What are boot socks?
Boot socks are taller, thicker socks designed to be worn with boots. They cushion the foot, protect your shins from the boot edge and keep heat in. Many women choose a pair long enough to fold over the top of the boot for a visible knit cuff.
Best boot socks by boot type
Knee-high and riding boots
Choose an over the knee sock so the cuff shows above the boot. The thick cable knit over the knee socks and cable knit thigh high socks are perfect.
Rain boots and wellies
Rubber boots are cold, so thickness matters. The plush fleece-lined knee high socks are one of our warmest pairs, and the floral jacquard knee high socks add a pretty pattern above the rim.
Ankle boots and booties
Try faux fur knit boot cuffs for a peek of texture, or scrunch leg warmers over the boot shaft.
Cowboy and western boots
A smooth, mid-weight knee sock works best so the boot slides on easily. Our long knit over the knee socks can be folded to the right height.
How thick should boot socks be?
- Roomy boots: go thick: fleece-lined or chunky cable knits fill the space and stop your foot sliding.
- Snug boots: choose medium-weight knits so the boot still fits.
- Breaking in new boots: a thicker sock reduces rubbing while the leather softens.
Styling boot socks
- Fold a cream or gray cable knit cuff over brown knee-high boots with a sweater dress.
- Let a floral knee sock show above black rain boots with a denim skirt.
- Add faux fur boot cuffs to ankle boots with skinny jeans.
Keep feet warm and dry
Damp feet get cold fast. Change into dry socks after rain or snow, rotate your pairs, and let boots air out overnight. For the coldest weeks see our warm winter socks and women's wool socks.
Sizing
Most of our women's boot socks are one size. Check each product for leg length and sole size, and use our sock size chart. Every US order ships free.
Boot socks compared
Boot socks for work and outdoors
If you spend the day in boots, comfort matters more than style. Look for cushioning at the heel and toe, a knit that doesn't bunch at the ankle, and a height that sits above the boot top so the edge never rubs your skin. On wet days, pack a spare pair.
How to fold boot socks over boots
- Pull the sock up fully, smoothing the leg.
- Put on your boot.
- Fold the top of the sock down over the boot shaft, about 2-4 inches.
- Adjust so the fold is even all the way around.
Boot cuffs work the same way: slide the cuff on, tuck the lower half into the boot, and fold the decorative top over.
Seasonal boot sock picks
Fall: floral jacquard knee socks with rain boots and cable knits with suede boots. Winter: fleece-lined knee highs and thick over the knee knits. Holidays: red cable knit socks peeking from black boots. Spring: lighter cotton knee highs and boot cuffs with ankle boots.
Do boot socks prevent blisters?
A well-fitted, cushioned sock reduces friction between your foot and the boot, which is the main cause of blisters. Choose the right thickness for your boot, keep feet dry and avoid socks that slip down into the heel.
Boot sock materials
Acrylic knits hold their shape, keep colour and are easy to wash, which makes them great for everyday boot socks. Wool blends are warmer and regulate moisture better on long, cold days. Plush or fleece linings add the most warmth for snow and rubber boots. Cotton is comfortable indoors but loses warmth when damp, so it is better for mild days.
How many pairs of boot socks do you need?
For a typical winter, three or four pairs is a good start: one thick pair for snow or rain boots, one or two cable knits for tall boots and outfits, and one lighter pair or set of boot cuffs for ankle boots. Rotate them so each pair can dry fully between wears.
Boot socks as gifts
Cozy boot socks are an easy gift for anyone who lives in boots from October to March: students, outdoor workers, horse riders and fashion lovers. Red and cream cable knits also work as Christmas socks.
Shop by length
Want a cuff that shows above tall boots? Choose over the knee or thigh high socks. Prefer the sock hidden? Pick knee highs. Only want the look at the top? Leg warmers and boot cuffs are the answer.