Are you looking for the best thermal socks for winter, skiing, snow, cold, etc.? Then read our reviews of the best picks for extreme cold.
When winter snow and icy winds get worse around us, we instinctively turn to scarves, mittens and wool caps, our favorite sweater, a waterproof wool-coated coat, warm socks, and a pair of cheap snow boots or shoes, good and robust. But even with all these layers that cover virtually any part of our body, we may still have cold feet. What is going wrong? Why don’t we get the protection we desperately need? If this is your case, and the freezing winter is sowing chaos on your feet, it’s time to buy some thermal socks.
Winter socks can give you heat in freezing temperatures. They are a garment as important as gloves, since hot feet do not allow heat to escape from the body. Whether you go skiing or snowboarding, good thermal socks will give you the comfort you need to face the hard winter season.
There are many online models, but this time we have selected the ones with the best score and those with which users have felt most satisfied.
The top 7 best thermal socks for the extreme cold
One of the essential accessories to cope with low temperatures is socks. And, when we talk about extreme cold, thermal socks are the best option to maintain the temperature of the feet, which is one of the most sensitive parts of the body when it is cold.
Before moving on to the complete guide to help you choose, let’s see the 7 best models on the market.
Jarseen Thermal Socks for Men and Women
We begin with our ranking of thermal socks with this effective JARSEEN brand product. They are thermal socks of thick layer wool but very comfortable, available for both men and women. They are socks made of 91% acrylic, 5% nylon, 3% polyester, and 1% elastane providing the warmth and comfort you need.
These socks have great incorporations, such as their thermal threads, that work as heaters. It provides an impressive performance of insulation against the cold. It can absorb moisture and provide the breathing that your feet need, besides keeping them dry.
Besides the thermal thread, it has a knitting technology. Its long wool creates a pile of cushions with loops to maintain the warmer air, thus increasing the thermal capacity.
Each sock has an internal brushing process. This internal part maximizes the amount of hot air and maintains it while it is in use. It also offers excellent comfort.
Pros
- Very warm
- Unisex
- Machine wash
- Extra warm for the coldest winter weather
- Soft and comfortable
- Ultra warm & fuzzy thick lining
Cons
- May be too tight at the calf
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Gore Unisex Multifunction Thermo Mid Socks
The basic structure of these socks is wool knit. It allows you to keep your feet warm without applying pressure.
Thanks to the wool and lycra fabric, a mix of highly technical materials, they are warm and soft. It is a functional fabric, very breathable thanks to the Gore Selected Fabrics material.
They also guarantee rapid drying. They have an anatomical construction for the right-left foot. The features are completed by the anti-stress lycra avillage, the anti-torsion elastic fabric on the arch of the foot, the Tactel tip to protect from pressure and wear, and multi-contact anatomical support in the light sponge.
Pros
- Moisture-wicking technology.
- Wool material
- Medium padding level in the sole
- Minimal seams for more comfort
- Toe and heel protection, i.e., added padding
Cons
- Some might find the price a little steep
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Darn Tough Boot Cushion Sock
Darn Tough is a well-known brand of winter sports socks. On this occasion, its Hiker Boot model is not only ideal for those who go hiking in winter but also for anyone looking for maximum protection. One of the significant advantages of this brand is that it has a lifetime guarantee, which has us covered for any damage that may occur to the material.
Composed of 64% merino wool, they are super warm, besides having an antibacterial quality that prevents odors. These insulated socks feature medium underfoot cushioning making them perfect for mountaineers—it’s not for nothing that they won a gold medal in Backpacker magazine.
Pros
- Comfortable
- They absorb moisture
- Good performance in both cold and heat
- Great value for the price
- very warm
Cons
- Not the best for people who sweat too much
- Sizes may be tighter than they say they are
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Brubaker Heat My Feet Thermal Socks
They are special socks made of high-tech fiber, which effectively keeps body heat thanks to the soft fiber. They offer complete insulation against the cold.
The breathable function of the fiber has a dehumidifying action, guaranteeing a comfortable fit that prevents sweating. They keep your feet warm and dry all day long. They are ideal for winter, skiing, or other outdoor events.
The package includes two pairs of socks made of 91% acrylic, 5% nylon, 3% polyester, and 1% elastane.
Pros
- Sweat-wicking fabric for odor control
- Available in a variety of colors
- Thick material provides great insulation
Cons
- Size can be short for some people
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Carhartt Men’s Arctic Heavyweight
We continue our list of the best thermal socks with the Carhartt Men’s Arctic Heavyweight Wool Boot Socks. Designed by one of the best brands in the industry, this winter accessory offers a blend of 68% Wool, 23% Nylon, 8% Other Fiber, and 1% Spandex. Its adjustable thickness and texture make it unambiguously perfect for diverse uses. It offers a blend of Merino wool and Coralast abrasion-resistant fibers which both create a comfortable and durable sock for the extreme cold. From farm work and hiking to high-intensity sports, this remains a trusted partner.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Ultra warm
- Fair fit for boots
- Soft and comfortable
Cons
- They can carve tight in the calves
- They are too warm for more temperate climates
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Danish Endurance Merino Wool
Designed in Denmark and produced in Europe, the Danish Endurance is certainly a competitive option on our list.
Made from 33% merino wool and high-quality synthetic blends, these socks are very warm. It features medium to high-level cushioning in the heel and toe area, providing warmth and comfort in a variety of weather conditions.
Its ventilation system makes sweat evaporate and your feet stay dry. They have a high-density fabric that allows a good fit and durability, and despite that, these socks are light and do not add a lot of volume inside the boot.
Note: They should be machine washed at 105° Fahrenheit or 40° Celsius on a wool cycle, do not put in the dryer.
Pros
- Practical for any season
- High-density socks
- Comfortable
- Flexible and with a good fit to the foot
- Low volume
- Wide range of colors and sizes
Cons
- Not suitable for tumble drying
- They are not the warmest on the list
- They fray with the use
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Wigwam Unisex Comfort Hiker Crew Length Socks
If you are looking for socks to stay active in the winter, surely the Comfort Hiker Crew is a good choice. They have very good cushioning in the heel and forefoot, making them comfortable for impact activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and skiing.
They come in different colors for men and women and of course, with them, we obtain the great properties of merino wool that prevent the foot from sweating too much and repel odor. In addition, they breathe very well thanks to the ventilation designed in the arch of the foot.
Pros
- Very warm
- Unisex
- Premium merino wool
- Closed and anatomical fit
- Soft and comfortable
- Durable
Cons
- May be too tight at the calf
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Polar Extreme Warm Thermal Socks For Women
This last pair of thermal socks is especially for women. These Extreme Warm Thermal Socks For Women from Polar are highly cozy by nature and produce a very warm reception on the inside. These socks convey a feeling of warm comfort at first glance. They also provide the required heat of up to seven times more than cotton.
Interestingly, the fuzzy nature of these thermal socks does not result in an itch and it offers a well-formulated blend of materials that gives out that cozy sock feel. It is ideal for snow boots, hiking, and other rigorous sporting activities. Feel at peace to be at your best as you grab any two pairs of these polar extreme insulated thermal socks with charcoal and grey colors up for grabs, among others.
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What exactly are thermal socks?
These are socks made of very warm materials, usually wool or similar fabrics, which are worn to maintain the correct level of warmth of the feet in the colder months. Many models also favor optimal foot perspiration, keeping it dry and at a constant temperature.
Thick fabrics also have a cushioning function and protect the feet from blisters and other friction injuries. There are many people who combine these socks with a complete set of thermal underwear for complete defense against the harshest climate. There are also those who use them instead of slippers and those who even wear them in bed.
The 5 key advantages of thermal socks
There are several advantages that come from wearing a good pair of thermal socks. If you are thinking of making a purchase, here are the main ones.
They are very comfortable
Being thicker than normal models of socks, they offer a high level of comfort. The presence of additional padding makes them very comfortable, even for walking around the house without slippers. If you plan to use them in this way, choose a non-slip pair.
Favor wearability
Their unparalleled softness favors the flexibility of the sock. In this way, you put them on and take them off with the utmost ease, pleasantly caressing your feet.
They are a barrier against the cold
Cold feet in winter make you damn? Or do you challenge the harshest climates on the ski fields? No problem: thanks to their thickness, the snow socks wrap your limbs with a very pleasant warmth. Many models are also longer than normal types, providing an additional level of protection.
Regulate body temperature
A good winter sock can also regulate body temperature, and be warm in winter, but also cool in warmer seasons.
No unpleasant odors
They can avoid the formation of moisture in contact with the skin. This is a characteristic that prevents the onset of unpleasant smells.
How to choose the right pair for you?
Whether you are using socks to walk the dog, take the subway on a frosty morning, or go trekking on a snowy mountain, high-quality thermal socks can offer you all the comfort you need.
There is a multitude of waterproof winter socks available on the market, available in different lengths: ankle, calf, and up to the knee. Ankle and calf socks are ideal for shoes and knee socks are ideal for wearing boots.
They can be made with a mix of different materials, synthetic and natural fibers and can offer different levels of support, depending on whether they are designed for daily use or for a particular outdoor activity such as snowboarding, mountaineering or hiking. If you are passionate about mountain biking, you can also find winter MTB models.
What are they made of?
The first thing to consider when looking for the perfect pair for you is the material. Winter socks can be made with a mix of synthetic materials such as nylon and elastane, or in combination with natural fibers, such as Merino wool and nylon.
Synthetic materials
Synthetic materials such as neoprene and nylon can be combined with lycra or elastane in some areas of the sock, such as around the calf area, where greater support is required. Thanks to their high elasticity, they allow you to easily adapt to the anatomy of the limb, in the name of comfort. Other fibers such as CoolMax, Polyester and Acrylic are also used to quickly remove moisture and thus keep feet dry, while blistering at the same time.
Cotton
Avoid cotton at all costs when looking for winter socks. The models that are completely in this material are not suitable for sports activities such as running and hiking. They quickly absorb sweat and moisture and dry slowly, which can cause blisters.
Wool
Wool, and in particular merino wool, is one of the best materials for keeping feet warm and dry. The higher the percentage of wool contained in the sock, the higher the thermal protection. However, since the wool fiber is not strong enough to withstand the constant abrasion inside the shoes or boots, it is generally combined with some synthetic fabric.
If you are looking for very soft and comfortable wool, consider alpaca and cashmere.
Merino wool
We know merino wool for its superior breathability and its ability to absorb moisture. In fact, it is both hydrophobic and hygroscopic, which means that it repels and absorbs water at the same time. It is also thermostatic and can thus regulate the temperature, keeping your feet warm in winter and cool in summer. The other interesting feature of the Merino wool sock is that it is comfortable on the skin and does not cause itching.
Cushioning and support
Many winter socks have extra padding on the heel and toe, making them extremely comfortable.
This extra cushioning can be very useful when wearing hiking shoes and walking on rough terrain or practicing sports.
Some winter socks offer a tight and reinforced texture in the arch to improve support. This is especially useful if you have high arches. The padding or reinforced armor offers you the adequate support you need for intense activity, so as not to run the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, which can cause severe heel pain.
Size and height
The size of the socks can vary from one brand to another. To find your perfect fit take a look at the size chart that is provided by the manufacturer. The size chart will include standard shoe sizes and the corresponding sock sizes.
The height of the sock is also important. If a sock is too long, it will tangle between your toes and if it is too short, it will slip into your shoe or boot.
Perfect for hiking
If you are going to hike in areas with a harsh climate, the thermal sock is a piece of clothing to add to your equipment. Besides adding an additional layer of insulation to keep the feet warm, they can promote the perspiration of the foot, keeping it perfectly dry.
They are a superb choice for hikers who are in the middle of wild nature, as they can be washed and dried faster than normal socks.
How to keep them in perfect condition
Here are some tips that will allow you to keep them looking new for a long time.
Before washing the socks, turn them inside out. If you want to put them in the washing machine, choose a gentle cycle in hot or cold water.
To keep the socks extremely soft, use a specific detergent for washing woolen items. And if you don’t want them to lose their shape, let them dry naturally.