Merino socks are considered one of the best and are becoming very popular among hikers, runners, and people who like to have their feet warm but not sweaty and are not big fans of wool socks that are very itchy.
There are a few reasons why merino socks are so great:
- Regulates temperature – they are great for all year round as they keep your feet warm in cold weather and cool if temperatures are high.
- Manages Moisture – unlike cotton, merino wool socks can absorb the sweat without making your feet feel damp.
- Has natural antibacterial properties – The lanolin and structure of the fibers make it harder for bacteria that cause bad smells to stay on the socks, so you can wear them a few times without them becoming smelly.
- They are very soft and lightweight- Merino wool fibers are much finer than traditional wool, making them soft and non-itchy.
- They are very durable – Good merino socks often blend wool with nylon or elastane for extra durability, making them last longer than cotton socks.
- They are eco-friendly – Merino wool is a renewable, biodegradable material. Make sure to choose the brands that source it ethically, making it a more sustainable choice compared to fully synthetic socks.
What Are Merino Wool Socks?
Merino is a sheep breed that originates from Spain but is now grown mostly in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Patagonia. They produce very high-quality extremely fine, soft wool that is significantly softer and is not as itchy as normal wool.
Because the wool is so thin, it makes the fabric lightweight, breathable, and soft.
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The Best Merino Wool Sock Brands
Darn Tough– best overall merino wool socks brand. Darn Tough are so confident in the quality of their socks that they offer a Guarantee for Life – If socks wear, tear, or develop holes, Darn Tough will replace them.
Defeet– best sports merino wool socks
Injinji– best merino wool toe socks brand
Best Day-To-Day Merino Wool Sock
Darn Tough Men’s John Henry Boot Midweight Work Sock
Material: 64% Merino Wool 33% Nylon 3% Lycra Spandex
FALKE Women’s Softmerino Socks
Material: 55% wool, 28% cotton, 15% polyamide, 2% elastane
Janus Women’s Merino Socks – Lightweight, Water-wicking Socks
Material: 68% wool, 30% polyamide, 2% elastane
with a soft brushed merino fleece inside for extra warmth and comfort while snowboarding, skiing, sledding, hiking, and other cold-weather activities.
KIRKLAND mens Modern Merino Wool Socks
Material: 57% Merino Wool, 40% Nylon, 3% Spandex
Features a full Cushion with Durable Reinforced Heel and Toe.
SukModen 3 Pairs Merino Wool Thermal Socks
Material: 80%Merino wool, 12%acrylic, 2%polyester, 5%rubber, 1%spandex
Very high merino wool %, wide sock that will not feel too tight on feet.
Best No-show And Ankle Merino Socks
Unbound Merino Men’s Merino All Season Ankle Socks
Material: 83% Merino wool, 14% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex
Smartwool Women’s Everyday No Show Socks
Material: 67% Merino Wool 31% Nylon 2% Elastane
Unbound Merino Women’s Merino No‑Show Socks
Material: 75% Merino Wool, 21% Nylon, 4% Spandex
Scroll down for more merino ankle socks.
Best Hiking Merino Wool Socks
EBMORE 6 Pairs Unisex Merino Wool Ankle Hiking Running Socks
Material: 70% Wool 23% Polyester 5% Spandex 2% Nylon
MOGGEI 5 Pairs Womens Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Material: 55% Wool, 25% Cotton, 15% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Darn Tough Men’s Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks
Material: 61% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, and 3% Lycra spandex
DANISH ENDURANCE 3 Pairs Unisex Merino Wool Hiking Crew Socks
Material: 38% Merino Wool, 30% Acrylic, 30% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
Ridge Merino Unisex Minaret Lightweight Merino Wool Hiking Crew Socks
Material: 59% Merino wool, 38% nylon, 3% spandex
Anlisim Merino Wool Hiking Socks for Women
Material: 70% Wool, 23% Polyester, 5% Spandex, 2% Nylon
Best Sports Merino Wool Sock
Darn Tough Women’s Run No Show Tab Cushioned Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks
Material: 49% Merino Wool, 47% Nylon, 4% Lycra Spande
icebreaker Men’s Merino Multisport Light Micro
Material: 65% Wool, 33% Nylon, 2% Elastane
DEFEET Unisex Woolie Boolie 6″ Cycling Socks For Biking, Running, & Everyday Adventures
Material: 70% Merino Wool, 27% Nylon, 3% Lycra
Darn Tough Men’s Element Micro Crew Lightweight Running Socks
Micro Crew Height – A shorter, more concise take on the traditional crew height. Peeks just above the top of a standard hiking boot.
Material: 53% Merino Wool, 44% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex
Ridge Merino Unisex Banked Midweight Merino Ski Socks
Material: 68% Merino wool, 30% nylon, 2% spandex
Best Merino Wool Toe Sock
Orvytha Merino Wool Unisex Toe Socks – 3 pairs
These Merino wool toe socks with arch support combine cushioned footbeds and ribbed ankles for shock absorption. Slip-free design ensures toe socks for men and toe socks for women stay secure during hiking or workouts.
Orvytha offers a 24-month warranty on all merino wool toe socks!
Material: 70% Merino Wool, 23% Polyester, 5% Spandex, 2% Nylon
Injinji Unisex Run Lightweight No‑Show Wool
Material: 66% Merino Wool (RWS Certified), 30% Nylon, 4% Lycra®
Injinji Unisex Outdoor Midweight Crew Wool
Material: 75% Merino Wool (RWS Certified), 22% Nylon, 3% Lycra®
Merino Protect Merino Five Toe Unisex Socks
Material: 45% Wool/30% Coolmax/22% Nylon/3%Lycra Spandex
Creepers Blister Busting Merino Wool Toe Unisex Socks
Material: 50% Merino, 45% Polyamide, 5% Elastane
Colorado Sock Company Unisex Merino Wool Ankle Toe Socks
Material: 55% Merino Wool, 42% Nylon, 3% Lycra
FAQ About Merino Socks
How to wash merino wool socks?
Always check your socks for exact washing instructions, but you normally Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with socks inside-out. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low or hang dry. Do not dry clean.
Are merino wool socks good for summer?
The simple answer is yes, as Merino wool socks keep feet warm as thermal socks in winter and cool with moisture-wicking power in summer. So they are great all year round.
Are merino wool socks itchy?
As mentioned before, merino wool socks are not itchy as regular wool socks, which is why many people love them so much.
Are merino wool socks warm?
Yes, they are warm as well as cooling and moister vicking in the summer, therefore are perfect for cold winter nights, long autumn hikes, as well as hot summer runs.
To summarise, The Best Merino Wool Socks
We have chosen the best merino wool socks for every occasion and budget. Please note that merino wool is a more premium organic material, which costs more than cotton or synthetic materials; however, a good pair of merino socks will last you for a very long time. Merino wool fibres are not only very strong but also antibacterial, so you will need to wash your socks less often than cotton, for example. Keep all this in mind when buying your next pair of socks.
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist, and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field. She explores science-based approaches to holistic health and plant-based nutrition, with a strong focus on researching clean, non-toxic products that support long-term well-being.
