Choosing The Best Work Socks
Socks. They are the one gift you generally don’t want to see under the Christmas tree, but one you’ll be thankful for if you wear boots.
A good pair of socks can make a huge difference with any style of footwear – especially work boots. When looking for the best work socks for boots or even tennis shoes, size is just one area you will need to consider.
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Considerations before buying work socks
Padding
Are your work boots cushioned already or do you rock a pair of gel insoles your shoes?
Either of those may affect how padded you want your socks to be, as there is such a thing as overdoing it. Too much cushion can make your feet sweat or cause your boots to become too tight.
On the flipside, if your boots are too loose, thicker socks can tighten things up while providing additional cushioning for your feet. If you’re running a bulldozer, it may not make a difference, but you’ll notice that additional cushioning if you stay on your feet throughout the day.
Material
There are a lot of ways you can go when it comes to the material socks are made from. One common material you’ll find in most socks is spandex. Even if it is a low percentage, spandex and nylon can help sock keep their shape and prevent them from sliding down the ankle.
Natural materials like cotton and wool have their advantages as well. The latter is an amazing choice for boot socks and can keep your feet dry, warm and comfortable during a long day.
Synthetic fabrics are also a popular choice and can do anything from insulate to wick sweat away. Some even utilize fibers with special antimicrobial properties to prevent odor. While a few socks are still made from 100% of their main material, most use a blend of fabric.
Height
How tall are your boots?
It’s as simple as that in most cases, as a sock too short allows your boot to chafe against your leg and one too long can be just as uncomfortable.
While you may think taller socks are always going to be ideal, don’t go overboard and buy knee-highs right away. Shorter socks offer up more support around the ankle, and the ideal size would rest right above the top of your boot.
Support
In olden days, sock garters were used for support and are still used today although not quite as frequently as it’s more of a choice than a necessity. Well, technology has come a long way, and today you can buy socks with built-in support for several key areas.
Have poor circulation? Look for a boot sock with compression as they will help keep your legs fresh and your feet feeling great.
Arch support is common along with reinforcement around the toe and heel areas, but there are also plenty of specialty socks on the market. Whether you have a weak ankle or flat feet, you’ll be able to find a bit of relief if you choose the best work socks for your specific needs.
Size & Value
We’ll keep this brief as there isn’t a lot of guesswork when it comes to sock sizes.
Every manufacturer or package will have a size “range” which may accompany the classic Small, Medium or Large tag. Just find the size range that matches your shoe size, and you’ll be good to go.
When it comes to value, pay close attention to how many socks come in a package.
Some brands offer more bang for your buck with a half-dozen pairs per pack while other companies may sell single sets. Don’t let the pricing throw you off, just check to be sure how many pairs are included and don’t always trust the photos when shopping online.
Buying Guide
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The Best: Working Person’s 4-pack Steel Toe Crew Socks
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This brand name may not ring too many bells, but we promise you will remember the name once you test out their socks. These Steel Toe Crew Socks are from The Working Person’s Store and offer up an ample amount of support where it matters most.
Do your socks send family members running to the other room when you take off your shoes?
Foot odor can be a problem, but it won’t be with these socks. They have odor combating properties baked in and are made from a comfortable blend of nylon, polyester, spandex, and cotton. That means no special care is needed, so you can pop them in the washer and walk away.
In addition to its odor resistance, these socks are tough with reinforcement and extra padding in the heel and toe. They also have arch support and are built to hold up longer than your typical crew sock.
Verdict
The Working Person’s Steel Toe Crew Socks are ideal for anyone that wants a thicker pair of socks that won’t be riddled with holes after a few months.
They aren’t exactly cheap, but they are made in the good old U.S.A. and come four pairs to a pack. These are Grey and sized Large, but other colors and sizes are available.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Timberlands Pro Men’s 3-Pack Reinforced Heel Toe Work Crew Sock
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Some folks just like their socks to match their shoes while others just want a comfortable boot sock. You can have both of those things if you own a pair of Timberland work boots and want a top-tier crew sock that doesn’t break the bank.
At 3-pairs per pack, these socks are affordable and hail from the company’s Timberland Pro lineup. They are White, with reinforcement in the toe and heel area and made from 100% polyester. We also think they are quite stylish with the company’s logo emblazoned across the front.
These socks are available in White with Grey around the reinforced areas and come in the usual sizes. Due to their construction, shrinkage will not be an issue in the wash.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Fox River Steel-Toe Mid-Calf Work Socks for Boots
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Our top choices thus far have been tough crew socks with extra support. Fox River Steel’s Work Socks do things differently and are built to wick moisture away from your feet while reducing friction and hot spots.
Fox River made these socks from a blend of acrylic, nylon, and spandex to keep your feet cool and comfortable while you’re on the job. They have steel-toe reinforcement with extra cushioning above your toes and some additional padding in the heel as well. You can’t get these in a small, but they are sized from a Medium through an Extra Large.
With features like the URfit system and their Wick Dry tech, these socks are hard to beat. They come 2-pairs per pack and have a 1-year warranty against defects.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Wigwam Men’s At Work 3-Pack Crew Socks
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Wigwam may not have made the top of our list, but they aren’t far behind our first choice. The Wigwam At Work Crew Socks live up to their namesake while providing comfort and durability at an affordable price.
You won’t get any fancy features built into this sock aside from Odor Guard, a substance the sock has been treated with that fights odor along with athlete’s foot. This simple sock is made from a blend of 67% cotton, 17% acrylic, and 16% stretch nylon. They are ribbed around the top so sagging won’t be an issue, and they are also made in the U.S.A.
Wigwam’s Men’s At Work Socks are a great all-around choice if you don’t need extra support and just want a solid sock that performs as advertised. We also like the toe seam which is smooth. These come 3-per pack and are available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Budget Choice: Dickies 6-Pair Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks
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Last, but certainly not least is a pack of socks from Dickies. They are from their Dri-Tech line of socks, which means you’ll get a form of moisture control and better airflow around the feet and shin.
Dickies socks aren’t the toughest, but they do have a reinforced heel and toe area. Ridges around the center provide arch support and additional stability while extra-wide channels up top let more air in than socks with a tighter weave. They are quality crew socks that will do the job but are certainly in the budget-friendly class.
You can pick up six pairs of Dickies Dri-Tech socks per pack, and again… they are very affordable. They are available in two size ranges and two different colors.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Conclusion
Whatever sock you choose, your feet are important so think about what you do throughout the day and the type of protection you need.
You should also carefully consider the materials the socks are made from as well. If exotic blends are used, your skin may not agree with the new material, or you could have to deal with shrunken socks if they have a high percentage of cotton.