I Test Cold Weather Gear For A Living. These Heated Socks Kept My Feet Warm in Antarctica. (2025)

A cold weather sock is like a Swiss Army Knife: it's thick enough to keep your dogs warm in frigid temps, but is infused with moisture-wicking fabrics to keep your feet from overheating when you're on the move. The result: a cozy-yet breathable knit that can keep your toes dry, comfortable, and warm even in sub-zero conditions.

As New England-based editors, we're used to cold weather. So for this story, we field tested more than 30 socks in the depths of winter, and put them through the ringer during 10-degree runs, morning commutes, hiking trips, and bed rotting on weekends (somebody has to do it!). We gave top points for socks that fought funk, dried quickly, and kept our feet relatively comfortable even after spending more than six hours in them. Read on for our favorite picks.

Best Cold Weather Socks

What to Consider

Socks aren't incredibly complicated, but sock technology (we swear that's really a thing) has come a long way in just the last ten years. It's no longer just about choosing between cotton, wool, or polyester. Today, the most well-known brands make socks that blend several fabrics with next-gen technology to help them dry faster, last longer, and wash easier. Here's everything you need to consider to find the best cold-weather socks for you.

Material

• Cotton: The right fabric is the single most important consideration when sock shopping. As far as natural materials go, cotton is a great go-to fabric for everyday wear. It's breathable, all-natural, and feels great against the skin. The only time we don't recommend cotton is for active adventures. That's because cotton takes forever to dry, so if you use them during a cold weather run, feet will probably stay sweaty until you take them off.
• Wool: Wool is an ideal alternative. It's also soft and breathable but dries much faster and retains its warming/heating properties even when wet— a critical feature for cold-weather wear! In general, it's also more durable than cotton. That's doubly true for Merino wool socks. This fabric boasts all the great-making properties of traditional wool but is better at moisture management and odor resistance and is usually lighter weight with the same warmth.
• Synthetics: Synthetics like nylon and polyester are common materials found in cold-weather socks, as well. They're incredibly durable and often cheaper than their wool counterparts. They're not as great, however, at wicking away sweat and odor.

Thickness / Weight

The best sock brands delineate their options into three or four thickness categories—lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. Of course, for cold-weather wear, you'll probably want to consider the latter two. Midweight socks are ideal for chilly (but not frigid) weather when you might not be outside or exposed to the elements for more than a couple of hours. Heavyweight socks are best if your feet run cold or for more hardcore winter activities like hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, etc.

Sock Height

Socks fall into one of four heights or "cuts": Below the ankle, above the ankle, mid-calf, and knee height. Below-the-ankle socks (including invisible or no-show socks) are ideal for those who prefer a minimalist sock with a barely-there feel. However, their low coverage means they're better suited for warmer weather. Ankle socks provide a bit more coverage, they're also best for milder or shoulder season weather. Our fashion editors say mid-calf (including crew socks) are usually the best of all worlds as they provide the most versatile coverage, making them great for everyday wear and active pursuits. Over-the-calf socks and knee-height socks provide the most coverage to keep your feet, ankles, and lower legs toasty warm in even the most frigid weather. They're perfect for winter activities like skiing and mountaineering.

Cushioning

Some cold-weather socks are built with extra cushioning in the heel, toe, or both. This provides extra comfort and support during intense activities like trail running and skiing and can also add an extra degree of warmth as it helps separate your feet even further from the ground. There really is no "best" level of cushioning. It's all a matter of personal preference. We recommend test-driving several cushioning options to see what feels right to you.

How We Selected

Our team vetted dozens of winter-worthy socks for this year's roundup. I'm an outdoor writer with more than a decade's worth of experience field testing the toughest winter gear, including socks. I trialed a bunch of them on snowy hikes in New England, while exploring the Antarctic continent, and during my daily routine in the coldest months of the year in coastal Massachusetts. I also consulted with Men's Health Deputy Commerce Editor, Christian Gollayan. Together we considered a variety of sock types from different brands and in different weights to determine the pairs with the best cut, comfort, and cushioning—all so you don't have to.

The best cold-weather socks (especially those crafted with Merino wool) can be pricey, but Carhartt proves they don't have to be. Its simply named Heavyweight Crew Sock features a mostly synthetic blend of polyester, acrylic, and nylon, with a dash of traditional wool. The result is durable and odor-resistant with all the warmth and cozy feel of natural wool. A thin layer of cushioning throughout makes it relatively comfortable for its price point We love that, unlike with many Merino alternatives, it's easily machine-washable, too. The best part? It's cheaper than almost every other option we considered this year.

For maximum warmth in the coldest weather, we love UA's Hitch ColdGear Boot Sock. It's among the thickest and warmest socks we vetted for this roundup. Combined with maximum cushioning throughout the leg and foot, it's perfect for long days on your feet while trekking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. The mostly synthetic blend design is highly durable, and the addition of wool and Spandex makes it soft and stretchy, too. The price—especially since it's for a pair of socks—is surprisingly affordable, especially for a premium Under Armour product. Our only gripe? This tends to shrink in the dryer.

Swiftwick socks are among our favorites, as they maximize versatility. The Pursuit Quarter Crew is a great all-around sock that's built for all-season wear. The mostly Merino wool construction keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Medium cushioning and moderate compression help maximize comfort and relieve foot stress and pressure, whether you're trail running, cycling, or hiking. We love the simple patterns/colorways that work just as well at the office or in the backcountry. Plus, Swiftwick offers a lifetime guarantee with free shipping and free returns to boot. Bonus: Score a discount by buying three or more pairs!

Volcom's Horizon Wool Blend OTC Sock is purpose-built for long days on the mountain, whether that be for skiing, snowshoeing, or winter hiking. The midweight construction makes for a snug but not too-tight fit in your favorite boot, while light cushioning in critical impact zones (namely the ankle and footbed) helps pad and protect your feet. The design blends mostly synthetics with 21% wool, so it's soft, breathable, durable, and, best of all, warm. We also love the anatomical design and "Stay Up" cuff—both of which guarantee a better, almost custom fit for maximum all-day comfort on the slopes.