a result of the friction between the material and the work shoes. This is especially the case with steel toe work books.
In addition, without reinforced heels and toes, the sock may end up bunching up in those areas. This would make your feet feel very uncomfortable in your shoes and boots, and eventually make your feet ache. Further, you would likely have to constantly adjust them to sit properly within your work shoes.
Proper Fit For The Best Work Socks
It is important to make sure that your socks are properly sized for your foot. If your socks are too large, then the excessive material will create bumps and your feet will feel uncomfortable. If your socks are too small, your feet will feel constrained and your toes will quickly poke holes through the material.
Socks that are too tight around the ankle or the calf may leave impressions on your ankles or calves, or cause pain. On the other hand, if socks are too loose, they may slip either from the calf to the ankle, or even below the heel. This would impact support and would also feel uncomfortable.
Length For The Best Work Socks
The length of the sock from the ankle to the knee is mostly a question of style but may be also one of need. An obvious example is when you are trying to find the best work socks for dress shoes, trainers or clogs. If you are pairing your socks with long pants, you can choose an ankle or calf-length sock depending on what you like or perhaps, what your job requires. However, you may need a calf-length or knee-length sock if you wear boots to work, your calves need protection, or you need warmth from your socks.
Weather
If you work in extreme heat or cold, you will want to pay close attention to the material and thickness of the socks. For example, in extreme heat, you will ideally want a thin breathable material like bamboo. Cotton in and of itself is not a great choice in that once it is wet, it doesn't dry quickly which will cause sweaty feet. However, a cotton blend may provide sufficient relief. On the other hand, merino wool would be an excellent choice for warmth in a winter work sock. It is a natural material that offers warmth but also wicks sweat and creates breathability thus creating a warm yet dry space.
Sweaty Feet
If you suffer from sweaty feet, it is important to make sure your work socks have moisture wicking capabilities, breathability, and anti-microbial elements to fight bacteria that creates odour. You can do this in three-ways.
Material
Pick the right materials for your work socks. As mentioned above, avoid cotton socks unless they are blended with other materials. Choose other natural fibres such as bamboo or merino wool, depending on the climate, as they naturally offer more breathability.
Breathability
Focus on work socks that offer mesh or other forms of venting. By circulating the air and the heat within the sock and the shoe, you should be able to reduce your sweating.
Anti-Microbial Elements In The Best Work Socks
Some natural materials, such as bamboo and merino wool, naturally offer anti-microbial elements to reduce bacteria causing odours. However, many manufacturers of socks have developed synthetic fabrics or other technologies that reduce these bacteria as well.
For a more comprehensive article about the best socks for sweaty feet for men and women, please take a look at my article 12 Best Socks For Sweaty Feet For Men And Women.
Other Important Considerations For Comfortable Feet
The Best Shoes For Walking Or Standing On Concrete
Finding the best work socks is just one thing that you can do to make sure that your feet stay comfortable all day long. However, you also have to make sure that your work shoes offer comfort and support.
Accordingly, in two previous blogs, I highlight the 10 best men's shoes to stand or walk on concrete all day, and the 10 best women's shoes for standing or walking on concrete for long hours. I select boots, dress shoes, trainers and clogs that offer superior comfort, cushion, stability, durability, support, and defences against wear and tear. I would highly recommend taking a look at those articles to see whether your shoes make the list.
In addition, in my article A Buyer's Guide To The Best Shoes For Standing On Concrete, I set out exactly what you should be looking for before buying any type of shoe or boot so that you can make an informed choice.
Insoles
In addition to finding the best shoes or boots to keep your feet comfortable, you also need to understand the importance of insoles for your overall well being.
Generally, there are two types of insoles - those that offer cushion and those that offer support. In the first case, insoles that offer extra padding and shock absorption help relieve your feet and legs from fatigue after standing for long hours. On the other hand, those insoles that focus on support, help to address problems such as high or low arches, flat feet, over pronation or plantar fasciitis.
If your feet continue to hurt after finding a great pair of comfortable well fitting shoes, and the proper socks, then you may need insoles. For more information about this topic, please take a look at my article 10 Best Shoe Inserts For Standing All Day.