Many cowboy boot fans understand how heated their feet become when they wear them all day. It’s an important part of America’s cultural identity.
We evaluate every part of what we need in a boot, including where we’ll be wearing it, the performance we expect, how durable it is, and how to care for it as it cares for our feet.
But there is one unexpectedly significant aspect of the cowboy boot that we sometimes neglect or forget: our socks.
Yes, you do need socks to wear with your cowboy boots since they come into contact with our feet on a daily basis and are vital to the fit and comfort of our boots.
They are essential for a cowboy because they prevent chafing and blisters from the friction caused by boots, as well as providing insulation in cold weather and absorbing sweat in hot weather. Your cowboy boots will feel and fit better if you wear the right socks.
Grabbing any old pair of socks from your sock drawer won’t suffice when it comes to selecting the finest socks for cowboy boots. To keep your feet as comfortable as possible, you’ll want to invest in socks with enough height, breathability, and softness.
Also, the general material construction of the socks will play a significant role in your decision-making process. I know all this information can get overwhelming but worry not, this article can help you if you give some of your time reading it.
Okay, so why do you need to wear socks with cowboy boots in the first place?
1.) Socks absorb moisture from your feet, keeping them dry and clean. When your feet sweat, it produces germs, and the longer sweat remains on your skin in warm, dark locations, the more bacteria and fungus can thrive. It is important to keep your feet dry at all times to avoid bacterial and fungal infections.
2.) Another consequence of perspiration is odor, which may be alleviated with a decent pair of moisture-wicking socks.
3.) They act as a barrier between your skin and the cowboy boot, helping to avoid painful blisters. As socks also act as a cushion.
4.) Socks, depending on their materials, can assist control foot temperatures. In the winter, it keeps our feet warm, and in the summer, it keeps our feet cool and dry.
Now I’m sure you’ve understood the importance of wearing socks with cowboy boots. Let us talk about what type of socks will be suitable to wear with your cowboy boots.
While looking for socks, make sure you consider these following features:
1.) Socks that have moisture-wicking abilities
The first characteristic you’ll want to check for to make sure you’re getting the ideal sock for you, your feet, and your cowboy boots is whether or not the sock is moisture-wicking.
Moisture-wicking refers to a material’s capacity to collect and transfer perspiration away from your feet, allowing it to evaporate and keep your feet dry. The following are the most prevalent moisture-wicking sock materials:
Merino Wool: It has a soft texture and is not irritating to the skin at all. The material is tough and retains moisture, keeping your feet dry. Wool also naturally resists odor and microbial development, making it ideal for changing seasons.
Cotton: It wicks moisture away from the skin, reducing discomfort and odor. However, it doesn’t drain as rapidly as wool or Merino wool after perspiration is absorbed, but it’s still a good alternative.
Nylon is frequently blended with other fabrics to increase its resilience and durability. Pure nylon socks aren’t as absorbent as cotton or wool socks, however a nylon blend may be more absorbent than nylon alone.
Lycra, spandex, and elastane are the best fabrics for cowboy socks that fit perfectly. They offer resilient flexible properties that will keep the socks in place for optimal leg and foot support.
2.) Socks that come without seams
Comfortable feet are essential, but even if you have the greatest material and cushioning, if a sock has a seam on a sensitive area of your foot, the former is irrelevant.
For those who are on their feet all day, a seamless toe is the most comfortable alternative. Blisters and friction are prevented by seamless designs, which also relieve strain on the foot.
Seamless toe socks do not have a seam within the sock’s end that might irritate delicate toes. There is still a seam at the toes in most situations, but it is a “barely there” seam that is very flat and small, and most people will not notice it.
3.) Socks that are tall, just like your cowboy boots
Cowboy boots with a long shaft should be paired with tall socks that cover your whole calf muscle. It is a practical option, especially when compression is necessary.
Over-the-calf socks can assist give extra support and circulation to keep your feet healthy by providing a much-needed circulatory boost.
To avoid uncomfortable bunching in your boot, over-the-calf socks should have a comfortable, and not too tight grip.
Any style of sock may be worn with boots, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
See also: Can You Wear Thin Socks with Cowboy Boots?
Consider the table below as a reference to the ideal socks for your different types of cowboy boots:
| Type of cowboy boot | Synthetic Material | Woollen socks (Merino wool) | Knee high socks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Western | Yes | Yes | No |
| Western Work boot | Yes | Yes | No |
| Riding | No | No | Yes |
| Buckaroo | No | No | Yes |
| Shortie | Yes | Yes | No |
You can wear your cowboy boots all year round, irrespective of the changing seasons. But it’ll all come down to what kind of socks you choose to wear with your cowboy boots.
Socks made of moisture-wicking fabric are essential, a fact that we have discussed above. And wool socks are ideal for climates that change frequently.
Here is a chart below for you to understand what type of socks to wear on what climates:
| Season | Types of socks |
| Winter | Knee length wool or spandex socks |
| Summer | Knee length wool or crew socks |
| Spring | Synthetic or wool socks |
| Fall | Knee length synthetic or wool socks |
Recommended socks to wear with your cowboy boots
Moisture-wicking materials keep odor and perspiration away while also allowing breathability in great cowboy boot socks. Because of their moisture-wicking properties, merino wool and polyester are frequently used.
Another common moisture-wicking material is acrylic, however many kinds are not as breathable as the others. It does, however, have the potential to hold heat. Meanwhile, because nylon can wick water away, a nylon mix is also a feasible option for boot socks.
You’ll discover the best socks for cowboy boots on our list, whether you’re searching for long socks, short socks, or something more affordable.
1.) Wrangler Western Boot Socks
Wrangler’s Western boot socks are stylish, good quality, and affordable. These socks are comprised of polyester, nylon and spandex, making it breathable and moisture-wicking.
They’re also quite inexpensive, costing less than $20 for three pairs. Not to mention that these socks include arch support, cushioned soles and enough flexibility to keep your legs from feeling too tight.
Check them out here-
- Moisture-wicking socks each featuring ribbed leg and half-cushioned foot with arch support
- Smooth toe seam reduces bulk and irritation for a seamless feel
- Half cushion foot for added comfort and arch support to reduce foot fatigue
- Polyester wicks moisture to keep feet dry and cool in boots
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.
2.) Carhartt Boot Crew Socks
Carhartt’s boot socks come in a variety of styles and colours, making them ideal for freezing climates.
These boot socks are a combination of acrylic, wool, nylon, and spandex and are meant to keep your feet warm and comfy when you need it most.
These socks have a mesh circulation feature that allows maximum breathability. They’re also totally moisture-wicking.
Check them out here-
- HANDLE ANY TERRAIN: Men’s crew work socks engineered for all-terrain, all-season comfort and performance
- NO BLISTERS: NanoGLIDE reinforcement reduces blister-causing friction and enhances durability
- FAST-DRY TECHNOLOGY: Deliver superior sweat-wicking action to quickly transport sweat and keep your 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.
3.) FoxRiver Military Mid-calf Socks
FoxRiver’s knee-high socks are soft and comfy to wear underneath your cowboy boots, made with a combination of merino wool, acrylic, nylon and spandex.
They come with a further moisture control feature and the reinforced nylon toe and heel boxes offer strength and durability where it’s most required.
You can check them out here-
- BEST MILITARY SOCK ON THE MARKET: Medium-weight FoxSox take all your duty can dish out.
- KEEP ODORS AT BAY: Scentry helps permanently defend your socks from odor.
- STAY DRY WITH WICK DRY: Our exclusive technology quickly draws moisture away from your skin so your feet stay dry and comfortab
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.
4.) Dan Post Over the Calf Socks
Dan Post’s Cowboy crew socks are made of a nylon, polyester, and spandex combination, and they’re ideal for anybody who wears short Western boots or just wants a lower reach.
They include extra support around the arches and ankles, as well as comfortable cushioned soles. These socks are also very breathable and antibacterial.
Check it out here-
- Size 9 fits 7-10, Size 10 fits 10 1/2-13, Size 13 fits 13 1/2 up
- Made in the USA
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.
5.) Dickies Crew Socks
These sock’s fabric is primarily composed of cotton, polyester, spandex and nylon, resulting in a noticeable thickness and stiffness. Even yet, the wearers aren’t taking their sweaty feet seriously.
Even while standing all day in hot and humid environments like factories or plants, the socks are very breathable and moisture-wicking.
Check them out here-
- Soft Breathable Moisture Control Fibers
- Arch Compression Support and Stability
- Ventilation Channels Enhance Air Flow
- Durable Reinforced Heel and Toe
- Fabric content may vary by co
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.
To conclude, to wear or not to wear socks with cowboy boots is purely based on what each individual needs. There are people who are absolutely comfortable not wearing socks with cowboy boots.
But it is always advised to wear socks as there are various things it protects us from even though we don’t realise it.
And especially, wearing socks saves your boot from the foul smell that stays for a very long time.
