Best Hunting Socks For Cold Weather – 2021 Guide

| Last Updated December 22, 2021

The best hunting socks for cold weather are durable and warm but feature a design that keeps them securely on your feet.

Many socks feature contouring and performance materials, and our list of recommendations features a variety of options for supremely warm feet in any hunting conditions.

Comparison of the Best Hunting Socks For Cold Weather

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Comes with pull-on closure for easy fitting
  • Material: Acrylic, wool, polyester, spandex, and nylon
  • Weight: Heavyweight
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  • 3 pairs included with this package
  • Material: Wool, polyester, nylon, spandex
  • Weight: Mid - heavyweight
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  • Best for the Money
  • Material: Wool, nylon, spandex, and other fibers
  • Weight: Heavyweight
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  • Moisture and cold resistant to keep feet warm
  • Material: Wool, nylon, and spandex
  • Made from strong and flexible materials for better comfort
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  • Moisture and cold resistant to keep feet warm
  • Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex
  • Moisture and cold resistant to keep feet warm
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What Makes Socks Great For Cold Weather Hunting? 

Some essential qualities make specific socks excellent for cold weather hunting, and at the top of the list is warmth. Warm, comfortable socks with a bit of extra material for cushioning can keep your feet toasty, and if they feature the right material, you shouldn't sweat.

Many socks come with specific contouring to ensure they don't bunch or slip around on your foot no matter what boots you wear. Finding socks with this more specific fit can also help prevent blisters and make sure the warmth of your feet stays contained.

For those with feet that sweat quickly, you'll also want to look for wicking and fast-drying socks so you don't lose warmth. Many modern performance materials used to make socks perform equally well to merino wool often cost less and have a higher durability level.

Lastly, you'll want to pay attention to the sock's thickness and cut as many socks have more material around the ankle and calf to help hold in warmth. This extra fabric also prevents chafing and blisters, and strategic padding can make your feet feel cozier than socks with an even thickness all around.

Review of the Best Hunting Socks For Cold Weather 

Finding great hunting socks can ensure you have a comfortable trip with feet that stay warm and toasty but don't get overly sweaty. Read on for our list of recommended socks and the features we like most.

Best Overall:
Carhartt Cold Weather Boot Sock

Carhartt Men's MED (US Force Extremes Crew Socks, BlackHeather, Shoe Size: 5-10

PROS

  • Odor resistant
  • Made in the USA
  • Machine washable
  • Extra cushioning and strategic ankle vents
  • Blended acrylic, wool, polyester, spandex, and nylon 

CONS

  • Thicker than wool socks
  • The sizing chart isn't the most accurate

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers love the thickness of these socks for the extra cushioning that it provides, and while the fit can be tricky to get right, these socks tend to run big and not small. Some buyers size down and find that they stay securely in place, breathe well, and provide plenty of warmth for most cold weather applications.

Why it Stands Out to Us

These socks stand out for their contoured fit, durability, and cushioning, making them ideal for cold weather conditions when paired with appropriately sized boots. The blend of acrylic, wool, polyester, nylon, and spandex ensures they breathe and dry quickly but also hold their shape for hours as you wear them.

These socks also go a little bit farther up the calf than other brands, which can prevent your boots from chafing your calves and also keeps the socks from falling into your boots as easily. You'll find these reinforced socks in a variety of colors, and they're perfect for cold weather hunting trips regardless of how much moving you'll be doing.

Bottom Line

If you want a work-horse style sock with a contoured and cushioned fit, you'll love these and enjoy the warmth and durability you get with the reinforced sole. More material around the calf and specialized stitching keeps them securely on your foot.

Product Specs

Material:

Acrylic, wool, polyester, spandex, and nylon

Weight:

Heavyweight

Length:

Calf

Durability Features:

Extra cushioning and strategic ankle vents

Runner-up:
Alvada Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot Sock

Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot Sock For Men Women 3 Pairs ML

PROS

  • Machine washable
  • Cushioned footbed
  • Non-itchy material
  • Medium-heavy thickness
  • No-slip cuff with a fuzzy interior

CONS

  • Sizing runs big
  • They pill after several washes

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers love how thick and soft these socks are, and there's plenty of room to wiggle your toes without the socks moving around much in your boots. While these run a little bit big, they are excellent at moisture control, and the mesh panels allow for optimal breathability without sacrificing warmth.

Why it Stands Out to Us

These socks offer a lot when it comes to fit, and the compression arch helps ensure they stay in place, while the reinforced toe and heel areas make them a highly durable option. The design also features venting that allows your feet to breathe without letting in the cold, and extra foot padding adds protection between you and the cold.

These socks are ideal for hunting thanks to their superior fit and no-slip cuff. The fabric is also blended wool, polyester, nylon, and spandex, so they keep their shape, resist odor, and stretch where you need them to while also wicking away moisture.

Bottom Line

These socks offer superior cushioning and fit that is ideal for extended hunting trips in the cold. The extra padding in the footbed and the ventilation panels ensure you stay warm without sweaty feet, and advanced moisture-wicking keeps you dry.

Product Specs

Material:

Wool, polyester, nylon, spandex

Weight:

Mid - heavyweight

Length:

Calf

Durability Features:

Cushioning in the footbed

Best for the Money:
Carhartt Arctic Wool Boot Socks

Carhartt mens Arctic Wool Heavy Boot Casual Sock, Moss, Shoe Size 6-12 US

PROS

  • Machine washable
  • Anti-odor technology
  • Fitted arch for an optimal fit
  • Ribbed cuff cut higher for use with boots
  • Blended wool, nylon, spandex, and other fibers

CONS

  • The sizing is a bit small
  • Less than optimal wicking

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers love that these socks offer more generous cushioning and a heavy feel, so your feet stay cozy whether you're moving around or sitting still while hunting. They also like that these socks have a more sturdy ribbed cuff that stays snug, so the socks don't fall down in your boots or stretch out quickly.

Why it Stands Out to Us

These socks have a super plush feel about them, and the specialized arch offers support as you move and helps keep the sock securely in place. We like the reinforced heel and toe that provides advanced durability and the blended fabric that resists pilling, odors, and protects your foot from impact.

This sock has wicking qualities, and the cuff extends farther up the calf to prevent chafing from your boots or loss of warmth. We also like the cushioning around the calf area and the soft interior, making it easy to wear these socks for extended hunting trips.

Bottom Line

These socks feature a truly rugged design that prioritizes warmth and fit, so your feet stay toasty and supported thanks to the specialized arch and added cushioning in high impact areas. Thanks to the technical yarn and reinforced heel and toe, these socks are exceptionally durable.

Product Specs

Material:

Wool, nylon, spandex, and other fibers

Weight:

Heavyweight

Length:

Calf

Durability Features:

Compression arch and ankle stabilizers

Best Wool Option:
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock

Darn Tough Vermont Micro Crew Sock Cushion 1466 Athletic Socks,Black,S

PROS

  • Made in the USA
  • Machine washable
  • Blended wool, nylon, and spandex
  • Suitable for a wide range of temperatures
  • Anti-microbial, odor, and bacteria resistant

CONS

  • The fit is more snug
  • Thinner and less plush than synthetic socks

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers love the fit of these socks, and the stretch provided by the spandex blended in with the other fibers. These socks are far less bulky than synthetic socks thanks to the fitted arch and cuff, and users love that they breathe better and don't smell as soon as other socks.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Darn Tough has a long reputation for creating highly durable wool socks, and these are no exception with their fine gauge knit excellent wicking and natural antimicrobial properties. You won't have to wash these socks as much as other socks made from synthetic materials, and they feature no seams, so you don't have to worry about blisters.

We also love the cuff height that pairs excellently with a hiking boot and the mid-level cushioning that makes these ideal as a lighter hunting sock for cold weather. The ribbing keeps the cuff from falling, and merino wool regulates the temperature of your feet all year.

Bottom Line

Darn Tough socks are highly durable wool socks that offer optimal breathability and warmth without added bulk. These socks are genuinely seamless, and the form-fitting ribbed design prevents chafing and blisters as you hunt at any time of the year.

Product Specs

Material:

Wool, nylon, and spandex

Length:

Calf

Durability Features:

Cushioning underfoot, knit in Northfield, Vermont

Best Cotton Blend Option:
 MIRMARU Multi Performance Outdoor Crew Socks

MIRMARU M203-Men's 5 Pairs Multi Performance Outdoor Sports Hiking Trekking Crew Socks (Black,Char,Olive,Blue,Red)

PROS

  • Fully ribbed cuff
  • Machine washable
  • Extra cushioning around the footbed
  • Blended cotton, polyester, and spandex
  • Compression fit around the arch, heel, and ankle

CONS

  • Holds more moisture than wool
  • Not warm enough for severe cold

What Recent Buyers Report

The durability of these socks is the number one feature that buyers love, and thanks to the cotton blended into the fibers, you can enjoy these socks for years with minimal pilling or holes. 

Even with rugged use, these socks withstand wear and washing and provide ample warmth for all but the coldest temperatures.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

These socks offer a superior fit, and the cotton included in the fibers helps to ensure they are softer than other synthetic materials. The ribbed cuff offers ample breathability, and the highly elastic arches provide support and a better fit that prevents blisters. We also like the extra cushioning on the footbed that protects your feet from impact.

These socks have a plush feel and are thicker than wool socks, but the wicking material helps keep you dry in various conditions while hunting, including in the rain, snow, or high humidity. 

Bottom Line

These socks feature cotton fibers that enhance their durability, and the elasticized construction ensures a snug fit, so your socks don't shift around. These socks also support the arch and cushion your feet, so they stay cozy in cold weather.

Product Specs

Material:

Cotton, polyester, spandex

Length:

Calf

Durability Features:

Fully ribbed cuff

Thermolite vs. Merino Socks For Hunting - Comparison Overview

As two of the most popular brands, it's natural to compare Thermolite and Merino socks. Here's a look at their similarities and differences: 

Qualities

Thermolite is a synthetic polyester material that's excellent for insulation but is less bulky than other synthetic materials. Merino wool is a natural material often blended with other fibers to create a highly breathable yet very warm fabric that's well suited for cold weather hunting.

Both fibers will keep you warm, but wool wicks away moisture faster and dries quickly in addition to its antimicrobial properties.

Thermolite is resistant to water, which makes it wick away moisture at a comparable rate to wool, and it allows for freedom of movement while resisting fading, shrinking, and pilling.

Care and Durability

Merino socks don't have the same durability that you'll find with a synthetic material like Thermolite, but it can be close. Thermolite also doesn't provide the same amount of warmth and moisture-wicking that merino wool often does, and it needs more frequent washing.

You can often machine wash both materials, but wool doesn't have the same resistance to shrinking and fading that Thermolite does. Thermolite is also comparably thin to wool, and both materials help prevent odors and blisters on your feet.

Applications

Both wool and Thermolite make for excellent cold weather hunting socks, and the material that works best for you will depend on several factors, including your personal preference, sock construction, and the type and fit of the boots you wear.

How to Clean and Store Wool Hunting Socks

Once you've found the perfect pair of hunting socks, you'll want to keep them in great condition for a long time. Here's how:

Care

Modern hunting socks typically feature a blend of wool and other materials that make them machine washable with minimal wear over time. You'll want to use a gentle cycle and warm or cool water to avoid possible shrinkage and mild soap.

It's not a good idea to use bleach or fabric softener with your wool socks as these can damage the fibers. Bleach causes irreparable damage to wool fibers that can cause holes, and fabric softener coats the wool, making it unable to wick away moisture properly or breathe.

You don't need to wash your wool socks after each use unless they smell. Many users find that cleaning their socks only when they begin to smell extends their life and prevents holes and pilling. Minimal washing also preserves the elastic in the socks, which ensures a long-lasting snug fit.

Storage

You can store your clean wool hunting socks in your dresser with your other socks, or you can place them in a small garment bag and store them in a cool, dry place. 

Some users opt for bug-resistant bags that keep out common pests like bed bugs and moths.

What to Wash Wool Hunting Socks In?

You can purchase special wool wash for washing your socks, but mild laundry detergent also works nicely provided it's free from bleach. Avoid using fabric softener, and other additives as these can damage the wool fibers and decrease their effectiveness.

Conclusion 

A well-fitted pair of socks can ensure your feet stay toasty this winter, but you must get the proper size and consider how the socks fit your feet and work with your boots. If your boots are too tight, the socks won't keep you as warm, and for the coldest temps, you'll want to invest in socks with a higher percentage of wool.

People Also Ask

Some common questions pop up when searching for the best pair of hunting socks for cold weather excursions. Read our list to get the answers you need as you find your perfect pair of hunting socks that keep your feet comfy and warm in any weather conditions.

How Do I Keep My Feet Warm When Hunting in Freezing Weather?

Wearing the right socks and the right boots ensures your feet stay warm, but you need to have the right tool for the job. For the coldest temps, you'll want to get thicker socks, but these socks mustn't fit tightly inside your boots. 

What Type of Socks Keep Feet Warmest?

The warmest option is wool compared to the most common synthetic fibers, but in some socks made from Thermolite, you can get comparable warmth with slightly less bulk and more durability.

Do Thermal Socks Really Work?

Thermal socks do work because they trap warm air close to your feet when paired with appropriately sized boots. These types of socks don't work well for warmer temperatures, but they offer great comfort and breathability in cold weather.

What Kind of Socks Wick Away Moisture?

Many different materials will wick away moisture, including a wide range of synthetics and wool.

It's a good idea to test out different socks to find the fiber that wicks moisture away fast enough for your feet in particular.

How to Layer Socks For Hunting In Cold Weather

When layering socks, you'll want to prioritize keeping your feet dry. A thin inner liner sock that's moisture-wicking is best when paired with a thicker outer layer such as wool that provides more incredible warmth.

Are Therapeutic Alpaca Socks Good For Hunting?

Alpaca is both warm and highly breathable thanks to its fibers being hollow and extremely fine. These characteristics make alpaca socks great for hunting as long as the fiber gets blended with other materials for enhanced durability.

Are Heated Socks Good For Hunting?

While heated socks are tempting, they can cause your feet to sweat, which can leave your feet feeling clammy. It's best to try them out in cold weather before a hunting trip to ensure you get a proper fit and the right level of warmth.

Is Merino Wool a Good Material For Hunting Socks?

Merino wool is an excellent material for hunting socks as it's breathable, antimicrobial, and offers a high level of warmth with limited bulk. These socks also dry quickly and don't require as much washing as socks made from other fibers.



My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.