5 Best Breathable Socks for Work Boots

If you regularly wear work boots, especially in a warm climate or in hot summer weather, then you know how important comfort is. In hot weather, work boots may not only be uncomfortable but also a hindrance as well.

Finding socks that offer breathability inside a work boot can be a challenge but will offer more comfort and permit you to concentrate on your job.

We tried on lots of pairs of socks for you and wore them all day long in both hot weather and in hot indoor work environments.

Finally. We settled on Dickies Moisture Control Dri-tech Crew Socks as our top overall choice because the blend of fibers is soft to the skin, breathable, and contains moisture-wicking properties.

The Carhartt Steel Toe Cotton Cushion Work Socks also received high-performance marks and merit your consideration thanks to their availability in two different fabric blends.

Socks	Material	Features	Machine washable	Sock Style
Dickies Moisture Control Dri-tech Crew Socks	78% cotton, 2 % spandex, 19% polyester and 1 % nylon	Compression support, Ventilation channels in Mesh	Yes	Crew sock
Fruit of the Loom Heavy Duty Crew	86% cotton that is extra-thick blended with 9% nylon, 1% spandex and 4% of other types of fibers	Cushioned foot, Reinforced sole, Ventilation channels, Antimicrobial	Yes	Crew sock
Carhartt Steel Toe Cotton Cushion	Two versions: 70% cotton, 8% acrylic, 21% nylon, 1% spandex Or 53% cotton, 18% polyester, 20% nylon, 8% acrylic, and 1% spandex	Abrasion resistance, Arch support, Odor protection	Yes	Mid-calf
Meriwool Merino Wool Breathable	75% Merino wool, nylon, elastic blend	Odor resistance	Yes	Mid-calf
Darn Tough Coolmax®Work Boot Sock	39% Coolmax® polyester, 28% acrylic, 30% nylon, and 3% Lycra Spandex	Seamless fusion, Moisture-wicking, cushioned	Yes	Mid-calf

The Reviews

Best Overall Breathable Socks for Work Boots

1.) Dickies Moisture Control Dri-tech Crew Socks

Dickies is a well-known reputable manufacturer of workwear and these Dri-tech crew socks fully live up to Dickies’ well-earned reputation. Constructed in a blend of 78% cotton, 2 % spandex, 19% polyester, and 1 % nylon, they are as durable as they are comfortable. 

This blend of fibers is soft to the skin, breathable, and contains moisture-wicking properties. Their breathability is enhanced by ventilation channels integrated into the socks to improve the circulation of air while controlling moisture. 

Even if this sock is ideal for work boots, it is an attractive sock that offers substantial support to your foot with its design. A minimum of compression hugs your foot’s arch and helps keep the sock in place as opposed to slipping around.

The moisture-wicking properties also help to prevent the formation of odors during wear.  The reciprocated heel and toe bring a bit of cushion to improve comfort.

Sold in convenient six-packs, there are over forty combinations of colors to choose from. Machine washable, four different sizing ranges are available.

Pros

• • • Breathable fibers in cotton, polyester, spandex, and nylon blend
    • Machine washable
    • Sold in six-packs, 12-packs, and 18-packs 
    • Compression support
    • Ventilation channels in Mesh
    • Superior fit
    • Lots of color choices

Cons

• • • Some inconsistency in sizes

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

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Best Breathable Crew Socks for Work Boots

2.) Fruit of the Loom Heavy Duty Crew Work Socks

If you do heavy-duty work but still need breathability in a work sock, these Fruit of the Loom crew socks may be just what you need. Breathability and comfort are two of the benefits that these socks offer even in the roughest of work environments.

They feature a sock construction in 86% cotton that is extra-thick blended with 9% nylon, 1% spandex, and 4% of other types of fibers.

The sock foot is cushioned, and the sole has been reinforced for durability and to help prevent foot fatigue.

These socks also boast moisture-wicking properties thanks to anti-microbial fibers, and the design features ventilation channels to keep feet dry, cool, and comfortable.

Fruit of the Looms Work gear socks protect against odors and come in big and tall sizes. They are sold in convenient six-packs.

Pros

• • • Machine washable
    • Heavy-duty cotton-nylon-spandex fabric blend
    • Cushioned foot
    • Reinforced sole
    • Ventilation channels
    • Antimicrobial
    • Durability
    • Budget-friendly

Cons

• • • Durability considerations

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

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Best Breathable Mid-Calf Socks for Work Boots

3.) Carhartt Steel Toe Cotton Cushion Work Socks

These mid-calf socks are great work socks and particularly if your work boots have steel toes. They even come in two construction blends: one in 70% cotton, 8% acrylic, 21% nylon, 1% spandex, and the other in 53% cotton, 18% polyester, 20% nylon, 8% acrylic, and 1% spandex.

Made to last, they are designed for wear all year long, even in hot temperatures.

These work socks are rugged thanks to Cora-last fibers that offer resistance to abrasion. But despite all the durability features, they offer great comfort thanks to padded foot protection and exceptional arch support.

The cotton used is premium quality for additional softness and breathability. Odor resistance keeps socks fresh and odor-free all day long.

Pros

• • • Two construction fabric blends
    • Machine washable
    • Cushioned foot
    • Resistant to abrasion
    • Support for the arch
    • Odor protection
    • Sold in two packs
    • Comfortable, performing, and durable

Cons

• • • Sizing considerations
    • Some durability questions

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

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Best Breathable Wool Socks for Work Boots

4.) Meriwool Merino Wool Breathable Work Socks

These wool socks are great for summer or warm environments. The Merino wool blend affords softness, breathability, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking all in one. Your feet will never feel itchy or irritated even if the heat increases.

Pros

• • • 75% Merino wool, nylon, elastic blend
    • Machine washable
    • Sold in 3-packs
    • Moisture-wicking
    • Odor resistance
    • Breathable
    • Soft and itch-free

Cons

• • • Not for the dryer
    • Need time to dry

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

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Best Moisture-wicking Breathable Socks for Work Boots

5.) Darn Tough Coolmax®Work Boot Sock

This is one impressive work boot sock thanks to its breathability and its ability to wick moisture away from your feet.

Seamless, full cushioning increases comfort and prevents socks from bunching inside your work boot or your feet from sliding around inside the sock. 

Exceptional breathability is what really sets these apart due to sock construction that incorporates seam fusion. Your feet are well-protected from bacteria and foot odor is kept at bay.

This work sock can be worn all year round including in the hottest temperatures. Your feet will remain comfortable regardless.

Machine washable, they are available in two tints: olive or grey/black and they are mid-calf in length. The fabric blend is 39% Coolmax® polyester, 28% acrylic, 30% nylon, and 3% Lycra Spandex offering great moisture-wicking and breathability. Darn Tough makes these in the USA.

Pros

• • • Seamless fusion design
    • Superior Moisture-wicking capabilities
    • Cushioned for comfort
    • Mid-calf length work sock
    • Fantastic breathability
    • No bunching inside the boot
    • Bacteria and odor protection

Cons

• • • Only come in two colors
    • A bit expensive compared to other socks
    • Some problems reported about socks staying up 

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

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There are various characteristics to keep front and center when searching and making your choice.

Choosing socks may seem like an easy task, but when you have to wear them inside leather work boots for safety purposes as the thermometer keeps rising, it may not be as easy as one might think.

Your feet need to remain cool inside your work boots and comfortable while you work.

What to Look for in a Breathable Work Sock

Here is what we looked for when selecting the best breathable socks for work boots.

1.) Breathability

Let start with the most important characteristic in our search: breathability. Undoubtedly, the choice of fabric in the manufacturing of the socks will play the leading role in how breathable socks are.

You don’t want your feet to overheat, perspire excessively, and probably even smell as well. Ventilation and airflow characteristics become indispensable for breathability.

See also: 6 Best Breathable Work Boots

2.) Comfort

This may seem like a given, but comfort should always be among your priorities when selecting workwear, and this is especially true when it comes to your feet. If your feet ache, the rest of you will follow.

Consider how long you need to stand during a workday. Look for materials that do not irritate your foot during natural movement inside a boot, and above all do not provoke itchiness, particularly if your feet sweat a lot.

3.) Fabric or Material

Socks are manufactured in a vast selection of materials and some of these materials are utilized to procure specific characteristics.

For breathability, there are several materials that are particularly indicated. These include most certainly cotton but may also include polyester, spandex, and nylon, or any combination thereof.

Socks produced with these fabrics offer a certain amount of foot flexibility and comfort as well. Another material that should not be underestimated is acrylic for its capability when dealing with perspiration.

Wool may seem the unusual choice for breathability in hot weather, but surprise! It is noteworthy as a sock material.

4.) Moisture-wicking

This can be a real lifesaver for comfort. When you wear work boots, your feet will inevitably sweat. Moisture-wicking not only will increase comfort but will influence breathability If your feet sweat, your socks are bound to be damp.

Imagine wearing wet sweaty socks all day inside your boot. Socks without moisture-wicking capabilities won’t enhance breathability when your sweaty socks are clinging to your feet all day, and you definitely won’t be comfortable.

Plus, there is the risk that perspiration will add friction as your foot moves and this friction can cause blisters. Moisture-wicking capabilities will move the moisture outward and away from your skin. 

Polyester, cotton, and nylon offer breathability, and the circulation of air. Moisture-wicking technology will dissipate perspiration by passing it through the sock. 

5.) Odor Resistance

Together with moisture-wicking properties, odor control is a plus when it comes to wearing socks in work boots in hot weather.

Some socks may even feature anti-bacterial treatments that assist in preventing odors from forming during a hard day’s work.

6.) The Sock Height

Sock height per se does not impede or guarantee breathability, but it will certainly enter into which socks you finally choose for your work boot. 

The style of work boots that you wear may determine the height of the sock that you end up selecting. 

Low-rising socks are not typically the standard choice for inside a work boot. You probably will not want a sock that is not high enough to prevent contact between the work boot interior and your skin.

Think about your work boot height and its fit. Are your work boots 6-inches, 8-inches, or higher? Do they lace-up and fit snugly around your leg calves? Do they feature a collar that is padded at the ankles? 

Socks must act much like a partner to your work boots, so the correct height offers added protection.

Know your sock heights before selecting

1.) No-show socks offer a really low height. They rise to where your ankle begins making them a bad choice to wear with work boots. 

2.) Ankle socks stop at the ankle. If you don’t have a low work boot this sock style should be avoided.

3.) Crew socks barely cover your ankle and leave your calf totally unprotected. Crews also come in a ¾ version that is even shorter than standard crews.

4.) Boot socks or Mid-Calf Socks are designed specifically to be worn inside boots and more or less reach the height of a basic cowboy boot.

5.) Over-the-calf socks completely cover the leg’s calf muscle. They fit higher than boot socks do and when worn with western boots will be visible.

6.) Knee socks will reach your knee cap.

Conclusion

Work apparel is necessary even in hot weather, so if you keep wearing your work boots, you’re going to need a really good pair of breathable work socks to pair with your boots.

We hope our choices and the reasons behind their selections will be of assistance to you. Take the time to find your best breathable socks for your work boots. When the temperatures rise, you’ll be glad that you did.