Merino wool socks have gained a reputation for being some of the most comfortable and effective for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear. These socks are known for their breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, making them a popular choice among hikers, runners, and anyone who values comfort. There are several brands that stand out in delivering top-quality merino wool socks, each offering unique features and designs to suit various needs and preferences. If you’re curious to discover which brands top the list for merino wool socks, read on below.
Illustration of merino wool socks
Best brands of merino wool socks in 2025
Smartwool
Smartwool is a leading producer of merino wool socks, renowned for their high-performance and sustainable products. Founded on the innovative use of merino wool, Smartwool socks are designed for various activities such as hiking, skiing, and everyday wear, combining merino wool with materials like nylon and polyurethane for enhanced comfort and durability. Their socks often feature advanced technologies like Shred Shield and Closed Toe Box, ensuring longevity and comfort. Smartwool's merino wool is ZQ certified, ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and the company is transitioning to recycled nylon certified by the Global Recycle Standard (GRS).
Darn Tough
Darn Tough is a renowned brand for producing high-quality Merino Wool socks, leveraging over 40 years of knitting and testing expertise to create durable and comfortable footwear. Their socks, which often combine Merino Wool with Nylon and Spandex, offer exceptional moisture-wicking, thermoregulating, and odor-resistant properties. For instance, their Men's 1466 Hiker socks are made from 61% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, and 3% Spandex, ensuring long-lasting performance. Darn Tough sources its Merino Wool primarily from Australia, South Africa, and Patagonia, and has committed to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) since 2019. With over 5 million pairs sold annually and a lifetime guarantee, Darn Tough stands out as a leader in the outdoor sock market. Learn more about their Merino Wool.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker is renowned for producing high-quality merino wool socks, founded in Wellington, New Zealand in 1995 and later acquired by VF Corporation in 2017. Their socks are made from a blend of 53% merino wool, 45% nylon, and 2% LYCRA®, ensuring durability, breathability, and comfort. Icebreaker's merino fibers range from 15.5 to 23.5 microns, providing a soft hand feel. The brand offers a lifetime guarantee for their socks, and their products are designed for both active and lifestyle use. Notably, Icebreaker's ski socks are particularly praised for their performance and odor resistance.
Patagonia
Patagonia is renowned for producing high-quality merino wool socks, leveraging 59% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)-certified merino wool to ensure excellent animal welfare and land management practices. Their merino wool socks are known for their breathability, insulation, and antimicrobial properties, making them ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. These socks also feature a blend of nylon and LYCRA® elastane for added stretch and durability. With a lightweight design of 57g per pair, they are perfect for multi-day hiking adventures. Patagonia's commitment to sustainability is highlighted by their RWS certification, which is held by less than 1% of global wool production.
Wigwam
Wigwam, a renowned brand since 1905, is celebrated for its high-quality merino wool socks, which were first introduced in 1996 and quickly gained popularity for their comfort and non-itchy texture. Wigwam's merino wool line utilizes finer diameter fibers from Merino sheep, offering a natural alternative to synthetic fibers. The brand's Peak 2 Pub collection, launched in 2016, features patented moisture control technology and a secure fit, making it ideal for active outdoor consumers. With over 115 years of excellence, Wigwam continues to innovate, partnering with organizations like the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team. The global merino wool socks market, which includes Wigwam, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2030.
Minus33
Minus33 is a renowned producer of high-quality merino wool socks, leveraging over 100 years of textile expertise inherited from L.W. Packard, which was established in 1916. Their socks are available in various weights, including micro, lightweight, midweight, and expedition, with some products featuring a blend of 84% merino wool, 12% nylon, and 4% spandex for enhanced durability. The company is committed to affordability, offering premium merino wool clothing at prices that are often $20 lower than similar products from other brands. Minus33's products are known for their moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and anti-microbial properties, along with a 25+ UPF rating for sun protection. Their socks, such as the Mountain Heritage Boot Wool Socks, are praised for their comfort and performance in various outdoor activities.
Danish Endurance
Danish Endurance is renowned for producing high-quality merino wool socks, offering exceptional warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Their merino wool hiking socks, made from a blend of 38% merino wool, 30% acrylic, 30% polyamide, and 2% elastane, are OEKO-TEX certified to ensure they are free from harmful substances. The brand is committed to sustainability, using mulesing-free wool and aiming to increase the use of recycled materials to 40% by the end of 2024. Their products are designed to be durable and long-lasting, backed by a one-year anti-hole guarantee. Danish Endurance also prioritizes animal welfare and environmental responsibility through various certifications like GRS and GOTS.
Farm to Feet
Farm to Feet is a leading brand in the production of high-quality merino wool socks, utilizing a 100% American supply chain that sources merino wool from working ranches in the U.S. and processes it within 300 miles of their sustainability-focused manufacturing plant in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Founded in 2013 by Nester Hosiery, the brand employs over 200 U.S. workers and offers approximately 80 different styles in various colors and classifications, including hike, sport, hunt/fish, snowsports, everyday, tactical, and equestrian socks. These socks are known for their moisture-wicking properties, soft-to-the-skin comfort, and natural antibacterial and insulating qualities. The brand's commitment to environmental sustainability and domestic production reduces shipping requirements and highlights the dedication of U.S. workers in the supply chain. Farm to Feet's products are available in men's, women's, and kid sizes, with a price range of $16 to $30. For more information on their products, visit their official website.
Allbirds
Allbirds is a pioneering brand renowned for its innovative use of merino wool in producing high-quality socks and footwear. Since its inception in 2016, Allbirds has delivered exceptional comfort, style, and sustainability, with products like the Wool Runner and merino wool socks gaining significant traction. The brand has achieved notable milestones, including surpassing $1 billion in cumulative lifetime-to-date net sales by the second quarter of 2022, with a strong focus on direct-to-consumer sales and an omni-channel approach. Allbirds' commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of natural materials, such as merino wool and eucalyptus fibers, and its innovative SweetFoam® midsole technology made from sugarcane waste. With a Net Promoter Score of over 80, Allbirds has established a loyal customer base appreciative of its nature-derived products. For more information, visit their official website.
Bombas
Bombas is renowned for producing some of the best merino wool socks, combining comfort, durability, and innovative design. Their merino wool socks, often blended with other fibers, offer excellent temperature-regulating properties and natural odor resistance, making them ideal for various activities, from everyday wear to athletic performance. Founded in 2013, Bombas has consistently received high praise for its quality and commitment to social causes, donating a pair of socks for every sale. The brand's proprietary Honeycomb Arch Support System and seamless toe design enhance the comfort and fit of their socks. With options like the Merino Wool Calf Socks, Bombas ensures moisture-wicking and insulation, making them a favorite among consumers.
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