The 11 Best Socks for Men, Tested by Style Editors

There isn't a sock quite like a Gold Toe. While holding the throne as the ultimate dad sock for the past 80 years, they have also started to make their way back into fashion in a big way. These updated classics, for instance, are made from a slightly thick blend of wool and nylon, and boast AquaFX Moisture Control that helps wick away sweat throughout the coverage area to help you stay fresh, cool, and dry. The ribbed construction also provides extra support and warmth, while the stretch will help the socks fit perfectly on your feet. We also love the reinforced toe that ensures no hole, wear, or tear will happen for a long time.

In my testing, I found that while these indeed are cushy and warm—and thus work great as winter socks—they are quite thick, which is why I love wearing them to fill up the space in my boots or dress shoes, but sometimes for sneakers and athletic shoes, the thickness can feel very tight. And unlike other socks, these don’t slide down even on large calf muscles.

No-show socks exist for one simple reason: to give you that clean, sockless look without the sweaty, blister-filled nightmare of actually going sockless. Enter this athletic, moisture-wicking pair made with Coolmax fiber, which helps keep perspiration in check when you're cycling, lifting, or running. Speaking of those activities, we also appreciate the seamless toe closure to prevent yarn chafing and discomfort while on the move. The light compression comes in handy, especially for runners, by stimulating blood flow and providing a snugger fit.

Aside from sport use, we found them to offer durability and excellent cushioning for casual wear. Bonus: Mesh ventilation on the instep ensures superb breathability from toe to heel. Plus, the three-pack is available in a variety of bold color pairings (orange, green, and blue).

Ask any sock aficionado their favorite sock brand, and there's a good chance they’ll say Bombas. If you’re wondering what makes its socks so special, the answer lies in the ultimate combination of smart design details and high-quality fabric. The brand takes all your needs into consideration with extra-long staple cotton fabric, which is longer and smoother than regular cotton. That means it's softer, stronger, and more durable—it resists pilling, holds color better, and feels luxuriously comfy against your skin.

On top of that, its made with seamless toe construction to eliminate pressure points, and even a little fabric tab at the back to prevent pesky, painful blisters. Plus, the honeycomb support system gives your arch a snug, supportive hug—keeping your feet feeling secure and energized all day. Overall, it helps distribute pressure evenly, so you're not dealing with sore, tired feet, whether you're running errands or running miles.

In our testing, we found that these are—by far—the comfiest ankle socks we've tried. We love that their stretchiness doesn’t seem to decrease despite tons of wear and washing. They’re also very versatile, great for walking thanks to the cushioned footbed, as well as training at the gym—although they’re not as robust as actual workout socks for training.

If there were a superhero version of a no-show sock, it would be this Balega option, and we especially approve of its usage in running. Made with 200-needle-count yarn and a fine-gauge knitting process, it results in smoother, denser, and more durable fabric. With impact-resistant plush cushioning in the ball and heel of your foot, each step you take becomes a breeze, regardless of your speed.

Having jogged in Central Park in these socks a few times, we found that the moisture management fiber also keeps your feet cool and dry all day long, while the seamless, reinforced toe minimizes the risk of blisters by reducing friction.

Off the track, however, our testers found that these socks are also great for sports, working out, yard work, or simply enjoying the comfort of your own home. The ventilation panels in the fabric ensure optimal airflow, while the high-heel tab and deep heel pocket prevent slipping—and we love that they're extra stretchy—meaning they’re perfect for anything involving heavy foot motion.

Hard training calls for socks that can keep your feet feeling good, rep after rep. After all, they're putting in the work, too. Not only are these ankle socks made largely of breathable nylon and stretchy Spandex, but they also have full arch support and use the 3D-knit PerformaHeel to provide a contoured fit that definitely won’t slip, no matter how intense your movements are.

Overall, with 360-degree arch support, seamless toe construction, and a 3D-knitted heel, our testers love that these Lululemon socks have just the right amount of stretch and cushion for a supported, frictionless fit. We've noticed a lower risk of chafing when we sport these during high-intensity workouts or runs. The heel is also complete with an extra-long fabric tab, so not only will you avoid a blister on your Achilles, but you also won't have to worry about these slipping down while you run.

Compression socks support and stabilize your muscles, while boosting circulation by directing blood back to your heart. That’s why this pair from Hanes is totally worth it. For starters, the cotton-polyester-nylon blend is super soft and comfortable against the skin. The cushioning offers extra padding and softens each step, so your feet and joints take less of a beating from hard-hitting moves—think running, jumping, or intense workouts. These socks also feature a performance fabric treatment that wicks away moisture and regulates temperature to keep your feet cool as a cucumber.

Plus, the arch compression keeps your foot firmly in place, which is a lifesaver if you overpronate or struggle with heel issues. Our fitness editors have worn these for leg recovery after intense workouts and running the New York marathon. After slipping them on, their calves and arches instantly felt refreshed.

A past winner of our Outdoor Awards, Swiftwick socks are truly great for performance, especially for hiking and trail running. The Proprietary GripDry Fiber at the heel and forefoot works almost like a shoe outsole's traction to keep you steady—it’s got enough grip for anyone who wants to deadlift sans sneakers. The AnkleLock technology provides extra ankle stability, so the fit is super secure at all times. Apart from temperature regulation, the Merino wool blend fabric is also made to keep you blister-, odor-, and sweat-free.

In fact, our testers—some of whom are ultramarathon athletes—have even worn this pair to chase an insane 43-mile mountain record on the tallest volcano in North America. They claimed the socks performed flawlessly with no cold feet, no discomfort, and no holes. In terms of breathability, the mesh upper keeps your toes feeling cool as a cucumber. The flex channels enhance mobility, meaning your socks move naturally with your foot instead of feeling restrictive, which is crucial when tackling uneven terrain on the trails. And the Y-shaped heel works hand in hand with these channels, creating a contoured, stay-put fit that keeps the sock in place.

Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing retailer, has built a rep for making high-quality basics at unbeatable prices, and its Colorful 50 socks are no exception. These budget-friendly essentials come in every shade imaginable, so whether you're into classic neutrals or bold hues, I can guarantee there's something here for you. Made with special deodorizing yarn, they help keep odors in check, while the ribbed texture adds a nice touch of detail.

I've worn it with casual wear for a day of shopping and a night out with friends. But no mistake, this pair can also serve as a dress sock. I've also worn it to fancy dinners and galas—that is, colors that weren't super loud. After putting this sock through the wringer, literally, it was also evident that the unique fabric blend could retain its shape after a number of cycles in the wash. Plus, the non-constrictive elastic means they stay out without digging in or leaving those annoying sock marks.

Fancy occasions and formal settings call for a step up from your everyday socks. That's where Banana Republic's dress socks come in clutch—polished, breathable, and perfect for any upscale event. Made from a soft cotton blend, this pair comes in solids and all kinds of patterns: argyle, houndstooth, polka dots, and stripes. We've paired it with everything from a tailored suit and dress shoes to a sweater and trousers. That said, you can wear them with a chill fit, but we reserve these socks for things that require a little more sophistication.

Unlike some dress socks that start slouching by midday, these stay put, so you're not constantly adjusting them. Even though they don't have seamless toe construction like some premium pairs on the list, the angled toe seams are surprisingly smooth—no irritation, no awkward bunching. And with just the right amount of stretch, they move with you and keep their shape, so you're never dealing with saggy or stiff socks. Whether you're getting dressed for a board presentation, a charity gala, or a loved one's nuptials, these socks elevate your look without sacrificing comfort.