Warm Winter Socks

What are the warmest socks?

Warmth comes from three things: thickness, lining and fiber.

• Lined socks (fleece, sherpa or plush pile) trap the most warm air. Try the fleece-lined knee high socks or the sherpa-lined non-slip slipper socks.
• Thick knits like cable knit hold heat well: see the thick cable knit over the knee socks.
• Wool blends insulate and breathe, ideal inside boots: browse wool socks.

Winter socks for every situation

For boots

Go for knee-high or over-the-knee knits that protect your shins and fill roomy boots. More ideas in boot socks.

For the house

Non-slip slipper socks keep you steady on cold floors; fuzzy thermal socks are perfect for the couch.

For skirts and dresses

Long knits like the long knit over the knee socks and cable knit thigh highs keep legs warm with winter outfits.

For sleeping

Choose soft, non-tight socks: fuzzy or wool-blend crew socks work well.

Tips for keeping feet warm in winter

1. Keep feet dry. Damp socks lose heat quickly, so change after snow or sweat.
2. Don't over-tighten boots. Squeezed feet get less circulation and feel colder.
3. Layer smartly: a thin sock under a thick one adds warmth if your boots have room.
4. Cover your ankles and legs: long socks and leg warmers help your whole body feel warmer.
5. Warm up indoors: slipper socks prevent heat loss through cold floors.

Thermal socks vs regular socks

"Thermal" socks are thicker or lined to hold more heat than everyday socks. They feel bulkier, so check that your shoes or boots have room.

Winter sock care

Wash winter socks cool and inside out, and air dry linings and wool blends so they stay plush.

Shop early for winter

Winter sock searches climb sharply in November and peak in December, so stock up before the cold arrives. Every US order ships free.

Warmest winter socks compared

Winter socks for cold offices and drafty homes

You don't have to be outdoors to have cold feet. Air conditioning, tile floors and old windows can chill you all day. Keep a pair of warm crew socks at your desk, wear lined slipper socks at home and add leg warmers over leggings for extra coverage.

Winter socks for snow and slush

Snow boots work best with thick, tall socks. Choose knee highs or over the knee socks so there is no gap between sock and boot top. Bring a dry pair if you will be out for hours: wet socks are the fastest way to cold feet.

Do thicker socks always mean warmer feet?

Not if they make your boots tight. Compressed socks trap less air and can reduce circulation. If thick socks squeeze, choose a medium-weight wool blend or size up your boots for winter.

Winter sock checklist

• One pair of thick boot socks for snow
• One lined slipper sock for home
• Fuzzy socks for sleeping
• Wool blend crew socks for everyday shoes
• Long socks or leg warmers for skirts and dresses

Texas winters, too

Even in warmer states, winter mornings and air-conditioned buildings can be cold. Lighter knits and crew socks from women's crew socks are perfect for mild winters.

Winter sock materials compared

Winter socks for skirts and dresses

Don't put your skirts away for winter. Thick over the knee socks or wool blend thigh highs over tights keep legs warm and look great with boots. Choose dark colours for a slimming line or cream and gray for a soft, cozy look. Browse all thigh high socks.

Gifts for people who are always cold

Everyone knows someone with permanently cold feet. A winter sock bundle (lined slipper socks for home, fuzzy socks for bed and a thick pair for boots) makes a genuinely useful gift.