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.
Shop hunting socksWork socks
Socks designed for work usually extend higher up the calf, since they’re designed to be worn with work boots. You’ll also find heel cushioning that extends up the back of the foot, to prevent rubbing and blisters. A warm thermal knit can also be helpful for outdoor work and colder temperatures.
Shop work socksMilitary and tactical socks
Military (or tactical) socks are designed to withstand extreme activity and wear, and should have a fully cushioned sole for insulation and shock absorption. With Fox River Socks’ tactical socks, you’ll also find a cushioned shin for extra padding against boot laces, and anti-slip anchor zones at the arch and heel to prevent your socks from sagging, shifting, or bunching.
Durability is also paramount for those on duty, so we designed extra features like:
- Multifilament yarn construction that’s abrasion resistant
- Y-shaped heel gore for non-binding flexibility and stretch, and a snug fit
- A nylon Everwear Shield that protects the rub zone at the base of the Achilles tendon
- Reinforced heel and toe
Plus, all Fox River Socks are knit in Iowa, with a collection of tactical socks that are fully compliant with the Berry Amendment and uniform colors.
Shop tactical socks
Sock materials
The type of yarn makes a huge difference when it comes to your socks’ performance and quality, especially over time. Here’s what we recommend:
Merino wool – There are so many reasons to choose merino wool socks (and no, they aren’t itchy). This natural fiber is basically made for performance socks, since it’s antimicrobial, odor absorbing, and temperature regulating—not to mention super soft.
Silk – Silk makes socks smooth and, well, silky. It’s great when combined with more durable materials, like a merino wool blend, since it’s fairly delicate on its own.
Performance yarn – If you’re avoiding wool, try synthetic moisture-wicking yarns like Fox River Socks’ COOLMAX® and Thermolite®, knit from sustainably made polyester. Both draw moisture away from the foot, but COOLMAX® is designed to keep your feet cool, while Thermolite® traps heat in hollow fibers to keep your feet warm.
What not to choose for performance socks? Cotton. A 10-pack of cotton socks may come cheap, but cotton is actually one of the worst sock materials for any sort of sweat-inducing activity. It tends to hold on to moisture, leading to sweaty feet, odors, and potentially blisters. Cotton also isn’t as durable as merino wool, so you could end up buying more socks that wear out quickly rather than investing in a couple great pairs that last for years.
Sock heights
Fox River Socks come in 5 main sock heights: ankle, quarter crew, crew, mid-calf, and over-the-calf (or knee-high). Here’s what they look like side by side:
The right height for you depends largely on your footwear, since you want your socks to extend past the top of your shoes or boots. How far is a matter of personal preference—you can have just a peek of exposed sock, or show off most of the shaft with a fun pattern or color.
When in doubt, the classic crew sock is a good multipurpose choice for outdoor activities, since it protects your lower legs from bugs, debris, and dirt. A lower-profile ankle or quarter-crew sock is well suited to running and walking, paired with lower-profile shoes.
You can learn more about our sock heights in the Fox River Socks sizing guide.
Sock weights and cushioning
Sock weight encompasses two factors: the thickness and warmth of the yarn, and the level of cushioning. Fox River Socks come in 4 different weights, and within each activity category (running, everyday, etc.) you’ll find options in multiple weights.
Ultra-lightweight – Best for hot weather, these socks are designed to be as thin, cool, and breathable as possible. This also means less cushioning, so they may not be the right choice for your higher-impact activities, like hiking.
Lightweight – These are your solid everyday socks, with a balance of cushioning and breathability for a range of activities. They are your most versatile option and thin enough to pair with a range of footwear, like sneakers, casual boots, clogs, or low-profile hiking boots.
Medium-weight – Need socks to last you through 15,000+ steps a day? Medium-weight socks are a good option for extended wear—when you want more cushioning, but not the bulk or warmth of heavyweight socks.
Heavyweight – These are the warmest and most cushioned socks you can find, ideal for heavy-duty activities and cold weather. These socks have the thickest knit, and a good quality pair should have a high percentage of merino wool.
Cushioning should be present in areas that need extra shock absorption for the type of activity, like the heel and ball of the foot for running socks, the shin for snow socks, and the entire sole for tactical or work socks.
Cushioning gets added during the knitting process through the creation of terry loops, which are tiny, densely packed loops of yarn between each stitch. The outside of the sock stays flat, but the loops are visible on the inside—so you can check where a sock is cushioned by turning it inside-out. Terry loops also create space in the knit for air to circulate, which helps with insulation and moisture wicking.
The bottom line
Whatever types of socks you need, keep in mind that it always helps to invest in a high-quality pair. It’s worth saying again: one outstanding pair of socks will outlast countless cheap ones—and be more comfortable in the long run.
Fox River knits all our socks in the USA using sustainable practices, so you know you’re getting a premium product. And if for any reason our socks don’t perform, we’ll replace them through our satisfaction guarantee.
Now you know how to choose the right socks—and all you have to do is take the first step.