Wool Vs. Cotton Socks: My take on which Is Better?

Smartwool Crew Hiking Socks (Lightweight)

Smartwool hiking socks are popular with hikers. They are available in a few different weights, so it’s easy to get a pair of socks that’s suitable for any particular season. Heavier socks are better for cold weather, while lighter socks will keep your feet cool even in the summer heat.

The Smartwool socks feature a crew height, so they will peak above your boots. But they will stay in place – with these hiking socks, bunching is the last thing you should worry about.

The socks are made from 64% Merino wool, 34% nylon, and 2% elastane for the most comfortable experience. They are moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and strategically cushioned for better support and stability. These socks are also available in a wide size variety, so it’s going to be easy to get a pair that fits you very well.

They’re around $20 for a pair, which is the average cost of Merino wool socks. You don’t get any sort of guarantee on them, so if they get tears or holes you will need to throw them out and buy a new pair. If that’s not ideal for you, definitely check out the next pair of wool socks featured here.

Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks

Darn Tough socks are a favorite among frequent hikers. The brand offers a lot of different types of socks, so there’s enough variety for everyone. The pair featured here are midweight socks with cushioning, for ultimate comfort on the hiking trail.

These socks are warm, so they’re best for colder weather. There’s cushioning under the foot for improved comfort and support, while the seamless toes ensure there’s absolutely nothing that will take your mind off the trail in front of you. Let’s face it – feeling that nasty seam on your toes is not only distracting but also a warning that you’re about to experience some blisters.

These socks are made with 61% Merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% lycra spandex. The combination of these three materials is moisture-wicking, stretchy, and surprisingly durable. In fact, Darn Tough holds these to such a high standard that they promise you a brand new pair if your socks develop any tears or holes.

Additionally, these socks feature a micro crew height. They are shorter than traditional crew socks, for the best fit with hiking boots. When paired with an average hiking boot, the socks will peek just a little above the top of the boot.

DG Hill Crew Merino Wool Socks

The DG Hill socks are another great option. These socks have the highest Merino wool content out of the bunch at 80%, with the remaining 20% divided between nylon, spandex, and elastane. They are comfortable, cushioned, and ribbed at the top, making them an excellent option for hikers.

These socks are moisture-wicking and odor repelling, as is the case with all Merino wool socks. They feature a crew height that peeks above standard hiking boots, with a top that is ribbed to ensure it stays in place while you’re walking.

In terms of cushioning, the DG Hill socks feature reinforced toes, heels, and extra arch support, for the most comfortable hiking experience. Pair these with a comfortable insole in your boots, and you will be able to hike for hours without feeling tired at all. The socks also feature a brushed fleece lining inside, making them an excellent option for hikes in extreme colds.

One thing to note is that these socks are sold in pairs of three, for some $25 a pack. That’s excellent value for money, especially when you compare the prices to those of Darn Tough and Smartwool.

However, the DG Hill socks are slightly less durable than the more expensive brands, so don’t expect these to live a very long life. They will outlive your cotton socks for sure, but they’re not the most durable wool socks on the market.

Danish Endurance Merino Wool Socks

The Danish Endurance socks are one of the cheaper pairs of Merino wool blend socks. That’s because they only have 30% merino wool, while the other materials in the mix are all synthetics. These socks actually contain more than 30% acrylic, which is an excellent insulator. However, acrylic is not very breathable, so these socks don’t perform quite as well as some other pairs.

But, that’s only going to be an issue if you wear these when it’s really hot outside, which you shouldn’t do anyway. These are medium-weight socks, and they’re made for colder weather. If you want socks for warm weather, you should look at some lightweight options instead.

These wool-blend socks are cushioned in strategic places to reduce aches, blisters, and help with shock absorption. The cushioning can also make it more comfortable to wear some more rugged boots and is especially helpful for people who spend most of their days standing on their feet.

The socks are available in three different sizes and it’s recommended to go with the smaller size, in case you are between sizes. It’s also worth noting that these socks aren’t seamless, so you might want to look at some other option if that’s a problem for you.

YUN Men's Natural Pure Wool Socks

Yun men’s socks are made from 100% wool and they’re the best thing to get if you’re looking for pure wool socks. They are warm, comfortable, and quite thick, with mid-calf length. These socks are great for anyone who suffers from chronically cold feet and needs something to help deal with that in the winter.

The socks are seamless, so they’re going to be quite comfortable to wear. However, they can be a little itchy considering they’re entirely made from natural wool. The inside of the socks is very soft, so that shouldn’t be a major issue either.

One thing to note is that, although the manufacturer claims that these are 100% wool, there are some synthetic fibers at the top of the socks.

The Yun socks have all the properties of natural wool – they’re warm, breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor resistant. They’re perfect socks for people who have sweaty feet and do not feel comfortable in any socks they’re tried so far. These will make any boots comfortable, and they’re great to wear instead of slippers around the house. Just don’t wear them when it’s warm outside and you’ll be fine.

These socks should be washed with cold water (in the washer or by hand) and hanged to dry.

Merrell Women’s Merino Wool Cushioned Hiker

Merrell makes excellent hiking footwear, and in case you didn’t know, they also make great socks. These socks are made with merino and nylon blend, for excellent performance in warm weather. They’re a little taller than ankle socks, but not as tall as crew socks, so I’d say these are best for ankle boots and some taller trail runners.

It’s worth noting that the Merrell socks have a higher content of nylon than Merino wool. That’s not a bad thing since it means they are thinner and lighter than other socks, ultimately making them the better option for warm weather.

These socks feature NanoGlide technology in the heel and toe, which enhances durability and minimizes friction. These are the parts of the sock that get worn out the quickest and minimizing friction can really help prolong the life of the socks.

Additionally, these Merrell socks feature cushioning in strategic places with enhanced arch support. They also have mesh ventilation zones for improved breathability, which pretty much guarantees you will always have dry feet when you’re wearing these socks.

On top of that, the Merrell wool blend socks are made with MerinoMax technology, which uses faster drying yarn for ultimate performance and comfort. Ladies, if you’re looking for shorter crew socks, you’ll have a hard time finding a better pair.

J.B. Field's Merino Wool Hiking Socks

The J.B Field’s socks are a great option if you want socks that have a very high Merino wool content. With 74% Merino wool in the blend, these socks have one of the higher wool contents out of the bunch. The blend also includes nylon and lycra spandex that makes them thinner, lighter, and stretchier.

The socks feature cushioning in strategic zones for improved support and durability. They are available in two sizes that are equivalent to men’s 5-9 and 8-12 sizes, so it should be pretty easy to get a pair that fits well. They do contain 6% of lycra spandex and they’re very stretchy, so in case you are between sizes, it’s safe to size down.

The height is a tall ankle or a short crew, while the thickness is medium. They’re good for both warm and cold weather, but they’re not the best choice for either extreme.

One thing worth noting is that these socks are sold in pairs of three, so they’re actually great value for money. You’re paying less than $10 for a pair, which is a steal compared to the prices of some other brands.

Samsox 2-Pair Merino Wool Running Socks

The Samsox pair are great lightweight wool blend ankle socks. They’re actually running socks, with mesh inserts in strategic places for improved breathability. They’re also very soft, comfortable, and cushioned, for premium comfort on your morning jogs.

These socks have seamless toes so you don’t need to worry about discomfort, chafing, or blisters. Also, the ankle height is perfect for trail runners and sneakers, while the tabbed heel ensures they will stay in place.

The cushioning on the heel and toes improved the durability of the socks, while the striped cushioning on the arch just makes you more comfortable. Also, the thick cushioning helps with shock absorption, allowing you to run longer distances without additional discomfort.

The Samsox wool blend socks are sold in pairs of two and they are good value for money. They are true to size and unisex, so it shouldn’t be hard to get a pair that fits you perfectly.