As the hunting season draws near, every hunter worth his game needs to gear up and prepare all items that make the hunting experience great. Socks are an important part of every hunter’s kit as they help to prevent blisters from the often long walks.
However, there are so many brands out there that manufacture wool socks, choosing the best pair can be a bit tricky.
That’s why we gathered a list of the top 5 best wool boots for a hunting trip so you won’t have a hard time finding out which ones are worth spending your money on!
Our Top Picks for Best Wool Socks for Hunting
|
Product Name |
Good For | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
RealTree Heavyweight Merino Wool Socks |
Best Overall | ||
Darn Tough Hunter Over The Calf Extra Cushion Sock |
Best for Cold Weather | ||
Ducks Unlimited Men’s All Season Tall Merino Wool Boot Sock |
Best for All-Day Comfort | ||
Smartwool Classic Hunt Maximum Cushion |
Best for Smelly Feet | ||
Drake Men’s Camo Merino Wool Ultra-dri Over the Calf Boot Socks |
Best for Wet Conditions |
Reviews of the Best Wool Socks for Hunting
1. RealTree Heavyweight Merino Wool Socks
RealTree Heavyweight Merino Wool Socks will give you great comfort and protection for any type of weather out there. They are made to keep your feet warm so you can continue hunting even if the temperature drops.
If you want a pair of hunting socks that won’t lead you to have sweaty feet, these ones are definitely for you. These are so breathable that you won’t have to worry about walking for hours.
Pros
- Sewn from a wool mix for extra heath and protection
- Features a reinforced heel and toe so the socks will stay in position
- Breathable to keep your feet cool even if you decide to wear them outside for hours
Cons
- Tend to shrink after being washed
- A bit expensive
If you’re looking for a pair of socks that can keep your feet warm while being lightweight and comfortable at the same time, these are a great option!
2. Darn Tough Hunter Over The Calf Extra Cushion Sock
The Darn Tough Hunter Over The Calf Extra Cushion Sock is perfect if you need extra warmth on your feet when it comes to extreme cold weather hunting conditions.
This outdoor sock provides enough insulation to make sure your feet stay warm all day long, but they aren’t too thick to the point where your feet will feel suffocated.
You’ll find this product to provide plenty of cushioning and protection from outside elements like water, ice, and snow!
Pros
- Perfect for cold weather conditions
- Provides enough cushioning to protect your feet from outside elements while staying breathable to avoid sweaty feet
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Provides extra insulation on the top of the sock and around the foot
Cons
- Might move inside the boot when walking
- Must wash first before wearing
With these comfortable socks, you’ll never have cold feet no matter how long your day takes. They’re made with a wool blend so they’ll keep your feet warm, while still remaining breathable.
3. Ducks Unlimited Men’s All Season Tall Merino Wool Boot Sock
Ducks Unlimited Men’s All Season Tall Merino Wool Boot Sock will keep your cold feet warm no matter how cold it is outside.
The material used to make them was carefully selected so that they’re light enough for you to wear all day long. Not to mention, they provide the insulation needed in colder weather.
They are made with a wool blend which provides extra protection, breathability, and comfort so your feet won’t ever feel sweaty.
They come in two different colors, black and gray, so you can choose whichever one suits your style best.
You’ll find these socks great for any type of hunting activity because they’re durable and comfortable at the same time!
Pros
- Extra warm to keep your feet protected from weather elements and moisture
- Material is light enough to keep you comfortable all day long
- Available in different colors
- Easy to wear with any type of boot or shoe for maximum comfort and protection
Cons
- Tend to shrink after being washed
- A bit pricey
Unlike other socks you’ve tried in the past, these premium wool socks from Ducks Unlimited offer a perfect blend of breathability and insulation.
With a high-quality wool blend that feels soft against your skin, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is to keep your toes warm and cozy!
4. Smartwool Classic Hunt Maximum Cushion
The Smartwool Classic Hunt Maximum Cushion is a wool sock that provides an excellent balance of breathability and insulation for your feet.
This makes it the perfect option to wear during any type of hunting activity, as well as everyday wear. It comes in two different colors: black and gray, so you can find one that matches your style best!
Pros
- Made from a wool blend to keep your feet warm
- Breathable material
- Easy to wear with any type of boot or shoe
Cons
- Might be a little bit thick for some people
The Smartwool Classic Hunt Maximum Cushion is the perfect sock for outdoor activities. Thanks to the high-quality wool, they’ll keep your feet comfortable no matter what type of climate you’re in.
The two-color variations will also make sure that you’re able to find one that matches your personal style best!
5. Drake Men’s Camo Merino Wool Ultra-dri Over the Calf Boot Socks
The Drake Men’s Camo Merino Wool Ultra-dri Over the Calf Boot Socks are ideal for any sort of outdoor activity.
The blend of merino wool and nylon will keep your feet warm in cold weather, but still allow them to breathe in warmer temperatures.
The material is also designed to resist odor, so you won’t have to worry about stinky socks ever again! You’ll absolutely love these socks when it comes time to enjoy the outdoors this hunting season.
Pros
- Made with a wool blend to keep your feet warm and comfortable no matter the time of year
- Material is made with anti-odor technology which enables it to resist odor
- Easy to wear all day long without feeling sweaty or uncomfortable
Cons
- Might shrink after being washed
With excellent cold-weather insulation, and breathability in warm weather, you finally have a solution for smelly feet complications.
With durable materials used throughout all aspects of these socks, they’re guaranteed to last through even the toughest conditions.
Buyer’s Guide for Wool Socks for Hunting
Wool socks are made from natural fibers and keep your feet as dry as possible by absorbing any moisture that they come into contact with.
This makes them the best socks for those who spend time outdoors seeking prey. Some people use these socks for keeping their feet warm while sleeping, but the main use is during outdoor activities.
They are also a great choice because they don’t have that awful material that can cause blisters, which makes them perfect for those who have sensitive skin.
In this section, we will discuss the five main factors you should consider when looking for the best wool socks for hunting!
Material
There are a few different materials that can be used to manufacture a pair of wool socks, but over time, merino wool has come out as one of the most popular. This is because it’s lightweight, durable, and breathable. That’s all you really need in a pair of socks!
You should also find pairs that are made with nylon so they can help absorb any moisture or sweat your feet produce. This will keep them dry and allow you to wear the same pair for an extended period of time without having to worry about odor.
Fiber Length
The longer the fibers are, the more breathable the material will be. This makes it a good choice for those looking to wear their socks outside in warmer weather.
If you’re just going to use them in cold weather, opt for something that has shorter fibers because they’ll keep your feet much warmer than long-fiber socks would.
Length, Fit, and Comfort
Nobody wants to wear tight socks when they head outside into the woods.
This is why you should always look for a pair that will fit well so you don’t have any unnecessary discomfort while out in the field. No matter what type of activity you plan on doing, make sure your feet stay comfy by choosing the best wool socks for hunting.
Size
If you’re going to use your socks to sleep in, it’s best to get large pairs that are made with less material. This is because they’ll be easier to wear when other layers are already on your body, but you can still protect your feet from the cold by using them at night.
If you wear them during the day, however, go with medium or large sizes to help keep your feet warm. You can even use larger socks if you plan on using them for hiking – they’ll give you extra density cushioning and protection when it’s needed most!
Style
No matter what kind of hunting activity you’re planning on doing, it’s best to look for a pair of socks that have high visibility. This will let others know where you are in the woods and prevent any accidents from happening.
You can find hunting socks with all kinds of designs and patterns on them, from camo to historical-looking garb. You can even find pairs that have fun personalities! If you’re going for a more traditional look, however, camouflage is definitely your best bet.
Durability
Your socks should be strong enough to handle anything you throw at them (or they throw at you). There’s no sense in buying more than one pair of hunting socks when the first is already falling apart.
Look for high-quality wool and durable stitching to avoid any mishaps while out in the field. Wool and nylon blend pairs are the strongest, but you can opt for leather if your budget allows it!
Thickness
The thickness of your socks is very important when it comes to warmth, but only if the environment you’ll be hunting in warrants it. Thicker pairs are great for colder weather while thinner ones work well to protect your feet from the sun while hiking.
If you plan on wearing them during winter or fall, go with something that has a little bit more padding to it so you aren’t pushing your feet against the cold ground!
Color
You don’t need to look for socks that match your outfit, but some hunters choose to do so. If this is your plan, be sure you get something neutral or natural-colored so they’ll go with anything you wear on your trip.
A bright color is only good if you have a neon orange hat or vest to match with your socks! If you plan on wearing them at night, however, be sure they’re something that won’t blend in with the darkness surrounding you. Instead, make sure to pick something that has reflective materials in it so others can see where you are when walking outside at night.
Thermal Qualities
You’ll want to get a pair of wool socks that have high thermal qualities. Not only do they help retain heat well, but they will protect your feet from the cold air in the winter and the hot air when it’s summer.
What’s extra important is how breathable they are so you don’t overheat when you’re out hiking in warmer weather.
These are the factors you will want to consider when you are looking for the best wool socks for hunting. Just make sure you ask yourself if it will be used inside or outside of the woods before buying any pair.
Make sure that your socks give your feet maximum comfort and warmth, and remember that layering is one of the most important things!
Hiking boots are an investment no serious hunter should be without. With the right pair, you will feel completely comfortable and ready to take on new challenges.
Take a look at our guide on The 10 Best Rubber Hunting Boots and The 10 Best Snake Proof Boots in 2021 before you make your purchase.
FAQs
Is 100% Merino Wool Good for Socks?
Merino wool socks are thermal socks that have the ability to keep your feet dry by wicking away sweat and releasing it as vapor.
When you combine that with their antibacterial capabilities, you’ll be able to reduce the number of stinking socks. Merino wool also keeps warmth in even when wet and will not cause your feet to feel as sticky.
Are Compression Socks Good for Hunting?
Yes, compression socks are the best kind of socks to wear when hunting because they promote circulation which helps keep your feet warm.
All you have to do is put on a good pair, slip them over the top of your boots, and they will keep your feet at the perfect temperature no matter how cold it might get. They also reduce soreness in your legs by preventing blood from pooling.
What Material Makes the Warmest Socks?
When shopping for the warmest socks for winter, search for fabrics that contain insulating ingredients such as acrylic or Merino wool.
Merino wool is a fantastic insulator, and it keeps you much warmer than other types of wool because it is finer. It’s also more breathable and doesn’t scratch the skin.
What Are the Disadvantages of Wool?
The disadvantage of wool is that it doesn’t last as long as some other fabrics.
It has a lifespan of approximately two to five years with average wear and tear. But, if you’re constantly going on hikes or participating in winter sports that can change the color, the fibers will start to pull apart quicker and more easily.
Final Thoughts
Our favorite pair of wool socks are the RealTree Heavyweight Merino Wool Socks because they promote circulation which keeps your feet dry. They’re also durable and breathable so you can wear them in different environments without overheating or sweating too much. You’ll be able to stay dry, comfy, and happy on the hunt while wearing these!
We hope you’ve found this information helpful in your search for the best wool socks to wear while hunting.
For more information about the Best Lightweight Hunting Boots in 2021 and The Warmest Hunting Boots, feel free to keep exploring our site!
