These 5 best socks to keep your feet cool
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Between WFH and food delivery, you might find yourself sitting around more than ever. Unfortunately for couch potatoes everywhere, too much sedentary time has been scientifically linked to a host of health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and even depression. Proven ways to counteract those risks include working some incidental movement into your day and shaping your environment (like stacking books for an ersatz standing desk). Even donning a humble pair of the best socks to keep your feel cool could help if it inspires you to get up and move around, whether that's for a quick walk around the block for a high-intensity workout. At least you know your feet won’t feel like swampy furnaces when you’re done.
What to look for when shopping for the best socks to keep your feet cool
Materials
While cotton socks are super breathable, they're not going to do the best job of keeping you cool and dry, given their hydrophilic nature. For moisture-wicking, opt instead for a performance synthetic or natural bamboo. Bamboo has the added benefit of being naturally temperature-regulating.
Upgraded features
Extra features to look for are breathable mesh panels to give your toes plenty of air while you move. Some socks are antibacterial, to boot (pun intended), so you never have to worry about your feet smelling rank by the end of the day.
Sure, they’re “just socks” – but these five pairs are really good socks that will make you, perhaps, a little bit more inclined to make tracks.
Shop the best socks to keep your feet cool
In a hurry? These are the best socks to keep your feet cool:
- Some breathable, vented socks for sweaty feet: Hanes Men's FreshIQ X-Temp Comfort Cool Crew Socks (6-Pack)
- Some low-cut mesh running socks with a cult following: Saucony Mesh Ventilating Comfort Fit Performance No-Show Socks
- These moisture-wicking dress socks made with cooling bamboo: Bambooven Bamboo Dress Socks (3-Pack)
- These copper-infused antibacterial ankle socks: FOOTPLUS Copper Performance Socks (6-Pack)
- A budget-friendly pack of hard-working socks for hot weather: Dickies Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks (6-Pack)
1. Some breathable, vented socks for sweaty feet
These moisture-wicking socks are made from a performance cotton blend with polyester, rayon, latex (for durability) and other stretch fibers. The brand's responsive fabric tech, with built-in odor protection, means these socks work even harder to keep you cool when things heat up. There’s a reinforced heel and toe with super-smooth seams that won’t chafe your toes, and a low-profile, mesh-woven instep for extra ventilation.
Helpful review: “Fits great and keeps my feet cool and dry, especially after working 10 hours a day. Also it makes it feel like you are walking on clouds.”
2. Some low-cut mesh running socks with a cult following
These running socks are woven with a proprietary polyester/spandex fabric blend that is “ultra-wicking” and has air-mesh ventilation for extra airflow. They feature a cushioned sole that helps absorb shock and a supportive instep with arch compression to stabilize your foot and keep the socks from slipping down. Opt for a basic six-pack or spring for a laundry-day-extending 12-pack.
Helpful review: “I love these socks for running and working out. They are the perfect thickness for moisture wicking and just enough cushion. The ankle height is perfect and they are comfortable to wear all day. I have repurchased these several times over the past few years over Nike dri fits as I feel they are more comfortable.”
- Available sizes: 6-9 — 15-17
- Available colors: 5
3. These moisture-wicking dress socks made with cooling bamboo
These cooling work socks are made with bamboo that feels absurdly soft. (How soft? "Seriously considering replacing my socks with all bamboo socks," according to one review.) Bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking, thermoregulating, and hypoallergenic with antibacterial properties that slay odor. It’s blended with cotton for strength with a bit of stretchy Lycra, and features a seamless toe with a reinforced heel.
Helpful review: “I've purchased these socks a few different times, and will again in the future. These socks are good quality and a good price. They are comfortable and keep my feet feeling dry throughout the day. I also buy the shorter version of these socks as well.”
- Available colors: 14 multicolor sets
- Available sizes: One size fits most (8-11.5)
4. These copper-infused antibacterial ankle socks
This set of breathable performance socks are a lot like the cult hit Bombas — without the price tag. They share a similar compression arch support, padded footbed, and reinforced ankle tab with a seamless toe. These are woven with a thin mesh upper in a moisture-wicking polyester/spandex blend that’s infused with antimicrobial copper to help combat odor. Grab sets in ankle and crew lengths.
Helpful review: “Just what I was searching for. Correct size, comfortable fit, and most importantly, reduced foot smell after workday.”
- Available colors: Several solid and multicolor packs
- Available sizes: Small —11 Plus
5. A budget-friendly pack of hard-working socks for hot weather
The original tough-as-nails workwear brand, Dickies serves up seriously durable socks with moisture control fibers that will work as hard as you do. They have a high cotton count for breathability with wicking polyester and nylon (plus spandex for stretch). You'll find a reinforced heel and toe with supportive arch compression and ventilation channels to help keep your feet cool. Grab 'em in packs of up to 18 and you're covered for over two weeks.
Helpful review: “They work just like they say. They wick away moisture, keeping your feet dry and comfy! These socks are also thick enough to hold up to the abuse of long hours on your feet. So far, no holes or thinning. Perfect thickness for winter or summer wear, too.”
- Available colors: Several solid and multicolor packs, including hi-visibility sets
- Available sizes: 3 (5-9, 6-12, 12-15)
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