As a construction worker, you usually don’t worry about your work socks. That is, until your feet start to hurt because you didn’t choose the best pair of high-quality work socks you could get your hands on.
Let’s face it, when you work hard all day and spend much of your time standing and walking, your socks usually take the brunt of the punishment. Socks that get bunched up, torn up, or stunk up are not worth your time and you shouldn’t have to deal with those annoyances.
I don’t need the details, just take me to the Best Work Socks please.
As a manual laborer, you want to be confident in the durability, comfort, and breathability of your work socks so you can focus on the job in front of you instead of the irritation inside your boots. Don’t have the time to do all the dull research that goes into finding the best work socks? Well, we’ve got you covered.
Today, we will be reviewing a list of the best work socks for construction workers on the market.
Table of Contents
Finding the Best Work Socks
What qualities are the most important when shopping for the perfect work socks? The answer to that question will likely vary from person to person. Keep in mind that your specific type of work, your unique preferences, and your decided budget may differ from that of others. Be sure to pick an option that is right for your unique needs.
While the importance of qualities may vary, there are some concerns across the board with regards to work socks, and companies that produce them have tried to address these with every improvement in the design of work socks.
Here are some of the most important concerns regarding work socks:
- Short Lifespan
- When you’re on your feet all day, your socks take a good beating. A low-quality material and poor construction of your socks means that wear and tear will happen quickly on high impact areas like the heel and the toe. You will be replacing them often and possibly spending a lot of money doing so.
- Discomfort
- If your work socks are a restrictive material on one end or a material that loses it’s elasticity on the other end, you may run into some discomfort. Socks that are too tight or too loose could lead to issues with restricted blood flow, increased chances of blisters and irritation, as well as problems with limited breathability. You need an elastic but snug fit that won’t be so tight as to leave a mark, but also won’t bunch or slip around.
- Moisture
- Sweat is unavoidable in your line of work. Moisture can lead to bacteria, bad odors, and irritating skin conditions. If you have a sock whose material traps in moisture instead of pulling it away from your skin, you may run into problems with odors, irritation, or even fungal infections.
- Expense
- High quality work socks do tend to cost more. It’s hard to find the right balance between quality and price since prices and quality vary so wildly.
After reviewing these concerns, you’ll be happy to know that many companies have heard the woes of their customers and have come up with ways to address them in their products. So, what qualities in work socks best address these concerns and which brands have done the best job ensuring these qualities?
Qualities of the Best Work Socks
Here are the top qualities in work socks that we looked for, which combat the above concerns:
- Durability
- To avoid quick wear and tear, you want your socks to be made of durable material so that they last a long time and you can avoid having to replace them.
- Comfort
- To help avoid aches and pains, you want a material and high-quality construction that reduce discomfort so you can focus on the job at hand.
- Breathability/Odor Prevention
- To prevent bacteria, odors, irritation and serious skin conditions, you want to opt for a material and a design that helps you avoid having pesky moisture on your skin.
- Affordability
- Let’s be realistic. You don’t want to break the bank buying socks.
Also, don’t forget to follow OSHA Guidelines for Work Socks depending on what job your work (found on page 21 of the PDF).
We got to work examining many different brands of work socks on the market and how they compare with one another when it comes to these qualities.
Without further ado, below is the list we’ve compiled of the top ten best work socks along with the pros and cons of each pair.
Let’s dive in and look at the best work socks!
11 Best Work Socks for Construction Workers
1. Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Full Cushion Crew Work Socks
Durability
Darn Tough has created this pair of socks with some seriously high-quality wool knitting. Their signature, finely knit wool reinforces high impact areas to prevent tears and holes. This means your socks will last a long, long time. A hearty, “unconditional” lifetime guarantee really tips the pot to these high quality socks.
Comfort
The unusually high amount of stitches per inch allow for these socks to have a snug fit without the usual bulk that comes along with wool socks. This means that bunching and slipping is virtually nonexistent! Additionally, flat and undetectable seams prevent blisters and other irritations that come along with pesky seams.
Breathability
Merino wool fibers are known for their breathability among other wools and it has naturally antimicrobial properties to prevent odor causing bacteria. In addition to the fabric’s natural breathability, the sock features Fast Action Wicking, which guides moisture away from the foot and out of the sock. Merino wool really gives an edge to Darn Tough when it comes to moisture and bacteria fighting qualities.
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, Darn Tough is certainly not the cheapest. While this pair is on the high end of the price range on this list of work socks, the price matches the quality when it comes to durability and comfort so you can be assured, you’re paying a bit more for good cause.
Overall
This pick is the best for a construction worker whose greatest concern is keeping feet dry and comfortable.
2. Smartwool Men’s Ultra Light Wool Crew Work Socks
Durability
Smartwool has created these socks with high quality, indestructible wool technology which ensures durability and a long life for your socks. A cushioned, reinforced sole protects high-impact areas from damage as well.
Comfort
Smartwool’s Elite-Fit system is flexible at the ankle joint which allows for both protection and flexibility at this crucial impact point. The elastic arch brace and the flat-knit toe seams also contribute to the sock’s overall top-notch comfort and support. At the same time, the cushioned sole allows for premium comfort and protection in the arch area as well. Overall, comfort is a high priority of Smartwool’s socks.
Breathability
With a wool material, warmth is ensured while breathability can be a downfall. With Smartwool’s socks, however, mesh zones are embedded in the material, which allow for moisture to be expelled so that you can keep your feet dryer than you could with other brands of wool socks.
Affordability
As it was with the Darn Tough brand, with these Smartwool socks, you pay a bit more for the higher quality design and materials.
Overall
The wool component to these socks makes them a great pick if you spend a lot of your work day working outdoors in all seasons – especially on different types of terrain. An excellent work sock for construction workers.
3. Carhartt Men’s Cotton Steel-Toe Work Socks
Durability
As a trusted American brand, Carhartt made these socks with a hard day’s work in mind. These socks are designed to wear with steel-toed boots so they have extra padding in the heel and toe areas, which gives added cushioning for not only durability but for comfort as well.
Comfort
In addition to the extra padding, unique Y-stitches around the heel of these socks provide an extra bit of comfort and stability. These stitches along with the elasticity of the leg area prevent the sock from falling down or bunching up when you’re moving around a lot, so you don’t have to worry about readjusting throughout the day.
Breathability
The materials that make up these socks are cotton and nylon which are great for breathability, comfort, and odor control, but not as great in cold temperatures as a wool sock would be.
Affordability
This design of socks from the Carhartt brand costs around the mid-price range when compared to all the brands and designs on this list. Among the three Carhartt designs on this list, the Steel-Toe Work Socks are the most expensive.
Overall
This pick would be ideal if your biggest concern is durability and strong material in the heel and toe.
4. Wigwam Men’s S1221 Crew Work Socks
Durability
Wigwam is another trusted American brand and their work socks don’t disappoint. Synthetic fibers reinforce the sole of these socks to prevent tears and holes due to heavy use and long wear. They are machine washable, but it is recommended that you wash them inside-out to avoid loosening the fabric. Wigwam is so confident in the quality of these socks that they offer a lifetime warranty on your purchase.
Comfort
Additional padding on the sole, specifically on the heel, allows for extended comfort throughout the workday. These socks also have a comfortable height which extends up to the larger part of your calf and prevents slippage.
Breathability
The antimicrobial properties of the sock’s material help to combat bacteria which, in turn, prevents foul odors.
Affordability
Wigwam’s design is similarly priced to the previous Carhartt brand and costs around the mid-price range on this list.
Overall
This is a great pick for work socks if comfort and durability are your biggest concerns.
5. Carhartt Men’s All-Season Cotton Crew Work Socks
Durability
Here’s another pick from the trusted Carhartt brand!
The All-Season Crew Work Socks are designed for long-lasting durability and can be worn any time, regardless of the season, due to the addition of high-quality cotton in the materials.
Frictionless yarns reinforce the toe and the heel of these socks, which combats holes in these problem areas. This helps increase the durability of these work socks.
Comfort
Soft cushioning material is strategically placed in high-impact areas like the toe and the heel. This creates an additional layer of comfort for a long, hard day of work. Some people do complain about the elastic in these work socks, but it really comes down to personal preference.
Breathability
High cotton content along with other moisture-wicking materials allows for higher breathability and sweat resistance in the socks to keep your feet cool.
Affordability
When compared to the previous Carhartt design on this list, the All-Season Cotton Crew Work Socks are priced a bit lower and are more affordable, comparatively.
Overall
These socks are the best work sock for those who need a breathable work sock and one of the best work socks for those who work in a variable climate.
6. Carhartt Men’s Force Performance Crew Work Socks
Durability
The trusted Carhartt brand is on this list for a third time!
The Performance Crew work socks have reinforced cushioning in problem areas like the heel and the toe. This helps to prevent wear and tear on these high-impact areas and increases the life of the socks overall.
Comfort
Extra compression in the arch area as well as in the ankle brace in these socks allow for your foot motions to be both flexible and stable simultaneously. Extra cushioning in heel and toe also relieve stress on these areas.
These socks really excel when it comes to steel toe boots, they’re extremely comfortable.
Breathability
Breathability is where the Performance Crew Work Socks shine! These socks are created with fast-drying and moisture-wicking technology to combat moisture and reduce bad odors.
Made with high amounts of polyester, moisture can’t stay very long in these socks, especially when you add in the mesh cooling channels which help to improve air circulation and overall breathability. Your feet will remain clean and dry throughout your work day.
Affordability
Carhartt’s Force Performance Crew Work Socks are priced similarly to the previously listed All-Seasons Carhartt design. And since they’re not advertised as a steel toe work boot sock, you can get a high quality steel toe work boot sock at a more affordable price than Carhartt’s Steel-Toe sock.
Overall
This sock’s best quality is its moisture-fighting capabilities. If your feet tend to be super sweaty, these are the best work socks for you.
7. Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Wicking Crew Work Socks (6-Pack)
Durability
Dickies is another well-known and trusted brand in workwear, and their Crew Work Socks live up to the brand’s name. These work socks are made from highly durable materials and are great for a long workday.
These work socks are also made to wear with steel-toed boots due to the reinforced heel and toe. In fact, most people buy these specifically to wear with work boots because they hold up so well.
Breathability
The biggest benefit to these socks is their top-rated design for combating moisture. The combination of cotton, polyester, and spandex creates a breathable sock that is moisture-wicking and keeps feet dry. Mesh materials and a special ventilation system near the toes create added protection against sweat and odors.
Comfort
Comfort and stability are also highly rated in these socks due to arch compression and their reinforced heel and toe. You will not need to worry about bunching or slipping in these socks.
Affordability
This Dickies design is a very affordable option among other picks on this list, especially considering the well-known brand name.
Overall
This is the best bang for your buck when it comes to work boot socks. You get six in a pack, they breathe well and they hold up well even after prolonged use.
8. KMM Men’s Heavy-Duty Moisture Wicking Cotton Crew Work Socks (10-Pack)
Durability
KMM has created these socks with a blend of premium materials which significantly lengthens the life of the socks. Reinforced toe and heel areas create even more durability for high-impact areas.
Comfort
In addition to extra cushion in high impact areas, this sock has a deep heel pocket to improve arch support and prevent the sock from slipping around. Wide cuffs also prevent slippage and the hidden toe seams go a long way in preventing blisters and irritation.
Breathability
The blend of high-quality materials in this sock, like premium cotton and top-grade polyester, really boosts breathability overall.
Affordability
This brand is a very affordable one and ranks among the most affordable on this list.
Overall
Overall comfort is the pinnacle of this work sock’s design. So, if you tend to experience a lot of foot pain on the job, these work socks are the best choice and will drastically increase your comfort level.
9. Fruit of the Loom Men’s Heavy-Duty Work Socks
Durability
Fruit of the Loom’s take on work socks provides a good mix of comfort, breathability, and protection. The full sole, from heel to toe, is reinforced with extra padding for durability and protection and the leg elasticity holds up well to washes and extended use.
Comfort
These work socks are designed specifically to fight foot fatigue. As mentioned above, there is reinforced padding from the heel all the way to the toe which really adds a nice layer of comfort to the whole foot. They also fit true to size and really cradle the foot well, which further increases the level of comfort.
Breathability
Materials are made up of cotton, polyester, and spandex which allows for warmth in colder weather as well as breathability in warmer weather. Moisture-wicking materials and breathable fabric combats sweat well and keeps feet dry.
Affordability
This brand is well known for its affordability and their Crew Work Socks are one of the most affordable options on this list.
Overall
This is a great pick if you are looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing any durability. Best work sock for comfort and true fit on a budget.
10. Hanes Men’s Tube Over the Calf Work Socks
Durability
Hanes is a long-time contributor to the industry of work socks. With so many years in the business, this company knows their footwear. And better yet, these work socks are made in the USA.
This sock’s polyester, cotton, and spandex blend, along with elastic ribbing ensures that the material will last a long time without losing much elasticity.
Comfort
The “Over the Calf” design ensures coverage from the top of your calf to the tip of your toe. Extra-thick cushioning on the soles of the sock as well as flat, reinforced toe seams allow for premium comfort throughout the work day.
Breathability
This blend includes a high level of cotton which allows for sufficient breathability throughout the work day.
Affordability
Hanes Tube socks happen to be the most affordable option on this list.
Overall
If you like the traditional tube sock, this is a great pick for you. Also, if you like calf coverage but still need the reinforced soles of a good work sock, this pick may be right for you.
11. YUEDGE Mens Cotton Cushion Crew Work Socks
Durability
Made for hiking, these socks are designed to withstand wear and tear. This fact makes them perfect for work socks. There are also elastic bands stitched into the sock to ensure that they hold their shape over time. Excellent level of durability at this price point.
Comfort
The comfort of these work socks is outstanding, especially given the price. They’re made of thickened terry which gives them a superior level of comfort. The design of the sock was also made to reduce foot fatigue and foot friction.
Breathability
These socks feature a mesh design to enhance breathability. Since the sock was made for hiking, this sock is designed to keep the foot cool and dry. This makes it ideal as a work sock or a sock for underneath a work boot.
Affordability
For the level of durability and comfort provided, the price of these work socks is excellent.
Overall
One of the best work socks on the list. High level of comfort, holds up extremely well over time, and breathes super well. It’s surprising these socks weren’t made as a work sock because they work surprisingly well for this use.
Work Socks FAQ
What are the best socks to wear with steel toe boots?
When it comes to steel toe boots, the best work socks to wear will be ones with extra padding and reinforcement in the toe area. Many work socks are designed with steel toe boots in mind, like the aforementioned Carhartt Men’s Cotton Steel-Toe Work Socks as well as Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Wicking Crew Work Socks.
Be sure to check out our recommendations for Best Work Boots!
What is the best material for work socks?
Picking the right material might be tricky but it is crucial. The temperature in your workspace and the type of work you will be doing can and should impact your decision. For example, if you work in a hot machine shop, you wouldn’t want a super thick pair of wool work socks, but you would want to opt for a material that is cool and breathable, like cotton. Alternately, if you will be working outdoors during winter months, you will want to opt for a material, like wool, that will keep your feet both warm and dry.
If you’ll be working outside in cold temperatures, be sure to check out our recommendations for Best Winter Jackets for Construction Workers.
What are the best socks for standing all day?
Standing on your feet for a long period of time requires adequate cushion and support. For this type of work, you may want to try a pair of work socks that have a fully cushioned sole, like Fruit of the Loom Men’s Heavy-Duty Full Cushion Crew Work Socks, or a pair of work socks that has great arch support, like KMM Men’s Heavy-Duty Moisture Wicking Cotton Crew Work Socks.
What are the best quality socks?
To measure the best quality, you have to look at the durability and the price of the socks. Higher quality materials and higher quality design tend to result in a longer lasting pair of socks. However, higher quality tends to cost more. At the end of the day, the higher priced options on the above list do reflect the best quality in work socks. It will be up to you to decide if the best quality work socks is, indeed, what you require.
Conclusion: Best Work Socks
When it comes to choosing the right pair of work socks for your needs, you will need to consider several elements. First, consider the type of work you will be doing while wearing these socks. Elements like temperature, terrain, length of time per use, and what type of shoe or boot you will wear with them will all play a role in your decision. For example, as previously mentioned, if you will be wearing steel-toed boots with these socks, you will want to opt for a pair with a reinforced toe to protect your feet as well as prevent holes in your toes.
Next, you will need to decide which qualities, from durability to breathability, comfort to affordability, are the most important to you. This consideration is crucial when selecting the right type and brand of work sock. If you tend to sweat a lot, for example, you will likely want to opt for the best in breathability. If you tend to have a lot of aches and pains in your feet while working, comfort and stability in your socks will be a critical selling point for you.
Keep in mind the prices listed above for each of these brands and, if price is a big contributor to your decision, remember to look at the price of each pair respectively so that you don’t compare the price of six pairs to the price of one pair. It may seem like a give in, but we want to be sure you’re comparing apples to apples when it comes to price.
In addition to direct price comparisons, consider how long a lower quality brand might last compared to that of a higher quality brand. Some of the higher priced brands can last years where the lower priced brands may need to be replaced after just a few months. A lower individual price doesn’t always mean you will save money overall.
Choosing the right work socks for your unique needs should be a relatively easy decision. Once you have all the information on issues and qualities that combat them, it should be clear which qualities are the most important to you.
Best of luck to you finding the best work sock for your hard-working feet.