15 best work socks for men to buy in 2023
WHEN your job has you on your feet all day, comfort is king – so we’ve tracked down the best work socks available to buy right now.
Having the right footwear is of course key to staying comfortable when your job requires a lot of standing and walking around, and is probably what you give the most consideration to when updating your work staples.
But as we all know, it’s what’s inside that counts as well – and the same can be said for the socks you wear in your work shoes.
From insulating designs and padded features to sweat-wicking socks and natural fabrics, there are plenty of styles out there depending on your requirements and the time of year you’re buying.
Give your sock drawer a much-needed refresh and check out our round-up of the best work socks below.
Best work socks for men at a glance:
- Best no-hole guarantee: Sock Snob Blueguard Anti Abrasion Durability Heavy Duty Work Socks
- Best antibacterial finish: M&S Collection 2pk Freshfeet Heavyweight Work Socks
- Best cushioned socks: Jeep 4 Pack Performance Boot Socks Mens
- Best for cold weather: Karrimor Merino Fibre Heavyweight Walking Socks Mens
- Best for summer: Sock Snob 6 Pack Mens / Womens Breathable Summer Cotton Bamboo Work Socks
- Best for visibility: Sock Snob 3 Pairs Mens Reinforced Heavy Duty Cotton Hi Viz Work Socks for Steel Toe Boots
1. Socksmad® Men’s Work Socks – Heavy Duty Thick Socks with Heel and Toe Protection
- Socksmad® Men’s Work Socks – Heavy Duty Thick Socks with Heel and Toe Protection, £19.99 from Amazon – buy here
If you wear heavy-duty boots to work, these socks promise a comfortable, breathable fit that will protect you from blisters and calluses.
Featuring heel and toe protection, they’re made from a cotton blend and come in a 12 pack which will keep you sorted for a couple of weeks before needing to wash them.
They pass the durability test too, according to one shopper, who writes: “I’m pleasantly surprised how hard wearing these socks are.
“Wearing steel toe cap boots for a ten-hour shift certainly put the tootsie warmers through their paces.
“Would definitely recommend and would certainly buy the product again.”
2. Ouhos Mens Socks Cushioned Work Walking Hiking Sock
- Ouhos Mens Socks Cushioned Work Walking Hiking Sock, £14.99 from Amazon – buy here
Crafted from a cotton blend, these thermal socks have insulating properties so they’ll keep your feet warm if you’re on your feet all day in cold temperatures.
The heavy-duty fabric promises “to withstand prolonged periods on your feet.” Plus they’re equipped with a reinforced toe and heel to prevent any rubbing caused by your work shoes.
With three pairs per pack, you can choose from Wine Red/Green/Dark Blue, Black/Dark Grey/Dark Blue or three pairs of black.
“Incredibly comfortable, warm and wash up really nicely”, notes one impressed shopper.
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3. Jeep 4 Pack Performance Boot Socks Mens
- Jeep 4 Pack Performance Boot Socks Mens, £9.49 (was £12.99) from Sports Direct – buy here
This four-pack of performance boot socks by Jeep are equipped with arch supports, breathable panels and Terry cushioning.
The design offers a bit of graphical interest too, for under your work shoes.
4. Karrimor Merino Fibre Lightweight Walking Socks Mens
- Karrimor Merino Fibre Lightweight Walking Socks Mens, £6.49 (was £12.99) from Sports Direct – buy here
Sweaty feet at work is just not the one.
Luckily, these socks by Karrimor feature a Coolmax construction which is designed “to regulate body temperature and actively manage moisture.”
5. Hunter Boot Socks
- Hunter Boot Socks, £14 (was £20) from Sports Direct – buy here
If wellies are a part of your work attire, then you’ll want a good pair of boot socks to wear with them.
These ones by Hunter feature the brand’s iconic logo and are “cosy and comfortable” but not overly bulky according to a five-star review.
6. Karrimor Merino Fibre Heavyweight Walking Socks Mens
- Karrimor Merino Fibre Heavyweight Walking Socks Mens, £7.99 (was £15.99) from Sports Direct – buy here
Merino wool is known for providing insulation and wicking away moisture, so it’s an ideal choice for your work socks.
In a heavyweight finish, this pair features temperature-regulating Coolmax fabric to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day.
7. 6 Pack Mens / Womens Breathable Summer Cotton Bamboo Work Socks
- 6 Pack Mens / Womens Breathable Summer Cotton Bamboo Work Socks, £10.99 – £35.99 from Sock Snob – buy here
Bamboo is naturally sweat-wicking and antibacterial, so these socks are a must for the summer months.
Blended with cotton, they’re “beautifully thick and soft” writes one impressed shopper.
8. Mens Ultimate Cotton Work Socks for Steel Toe Boots
- Mens Ultimate Cotton Work Socks for Steel Toe Boots, £9.99 – £31.96 from Sock Snob – buy here
These Ultimate Cotton Work Socks for Steel Toe Boots are available to buy in multipacks of six, 12 or 24 – ideal for replenishing your sock drawer.
They come with a reinforced heel and toe to cushion your feet, plus a supportive in-turned welt to “prevent the sock from moving to stop blisters developing on your feet.”
9. Blueguard Anti Abrasion Durability Heavy Duty Work Socks
- Blueguard Anti Abrasion Durability Heavy Duty Work Socks, £9.99 from Sock Snob – buy here
“Fantastic product! Best work socks I have ever owned. High quality, durable and comfortable,” raves one shopper about these Blueguard socks.
Engineered to last the distance, they promise to last “46 times as long as standard sports socks. And they’re lifetime guaranteed not to get holes.”
10. Sock Snob 3 Pairs Mens Reinforced Heavy Duty Cotton Hi Viz Work Socks for Steel Toe Boots
- 3 Pairs Mens Reinforced Heavy Duty Cotton Hi Viz Work Socks for Steel Toe Boots, £7.99 from Sock Snob – buy here
If you need a bit of extra visibility from your work socks, these ones by Sock Snob feature a hi-vis neon comfort cuff “for extra safety in the workplace”.
They also come with a terry-cushioned footbed and polypropylene sole also which allows your feet to breathe.
11. Caterpillar Crew Socks
- Caterpillar Crew Socks, £10.98 from Toolstation – buy here
These socks by Caterpillar boast a high-density heel and toe to keep your comfy when you’re on your feet all day.
They come in at a great price too, for a pack of three.
12. Sock Shop Heavy Duty Safety Trainer Socks
- Sock Shop Heavy Duty Safety Trainer Socks, £5.98 from Toolstation – buy here
Looking for trainer socks for work? Try these from Sock Shop.
With a fully cushioned foot, they also come with arch support for some extra comfort.
13. Scruffs Worker Socks
- Scruffs Worker Socks, £9.98 from Toolstation – buy here
“Not too thin or thick, just right for work boots. They don’t fall down and are soft. I’m using these instead of walking socks, very durable,” says one five-star review about these socks by Scruffs.
Boasting cushioned lining and a reinforced heel and toe, they’re sure to be warm, comfortable and incredibly durable.
14. M&S Collection 2pk Freshfeet Heavyweight Work Socks
- M&S Collection 2pk Freshfeet Heavyweight Work Socks, £16 from M&S – buy here
M&S’s heavyweight work socks are equipped with Freshfeet technology: an antibacterial finish that promises “to keep you smelling fresh”.
With ribbed trim and added stretch, they’re crafted with responsibly sourced cotton.
15. M&S Collection 5pk Cool & Fresh Cushioned Socks
- M&S Collection 5pk Cool & Fresh Cushioned Socks, £14 from M&S – buy here
Featuring bacteria-fighting technology, these M&S socks also have a cushioned sole for extra comfort throughout the workday.
Shoppers are happy, with one writing: “The socks are extremely comfortable and well made.”
What are the best socks to wear for standing all day?
If you’re on your feet for most of the day, you’ll want a pair of socks that are moisture-wicking and will keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Designs that feature padding are especially great for adding to the overall comfort, while you can also look out for socks with reinforced heels and toes to ensure they won’t wear out quickly.
What are the best socks to wear in work boots?
If your job requires you to wear a steel-toe cap boot or similar, then look out for socks designed with work boots in mind as they’ll be considerate of the extra comfort and durability required.
For example, Socksmad’s Men’s Work Socks feature a heavy-duty, thick fabric with heel and toe protection that reviewers say hold up really well on 10-hour shifts.
What socks won’t make my feet sweat in work boots?
Bamboo socks are a great option if you suffer from sweaty feet: this natural fabric absorbs up to 70% more moisture compared with cotton.
It also has thermal regulating properties, is sweat-wicking and antibacterial making it ideal for staying cool, dry and odour free in work boots. Try Sock Snob’s 6 Pack Mens / Womens Breathable Summer Cotton Bamboo Work Socks from our picks above.
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