10 Best Work Socks for Hot Weather (2024) – Reviews & Top Picks

We know what it’s like to work on our feet all day – the discomfort, sweat, swelling, blisters, bad foot odors, leg fatigue, and muscle soreness – we’ve experienced it all. This is what led us to embark on a journey to find a solution to this persistent problem.

We found our holy grail when we realized that simply having the right footwear was not enough – the pain and blisters still persisted even with the most comfortable shoes. It was about combining the right work socks with the right footwear – be it dress shoes, running shoes or work boots. That’s when we were introduced to the world of socks that would inevitably change the way we perceived comfort.

Working a long and strenuous 9 to 12 hour shift is hardly ever a comfortable experience for our feet. However, when we started wearing work socks, the discomfort and pain went down drastically. Coming home at the end of a workday and taking off our boots used to be a dreadful experience. The stench from the puddles of sweat accumulating in the boots would hit us and it would just be a nasty experience overall.

But with socks that could wick the moisture and neutralize the odors, our lives completely changed. From compressions that increased blood circulation and reduced swelling to sole-cushioning that protected our feet from concrete floors to anti-slip technology that prevented us from having to readjust the socks all day – every feature was simply amazing and drastically improved our daily lives. The level of comfort that came from switching from casual socks to work socks was unparalleled.

All of this has made us firm proponents of the marvel that is work socks. This is why we thought we could put our extensive experience to use and let you unlock the comfortable work life you’ve been missing out on all these years. Read ahead to give your feet the royal treatment they deserve!

10 Top-Rated Work Socks for Hot Weather Reviewed

01 Dickies Men’s Dri-tech I61003 Crew Socks (Editor’s Choice)

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Dickies Men’s socks have truly outdone themselves in terms of comfort, durability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and odor-resistance. Out of the several socks we tested, this one stood apart from all the others with its advanced features. The price range is also highly reasonable, the lowest being around $13 for six pairs of high-quality socks, making the Dickies Men’s an all-rounder in every aspect.

Our Experience with the Dickies Men’s Dri-tech I61003

• These socks had arch support, compressions, moisture-wicking features, and proper ventilation.
• When it comes to having sweaty feet, you could say we’re veterans. As such, we’ve struggled with the nasty smells that come with opening our boots at the end of a long and humid workday. Enter the Dickies Men’s socks, and things took a complete 180. We were pleasantly surprised by how well the material could wick the sweat from our feet.
• The mesh on the toes allowed sufficient ventilation, which made the socks breathable and resistant to sweat collection. The moisture dried quickly and the odors were neutralized because of the enhanced ventilation.
• Due to being mostly cotton, these socks were super lightweight and comfortable on our feet. The softness added a level of relief that was absolutely paramount while putting perpetual stress on our leg muscles and tendons.
• The arch compressions facilitated the extra support that was necessary for pain relief and shock absorption. They also encouraged blood circulation which prevented swelling.
• The reinforced toe and heel portions ensured that the most impact-prone areas were well protected against the pressure from walking on hard surfaces like concrete. The added barrier helped to prevent leg fatigue and provided relief from pains that would otherwise be present.
• The blend of spandex, cotton, polyester, and nylon gave the socks a durability that made it last several months without any holes and tears despite heavy-duty use.
• Though they are on the thinner side, they were proficient at preventing blisters and chafing against work boots. The cushioned sole also adds to this.
• Due to the spandex blend, the elastic on the calf was stretchy enough to accommodate thick calves. This is a feature that many socks forget to account for and it leads to our calves being squeezed to death because of it. Dickies did a brilliant job at providing a fabulous and snug fit.

What We Didn’t Like

• The toes weren’t seamless.

What Could be Improved

• We can’t really complain when we’re getting so many superior features for less than $13 but if we really had to pick something, we’d say the toe portion could be seamless. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means but this is the only thing that we could think of to improve the appearance of the sock.

Specifications

Pros

• Ultra moisture wicking
• Well-cushioned
• High elasticity
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Arch reinforcements
• Anti-slip
• Durable
• Odor-resistant

Cons

• Seamed toes

02 Hanes Men’s 12-Pack Crew Socks (Best for Men)

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Hanes Men’s socks were tailor-made for men who have a hard time finding the right fit. Anyone with large feet will appreciate this sock as it’s stretchy enough to comfortably accommodate even the biggest feet. Moreover, you can bid adieu to the earth-shattering stench that comes off your boot at the end of a workday due to the enhanced odor-neutralizing capabilities in these socks. The material blend also produces an ultra-lightweight feel that makes putting them on and taking them off a breeze. On top of that, they retail for around $6 for a 12 pack, so we consider them an absolute steal.

Our Experience with the Hanes Men’s 184V12

• These socks had arch support, anti-slip technology, moisture-wicking features, odor-neutralizers, and proper ventilation.
• The Hanes had an advanced odor control feature. While our feet didn’t smell like flowers at the end of the day, the horrible foot odor was finally gone even after sweating buckets into our work boots.
• Even after several washes, the socks retained their color and the stitching remained intact. There were no holes in the bottom either. We were expecting them to wear out quickly as they were quite inexpensive, but to our surprise they held up for a long time and made us very happy.
• We felt that the cushioning on the soles was not as thick as we preferred for strenuous and prolonged walking on hard surfaces. However, this wasn’t a deal breaker as we were willing to look past it due to the phenomenal fit of the socks.
• Moreover, due to the thin padding, it was possible to undergo intense physical exertion in hot temperatures while wearing the socks. They did not heat up or retain unbearable amounts of heat, which is something that is common in thick-padded socks.
• These features basically made these socks a winner for office-related work, especially in the summer. They’ll keep your dry and smelling good all day long.
• They were quite breathable and airy as well. We found this to be a crucial feature as most men tend to have smelly feet when they wear socks that are too tight or don’t have moisture-wicking capabilities.

What We Didn’t Like

• The padding at the soles was a bit on the thinner side.
• Only comes in black or white.

What Could be Improved

• We would’ve appreciated a thicker padding at the bottom of the socks. This might be a necessity for individuals who have to walk on concrete for extended periods of time.
• We would’ve liked to see some more variety in the colors and patterns. The brand only offers two selections, black or white, which may not be to the taste of some sock wearers who prefer flashier options.

Specifications

Pros

• Moisture-wicking
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Arch reinforcements
• Anti-slip
• Durable
• Odor-resistant

Cons

• Thin cushioning on sole

03 Saucony Women’s S82004-904-8 Athletic Socks (Best for Women)

Why it Stands Out to Us

From ankle protection to stay-up technology to durability, the Saucony women’s socks have it all. We are crowning these as our top pick for women due to the several advanced features that set it apart from others in the market. The comfort, durability, functionality, and the variety in colors and patterns make these socks an all-around go-to for any occasion.

Our Experience with the Saucony Women’s S82004-904-8

• These socks had arch support, cushioning, proper ventilation, and a variety of options in colors and patterns.
• The heel tab was highly effective at protecting our ankles from chafing. When it comes to ankle socks, sometimes the ankle is left exposed to the back of the shoes and it gives you the worst blisters. But with the Saucony Women’s socks, we could easily spend hours wearing it without a single blister.
• When it comes to ankle socks, most of them will slide right into your shoes when you’re subjecting them to strenuous activities or lots of movement. However, the Saucony stays up all day, even on 8-10 hour workdays. This was definitely beyond our expectations and this is why we’re proclaiming these fantastic socks as our top pick for women.
•  Whether you’re using them for running or going to work, these will soon become your go-to for every occasion. We found that the socks provide a level of comfort that’s quite rare to find.
• We subjected them to heavy-duty use. The Saucony’s could easily withstand the intense amounts of walking and running without any trouble. The seams and stitching admirably held out despite all the jarring movements and washes they had undergone.
•  Another feature that we liked was that the socks did not shrink even after washing. Most of the time, this is not the case, so we were immensely happy with how they retained their original size.
• The arch support was highly effective in ensuring our feet stayed well-supported while running and doing daily activities. It reduced the amount of pain and swelling we’d normally experience in the absence of the socks.
• The cushioning at the sole added some extra support that came in handy in absorbing the shock from walking on hard surfaces for prolonged periods. It’s just thick enough to be supportive but not so thick that it makes your feet sweat excessively from additional heat retention. This makes the Saucony a good option for summer.
• We appreciated the diversity in colors and patterns from Saucony. Getting the privilege to pick from such a variety definitely improved the sales experience and helped us make a purchase that satisfied our personal aesthetics a 100%.

What We Didn’t Like

• Sweat-wicking was not the best.

What Could be Improved

• It would’ve been better if the sweat-wicking capabilities were stronger.

Specifications

Pros

• Heel tab
• Well-cushioned
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Arch reinforcements
• Anti-slip
• Durable

Cons

• Not so great at wicking sweat

04 Gold Toe 656s Men’s Athletic Socks

Why it Stands Out to Us

Sweat-wicking is a feature that many socks have. However, the efficiency and speed of the moisture-wicking varies from sock to sock. With the Gold Toe, we concluded that it’s the absolute best in the market when it comes to absorbing moisture. Due to having a fast drying rate, the Gold Toe is absolutely phenomenal for those who suffer from sweaty feet.

Our Experience with the Gold Toe 656S

• They’re ultra moisture-wicking, durable, well-cushioned, and breathable.
• These socks were truly engineered to extract all the moisture from your pores. Having extremely sweaty feet is a highly inconvenient trait to have when your work involves walking around and doing intense physical exertion. Opening our work boots at the end of the day would reveal puddles of sweat pooling from our socks. But with the sweat-wicking capability of the Gold Toe, this issue was drastically reduced. Now, the sweat dries very quickly and we certainly don’t see those disgusting puddles anymore.
• Due to the lack of sweat, the socks ensured our feet did not smell bad at the end of the day when we took off our work boots. It was amazing how previously we dreaded taking off our shoes because of how hard the stench of sweat would hit us, and now we don’t even have to think about it!
• The socks were also quite sturdy and durable. Even after subjecting them to heavy-duty use day after day, they remained steady without holes or tears in the seams or soles.
• The thick soles at the bottom provided the extra support we needed. They’re thick enough to serve as a barrier against hard surfaces but thin enough to not be too warm on a hot day or impede the fit of the shoe.

What We Didn’t Like

• The socks were prone to shrinking one size after washing.

What Could be Improved

• The size chart could be updated to account for the shrinkage after machine washing the socks.

Our Recommendations

• You may want to order one size above as it might shrink in the wash.

Specifications

Pros

• Advanced moisture-wicking
• Well-cushioned
• High elasticity
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Arch reinforcements
• Anti-slip
• Durable

Cons

• Prone to shrinking

05 Saucony Men’s S62009 Socks

Why it Stands Out to Us

The old adage goes “it fits like a glove”. But when it comes to the fit of the Saucony socks, we’d rather revise the proverb and say “it fits like a sock”. These socks are super snug, comfortable, and essentially adhere to the shape of your feet. Moreover, while many brands claim to deliver no-show socks, the socks always end up being visible on the top of your shoes. It can be especially annoying when they slip and end up on your heel during the workday.  However, with the reliable grip on the Saucony Men’s, we had nothing to worry about.

Our Experience with the Saucony Men’s S62009

• These socks were form-fitting, well-cushioned, and truly no-show. They’re also well-ventilated, machine-washable, and moisture-wicking.
• Due to the mesh ventilation panels on the top of the sock, it was immensely breathable, with plenty of ventilation to keep our feet cool and free of sweat. This makes the Saucony socks perfect for hot summer days when you need to be out and about on your feet for work.
• Another highly convenient feature is that these socks somehow managed to stay up despite being completely no-show. Most socks of this height end up slipping towards the heels when subjected to a lot of movement but somehow these stayed in their designated spot. This removes the trouble of frequent adjustments and saves time and energy for the wearer.
• The fabric was soft and the fit was snug and comfortable – we did not experience any pinching sensations around our ankles. The arch support also helped in reducing inflammation and pressure.
• Whether we were working in an office environment or simply working from home, these socks helped us bring our A-game no matter the space. Moreover, because they’re so lightweight and well-ventilated, they were the perfect accompaniment to our footwear on a hot summer day.
• The thick padding on the bottom allowed for shock absorption that reduced leg pain. The commute to work had us walking briskly on concrete sidewalks, and these socks definitely came in handy as they served as a protective barrier against the fast-paced exertion on hard surfaces.

What We Didn’t Like

• The padding might encourage heat retention.

What Could be Improved

• The seam on the toes is visible. We think the socks would look nicer if the toes had been seamless.
• If the padding had been slightly thinner, it would reduce the chances of heat retention in especially hot weather.

Specifications

Pros

• Mesh ventilation
• Form-fitting
• Moisture-wicking
• Machine-washable
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Arch reinforcements
• Great value for money
• Anti-slip
• Durable
• Cushioned sole

Cons

• Might be warm due to padding
• Seam runs on top of toes

06 Compression Socks For Women& Men circulation(8 Pairs)

Why it Stands Out to Us

Finding a pair of comfortable socks that give your feet the feeling of walking on clouds is as rare as finding a needle in a haystack. However, once in a very rare blue moon, it occurs that someone does indeed discover a needle. Such is the case with the Laite Hebe. Our expert team scoured several brands and tested tens of socks to finally find a pair of socks so soft, snug, and plush, that it even puts clouds to shame. You might think we are merely exaggerating – and your skepticism is warranted – but our experience will enlighten you just as it did us.

Our Experience with the Laite Hebe B01N0X3P0H

• These socks had compressions, moisture-wicking features, proper ventilation, and came in a variety of colors to choose from.
• Though these were compression socks, they were not difficult to put on. This was a huge plus as we didn’t have to struggle in a game of tug and war while putting them on and taking them off, which is the case for most badly-manufactured socks.
• These socks could withstand 10+ hours of physical exertion in hot weather. It ensured a more comfortable workday with minimal leg fatigue and swelling. The difference is obvious when we compared it to wearing regular socks and then wearing the Laite Hebe. With the latter, it felt incredibly soothing on our sore muscles.
• Since the brand boasts that these are perfect for pregnant ladies, we got one of our pregnant friends to try these on. It is common to experience frequent swelling in the legs during pregnancy, and as such, future mothers are always in pain. Our friend was in dire need of a solution for her bloated feet, and with the Laite Hebe, she had found her holy grail. The pain was reduced drastically and the swelling went down as well. Due to the compression in the ankles, blood flow was increased and leg fatigue was minimized.
• Another feature we really enjoyed was the variety in color and the diversity in patterns. We love it when brands offer both muted tones along with their flashier counterparts as user preferences tend to vary even when it comes to work socks. Laite Hebe did a brilliant job at catering to a large audience with their multiple color and design options.

What We Didn’t Like

• There were no arch reinforcements or extra padding in the soles.

What Could be Improved

• We felt that the 15-20mmHg was sufficient. However, some users may prefer a higher compression level.

Specifications

Pros

• Advanced moisture-wicking
• Great compression
• Easy to put on
• High elasticity
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Durable

Cons

• No arch reinforcements
• Sole lacks cushioning

07 COOVAN B07MGZYFMN Mens Cushion Ankle Socks

Why it Stands Out to Us

When it comes to low-cut socks, it is vital that they sit comfortably on the ankles. Otherwise, it can be quite discomforting to have the elastic digging in and cutting of blood circulation. With the Coovan, we were pleasantly surprised by how accommodating the elastic was while simultaneously being able to stay up without requiring frequent adjustments. The elastane yarn in the fabric ensured that it was highly resistant to abrasion. Heavy-duty use was a breeze due to the durability of the material.

Our Experience with the Coovan B07MGZYFMN

• These socks were durable and had great elasticity, moisture-wicking features, well-balanced cushioning, and great ventilation.
• Putting them on was as easy as it gets. The Coovan simply glides onto the foot without any hassle.
• The socks were durable, and this was obvious as the stitching was marvelous and did not come apart even after several washes and uses.
• The elastic band facilitated fitting the sock on different foot sizes. It stretched to accommodate larger feet. The elasticity also remained despite the socks undergoing several washes.
• Even after intensive physical exertion, the moisture-wicking capabilities of the socks were unmatched. Wearing shoes for several hours made our feet prone to sweating buckets, but due to the socks wicking up the dampness, we could stay dry for extended periods.
• The thickness and breathability of the sock were well-balanced and allowed our feet to stay comfortable throughout the day. The cushioning at the sole made it easy to walk on hard surfaces all day.
• The carefully balanced thickness combined with the low-cut length translated to a perfectly suitable sock for summer. It’s not too thick as to heat up your feet and it’s also low enough to not cover your legs, allowing for more ventilation and comfort.

What We Didn’t Like

• Sole might not be thick enough for some wearers.

What Could be Improved

• Even though it had just the right amount of thickness for us, the cushioning could be increased for those who want more protection against hard surfaces and blisters.

Specifications

Pros

• Durable
• Moisture-wicking
• Well-cushioned
• High elasticity
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Arch reinforcements
• Anti-slip

Cons

• Might not be thick enough for some users

08 Dickies I61002S002 Crew Sock

Why it Stands Out to Us

A well-cushioned sock can be the difference between night and day when it comes to comfort, especially while wearing boots without cushioned soles. The Dickies Women’s socks have cushioning in all the right places, allowing for the absorption of shock from the ground and facilitating a comfortable experience for the wearer. They also balance thickness and cushioning quite well, allowing for the feet to be simultaneously well-protected and cool.

Our Experience with the Dickies I61002S002

• They had arch support, anti-slip technology, strong compression, moisture-wicking features, and good ventilation.
• The Dickies socks rest a couple of inches above the ankles and stay there for the rest of the day. The anti-slip technology ensures we didn’t have to adjust the socks from bunching up or falling down during work.
• The astounding moisture-wicking capabilities thoroughly impressed us. The socks just refuse to let your feet get damp, which is a blessing for those of us with sweaty feet.
• The socks were also thin enough to be worn in super hot temperatures. It didn’t retain excessive heat and kept our feet dry and cool.
• The soles are cushioned so well that we barely felt the strain of walking all day on hard surfaces. This is something that every person that has to run around all day in hot weather conditions desperately needs in their life. It definitely changed our perception of comfort and we’re willing to bet you’ll have the same experience too.
• The thickness around the toe and heel ensured that we didn’t get any blisters in those areas. The arch support was also convenient in preventing pain in the ankles.
• Unlike other brands, Dickies offers various designs and colors to choose from. We were happy to have a diverse range to choose from and it definitely improved our shopping experience. People who want flashy or aesthetic socks can opt for one of the bright colored ones from Dickies.
• The seams are extremely durable and strong. Even after several washes, no strings came off and the socks still looked new. Another thing we noticed was that the socks retain their original size even after machine washing.

What We Didn’t Like

• Compression might be too much for people who have large calves or thick ankles.

What Could be Improved

It would’ve been highly convenient if the socks could be worn comfortably by people with large calves or thick ankles.

Specifications

Pros

• Well-cushioned
• High elasticity
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Arch reinforcements
• Anti-slip
• Durable
• Moisture-wicking

Cons

• Not suitable for people with thick calves or ankles

09 Graduated Medical Compression Socks for Women & Men

Why it Stands Out to Us

These socks are a blessing for people who have to stay on their feet for prolonged periods and put a lot of strain on the muscles of their legs. The medical-grade compression on these socks works wonders in the circulation department, especially for people who have severe Plantar Fasciitis. The compression level ranges from 20-30mmHg, which is certified as moderate compression by experts.  This alleviates many issues such as relieving severe varicose veins, treating lymphatic edema, along with managing post-thrombotic syndrome and active ulcers.

Our Experience with the Hi Clasmix

• These socks had arch support, phenomenal compression, anti-slip technology, moisture-wicking features, and ventilation.
• While many compression socks tend to be too tight for comfort, the Clasmix does a brilliant job at being just right. We could easily slide them on without any hassle.
• We could go to work for several hours without facing any discomfort and without having to adjust the socks. The anti-slip technology held up well and we did not feel any squeezing around our muscles.
• The compression pads did an extraordinary job at ensuring proper circulation. Our work requires us to do a lot of walking on hard surfaces for extended periods. This causes blood to pool at our feet due to gravity, which leads to swelling and discomfort. Without these socks, we’d experience serious pain in our leg muscles, almost to the point where it impeded our work. However, with these socks, the leg pain and general tiredness were reduced drastically. The swelling was also kept to a minimum.
• The socks were super soft and breathable. Even in hot weather conditions, we felt that the socks did not retain any extra heat. It was a breeze wearing them to work and not being subjected to sweaty feet.
• The length of these socks comes above the kneecaps, which was perfect for our needs. They provided adequate protection against chafing while wearing boots.

What We Didn’t Like

• The insides of the sock are stringy.

What Could be Improved

• The top of the sock may leave marks on the skin. It would’ve been more comfortable if the sock did not dig into the skin around the knees.

Specifications

Pros

• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Medical-grade compressions
• Anti-slip
• Durable
• Snug fit
• Moisture-wicking

Cons

• Might leave marks below the knee

10 Cooplus B07LG1DKLD Mens Ankle Socks

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Cooplus is tall enough to sit above the ankles and short enough to come above the top of your shoes. This makes it perfect for days where you’re wearing shoes that require your whole foot to be covered. Since the fabric is breathable and doesn’t cover a lot of your calf, it is also perfect for a warm summer day.

Moreover, proper arch support is hard to find in a pair of socks. But the Cooplus’s padding in the heels and toes provide a comfortable cushioning that leaves your feet feeling great.

Our Experience with the Cooplus B07LG1DKLD

• These socks had great cushioning, remarkable arch support, high elasticity, moisture-wicking features, and ventilation.
• We felt that the anti-slip technology in the Cooplus was phenomenal. It had the perfect balance of being tight enough not to slip and also loose enough to not be uncomfortable or leave red marks on our legs. This ensured we didn’t have to adjust the socks as they wouldn’t bunch up in the first place.
•  The compression panels at the toe and heel made sure that our feet were protected from rough surfaces.
• The Cooplus had amazing moisture-wicking capabilities. Our feet were dry at the end of the workday despite doing many tasks that required significant amounts of exertion.
• There’s padding at the site of the Achilles’ heel that is just divine when it comes to preventing blisters and chafing against footwear.
• Overall, it was a highly comfortable sock. The fabric had the right amount of softness and elasticity due to the blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex. The brand nailed the percentages of each material to manufacture a sock that was unparalleled in its texture and comfort.

What We Didn’t Like

• The socks are a bit on the thicker side.

What Could be Improved

• It would’ve been better if the fabric could be slightly less thick in order to prevent increased heat retention during hot weather.

Our Recommendations

• You may want to order a size above your original size.

Specifications

Pros

• High elasticity
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Lightweight
• Great value for money
• Arch reinforcements
• Anti-slip
• Durable
• Cushioned sole

Cons

• They’re average looking socks
• Slightly thick

Work Socks Buyer’s Guide: Find The Perfect Hot Weather Socks

• Usage

If your job requires you to do intensive labor, you’ll need socks that are durable and can withstand lots of friction on a daily basis. Your feet will require more protection if your job is demanding. If you work an office job, cotton socks will suffice.

• Material/ Fabrics

Wool Socks/ Merino wool

Although on the more expensive side, merino wool is an excellent material for socks. The fabric is high quality with many characteristics such as good breathability, moisture-wicking, anti-microbial, resistance to odor retention, and most importantly – it is super soft and luxurious to the touch. It is a strong insulator, which means it does not conduct heat during hot temperatures. It can also blend well with various types of fabrics, making a perfect accompaniment with other more resilient and abrasion-resistant fabrics.

Since Merino wool lacs resilience unlike its polyester or nylon counterparts, it’s usually mixed in with them to create a more durable blend. This is also why a 100% merino wool outdoor sock would be rare to find.

Synthetic Socks

What sets all-synthetic socks apart from their woolen counterparts is their shorter drying time. This is a highly convenient feature as it means the user’s sweat will dry fast and they can avoid feeling uncomfortable with damp feet in hot temperatures.

Cotton

Cotton is a soft and lightweight material that provides a huge amount of comfort to the user. Socks that have a high percentage of cotton ensure that the feet are well-protected even when the wearer is standing for hours on end. It is also a fast-drying breathable fabric, which helps in ventilation and airing out sweat. Cotton is durable and washable as well.

Polyester

With remarkable moisture-wicking abilities, polyester is the go-to material for many socks meant for summer. It also dries fast, which means the wearer will remain dry and cool throughout doing their tasks in hot weather. Polyester is also hydrophobic, which means it has a very low moisture regain value at only 0.4%. This ensures the material stays dry even in humid conditions, making it a suitable fabric for outdoor clothing and gear.

Nylon

Nylon is an all-rounder fabric with its lightweight, high tenacity, abrasion resistance, impressive elastic recovery, resistance to wrinkles, and fast-drying abilities. These qualities make this material highly suitable for outerwear. However, nylon has the ability to absorb water, even though it does tend to dry quite fast.

Acrylic

Known for its wool-like qualities, acrylic is another common fabric for socks. It has physical properties such as resilience, resistance to staining, low water absorption, and durability. It’s also great at wicking moisture and drying quickly. However, one big drawback is that it can conduct heat in hot conditions, so it doesn’t make for a great sock during summer.

Spandex

Spandex is an umbrella term for many other fabrics in the textile industry. It entails everything from Elastane to Lycra to Num to Spandelle to Dorlastan. With its remarkable stretching abilities, it is a staple material in most summer socks. However, the material is restricted to being only 10% or less due to its intense elasticity.

• Sock style (height)

Mini

As the name suggests, these socks are quite small and only come up to the ankle. Due to this, they are also known as ankle socks. Their short length makes them perfect for hot weather.

Micro crew

These are slightly taller in height than the mini ones. Micro crew socks are considered more versatile and comfortable as they can be used for multiple situations. Their multi-functionality makes them compatible with both shorts and pants.

Crew

These are the traditional socks that come up to the lower calf. Its universal length makes it perfect for both hiking shoes and boots in all kinds of weather conditions. Due to its compatibility for both summer and winter weather conditions, crew socks tend to be highly versatile.

• Boot height

Though these are a bit on the longer side for summer, they are perfect for situations where you’d have to wear boots.

• Foot Odor Resistant

If your feet are especially prone to sweating, you want socks that are odor-resistant and have quick drying properties. Damp feet can lead to many diseases such as foot fungus and Athlete’s foot. It is best to opt for a pair of socks that are made of anti-bacterial fabric.

• Support

There are several areas that need to be supported such as the arches and ankles. People with flat feet require work boots that are tailor-made specifically for them. Similarly, they can use socks that are made of reinforced mesh and provide support to their ankles and arches. Ankle bracing socks are also another option for additional support for ankle movement. If you have poor circulation, you may opt for compression socks as they are known to increase blood flow to the feet.

• Stay-Up Technology

As the name suggests, this feature allows the sock to stay upright on your calves so you don’t have to go through the hassle of pulling it up several times throughout the day. This is facilitated by the elasticity in the socks that keeps them in a comfortable position on your legs. You should choose high quality socks that can retain their elasticity even after several washes.

• Fit

Your sock should fit your ankle, foot, and calf like a mold. Otherwise, you may be prone to blisters, chafing and overall discomfort. If your sock is constantly moving on the skin of your foot with every movement, you are bound to get blisters on your feet and feel uncomfortable. Your sock should also be well-fitted around your calves so it does not slide off but also loose enough to not leave marks on your skin.

• Ribbing

Ribbing is a pattern which includes vertical stripes that run up the calf from the ankle. This is a feature that improves the elasticity of the sock and makes it fit better around the cuff. It also gives the sock a thicker feel without having to increase its bulkiness. Ribbed textures also help in reducing friction around the ankles as it prevents the sock from bunching up.

• Double Stitching

With two lines of stitching instead of one, the sock has additional security, which reduces the chances of the seam coming apart. To minimize the chances of chafing, it is best to opt for socks that have a low seam profile or have smooth toe seams.

• Arch Reinforcements

If you have high arches, you may want to opt for socks with arch reinforcements. These have a reinforced weave in the arch to provide support. While this is mostly for high-arched individuals, it can also come in handy for regular arched-feet and people with flat feet. Without proper arch support, it is possible to develop a condition known as Plantar Fasciitis, wherein individuals experience severe pain in their heels.

• Colors and Patterns

The main point of work socks is for your feet to remain comfortable and dry in hot weather and frequent movement. This is why you won’t find aesthetics being prioritized in work socks. It is best to put comfort and functionality over style in this case. Most of the thick work socks usually have muted tones and neutral colors. However, there are some brands that offer a variety of colors and patterns. Compression socks tend to come in different colors as they can be worn with multiple types of footwear that ensure the socks are more visible than if the wearer had been in work boots.

• Padding

If your work requires you to stand on hard surfaces such as concrete floors for extended periods of time, it is highly necessary for you to wear socks that provide extra padding. However, padding might lead to your boot fitting tighter than usual on your foot as it makes your soles thicker. It can also cause your feet to retain more heat than usual. If you want to opt for padded socks, make sure that they fit comfortably in your work boots and won’t heat up unbearably.

Work Socks Vs. Casual Socks: What’s The Difference?

The science behind socks is actually a bit more complicated than you’d imagine. When it comes to socks, there are a lot of different criteria to consider such as thickness, padding, cushioning, compression levels, moisture-wicking abilities, and odor resistance, just to name a few. Casual socks are usually made of cotton and aren’t specialized for heavy-duty work-related use. While they might prevent blisters for a short while, they will wear it quickly. Work socks are manufactured for rough and extensive use. Opting for work socks will save you money and also provide you with the enhanced comfort that’s missing in casual socks.

Advantages of Wearing Socks Designed for Work Boots

• Comfort/ Compression Comfort

Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles. They have many benefits, including increasing blood circulation, decreasing swelling, preventing blood from pooling in your legs,  and improving lymphatic drainage.

• Protection

Work socks are designed to contain reinforcements to your arches, heels and soles. These provide extra support to your feet and ensure that you are well-protected from walking on hard surfaces. They are also useful for people with high arches and flat feet.

• Hygiene

Work socks are specifically made with blends of fabric that contain antibacterial properties. This is a feature you won’t find in casual socks.

• Moisture-wicking

Your feet are continuously sweating inside your work boots. Keeping your feet dry is paramount if you want to avoid foot fungus. Work socks are specialized for increased moisture-wicking capabilities that will keep your feet fresh & dry for prolonged periods of time even in hot conditions.

• Odor Neutralizers

Many people have sweaty feet, and this is especially inconvenient if you have to keep wearing work boots. Many work socks are odor-resistant and have antibacterial properties that combat microbes that cause smelly feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are compression socks good for work boots?

Ans: Since compression socks tend to be on the thinner side, they have less padding and so provide less cushioning for your feet. If you need socks that require a compression feature, these will serve you well.

• How often should you change your work socks in a day?

Ans: You will most likely get through one workday with a pair of socks. However, if your work conditions are causing you to sweat more than usual, you may want to change into another pair midway through the day. It is also highly recommended to wash your socks before wearing them again in order to prevent bacteria and dirt buildup.