Finding the right socks for work boots has never been easy. The most common mistake that people commit is ignoring the ideal length and proper fitting of the socks.
You too might be thinking that the length of socks cannot make much difference while wearing work boots. But the truth is there are several benefits of wearing long socks with work boots.
Yes. Long, insulated, breathable work socks provide a lot of support to the base of the feet and the calf muscles. Ideally, your work socks should cover your entire calves. They should be at least crew length. It’s necessary since closely-held calf muscles reduce strain in the feet.
The worst thing you can do to your feet is wearing ankle-length socks inside work boots. Ankle-length socks will not cover the entire periphery around your ankles. It will cause blistering. So, crew length or calf-length work socks are the best options!
Keep reading this guide to learn more about the benefits of wearing long socks with work boots, features to look for when buying work socks, some of the best work socks you can wear to tough terrains, and much more!
Ideal Length of Socks for Work Boots: Does Length Matter a Lot?
Every minuscule feature about work socks is important. The length of work socks is no different. The ideal length is something that can cover your calves. Socks that end right under the knees are also the right length.
Remember, socks, no matter they’re padded, that are just ankle-length are not meant to be worn with work boots. They won’t offer support to the calf muscles. So, the proper length of socks for work boots is somewhere between crew length to over-the-calf length.
For a better understanding of our readers, we have made a work-socks-length guideline! It will help you in picking the work sock that’ll be the best for you.
Here’s how the length of work socks goes:
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- Crew Socks Length – 10″
- Mid-Calf socks length – 12″
- Over-the-calf socks length – 16.5″
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So, your work socks should be ideally between 10″ to 16.5″. As long as you follow the ideal sizing guidelines, your feet will be well-protected inside the rough terrains of work boots, even steel-toe boots!
Features to Look for in Socks for Work Boots
Socks for work boots serve the purpose of providing thick cushioning so that the rough surface of the work boots does not come in direct contact with your feet. Ideally, work socks should have all the following features.
1.) Work Socks Should Offer Thermal Insulation – Work Socks should offer insulation to keep the feet comfortable when the weather gets cold and chilly.
2.) Work Socks Should be Padded – The padding should be thick to avoid blisters and ankle pain. Optimum padding provides support to the base of the feet. It’s important because standing up all day wearing work boots can be very painful.
3.) Work Socks Should be Breathable – There’s no point in wearing socks that trap sweat instead of absorbing it. Socks that do not absorb sweat will create friction that will make walking very uncomfortable, painful even.
Besides, they will emit an extremely bad odor and it’s unhygienic to wear socks that can’t absorb moisture. Hence, breathability is pivotal when choosing work socks.
4.) Work Socks Should be Antimicrobial – Feet are bound to get sweaty inside the confines of work boots. If sweat isn’t absorbed, it will lead to fungal infection. Hence, the socks you’re wearing should be antimicrobial alongside being moisture-wicking.
What Materials are the Best for Work Socks?
Work socks aren’t pieces of fashionable clothing. Whilst there is no harm if work socks can be made stylish – aesthetics are always welcomed options – the main purpose of socks for work boots is to offer protection from blisters, pain, and discomfort.
So, the first and foremost requirement is that work socks shouldn’t be without padding. Whilst cotton is always the best material to make socks since it’s breathable, cotton alone cannot make ideal socks for work boots. However, cotton-blend with materials like wool makes the best work socks.
The 4 materials that we suggest you should look for in work socks are listed below.
1.) Wool, especially Merino wool, for Work Socks – These work socks are preferred when winters are harsh. Merino wool is antibacterial and antifungal. It insulates heat and reduces bad odor.
Most importantly, it is a non-itchy material that’s a very important factor to consider when buying socks for work boots.
2.) Cotton and Wool Blend for Work Socks – Cotton and Wool blend socks are ideal options for work boots. They keep the feet quite dry by absorbing sweat.
3.) Bamboo Cotton for Work Socks – A blend of bamboo can absorb about 40% more moisture than plain cotton or wool. So, it’s a perfect option for a very humid climate. Also, these socks reduce friction while walking.
Hence, they offer a very good grip while walking. This reduces the chances of blistering dramatically. Just remember that work socks made with bamboo cotton should be padded at the ankles and toes.
4.) Olefin fiber for Work Socks – Olefin is also known as Polypropylene. There’s a misconception that olefin isn’t ideal for work socks. The truth is quite the opposite. Olefin offers exceptional thermal insulation that’s important during the winter season.
It absorbs moisture; hence, its moisture-wicking capacity is very high. When Olefin is blended with padding at the ankles and around the base of the toes, it makes an exceptional material for socks to be worn with work shoes.
Remember, if your feet are obnoxiously sweaty, olefin is the best material to pick for work socks!
Benefits of Wearing Long Insulated Socks with Work Boots
Long insulated socks offer optimum cushioning. They’re all-weather socks. Some of the benefits of wearing them with work boots are listed below.
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- Your feet will not emit an obnoxious odor.
- Blistering will not be a problem anymore when wearing long insulated work socks.
- Painful calves and ankles will no longer bother you.
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All in all, your feet will thank you at the end of every single day if you’ll keep them protected by wearing long socks under work boots.
2 Types of Socks You Can Wear With Work Boots
1.) Crew Socks – Crew socks are best for cold and dry climatic conditions. They protect the feet from drying and cracking while making sure that there’s no trace of sweat either.
2.) Compression Socks – Compression socks under work boots ensure that blood circulation isn’t hampered in any way. They apply very gentle pressure around your ankles and calves. It ensures that your feet don’t go numb by promoting blood circulation.
4 Best Socks for Work Boots to Keep Your Feet Happy and Safe
1.) Wingman at Work Crew Socks
- These Wigwam® At Work Crew 3-pack of socks will keep you comfy all day.
- Crew-cut sits at the calf.
- Sold as three-pair pack
- Medium weight sock.
- Antimicrobial treatment helps fight odor and keeps your feet feeling fresh.
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These socks steal the first spot in our list of over-the-calf work socks because of the following reasons.
They’re perfect all-day socks since they are heavy-duty. It ensures that your calf muscles are supported all day long.
They’re antimicrobial socks that wick away all the sweat. Not only do they prevent bad odor, but they also protect your feet from fungal infection.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon2.) Carhartt Men’s All Season Crew Sock
- ARCH SUPPORT: The engineered arch support delivers targeted protection for full motion support and stability.
- DURABLE REINFORCEMENT: Built to support the person who puts in overtime while spending all day working on their feet,
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With extra room for all your toes, including your thumb, these socks give you the freedom to wiggle your feet all day long.
Other than that, the many reasons why they’re perfect work socks for people with relentless working hours that require standing and walking most of the time are as follows:
They absorb sweat and ensure no friction is created while you’re walking, whatsoever.
They are incorporated with cooling panels that’ll keep your feet cool even if the noon sun gets too hot.
They dry very quickly, preventing the chances of developing rashes or blisters.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon3.) Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
- A Durable Compression Sock designed to last, without compromising quality or Comfort.
- Provides instant comfort support, with moisture wicking properties that rapidly air dry in a few hours.
- Stay put Cuffs Soothing feeling at the bottom and sides of foot with no pinching seen with lesser quality socks without ankle support.
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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.
Yearning for a single blister-free comfortable day at work? The Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are the answers to your longing. These socks will provide comfort all day long every single day from morning to evening.
They don’t roll around the knees that can otherwise be a problem in work socks.
They’re less bulky. Not only do they keep the feet cool during excessive heat and humidity, but they don’t create tension around the ankles either.
They offer about 20-30 mmHg compression to maintain healthy blood circulation all day long. So, at the end of the day, your feet won’t tire.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon4.) Fox River Steel-Toe Work Socks
- Made of 80% acrylic, 18% nylon, and 2% spandex
- Extra cushion around the back of the heel and over the toe a fully cushioned sole and a smooth flat toe seam keeps you extra comfortable in your boots
- Wick Dry technology It removes moisture build up and keeps feet dry
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.
There’s practically no sock better than these socks for steel-toe boots.
They’re the ideal length, mid-calf!
They’re cushioned at the ankles and toes, providing relief from the rough edges of the steel in steel-toe boots.
They’re wider at the front. So, they won’t create unnecessary pressure around your toes whatsoever.
They’ll keep your feet cool and dry since they absorb moisture from sweat even if it’s 115 degrees outside.
Check Price and Reviews on AmazonConclusion:
When your socks are the ideal length (at least crew length), and they offer insulation for cold climate and heat transfer when it gets too hot, you’ll be able to spend your day in your work boots without your feet hurting, smelling, or blistering.
All that you’re supposed to do at your end is invest in high-quality socks if your work involves standing and walking most of the day.
