Sure, when we were kids the last thing we wanted to do was open a present and see socks inside. Now as adults, we can all agree that a well-made pair is truly one of life’s little luxuries. Even if you don’t need new socks for yourself, it’s worth noting that they make a great gift (especially since Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner).
As we’ve said before, the best gifts are ones that you wouldn’t buy for yourself, but would love to have. Nice socks are the perfect example: We’d feel guilty shelling out for, say, a designer set to pair with Prada loafers, but we’d love to wear them. And even the not-fancy pairs are a treat if you’re the type of person who doesn’t replace yours often.
We polled the Cut’s editorial team, including market editor Cortne Bonilla; features writer Matthew Schneier; managing editor Rachel Bashein; deputy editor, Jen Ortiz; shopping editor Bianca Nieves; and writers Chinea Rodriguez and Brooke LaMantia; on their favorites. The criteria: comfort above all; durability (some socks look great but rip or tear after a couple wears); and function (will they slip below your heel, or will they provide cushion and support?). The best socks, below, passed our test — and we’re confident you’ll love them for everyday wear, running and other workouts, and pairing with loafers, sandals, slides, and sneakers.
So Which Socks Should You Add to Your Cart?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
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Our Top Picks:
Best Overall
A favorite of Bonilla’s, these are a solid gift for yourself or someone else. The Comme Si socks are made in Italy from Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic cotton. They are medium weight and hit right above the ankle.
Best for Everyday
Shopping writer Harling Ross swears by these. We ordered a six-pack for $18 and wear them daily. The over 8,000 glowing reviews on Amazon are correct: The soft cotton blend hits right above the ankle, making them a really great everyday sock.
Most Functional
These Bombas ankle socks feature ankle support and extra heel protection against blisters. These are ideal for anyone who likes to go for daily runs or walks, or even those of us whose feet get absolutely destroyed during Fashion Week. Plus, they are highly recommended by our deputy editor, Jen Ortiz.
Best Budget Option
Uniqlo can truly do no wrong as far as we’re concerned, and for just $3.90 a pair these socks will make any person in your life happy. They have the finest rib and hit around mid-calf, making them great to pair with any type of pants.
Best for a Casual Vibe
These tall socks are shopping writer and editor Hanna Flanagan’s go-to for running errands; she wears them scrunched down a bit with shorts and platform Uggs or pulled all the way up over leggings with sneakers.
Most Comfortable
These are a cotton blend that is breathable but will also keep you warm in the cooler months. They have the just right amount of stretch, don’t slip down, and are really comfortable. They are also the perfect height, hitting right at mid-ankle (with a little scrunch.)
Best Cashmere
Go ahead, treat yourself (or a loved one) to the simple pleasure of cashmere socks. One reviewer dubbed this pair “the best on the market” because they are soft, comfortable, and hold up well in the wash. Bonilla also loves them.
Best for Cold Weather
L.L. Bean’s merino wool-blend socks are super soft and functional. They are perfect for wearing inside boots in the winter. Managing editor Rachel Bashein vouches for them.
Best for Lewks
If you want to achieve the perfect “Princess Diana in biker shorts” look, these chunky socks are for you. Shopping editor, Bianca Nieves loves these for their cloudlike feeling.
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More Tried-and-True Options:
Best for Traveling
These compressive crew socks will prevent your ankles from swelling on a plane — if you have a long flight coming up, add them to your cart. And thanks to the breathable, lightweight material, they’re also great for the hot summer months.
The Glittery Pair
Soft and feminine, these socks from Calzedonia have glitter threads throughout that will create a subtle sparkle in the sunlight.
The Conversation-Starters
This pair proves that socks don’t have to be an afterthought; they can be fun!
Best Chunky Socks
Nothing ruins a cute skirt-and-loafers outfit quite like socks that slide down throughout the day. These won’t do that (but they’re not too tight around the calves, either). They provide the same chunky look as cashmere socks without the warmth, which is ideal for the spring and summer months.
Best for a Night Out
Sheer knee-high stockings were all over the spring runways. For your fashion-forward friend, gift these from Wolford, that are just the right amount of sheer. Paired with a dress and loafers, they’ll will impress at holiday parties.
Best Ribbed Socks
You can feel good about gifting these ribbed, Egyptian cotton-blend socks — a portion of the proceeds go to an NGO that builds primary schools in Egypt. They have an ever-so subtle stretch and hit the leg at the mid-calf, looking great with shorts or pants. Plus over 200 people have reviewed them and given them a 5/5 rating.
Best Non-Slip, No-Show
Our former market editor Roberto swears that these actually don’t slip. We believe him.
Coziest
Anonymous ism’s made-in-Japan socks are a menswear holy-grail item, for the obvious reason that they look like the love child of a sock your grandma knit and a Dead & Company tour bus. At $30 a pair, they’re both a luxury and a not-too-ridiculous splurge. For a cheaper option, we’ve had good luck with similar styles at Muji.
Best for Working Out
You buy most of your athleisure from Lululemon, so why not add socks to your cart, too?
Best Elevated Essential
A brand that has been on Schneider’s radar to try due to all the raving reviews in his group chat.
Ethically Made
After we saw Pete Davidson sporting a pair of these, we had to try them out for ourselves, and we also approve. The high-rise socks from doublsoul come in an array of flattering colors, all dyed ethically, and are made from recycled materials.
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