You Can Wear These All-Purpose Socks to Work, Workouts, and Everywhere in Between (2024)

Ask any sock aficionado their favorite sock brand and there's a good chance they’ll say Bombas. If you’re wondering what makes Bombas socks so special, it’s the ultimate combination of smart design details and high-quality fabric. The brand takes all your needs into consideration with extra-durable cotton fabric, seamless toe construction for comfort, and even a little fabric tab at the back to prevent pesky, painful blisters.

In our testing, we found that these are—by far—the comfiest ankle socks we've tried. We love that their stretchiness doesn’t seem to decrease despite tons of wear and washes. It’s also nice that there’s a social mission for the company, as they donate a pair of socks for every pair sold. They’re also very versatile, great for walking thanks to the cushioned footbed as well as training at the gym—although they’re not as robust as actual workout socks for training.

There isn't a sock quite like a Gold Toe. While holding the throne as the ultimate Dad sock for the past 80 years, they have also started to make their way back into fashion in a big way. These updated classics, for instance, are made from a slightly thick blend of wool and nylon, and boast AquaFX Moisture Control that helps wick away sweat throughout the coverage area to help you stay fresh, cool, and dry. The ribbed construction also provides extra support and warmth, while the stretch will help the socks fit perfectly on your feet. We also love the reinforced toe that ensures no hole, wear, or tear will happen for a long time.

In my testing, I found that while these indeed are cushy and warm—and thus work great as winter socks—they are quite thick, which is why I love wearing them to fill up the space in my boots or dress shoes, but sometimes for sneakers and athletic shoes, the thickness can feel very tight. And unlike other socks, these don’t slide down even on large calf muscles.

These dress socks from Mack Weldon look cool in a way that goes just as well with a suit as they do with jeans and sneakers. Besides looking nice, the best part about these socks is their odor-fighting properties. Mack Weldon infused the Pima cotton with silver fibers that are naturally antimicrobial. They're using a little basic chemistry to keep your feet smelling good all day. We also love how they absolutely will stay on and won't slide down even after a whole day of wear thanks to the stay-put cuff of these socks.

In our testing, we found that Mack Weldon’s crew socks are also great for walking, courtesy of the cushioned footbed. And since both the toe and heel are seamless, coupled with an ultra-soft fabric, the comfort in these socks will keep your legs and feet feeling good all day long.

In our opinion, these can go almost toe-to-toe (get it?) with Nike’s Everyday Plus athletic socks. The fabric blend—71% cotton, 27% polyester, and 2% spandex—is almost identical, meaning they’re moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odor-resistant. They’re also incredibly comfortable for casual wear and for working out, and our testers love wearing them with boots. Their moisture-wicking technology and superior arch support are excellent for all types of activities.

With roughly 200,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s no surprise that these are an Amazon Best Seller. More than 150,000 of those are overwhelmingly positive, with five-star reviews to boot. Some buyers complain of issues with the sock bottoms rubbing through and developing holes prematurely. But, for the price (less than $14 for a six-pack), it’s hard to complain when you can stock up with three or four packs for around $50.

Hard training calls for socks that can keep your feet feeling good rep after rep. After all, they're putting in the work, too. Not only are these ankle socks made largely of breathable nylon and stretchy Spandex, but they also have full arch support and use the 3D-knit PerformaHeel™ to provide a contoured fit that definitely won’t slip, no matter how you move.

Overall, with 360-degree arch support, seamless toe construction, and a 3D-knitted heel, our testers love that these Lululemon socks have just the right amount of stretch and cushion for a supported, frictionless fit. We've noticed less chance of chafing when we sport these for a high-intensity workout or run. The heel is also complete with an extra-long fabric tab, so not only will you avoid a blister on your Achilles area, but you also won't have to worry about these slipping down while you run either.

These are socks you wanna show off but can't. That fashion-forward, slipper-like veneer is a cut above the rest. Crafted from a one-of-a-kind blend of aerolight'™ fiber fabric, these socks feel extra soft, breathable, and very light, and I find that besides no-show, they are almost no-feel given how no-distraction they are once I put them on and walk in them. Also, the lightweight nature means fast sweat absorption and evaporation, keeping your feet dry and fresh throughout the day.

The double-layered toe also renders the cap extra durable, and having worn and washed these hundreds of times since 2021, there isn't any hole or tear to this day. But our favorite part is the brand's no-slip guarantee: you'd have a hard time trying to take these socks off, really, thanks to the brand’s specially designed and patented silicone grip.

If you’re not a suit-and-tie kind of guy, shopping for formal accessories can be tedious and expensive. Meet your one-stop shop for affordable accouterments to help you look sharp without breaking the bank. Polo Ralph Lauren's socks don various classic Argyle patterns to go with your Oxfords and business pants.

In short, the argyle pattern—consisting of varicolored diamonds and taking after the tartan of a clan in Scotland—is all about class and sophistication. These Polo Ralph Lauren argyle dress socks also boast craftsmanship, durability, and comfort. They come with built-in heel and toe reinforcement to not only last longer but also amp up the comfort with each wear and even each step. Made with odor-fighting technology, these dress socks will also stay fresh for a whole day. We also love how smooth the toe seam feels, which lends an even cozier wear. Styling-wise, we love how good these argyle dress socks look with chinos, khaki pants, and even jeans.

These athletic, anti-blister, and moisture-wicking socks are made with Coolmax fiber, which helps keep perspiration in check when lifting, running, or cycling. We appreciate the seamless toe closure to prevent yarn chafing and discomfort while on the move. The light compression design provides some compression to stimulate blood flow and provide a more snug fit. Bonus: Mesh ventilation on the instep ensures superb breathability from toe to heel. We also like that they're available in a variety of bold colors (like pink and bright red).

With a 3-pack priced at around $40 (and often on sale for much less), these are another great value moisture-wicking sock. They're also incredibly well-reviewed on Reddit and Amazon. It's hard to find much to dislike about these, although some buyers note long-term durability issues with socks fraying prematurely.

If there was a superhero version of a no-show sock, it would be this Balega option, and we especially approve of its usage in running. Made with yarn and impact-resistant plush cushioning in the ball and heel of your foot, each step you take becomes a breeze, regardless of your speed. Having jogged in Central Park in these socks a few times, we found that the moisture management fiber also keeps your feet cool and dry all day long, while the seamless, reinforced toe minimizes the risk of blisters by reducing friction.

Off the track, however, our testers found that these socks are also great for playing sports, working out, doing yard work, or simply enjoying the comfort of your own home. The ventilation panels in the fabric ensure optimal airflow while the high heel tab and deep heel pocket prevent slipping—and we love that it’s extra stretchy—meaning they’re perfect for anything involving heavy foot motion.

A past-winner at our Outdoor Awards, these socks are truly great when it comes to performance. The Proprietary GripDry Fiber at the heel and forefoot works almost like a shoe outsole's traction to keep you steady—it’s got enough grip for anyone who wants to deadlift sans sneakers. The Merino wool blend fabric is also made to keep you blister-free and sweat-free.

In fact, ultramarathon athlete Jason Hardrath has even sported this to chase a 43-mile, insane mountain record on the tallest volcano in North America. “The socks performed flawlessly with no cold feet, no blisters, no holes. If you wanna talk about high-performing socks for men, the Swiftwick Flite XT Trail is absolutely front and center,” says Hardrath.