The 10 Best Work Socks for All-Day Wear, According to Our Editors

These heavy-duty socks from Dickies are reinforced with the high-tech fiber in the heel and toe for added support while wearing work boots. Our editor, Ethan O’Donnell, says, “These are just a good old standard work sock.” He tested the steel-toed crew socks and noticed they’re slightly thicker than normal socks, yet comfortable to wear.

“They don’t move around on my feet, either,” O’Donnell says. “It’s also nice that they come in a six-pack, so you can have a fresh pair for every day on the jobsite.” In addition to staying put, we put the Dickies crew socks on our list because of the extended protection in the Achilles heel to guard against rubbing and blisters, as well as the cushy padding on the bottom of the sock.

The Wrangler compression socks are the tallest socks on our list, and they also help reduce leg fatigue and swelling, ideal for those who work on their feet all day long. In addition to being tall, they’re one of the best values with three pairs included in each purchase.

“Although the Wrangler socks are thin, I appreciated their height, which stretch all the way over my calf,” O’Donnell says. “I also appreciate their ability to stay in place. They are awesome socks, and act as a thin base layer for my legs when paired with warm boots for fall motorcycle rides.”

From the workday to the golf course, these all-purpose, mid-weight socks are designed to keep your feet cool and comfortable no matter what you’re doing. They wick away sweat to keep your feet dry for hours on end, and have Bombas’ signature honeycomb arch support to keep socks from sliding in your boot or tennis shoe. These best work socks are available in a range of colors and make a solid transition sock through your daily activities.

Thorlo socks are O’Donnell’s personal favorites when it comes to work socks. “Although they have a thicker weave, they do not feel bulky or thick on your feet,” he says. “They stay put nicely, but the best part is their cushioning, which makes you feel like your feet are walking on little pillows. Honestly, little pillows are the best way to describe these socks.”

From hiking and skiing to working all day in steel-toed boots, the Thorlo socks address foot comfort issues associated with a variety of different activities. They come with extra padding in the heel and ball of the foot—in other words, the areas that take the most beating during long days on the job. Less pressure on the feet means fewer aches and pains, so your whole body will thank you at the end of the day.

If you’re looking for socks for light work and outdoor adventures, the Feetures trail socks keep feet dry and cool. They also provide a good amount of bottom cushioning while maintaining a lightweight feel. We love the supportive compression these mini crews provide in the arch of the foot. Plus, they have a nice stretchiness over the ankles and lower calf. If you’re someone with a thicker ankle area, you won’t have to worry about these socks being tight or suffocating!

These hard-working socks from Fox River offer extra-large areas of protection in the toe box, as well as the Achilles area, where the padding stretches well up the ankle. Wicking technology and an arch support system provide added comfort in these socks, and synthetic fans will like that these are a wool-free option.

“The Fox River work socks are clearly the thickest and warmest of the work socks,” O’Donnell says. “They also tend to move around on your foot, requiring adjustment when no shoes or boots are being worn.” However, extra-thick socks are a must if you work in cold climate. The additional padding is also an apperciated feature when roofing a house or completing any other task where your feet are constantly shifting in different angles.