Because your everyday athletic ankle socks aren’t cutting it anymore.
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Sometimes the thin no-show socks you grab on your way to the register just aren't gonna cut it. And when I say "sometimes," I'm referring to the months between November and April. Unless you live in the tropics, half of the year requires warmer socks than usual, so you'll def want to stock up before you go into hibernation this winter. But instead of buying 50 pairs of the same thing, get yourself different kinds of warm socks to layer under snow boots, to lounge in at home, or to wear with your running shoes so your toes stay toasty no matter what you're doing.
As someone who has feet that perpetually feel like popsicles, I have more than a few good recs I'm willing to share with you, and, nope, not all of them are obnoxiously thick. From cozy chunky slipper socks to sleek pairs made out of the right fabrics, like soft Merino wool, here are 20 pairs of warm socks you need.
If you're looking for something to keep your feet feeling good, even on the coldest days, keep scrolling for the best socks so you can warm up those toes already.
I'm so here for all of the fun and unconventional picks at Sock Candy. If you need a good dose of whimsy in your winter wardrobe, why not start with this pair with lilies and daisies?
Rave Review: "It's a garden for your feet! I got the purple and yellow calla lilies on a periwinkle background. What could be prettier! These socks are well fitting with some stretch. As a sock connoisseur I have seen nothing else like them."
Never underestimate a good pair of wool socks! These chic ribbed ones are perfect for everyday use.
You could put on your vans or dress shoes (she's versatile!!!) with this cozy wool option that's also decorated with a cute cable-knit design.
Rave Review: "I love these!!!! They are so soft and cozy...what a pleasant surprise, I tell ya. I have wide calves so finding socks that don't cut off my circulation is kind of a challenge. These are absolutely perfect. I wanted some cute and functional socks that would look good poking out above my walking winter boots. These fit the bill and I really am glad I purchased them."
If you're constantly wrapping your feet in blankets to keep warm, you need these socks that are made out of soft, fluffy blanket material.
Rave Review: "I am cozy sock snob. I own about 15 different pairs of various brands. These are the softest, best made, cozy socks I have. My oldest pair of Barefoot Dreams is a year old and they still look and feel brand new—even after wearing and washing many, many times!"
The inside of one of these socks looks like the fluffiest, softest towel, and who doesn't love to wrap up in a warm towel in the winter?!
Rave Review: I've been wearing these for about 3 years and I've bought them three times through Amazon. There are no holes even though I wear them everywhere—even without shoes. I wear them comfortably in every season. I like how they cushion me from my shoes because I wear my shoes pretty tight. I love wearing these on bike rides through the woods and to grocery stores and out to dinner and to bed. There's no place and no time that I don't love these socks. Get some. You'll be happy!"
Need a conversation piece? Voila, these intentionally mismatched (and color-coordinated) socks will do the job. Hopefully, they'll also save us from the lost sock epidemic.
Rave Review: "A friend gifted a pair of these to me many years ago and they are still going strong. Perhaps not as soft and stretchy after so many washings, but they are still warm and cozy and remain hole-free! They make a great gift and are a really nice, practical use of recycled cotton/other fibers. I really should buy myself another pair or two... or three!"
Any pair of socks that has over 22k Amazon ratings deserves a spot on this list. These thick, warm socks are perfect for outdoor activities and wearing with boots.
Rave Review: "I am cold every month of the year—my feet stay blue. Not with these. They are warm, look good and feel good. I can wear them with a low cut shoe. I’ve washed them in the machine and hung them up to dry. No problem. Highly recommend for those of us with perennial cold feet."
These socks are a little pricey, yes, but did we mention they're made of Egyptian cotton?? They're like little sweaters for your feet and legs. From the Biebers and beyond, these celeb-approved socks are the "it" pair for a reason.
These trusty L.L. Bean socks come in super soft wool to keep your tootsies warm af. Plus, unlike most wool styles, you can toss them straight in the washer and dryer.
Rave Review: "I'm now a believer! The Merino Wool Ragg Socks are fabulous. I was skeptical at first thinking these socks would be too thick for my shoes. However, they fit perfectly and are very comfortable, and warm and don't fit overly snugly at the top. The sizing is appropriate. I ended up with six pairs for myself and the same for my partner."
Wool has a bad rap for being itchy, but these 4.6-star reviews don't lie. These socks are thick, warm, and surprisingly soft.
Rave Review: "These are so warm! I've always had cotton socks—I don't do wool but I'm so delighted to have tried these! They're very lightweight so they fit right into my boot shoes. I wore them today in the cold snow as I was training dogs and my feet stayed cozy, warm, and comfortable. I really love this product."
What's better than one pair of pastel plush microfiber socks? Multiple pairs of them. Choose your pack based on the number of socks you want and the color combos you like best.
Rave Review: "My feet are typically always cold but I don't have that problem with these socks. On top of being comfortable and warm, they are extremely soft! I also have very sensitive feet and these make me feel like I am walking on clouds. This is an item I will purchase again."
Bombas knows how to do cozy socks. With a breathable footbed, arch support, and soft seamless toe, you'll feel supported when you hit the slopes!
These bunchy, scrunchy socks give me '90s aerobics class vibes, and I'm into it. Wear these with leggings to keep your feet and ankles warm.
Rave Review: "These socks are seriously so comfy and thick! I am obsessed! They were exactly what I was hoping to pair with my Uggs and leggings!"
It could be pouring or snowing, but your feet will most definitely stay completely dry and warm in Hunter's genius boot socks made specifically for its tall rubber boots.
If you're worried about sweating, grab this moisture-wicking, fleece-lined pair.
Rave Review: "My girlfriend wears them pretty much daily...even in the summer. I keep my place pretty cold so they are perfect for her. I ended up getting 3 more colors since she loves them so much."
Didn't they tell ya that ~the soft life~ is what you deserve? Slide on this ultra-cushioned pair for the dreamiest experience.
Rave Review: "I hate socks and but these changed that! I love them! They're thick but not too thick and they're great quality. I went to the beach and got hella sand in my shoe but none got inside my sock. Idk, it's the little things for me! I want a pair in every color now."
Oprah's Favorite Things, anyone? The ultimate gift for warm, nourished feet, this set comes with peppermint, lavender, and tea tree foot creams, one pair of fuzzy socks, and two pairs of cotton ankle socks.
Rave Review: "Works the best! It has great quality so I bought for my family to use it, too."
No matter how old your boots are, no icy water will get to your feet when you wear this waterproof pair of warm socks.
Rave Review: "I have had frostbite on my feet and it's impossible to keep them warm on long flights. Someone suggested I try some waterproof socks so I bought a pair of these and wore them on my return flight home. I just have to say for the first time since I can remember, my feet were not cold while flying. In fact, they were nice and toasty. There's something about these socks that make my feet feel just terrific. I'll be getting more of these with winter approaching."
Chenille socks? Oh, you fancy! These ankle-length cozy socks are ideal for the person who can never decide if they're too hot or too cold.
When you need a pair of socks to wear with open shoes, go with a pair like this one that'll keep your toes warm and covered but aren't an eyesore.
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn.
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