Updated August 2024

Types of socks: How to choose the right socks for you

In a nutshell: Start with socks designed for the specific activity you’re doing, like running or hiking. Within that category, consider 3 main factors—the sock material, height, and level of cushioning—to zero in on the pair of socks that best suits your needs and preferences.

What types of socks are best? The ones you don’t even think about while wearing them (unless, of course, that thought is “Wow, these socks are so comfortable!”). But an item as seemingly simple as a pair of socks comes in a huge range of styles and knits, and once you start to browse, the options can get overwhelming.

Luckily, we at Fox River can help break it down for you. With 200+ styles of socks and over 120 years in the business, we know a thing or two about what makes the most comfortable pair of socks. Finding the perfect socks for your needs comes down to a formula: your activity + material + height + cushioning. We’ll walk you through it, step by step.

Types of socks for specific activities

It might sound obvious, but your socks should be designed for the activity you’ll do while wearing them. The pair you’d pick for marathon training in Florida definitely wouldn’t be the best choice for mountaineering in Washington, or even for casual walks around the neighborhood. Here are the primary types of socks made by Fox River Socks, and some features you’ll find in each of them.

Skiing and snowboarding socks

For any sort of snow activity, you’ll want cushioning on not just the heel, but up the shin, too—this adds shock absorption underfoot and where your leg rubs against your boots. The extra cushion also helps with insulation, as does a sweater-like material such as merino wool mixed with silk and even a touch of cashmere.

Skiing and snowboarding socks should also feature a taller sock height, to pass the top of your boots, as well as moisture-wicking fabric to help keep your feet dry and toasty.

Hiking socks

A good hiking sock is a medium- or lightweight knit made with a percentage of merino wool. Here you’ll want to focus on odor control and moisture wicking (two things that merino wool is great for).

You can also find hiking socks with added features like arch support and reinforced heel/toe areas that make your socks even more comfortable and durable, mile after mile. We break down even more details in our complete guide to hiking socks, too.

Running socks

Breathability is key with running socks, so look for a lightweight sock material with mesh and/or vented panels—like our Arid Lightweight running socks. You’ll also want extra padding under the heel and ball of the foot, for shock absorption every time your feet hit the pavement.

An added benefit of Fox River Socks’ running socks is an anatomical fit, which means each sock is longer in the big toe area and tapers toward the pinky toe (with one sock specifically for the left foot and one for the right foot). This design minimizes potential areas of irritation that could be caused by excess material around the toes.

Everyday socks

Everyday socks should have a soft knit and a smooth, flat toe seam, which will serve you well for casual wear and leisurely walks, and can be worn with anything from sneakers to boots (or even sandals).

If you do lots of walking, you may also want high cushioning over the top of your instep, where the tongue and laces of sneakers hit, as well as full cushioning on bottom of the foot for extra comfort.

Hunting socks

Hunting socks are built for endurance and all-day wear across many temperatures and types of terrain. The main feature you’ll find is a knit that can withstand moisture and keep your feet as dry as possible when you’re standing in wet environments or sweating. That’s usually a blend with merino wool, which also helps keep your feet comfortably warm or cool throughout the day’s temperature variations.