If you don’t have the best work gear, your work performance will suffer, and this includes work apparel. For professionals involved in physically demanding labor, wearing the correct work boots is fundamental.
But regardless of how good your work boots are, if you don’t have the right pair of socks, your performance can be influenced negatively.
Why spend time looking for a great pair of work socks? Here are three good reasons:
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- Foot comfort
- Hygiene
- Protection
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Comfort is a consideration that should never be taken for granted. Socks improve our comfort in any profession from the construction site right into the office. Foot discomfort not only can distract you but also reduce work performance.
If you are involved in heavy physical labor, your feet most probably sweat profusely, especially if you need work boots for your job.
If moisture is excessive, it can lead to unpleasant odors as well as chafing and blisters that can in turn become infected.
Socks that have moisture-wicking properties can help to keep your feet dry and cool for the entire duration of your work shift.
Socks also add an extra protective layer to your footwear. If you work in any profession that exposes you to bodily harm such as construction or agriculture, added protection is always welcome.
With these three reasons in mind, we went to work to find you the best thick socks for work boots available. It wasn’t easy as the marketplace has quite a few products that are merit attention. Once we selected our team tested the socks for an entire week in a multitude of varying professions.
In the end, we selected Onke Heavy Cotton Cushion Work Socks as our overall top choice. This was because these socks are affordable, cushioned, and offer a number of convincing characteristics that will serve you well all year round.
| Work Socks | Material | Style | Colors | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onke Heavy Cotton Cushion | 60% Indian cotton, 2% nylon, 37% polyester, and 1% spandex. | Over-the-calf | Black, white | 10-13, 13-15 |
| FoxRiver Crew Cut Heavyweight | 18% nylon, 80% acrylic, and 2% spandex | Crew-cut | Grey, White, Black | Medium, Large, X-Large |
| Dickies Cushioned Heavyweight Compression | 34% polyester, 65% cotton, and 1% spandex | Mid-calf | Grey, White, Black | 6 through 12 |
| Carhartt’s Work Boot Sock for Cold Weather | Brown – 70% Acrylic, 16% Wool, 8% Polyester, 5% Nylon, 1% Spandex; Black heather and Navy – 70% Acrylic, 16% Wool, 13% Nylon, 1% Spandex; Others – 64% Acrylic, 16% Wool, 13% Nylon, 6% Polyester, 1% Spandex | Over-the-calf | Blackheather, Brown, Dark Brown, Natural, Navy, Rust | Medium, Large, X-Large |
The Reviews
Best Overall Thick Socks for Work Boots
1.) Onke Heavy Cotton Cushion Work Socks
- Premium Materials:Superior cotton and polyester blend,Use spandex and nylon knitting to deliver a snug fit and retain shape even after repeated washings.
- Soft & Comfy:Full cushioning for ultimate support in any work boot or shoe.It helps you avoid blisters during your heavy duty work or daily activities.
- Moisture Control:The advanced technical fibers wick away sweat and moisture.Moisture wicking properties to keep smell fresh and feet dry and breathable.
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.
While not all cotton work socks are effective in wicking away moisture, these work socks from Onke are quite effective. They are produced in a blend of 60% Indian cotton, 2% nylon, 37% polyester, and 1% spandex.
These can be worn year-round making them the ideal work boot socks for all four seasons. Sizes 10 through 15. Spandex and nylon knit have been included to create a nice snug fit so these socks will retain their shape after numerous washings.
The fabric blend provides moisture-wicking capabilities to keep your feet dry and to resist the formation of odors. The nylon blend kit has been used to reinforce areas that are particularly stressed.
These socks have a nice stretch to them to provide you with a comfortable snug fit and the elasticized top keeps the sock in place on your leg.
Pros
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- Affordable
- Sold in convenient ten-packs
- Machine washable
- Arch compression
- Stay up elasticized top
- Reinforced heel and toe areas
- Cushioning extra-thick
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Cons
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- Available in black and white only
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Best Thick Socks for Steel Toe Work Boots
2.) FoxRiver Crew Cut Heavyweight Socks
- WORK SOCKS THAT LAST
- EXPERIENCE ALL DAY COMFORT
- YOUR FEET STAY DRY
- A FIT THAT REMEMBERS
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 crew-cut work socks are thick enough to last even when worn with a pair of steel-toe work boots. Manufactured in the United States, they feature a fabric blend of 18% nylon, 80% acrylic, and 2% spandex to give just enough stretch for a good fit.
The design includes arch support, heel cushioning, and a sole that is completely cushioned for all-day comfort. The toe seam is flat to avoid any irritation.
Thanks to exceptional moisture wicking capabilities, there is no buildup of moisture to keep feet dry all day and prevent friction from causing blisters.
FoxRiver has developed a “URFit” system so that these socks hold their shape, and the sock design includes compression zones in spandex so feet are supported and these mid-calf length socks stay up on your legs.
Pros
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- Thick fabric
- Cushioning for soles, toes, and heels
- Arch support
- Compression zones
- Flat toe seams
- Moisture-wicking
- Machine washable
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Cons
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- Some sizing considerations
- More expensive
- Only three color choices
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Best Compression Thick Socks for Work Boots
3.) Dickies Cushioned Heavyweight Compression Work Socks
- Industrial Strength Big and tall sizing
- Superior soft cotton yarns for exceptional feel with impact areas of heel, toe and pad reinforced with heavier count yarn for superior durability
- Arch and ankle compression provides added support and stability and Achilles heel protective pad provides cushioning comfort against high boot
- Full cushion comfort with reinforced heel and toe provides added durability and spandex for superior fit and non-binding stay-up top
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.
Manufacturer Dickies has created a thick pair of work socks for work boots for those with circulation problems. Using a blend of 34% polyester, 65% cotton, and 1% spandex, they offer increased support for circulatory problems.
While not indicated for steel toe or protective toe work boots, they are heavyweight enough to be worn even with heavy-duty work boots.
The soft cotton fibers provide for exceptional comfort while the heel, toe, and ball areas are reinforced with a heavier yarn count for increased durability.
There is a protective pad in the design for the Achilles heel area. The spandex included afford the perfect snug fit meaning that socks will stay up on the leg without binding uncomfortably. Grey, white, and black colors are available.
Pros
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- Compression for ankles and heels
- Support for the foot arch
- Machine washable
- Sold in convenient 3-packs
- Durable
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Cons
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- Limited sizes available, only 6-12
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Best Cold Weather Thick Socks for Work Boots
4.) Carhartt’s Work Boot Sock for Cold Weather
- Cushioned, moisture-wicking crew sock featuring ribbed cuff and reinforced sole
- Ankle vents to reduce bulk
- Fights odor
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.
Work gear manufacturer Carhartt has produced a thick work boot sock with cold weather in mind, do that if you work in a colder climate and are exposed to outdoor elements, your feet will have that extra layer of protection afforded by socks.
These socks are made above all to keep your feet warm regardless of the winter weather thanks to a blend of wool, acrylic, nylon, and spandex. The quantities of the fibers may vary slightly based on color
This is an over-the-calf sock that features a sock bottom that is completely cushioned. Machine washable, these socks feature reinforced soles and ribbed cuffs, together with moisture-wicking capabilities thanks to FastDry technology.
Vents have been integrated into the ankle area to reduce bulkiness. The blend of acrylic and wool offers exceptional thermal insulation.
Pros
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- Machine washable
- United States made
- Six colors
- Cushioned
- Moisture-wicking
- Ribbed cuffs
- Reinforced soles
- Ankle vents
- Thermal insulation
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Cons
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- More expensive
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What to Search for When Choosing Work Socks
1.) Comfort
It may seem that this concept gets hammered home whenever one speaks about work apparel. The comfort aspect of work socks can never be over-emphasized.
For as comfortable as a work boot maybe, with a bad pair of socks, your feet are not going to be comfortable. The importance of sock quality and design are vital.
Socks are manufactured in varying thicknesses in a variety of soft fibers. They are generally mechanically woven. Some will have additional padding in arches, at heels, or around the balls of your feet.
When wearing work boots, this extra cushion can make quite a difference. Padding, however, should not make your work boots feel tight during wear.
When searching for arch support, the fabrics used may feature a tighter weave and a thicker consistency. Good, solid arch support can help you avoid medical conditions like plantar fasciitis that can cause excruciating pain.
2.) Durability
The longer your work socks last, the more you will gain from your monetary investment. Everyone would like a sock that lasts forever, but that’s a bit unrealistic. However, you can look for socks that contain polymers for durability.
3.) Fabric Material
Fabric type is vital for keeping feet dry, warm, or cool, and comfortable. This might automatically bring you to believe that cotton is the best choice, but while cotton absorbs perspiration moisture very quickly, it also dries very slowly, and this is the perfect condition for the creation of blisters.
Wool is an excellent material to wick away moisture as our several synthetic fibers or blends such as nylon, lycra, and spandex.
Some of these materials are also excellent for retaining sock shape after washings, resisting odors and bacteria, and protecting your feet from chafing and blisters.
Other fabrics include bamboo, a natural fiber that is soft and great at moisture-wicking. Polyester is also commonly found in work socks due to its durability but does cause increased perspiration.
4.) Fit
As with any piece of work apparel, socks need to fit correctly. Together with sock height, consider the foot fit. You don’t want a fit that is too snug, and you don’t want your foot sliding around inside the sock.
The sock length from the heel to the toe is essential. With the arch area as well as toes and balls you enjoy a comfortably snug fit. Knowing your shoe size will help you acquire the correct sock size.
5.) Leg and Welt
Socks shouldn’t be falling down. A strengthened rib design will help keep your sock in place all day long.
6.) Reinforced Heels and Toes
If your work boots have steel or toe caps you may want some extra sock protection. Reinforced heels and toes can help prevent holes.
7.) Sock Height
Socks come in a variety of heights to serve different needs and purposes as well as pair with varying types of work boots. Sock heights will be based on your personal taste.
The correct sock and fit will also protect your feet and leg from chafing as with a boot collar that may be somewhat abrasive. In the event that your work boots are higher with a collar, you may want a longer sock length.
Sock heights or lengths include
• No-show socks that rise to where your ankle begins
• Ankle socks stop at the ankle
• Crew socks cover the ankle and leave the leg calf without protection.
• Mid-Calf Socks often called boot socks are produce for wear with boots.
• Over-the-calf socks cover the calf muscle entirely.
• Knee socks will reach all the way to the knee cap.
8.) Thickness
Work boots generally require thicker work socks. Density and thickness afford more cushioning for both the inside of the boot as well as uneven terrain that you may need to navigate.
9.) Other Features
A few other things to keep in mind are
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- Breathability
- Moisture-wicking
- Resistance to Odors
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Breathability helps to prevent feet from overheating as well as excessive sweating as consequentially odors. Many socks are designed directly with ventilation channels to increase airflow. Moisture-wicking capability helps move perspiration outward from the skin to be evaporated.
Odor resistance is a nice quality, especially for those involved in heavy-duty physical tasks. Some work socks may even come with treatments to prevent the formation of bacteria to prevent odors from forming.
Conclusion
Bad work socks can create a series of problems to distract you while on the job and make you miserable. Among these are chafing, blisters, bunching fabric, and allowing your foot to slide around inside the sock.
Regardless of the work you do, if you wear work boots, you need a nice thick pair of socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable while on the job.
All of the socks on our list merit your consideration and we hope to have assisted you with solid information to help you choose your best thick socks for work boots.
