Hi.

Okay, enough with the pleasantries.

If you’re reading this—which, turns out, you are—it stands to reason that you’re the kind of man who prefers minimal banter and maximum substance. A working man. And as such, someone in desperate need of the best work socks for men.

Sweat-wicking materials, odor-fighting properties, bulletproof construction, and overall comfort should be your top concerns. But once those boxes are checked, you’re free to mix things up with some interesting colors, niche features, and various lengths.

The type of socks you ultimately end up going with should be in lockstep with the demands of your job. To help you get started on this decidedly unsexy yet wholly necessary journey, I now present you with my favorite work socks for men to keep your feet fit all day long.

Key Takeaways

The best work socks for men not only need to withstand the rigors of your daily routine, they also need to be comfortable.

Topping my list for its impressive lineup of features designed for those with active lifestyles is Carhartt’s Force Performance Work Sock. And when it comes to trusty, cozy performance socks that won’t break the bank, look no further than Fruit of the Loom and the American brand’s Work Gear Socks.

I’ve made every effort to present a diverse lineup of work socks in this list. Still, I’d be willing to bet that you might just be here for some high-quality, no-bullshit, down-and-dirty foot sheaths. If that’s the case, your search is over because Carhartt’s Force Performance Work Socks are exactly that.

The best work socks for men prioritize both comfort and function, and these are no exception. Cushioned throughout, they also feature arch support, odor-neutralizing properties, reinforced heels and toes, and sweat-wicking fabric. Topping off the impressive list of pros is an accessible price tag that makes this one of the most well-rounded pairs of socks on the market today.

Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex | Sizes: 6-12, 11-15 | Colors Available: 3

Luxury work socks. If we’re talking about plying your trade under the hot sun, it’s a bit of an oxymoron. If we’re talking about pitching clients in an air-conditioned conference room, less so. These? These fall somewhere in the middle.

The London Sock Company has been sweating the details since 2013 and makes handsome, colorful socks manufactured to look great and stand the test of time.

Their Simply Active Crew Socks incorporate workout-friendly features like stretch cotton and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for those who work in the athletic field or live an active lifestyle. But they also come in a handful of standout colors and are understated enough to be worn with a suit or jeans and a button-down.

Material: 81% Organic Cotton, 17% Polyamide, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 4-7, 5-8.5, 9-11.5, 12-14.5 | Colors Available: 4

Looking for a pair of socks that can do it all? Myrqvist and its Ludvig Merino Wool Socks would like a word. Above all, this is a business-casual pair of socks. They’re understated, handsome, and will pair nicely with anything from jeans and a button-down to your favorite wedding suit.

But if your line of work demands that you be on your feet all day while also looking your best (I see you, hospitality professionals), you’ll appreciate the thoughtful details incorporated into these dress socks. The merino wool will do its sweat-wicking, temperature-regulating thing. Myrqvist’s durable Portuguese construction will help keep holes at bay. And the soft, pillowy fabric blend will go easy on your busy feet throughout the day.

Material: 85% Merino Wool, 15% Polyamide | Sizes: 7.5-8, 9-10, 10.5-11.5 | Colors Available: 6

If you came to the budget-friendly section of this list looking for anything other than Fruit of the Loom, for shame. To be fair, there are plenty of quality work socks for men at this price point. But… it’s Fruit of the Loom. Old-school, workhorse-y, founded in 1851 Fruit of the Loom.

Anyway, grab a six-pack of their Work Gear Socks on the cheap, do your worst, and never look back. As all good performance essentials should, the versatile calf socks fight odor and wick away sweat throughout the workday. Meanwhile, the cotton-poly blend is designed to keep your dogs warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Material: 80% Cotton, 18% Polyester, 1% Spandex, 1% “Other Fibers” | Sizes: 6-12, 12-15 | Colors Available: 1

Easily one of the best work socks for men overall, Dickies’ Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks have a whopping 163,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. I’m tempted to leave that there and let it speak for itself, but you deserve better than that.

You deserve to know that these workhorses have every bell and every whistle that a work sock should. Integrated moisture management to help keep things dry, mesh ventilation to increase airflow, compression in all the right places, reinforced heels and toes. Oh, and over 163,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Which, yes, definitely bears repeating.

Material: 64% Cotton, 33% Polyester, 2% Spandex, 1% Nylon | Sizes: 5-9, 6-12, 12-15, 15-17 | Colors Available: 11

This one’s for the merino wool fans. You know who you are, you know what you like, and you know that your feet deserve the best damn temperature-regulating, sweat-wicking fabric in all the land. Rejoice. For Darn Tough’s merino wool boot socks are here to serve you.

I may or may not have accidentally slipped into Old French and Old English mode just then, and for that I apologize. Darn Tough socks, though. They’re magnificent. And if for some reason your feet don’t agree with their made-in-Vermont seamless construction, full-cushion comfort, and rugged durability, the company will see your doubts and raise you an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Material: 66% Merino Wool, 32% Nylon, 2% Spandex | Sizes: 5.5-7.5, 8-9.5, 10-12, 12.5-14.5, 15-17 | Colors Available: 5

Founded in 2015 in Denmark, one of Danish Endurance’s niche focuses is on socks that serve those with active lifestyles. Made with merino wool, the brand’s hiking socks—as the name so helpfully suggests—are an excellent choice for hiking. But since any hike is bound to put your feet and footwear to the test, it stands to reason that these guys can certainly handle your workday.

Yes, yes they can. Merino wool regulates your feet’s temperature while targeted cushioning helps reduce blisters and overall soreness. As far as colors… let’s just say work socks aren’t known for breaking any aesthetic or design barriers. That said, these socks come in eight understated colors that won’t feel out of place on the jobsite but would also look great in front of a crackling fire.

Material: 36% Nylon, 30% Merino Wool, 33% Acrylic, 1% Elastane | Sizes: 3.5-6, 6.5-8.5, 9.5-12.5, 13.5-16 | Colors Available: 8

If there’s a list about the best socks around, you can bet Bombas is going to be in the conversation. Turns out, this is one of those lists. And sure enough, here comes Bombas. Specifically, with their super cushy, super technical All-Purpose Performance Heavy Duty Calf Socks.

It’s one of those go-anywhere, do-anything pairs of socks. Hex Tec engineering provides breathability and helps maintain warmth in the winter while wicking away sweat during the warmer months. Seamless toe. Reinforced heel and toe. Targeted arch support. All of the usual Bombas suspects are still there, but the heavy duty fabric blend goes the extra mile to protect your feet from whatever your workday throws at them.

Material: 33% Acrylic, 31% Cotton, 23% Nylon, 11% Polyester, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 6-9, 9.5-13, 13.5-16 | Colors Available: 5

What To Look For In The Best Work Socks For Men

Targeted Comfort

The best work socks for men should take into consideration the unique needs of those who work on their feet. Above all, they need to be comfortable. Targeted compression around the arches, reinforced heels and toes, and odor-fighting, sweat-wicking materials are also a few of the features you should prioritize.

Material Composition

Cotton and cotton blends are breathable, comfortable, and effective materials for work socks. And while you’ll find plenty of excellent cotton options out there, the unparalleled performance of merino wool makes it one of the best materials out there for socks. Even if the socks you’re considering buying contain a small percentage of merino wool, it’ll go a long way in regulating the temperature of your feet, wicking away sweat, and providing outstanding breathability.

Length

Though there’s always a place for ankle socks, no-show socks, and other leisure-friendly basics, that place is certainly not under a pair of work boots. When considering the length of your work socks, make sure they’re taller than the shaft of your boots. Calf socks are always a solid option, as are mid-calf and even knee-high socks. As with targeted comfort and material composition, let the demands of your workday guide your decision.

Final Verdict 

Comfort, durability, and features that target the specific pain points of the working man’s feet. Those are three of the most important things to look for in the best work socks for men, and they’re all present and accounted for in my top overall pick—the Force Performance Work Socks from Dickies.