5 Fall Socks that Make a Statement—and Perform Well Too
Leave your cotton socks behind
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Socks are often treated as a utilitarian necessity: performance first and aesthetics second, right? But socks don’t have to be boring. In fact, the humble sock is one of your best opportunities to show some style and make a statement. And companies are finally making stylish, even outlandish, socks that actually perform well while looking good. Here are some of our favorite statement socks for fall.
Darn Tough ABC Boot Socks ($24)
Adorned with bears, trees, and aliens, these socks show off everything you’re looking for when you hike into the woods. They’re a blend of 60 percent merino wool for a soft feel, 38 percent nylon for durability, and 2 percent Lycra for stretch. The result is a breathable, seamless hiking sock that wicks well and doesn’t slip inside your boot.
Tasco Double Digit Socks ($15)
Tasco blends CoolMax with nylon and Lycra for a mountain-bike sock that’s built to wick and dry incredibly fast. There’s good heel support to keep the socks in place as you pedal and mesh zones to increase ventilation. These are a great choice for biking in hot temps, but we really love that you can also get matching gloves.
Stance Pau Snow ($18)
OK, there’s a foot of fresh powder on the mountain but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your aloha vibes. Bring out your inner luau with these all-mountain ski socks built from a polyester, nylon, and elastane blend that is incredibly durable and does an excellent job of managing moisture. More important, they’re so much fun, you’re not going to want to hide them inside your boots.
SockGuy Sriracha Wool Crew Sock ($14)
It’s hard to pick just one pair of SockGuy socks because they’re all pretty wild. But we have a soft spot in our hearts for Srirachas, so we’re going with the roosters. SockGuy uses mostly “Turbowool,” a blend of merino and poly that makes the sock incredibly soft but also really, really durable. Just like those little roosters. And they’re made in the USA.
Farm to Feet Floyd ($21)
Farm to Feet makes bomber hiking socks, but it’s the festival-themed Floyd we want to wear on the reg. The company uses 100 percent American-grown merino wool (and some nylon for durability) for an itch-free, softer-than-butter sock that cools when it’s hot and warms when it’s cold. You get cushioning where you want it and a seamless toe closure for total comfort.