Nature has given us one of the absolutely best materials imaginable for socks: Wool! Why choose a synthetic material when Mother Nature has provided an excellent alternative. Wool can regulate your body temperature, it has moisture-wicking capabilities, and it helps with odor control.
It’s also incredibly soft against your skin and comfortable to wear. If a good pair of Merino Wool socks can make your workday better by keeping your feet comfortable while on the job, why look elsewhere!
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. This means it is an entirely natural product that can be grown sustainably without damaging the environment.
It is easily dyed, and it is also biodegradable meaning that it not only does not harm the environment when cultivated on the backs of Merin sheep, it also does no damage when discarded. This wool can easily be blended with other fibers, so you get durability and comfort, all in one.
With all these great qualities, you can understand why Merino wool makes a great yarn for socks. If your feet require warmth, this wool provides it.
You can avoid excessive perspiration thanks to moisture-wicking qualities, as well as unwelcome odors from stinky feet. And Merino wool is used not only in everyday socks but for dree socks and compression socks, too.
Our team really enjoyed testing the Merino Wool Socks inside their work boots precisely because of all the aforementioned qualities.
It was pretty challenging to have to choose an overall best Merino Wool sock for work boots, but in the end, we selected Darn Tough Merino Wool Cushion Socks. What won us over was the excellent comfort together with top-notch moisture-wicking. Toes and heels have thicker padding with a thinner sock top making them a perfect fit for work boots.
Anyone who has a job that is physically demanding and wears work boots for protection knows what it means to be on your feet for most of the day if not all of it, and what wearing the right socks and work boots can me to overall comfort and performance.
Plus, if you have a great pair of work boots, you want a great pair of socks to go with them: what’s the point of having great footwear and a lousy pair of socks that leave your feet sweaty and uncomfortable?
| Socks | Material | Sock Style | Features | What We Like Most |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darn Tough Merino Wool Cushion Socks | 63% Merino Wool, 2% Lycra spandex, and 35% nylon | Slightly shorter than a standard crew sock length | Moisture-wicking, Cushioning, Fine gauge knit, Seam fusion | Fine gauge knit texture |
| Meriwool Merino Wool Breathable Work Socks | 75% Merino wool, elastic, and nylon blend | Crew sock length | Moisture-wicking, Odor-resistance, Breathability, Machine wash, Itch-free | Breathability |
| Bombas Calf Merino Wool Socks | 77% Merino Wool, 2% spandex, and 21% polyester | Calf-length sock | Arch support, Y-stitched heel, Stay up during wear, Seamless toe, Machine washable | Arch support |
| Merino Wool Padded Hexashock Crew Socks | 52% Merino Wool blended with 13% Protimo Nylon that is anti-bacterial, 23% nylon, and 12% spandex | Crew sock length | Ergonomic design, Seamless construction, Antibacterial nylon, Mesh ventilation, Moisture-wicking, Zinc oxide treatment against bacteria, Impact reduction technology | Mesh ventilation |
| Wigwam Comfort Merino Wool Socks | 34% nylon, 2% spandex and 2% polyester | Crew sock length | No Itching, No shrinking, Durable, Cushioning, Lifetime warranty | Cushioning comfort |
Things to Factor into Your Choice
When selecting a great pair of socks to pair with your work boots, these are the characteristics that you may want to consider.
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- Your Work Boot Type
- Comfort
- Moisture-wicking Properties
- Padding
- Temperature Control
- Thickness
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The Reviews
Best Overall Merino Wool Socks for Work Boots
1.) Darn Tough Merino Wool Cushion Socks
- Midweight with Cushion - A warm and extremely comfortable choice when conditions demand it, this fine gauge knitted sock provides mid-level cushion density under your foot. True Seamless technology allows for an undetectable seam fusion for an ultra-smooth, invisible feel.
- Micro Crew Height - A shorter, more concise take on the traditional crew height. Peeks just above the top of a standard hiking boot.
- Composition - Knit with 63% Merino Wool 35% Nylon 2% Lycra Spandex. The fast action wicking pulls moisture away from skin, so no more sweaty, stinky socks. The soft, breathable merino wool has fast drying, all weather performance that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Guaranteed for Life - If these socks wear, tear, or develop holes, Darn Tough will replace them. No strings. No conditions.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These particular Merino Wool Socks are not only our overall choice but as of today well over 5,000 Amazon shoppers think so as well. The fit is non-slip and features nice conditioning in the footbed. Anti-microbial properties fight bacteria and odor.
Available in eight different colors, they come in sizes from Small through XX-Large. Designed for excellent comfort and top-notch moisture-wicking. Toes and heels have thicker padding while the top is thinner making them a perfect fit for work boots.
Made in Vermont, USA, this is a fine gauge wool sock with seamless technology to prevent discomfort. A slight bit shorter than a regular crew sock, they arrive at the top of a standard work boot.
Constructed with 63% Merino Wool, 2% Lycra spandex, and 35% nylon, they wick away moisture to keep feet dry on the job.
This Merino Wool blend is quick-drying, soft to the touch, and offers optimal breathability. It is truly an all-weather performer for year-round performance. Darn Tough offers a lifetime guarantee
Pros
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- 63% Merino Wool blend with spandex and nylon
- Moisture wicking
- Cushioning
- Fine gauge knit
- Seam fusion
- Lifetime guarantee
- Great fit
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Cons
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- May be a bit short for some
- Fit may be too snug for some
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Best Crew Merino Wool Socks for Work Boots
2.) Meriwool Merino Wool Breathable Work Socks
- Package Includes: Set of 3 Pairs of Merino Wool Blend Winter Cold Weather Crew Length Socks for Men and Women
- INCREDIBLY SOFT & COMFORTABLE: 75% Merino wool blend ensures comfort all day long – no itch! Each crew cut sock provides compression, arch support, and a reinforced heel and toe to ensure maximum comfort and protection for your feet.
- BREATHABLE INSULATION: Keeping your feet cozy and warm in winter, these thermal boot socks won’t weigh you down or let your feet overheat while you are on the move outdoors.
- WICKING & ODOR RESISTANCE: Merino wool’s natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep you dry and comfortable while active in cold weather. Through the process of wicking, Merino wool is the most breathable fabric and absorbs moisture better than any other fibers.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These Merino wool socks can be worn all year round. The Merino wool blend gives you softness and breathability for exceptional comfort, as well as moisture-wicking and odor resistance.
No itchy feet and no irritated skin even if you find yourself wearing them in hot weather or warmer climates.
Pros
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- 75% Merino wool, elastic, and nylon blend
- Sold in convenient 3-packs
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Resistance against odors forming
- Excellent breathability
- Machine wash
- Itch-free
- Soft and comfortable
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Cons
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- Require some time to dry
- Should not be placed in the dryer
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Best Calf-Length Merino Wool Socks for Work Boots
3.) Bombas Calf Merino Wool Socks
Made in 77% Merino Wool, 2% spandex, and 21% polyester for winter wear, they have a following that wears them year-round.
Featuring honeycomb style arch support to hug your foot and a y-stitched heel, they also feature a seamless toe for comfort. Designed with stay-up technology, you won’t have to worry about them falling down all day.
For every pair of socks purchased, a pair is donated. Machine washable, they should not be dry cleaned or ironed.
Pros
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- 77% Merino Wool used in the fabric blend
- Arch support
- Y-stitched heel
- Stay up during wear
- Seamless toe
- Machine washable
- For each pair purchased one is donated
- 11 colors
- Comfortable
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Con
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- Some quality control issues
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Best Padded Merino Wool Socks for Work Boots
4.) Merino Wool Padded Hexashock Crew Socks
This is an impressive pair of Merino Wool Socks by Neverquit that uses the best technology has to offer with Mother Nature’s pride, Merino Wool.
These socks use 52% Merino Wool blended with 13% Protimo Nylon that is anti-bacterial, 23% nylon, and 12% spandex. The design is ergonomic for maximum comfort, with one sock for the left foot and the other specifically for the right foot.
The construction is seamless toe so there’s no sock toe bump to irritate your feet and they include an anti-blister reinforcement. Cuffs are designed to stay up without cutting into your leg.
The Merino Wool works to insulate while offering optimal breathability. These socks include mesh ventilation to prevent excess moisture from building up during your work shift together with moisture wicking.
Fibers have been infused with zinc oxide that is pharmaceutical grade to kill bacteria and stop odor before it starts. The foot arch has reinforced support and Neverquit has integrated HexaShock™ technology to reduce impact while increasing comfort. A great work sock!
Pros
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- 52% Merino wool blend
- Ergonomic design
- Seamless construction for toes
- Antibacterial nylon
- Mesh ventilation
- Moisture wicking
- Zinc oxide treatment against bacteria
- Impact reduction technology
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Cons
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- A bit more expensive than other socks
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Best Value Merino Wool Socks
5.) Wigwam Comfort Merino Wool Socks
- Merino Wool
- Durable
- No Itch
- No Shrink
- Full Cushion
- Midweight designs are constructed with dense cushioning in multiple areas of the sock like shins and soles or the entire foot of the sock.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Handcrafted in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, this Merino Wool blend of a sock is specifically designed not to shrink when washed and dried. Nor does it itch with 62% Merino Wool blended with 34% nylon, 2% spandex, and 2% polyester.
What’s even better is these socks come with a lifetime guarantee. They have a nice thickness to them but are not overly bulky making them particularly comfortable when paired with work boots.
The sock includes some nice padding in multiple points like soles, and shins, as well as the entire foot. It features a crew sock length that will cover the ankle but doesn’t entirely cover the calf muscle.
Pros
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- Made in the USA
- 62% Merino Wool
- No Itching
- No shrinking
- Durable
- Cushioning
- Lifetime warranty
- Great Customer Service
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Cons
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- May be too tight at the top for some calf muscles
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All About Merino Wool
The first mention of Merino sheep dates back to 12th century Spain. Merino sheep are rarely used for meat products and are generally bred for their excellent wool. Crossbred with other sheep varieties; Merino Wool is in constant evolution.
Nowadays, Merino wool generally is supplied by breeders in New Zealand and Australia. It may then be spun in countries like Great Britain or Italy, which is known for its textile prowess.
This is a luxury fiber because it is 100% natural and therefore limited to the number of sheep that produce it as opposed to synthetic fibers that can be industrially manufactured.
Merino sheep are sheared annually, or at the most twice annually. Their wool is incredibly soft and is non-itch and a non-irritant. It also resists water and moisture as well as odors, and it is ecologically sustainable.
Merino sheep fleece is made of thin light hairs that are great for hotter climates in keeping you cool. The sheep’s wool coat will warm in colder climates and create a kind of air chamber that closes around the body helping you to retain heat to insulate well.
At the same time, wool cools because it insulates against hot air, too. Merino wool has non-static, waterproof, and even flame-retardant capabilities.
Buyer’s Guide
What you should search for when buying a pair of Merino Wool socks.
1.) Machine Washable and Dryer Safe
This is a crucial characteristic because wool generally tends to shrink. If you put it in the dryer even more so. Not all Merino Wool socks will shrink on you.
Those wool socks that are safe in a dryer are those that have been pre-shrunk. If you have any doubts, wash your Merino Wool socks in a mild liquid soap and hang them to dry avoiding the dryer altogether.
2.) Cushioning and Padding
To protect feet, socks are often padded. Common points where you might find padding include the shins, sole, foot, and maybe even the lower leg.
3.) Pricing
Any Merino Wool blend of sock is not your average pair of socks. This means they will most likely cost a bit more than cotton or synthetic blends. But consider this is an investment.
They regulate temperature, wick moisture, fight odors, and are quite durable. So much so, that several pairs offer a lifetime guarantee.
They may cost anywhere from 10 to 30 dollars but have exceptional qualities for the cost. When considering the cost/quality ratio, it is money well spent.
4.) Size
You’ll be able to find Merino wool socks in many different lengths and sizes. Ankle height, mid-calf, and over-the-calf lengths are easily found making them ideal for pairing with work boots.
Conclusion
Our list contains several high-quality Merino Wool socks for your consideration but know that there are many Merino Wool socks out there that offer great quality and characteristics for your work gear investment. Your feet will be happy as well.
