Perpetually Cold People Reveal Their Favorite Warm Socks

Pick up a pair or two to keep your tootsies toasty all winter long.

Now that temperatures are dropping in earnest, those of us who are perpetually cold are starting to suffer. Despite my best efforts, I can’t ever manage to keep my extremities warm, leading to crankiness, panic, and overall despair. No amount of faux fur blankets and cozy sweaters ever seems to be enough, but the right pair of socks can make a big difference in my comfort levels.

NAADAM, R.E.I., AMAZON

This humble item of clothing does some serious heavy lifting during the frigid months, and finding the right pair can make or break my comfort level. And who better to speak on such a topic than people who are always cold? Below, I’ve rounded up the best warm sock suggestions from individuals with expertise in frosty limbs. 

Take a look for yourself and pick up a pair or two to keep your tootsies toasty all winter long.

1. Naadam The Essential cashmere socks

Naadam

Once you go cashmere, there's no going back. While these are admittedly a splurge, there's nothing quite like slipping on cloud-like ultra-soft cashmere socks on a cold, dreary day. I love to wear mine while lounging around the house or when I want to add a bit of subtle texture to my outfits. And when I'm not wearing compression socks on long-haul flights, they're my go-to for travel days. You can get these in seven different colors.

Promising review: "These socks are the best socks and don’t slip off, yet are not too tight and are super soft; I love them so much that I bought a second pair — they are not too thin and not too thick — just wonderful, breathable warmth." —Deborah S.

Get them from Naadam for $42.50 (available five colors).

2. Darn Tough Hiker micro crew cushion socks

REI

HuffPost senior editor Jillian Capewell loves Darn Tough hiker socks. They're made with shrink-treated merino wool that helps to make them long-lasting and durable while also making sure they're as comfortable and warm as possible. They're perfect for hikes and other outdoor activities or cozy on days spent lounging on the couch. They're available in a variety of sizes and colors.

Promising review: "Darn Toughs are my favorite outdoor sock brand by far. They’re still made in Vermont, have a lifetime warranty, and are super comfortable. I’ve yet to have a blister in a pair." —Ron

Get them from REI for $25 (available in men's sizes M–XXL and seven colors).

3. Carhartt heavyweight synthetic wool blend boot socks

amazon.com, Amazon

"A couple years ago, I wanted a boot sock that was just sliiiightly more refined than typical wool hiking socks, but still warm enough for snowy conditions and tough enough to last forever. On a whim, I bought these heavyweight wool-blend boot socks from the workwear brand Carhartt, and immediately knew these socks meant business. They are both tough and warm, naturally odor-resistant, and the perfect thickness for many of winter boots. I was impressed with how warm they kept my feet, and how they come out of the washing machine looking like new every time. They are reinforced with abrasion-resistant yarn and have plenty of cushioning for added comfort and blister protection, too." —Janie Campbell, HuffPost senior editor

Get them from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in women's sizes S–L and four colors; or men's sizes M–XL and three colors).

4. Amazon Essentials casual crew socks six-pack

amazon.com, amazon.com

"As someone who consistently runs cold, I’ve been on the hunt for the best socks FOR YEARS. My ultimate advice might be contrary to what you’d expect, though. Thick, wool socks often make me so hot that my feet perspire, which in turn, makes me colder and crankier than I was beforehand. So my recommendation is this: Wear mostly cotton socks with well-made leather and/or waterproof boots. It’s just as much about finding the best boots as the sock, in my opinion. Keep it simple." —Kate Easton, actor

Promising review: "I got these to wear with dress shoes which has worked out great. They're thin enough for dress shoes but still good for walking shoes. I have small feet (women's 5.5) so I got the 6–9 size range, and they fit pretty well. I would definitely recommend these, especially for the low price." —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $12.30 (available in sizes 6–12 and six colors).

5. REI Co-Op merino wool hiking quarter socks

REI

My eternally cold friend, art therapist Ingrid Mellor, swears by these hiking socks from REI. She has Raynaud's disease, which can cause her extremities, like fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to certain situations, making warm socks absolutely imperative. These cushy socks are breathable and moisture-wicking and can keep your toes nice and toasty no matter how cold it is outside.

Promising review: "For years I looked for a lightweight sock that could prevent hot spots on my feet during long mountain hikes (I live in Utah, right below Mt. Timpanogos), and could keep foot odor under control. If this is what you are looking for, these are your socks. I love them and use them in my hiking and approach shoes for rock climbing. The thickness is perfect for providing protection without any additional bulk." —James

Get them from REI for $15.95 (available in sizes S–XL and three colors).

6. Super soft fleece-lined slipper socks with grippers

amazon.com, amazon.com

"When I want juuuust a bit more traction than regular socks while hanging around inside, I often turn to these thick and cozy fleece-lined socks with little grippy silicone gel dots on the soles. Not quite a slipper but more than a sock, they both keep my feet warm and keep me from sliding on the tile in my apartment. I loaned my first pair to a friend and never saw them again, which tells you how comfy they are." —Janie Campbell

Promising review: "These socks are so comfortable. They are warm, soft, and pretty. The grips they have on the bottom work very well. I don't slip or slide when I walk in them. I got them because since I broke my ankle, last year, my surgery scar is sensitive and does not like cold or rubbing on the sheets. These will work perfectly. I ordered another pair the same day that I got these." —Happy Face

Get them from Amazon for $13.99 (available in a variety of colors).

7. SmartWool classic hike crew socks

amazon.com

There's a general consensus among those polled that SmartWool is an absolute must during the cold months. Mellor, HuffPost head of visuals Christy Havranek, and HuffPost breaking news reporter Ryan Grenoble all recommended SmartWool socks. They're fully cushioned for maximum comfort, while the innovative wool fabric feels cozy and warm without getting too sweaty.

Promising review: "My husband and I took a trip to Grand Teton National Park, and many of the trails were rocky and uneven. I have several pairs of SmartWool socks, and I wore these on our longest hike as they had the most padding in the heel. Very comfortable. They are thicker than my other pairs so make sure you have enough room in your shoes before purchasing these socks." —Cinci Shopper

Get them from Amazon for $19.60+ (available in women's sizes S–L and five colors; or men's sizes M–L and two colors).

8. J.Crew cashmere-blend trouser socks

J. Crew, J Crew

When I want to enjoy a cashmere feel that's a bit more lightweight than the Naadam socks listed above, I go for these adorable trouser socks from J.Crew. I stock up every season, and not only are they perfectly warm and cozy, but they also look stylish. You can get them in a bunch of different colors and really make a statement.

Promising review: "Accessory needed for cooler months and colder months. I’m actually wearing the black ones, and it's, like, 75 degrees and mild in NY, and they are very comfortable even now to wear. Love them."—Penny

Get them from Amazon for $24.50+ (available in eight colors).

9. Wigwam merino comfort hiker socks

Zappos

Lilli Petersen, news editor at HuffPost, loves her Wigwam socks. Made with a delicious merino wool blend that provides cushion without feeling bulky, they are odor-resistant and naturally moisture-wicking. They're available in several different colors and sizes.

Promising review: "I have used this style of sock for years. The fabric of some pure wool socks dry out or aggravate the skin of my feet. The blend of wool and polyester used in these socks wick away moisture without bothering my feet. The inner layer of the sock is especially comfortable, almost like fleece. I will wear these during the coldest days of winter due to their comfort and ability to retain heat." —Larry

Get them from Zappos for $20 (available in sizes M–XL and five colors). 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.