Weekly Roundup: Winning Socks

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Weekly Roundup: Winning Socks

— by Angie

on January 18, 2017

With the weather turning really cold, ’tis the season for comfy socks. Here’s a small assortment that are client favourites at the moment. My own current favourites are from Uniqlo’s Heattech collection. They are warm, not too thick, non-scratchy, super cosy, and stay on my feet. Feel free to share your favourite sock styles in the comments below.

UNIQLO Women Heattech Socks 2 Pairs: Cosiest socks of the year. Lightweight, warm, and better than SmartWool in my book. NOT scratchy, and stay put.
Chelsea28 Sheer Dot Anklet Socks: Super cute fashion socks to wear with pumps or loafers in very mild weather. Keep the footwear low contrast to the socks and you're good to go.
Nordstrom Knee High Socks (3 for $18): These socks feel like butter, and are long enough for tall gals. Extra soft and a little slippery. Great for tall boots.
Nordstrom Compression Trouser Socks: Snug fit and super cosy. Read the rave reviews.
Zella Moda Cashmere Blend Crew Socks: These worked surprisingly well for a client who is extremely sensitive to wool. Pricey, but on sale, and available in lovely neutrals.
SmartWool 'Cable II' Crew Socks: The most popular basic Winter sock with my clients. I didn't like them because they slipped off my feet, and I found the ribbed texture uncomfortable. My goodness am I in the minority! They work well for high-volume feet. Read the rave reviews.
SOCKWELL 'Circulator' Knee High Compression Socks: Comfortable compression socks that won't cut off your circulation. Many rave reviews.
SOCKWELL 'Goodhew' Graduated Compression Socks: The pressure of these compression socks is subtle, and therefore extra comfortable. Fits a larger calf.
Plush Fleece Lined Knee High Socks: Socks with fleece lining are fab for extra cold feet. Quite thick so consider yourself warned.

You can see my descriptions alongside the items on the collection page.

UNIQLO

Women Heattech Socks 2 Pairs

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

Chelsea28 Sheer Dot Anklet Socks

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

Knee High Socks (3 for $18)

$8.50

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

Compression Trouser Socks

$15.00

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

Zella Moda Cashmere Blend Crew Socks

$45.00

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

SmartWool 'Cable II' Crew Socks

$16.95

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

SOCKWELL 'Circulator' Knee High Compression Socks

$24.99

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

SOCKWELL 'Goodhew' Graduated Compression Socks

$24.99

View Info

Top Pick

Shopbop

Plush Fleece Lined Knee High Socks

$22.00

View Info

Top Pick

Lists

50 comments · Add a comment

Karie

(website)

Veteran

A nice pair of super warm and cozy socks is a must have for our cold, wet, snowy winter days (like today!). Thank you for this round-up of favorites.

January 18, 2017 at 4:52 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Terrific review, Angie.

A note re Smartwool — the cable version do not work for me, either, and I suspect they are not the type favoured by the many people on the forum who vouch for Smartwool. For me, as for your, the cable socks slip down easily and irritate the bottoms of my feet, whereas other Smartwool styles do not do this or do so much less—from the thicker hiking socks (obviously not for “fashion” wear but useful for warmth!) to some of the other types. However the other types tend to be brightly striped or patterned, so this can sometimes present a challenge to outfit planning if the sock would show.

January 18, 2017 at 5:08 am

MaryA

Active Member

Thanks for the review Angie. I’m heading into Chicago tomorrow and one of my first stops will be at Uniqlo – I’m looking forward to trying some of their socks

January 18, 2017 at 5:15 am

MTBGirl

Veteran

Comfy socks are so important, thanks for the roundup. I like the sound and look of the two Sockwell compression ones for me. I’ve been working on slowly rebuilding my sock wardrobe due to some leg/ankle problems.

January 18, 2017 at 5:24 am

Gayle

The advantage of SmartWool socks for me is that they come in sizes. I wear a 6N shoe, and most other socks don’t work. “One size fits all” socks result in extra fabric in my shoe, and this causes blisters. I’ve found the children’s size large in SmartWool fits the same as the women’s size small, but it can be difficult to find children’s socks that don’t look too juvenile. For athletic socks, I like Thorlos because they also come in sizes.

January 18, 2017 at 5:25 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

The Uniqlo socks are very soft. They tend to bag out a bit on my feet by day’s end. That’s where Smartwool has an advantage, in my book. In very cold weather I wear a pair of Smartwool socks under a pair of Uniqlo socks and enjoy toasty feet all day long.

January 18, 2017 at 5:40 am

Bijou

Veteran

The sheer dot socks look a lot of fun. Uniqlo are so fab for basics, so I will have to try their socks out.

January 18, 2017 at 5:43 am

Phoebe

Veteran

Didn´t realize that Uniqlo sells socks – off to the store!

January 18, 2017 at 5:44 am

Tanya

Veteran

Great selection, Angie, thank you! I have ordered a couple of pairs of Uniqlo socks for the first time last week and am waiting for them to arrive. I agree with everything Suz said about Smartwool socks – so far they are my favorite but I wish they came in plain dark solids, no cables.
Ages ago I stumbled upon great socks from DKNY – they were wool/cashmere blend, super soft and very warm. Sadly, I wore them out, and haven’t found anything remotely similar. The Zella ones in your roundup might be close, but they are too pricey for me for socks.

January 18, 2017 at 5:48 am

April

Veteran

Another point: if you have VERY fussy feet, you will find that the thickness of socks like the HeatTechs will make your shoes just tight enough to irritate problems such as bunions or neuromas.

I search for something as thin and smooth as cheap knee-highs, yet in a warmer and less flimsy fabrication. Another wardrobe unicorn…

Also, in one of those mysteries of the fashion world, I fail to understand how my calves, which are far too skinny for any boot on the market, are somehow too substantial for any knee sock on the market. They all cut into my calves severely, causing awful red lines and intense discomfort by mid-day.

January 18, 2017 at 6:09 am

RobinF

Veteran

This is great info, I am very picky about socks. I am currently in need of knee highs to wear with cropped pants and boots that don’t cut off my circulation but stay up and are silky enough that they don’t stick to my pants. So many good posts about Uniqlo products that I think I will have to give them a try.

January 18, 2017 at 6:12 am

Eliza

Veteran

Great to see this round up of options, Angie. I share your appreciation for the Uniqlo HeatTech socks. I find they wash well, wear comfortably and keep me warm. I like that my feet aren’t too hot indoors, yet outside, they are cosy. I have them in crew, knee highs, and above the knee versions. The above the knee ones stand in for a legging layer on super cold days.

January 18, 2017 at 6:18 am

Colette

Veteran

I agree about Smartwool socks, the cable version are not my favorite but overall they are good performers, warm while not too thick. I found a Nordstrom brand cashmere blend sock this year and like them so far. I just find the problem with cashmere socks is they pill and just wear out fast. But, my feet are happy and warm in the meantime so I enjoy the luxury while it lasts. I also enjoy the Hue brand for warmer weather. They have a great ankle sock that works well and becomes invisible under many of my booties.

January 18, 2017 at 6:19 am

zoiechic

Good resource, thanks!

January 18, 2017 at 6:28 am

jlpp

I would love to need these socks, but all upper 60s – mid 70s. I want Winter and cozy layers!

January 18, 2017 at 6:31 am

JAileen

Veteran

My experience with Smartwool was the same as Suz’. I had some of the kind with cables. They weren’t warm and slid down. I gave them away.

January 18, 2017 at 7:07 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the validation, ladies.

Karie, dead right. Socks are very important.

Suz and Tanya, thanks for the Smartwool info. Good to know. I had another pair of long smart wool socks that I gave away because I found them itchy. Should I keep on trying?

MaryA and Phoebe, good luck at Uniqlo. There heattech is almost sold out! (This is not uncommon in January).

Donna, wishing you a speedy recovery.

Laura, that’s because we have small, low volume feet. Layering is a good idea.

Bijou, the sheer socks are dead right for Oz.

April, how about trying half a size up in Winter shoes? The Uniqlo socks are quite thin already, actually. My calves are wider than yours, and knee socks seem to work just fine. Hmmmm. It’s a mystery.

jlpp, I want your weather.

January 18, 2017 at 7:16 am

Joy

Veteran

What a great and timely roundup. I can vouch for Nordstrom’s compression knee socks. I have 3 pair and love them, especially as boot socks with my riding style boots with not much room for thicker socks.
I like Smart Wool but have never tried the cable style. Mine are the PhD without padding. Most are low to wear with sneakers or no shows with flats.
A new- to- me brand of wool boot sock from REI is Farm-to-(?) made in the U.S. So far they are great and I would buy more. Not scratchy, good fit and stay up.

January 18, 2017 at 7:21 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie, it is hard to say about the Smartwool. Perhaps. There are different varieties, some being more bothersome (in a variety of ways) than others. Some bag out more or fall down more than others; some itch more, and a few have shrunk on me in odd ways, making them twist. I must admit I do dry the socks in the dryer which probably isn’t the smartest idea.

I have an odd response to wool. My comfort with it (and cashmere) depends almost entirely on heat and humidity levels. In other words, the cashmere that will feel soft and comfortable to me in coldest winter (esp. on drier days) will bother me like *crazy* on warmer or humid days. Even with another layer under it. Ditto for wool, only more so, although good merino can be a bit easier overall for me. (I can’t tolerate angora or similar at all and don’t even try.)

FWIW, I have not been able to make the Smartwool long underwear work for me *at all* — I find it itchy and baggy and terribly uncomfortable — I far prefer my synthetic options. But most of the socks are acceptable to me *in the right temperature range* — though not the cable ones.

So…all I can say is, perhaps that information will add something!

January 18, 2017 at 8:10 am

cindysmith

Veteran

I only started thinking about socks last year. I got sick of being cold and not being able to feel my toes. My husband ordered me some lifetime guarantee socks from a big-box outdoorsman store, and they’ve served me well, but sometimes I go through socks faster than I get laundry done so I’m starting to look around. My H&M wool blend socks were mostly terrible because the calf portion was just too tight (like, I’m guessing these were designed with barbie dolls in mind).

Thanks for the suggestions on some other kinds of socks to try out!

January 18, 2017 at 8:21 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Perfect timing! I need new socks. The knee socks I’ve worn for years are suddenly bothering my legs–either they shrunk or my calves have gotten sensitive to the pressure. I know they haven’t gotten bigger. Maybe I could buy some boots if that were the case!

January 18, 2017 at 8:35 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for chiming back in, Suz. Smartwool socks seem tricky to get right, but I will keep on trying. And you should be able to dry socks in the dryer, don't you think?

Cynthia, please get some socks!

Joy, are those REI socks thick? I don't like wearing thick socks.

Dana, HAH. Exactly.

January 18, 2017 at 9:09 am

rachylou

Veteran

I have got to get to Uniqlo!!

January 18, 2017 at 9:15 am

merwoman

Veteran

Oh I love socks in any season except summer! For the Canuks The Bay has a mouth watering assortment – Hue, McGregor are some of my favourite brands. I like a bit of a pattern so it can peak out over the top of my footwear. Mark’s Work wearhouse also carries a nice selection, and last year BR carried a few pairs.
I air dry any sock that has wool or cashmere component. Not sure if it’s necessary, but takes little effort to do so.

January 18, 2017 at 9:26 am

MsMaven

Veteran

I’ve been wearing Sockwell’s for a couple of years. Good for when I have to be on my feet a lot and for travel. I wear the Nordstrom compression socks for dressier shoes, but although they are thin, they aren’t soft. I’m yearning for some nice soft socks to have as well. I will try the Uniqlo. I’m very happy with their long sleeve tee shirts and the Heattech tops, which I tried beginning this fall thanks to Angie’s suggestion.

January 18, 2017 at 9:29 am

Diana

Veteran

I like the Heattech socks but actually find them a little too warm and not breathable enough, especially for indoors. I prefer merino like smartwool because it is more breathable and seems to work in a wider temperature range for me at least.

I find that smartwool socks fit my low volume feet quite well, actually, although I agree the cable ones are not the most comfy. (A tip: I actually find they shrink slightly after the first wash and dry, which actually makes them fit better for me.)

January 18, 2017 at 9:36 am

kkards

Veteran

ha…I had no idea that uniqlo had heattech socks! this are now on my most investigate list! I am a big fan of the Nordstrom compression trouser socks….love that they come in sizes and the compression is just enough. I have a couple of pairs of goodhew socks (put not the pairs you have in finds), again what I love is that they are sized so us size 6 shoe girls are not forced to wear the same sock as a size 9…finally, I used to be a big smartwool fan, but the 2 pairs I bought this year did not work, they kept slipping, an issue I never had before.

January 18, 2017 at 9:42 am

Greyscale

Veteran

Are those sheer pin dot anklets still found in Nordstrom stores? It looks like they’re sold out online. I have similar Nordstrom-brand socks that I’m trying to duplicate.

January 18, 2017 at 9:47 am

Joanna

(website)

Active Member

I’ve had good luck with the Alaska Knit brand of wool blend socks from Target!

January 18, 2017 at 9:49 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the recommendation, Joanna.

Greyscale, socks are selling out fast!

kkards, I want to try those compression socks too.

January 18, 2017 at 9:57 am

Darleen

Active Member

Nice suggestions, and with this winter socks are a MUST! On the less expensive side, I have worn Gold Toe socks since they only came out in black. I was recently shopping for replacements (Of my 20 year old socks) and found them at Penney’s, Macy’s and Fred Meyer. And now they come in all basic colors, and a package of 6 if $17.95. They are high cotton content and just enough stretch and polyester to wear well. And best of all, for those of us who’s ankle have gotten larger with age, the cuffs are gentle, but stay up. I threw out most of my drawer of socks that I had been “settling with for years”. Gave the good ones to a friend who uses them for work who is much young and smaller ankles.

January 18, 2017 at 10:05 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I do think it’s reasonable to wash and dry in the machine, Angie, but on the other hand, I air dry my woollen sweaters, so…Diana makes a good point — it isn’t too much trouble to air dry. But it does take some time at our house at least, and usually I’m in a rush for my favourite pairs.

I don’t know if Staysfit chimed in yet but she vouches for the Woolford socks. Pricy but excellent, she says.

January 18, 2017 at 10:11 am

ColorfulCarla

Active Member

My absolute favorites are the “World’s Softest Socks” made at the Crescent Hosiery Mill in Tennessee. They aren’t kidding when they call them the world’s softest – and they come in everything from knee socks to liners to fuzzies for wearing around the house. They are all yummy!

January 18, 2017 at 10:36 am

Diana

Veteran

I DO dry my smartwool in the dryer, by the way. What I meant was that they shrink the FIRST time (which makes them fit better for me anyway) and then don’t shrink any further. Some people dislike drying any socks in the dryer, because supposedly it wears out elastic faster, but frankly I ruin all my socks by either poking holes in the toes or wearing out the balls of the foot well before the elastic gives out.

January 18, 2017 at 10:40 am

Lisa

Veteran

Yay, I am so happy to see Smartwool socks making the list. I adore their socks for my always sweaty feet.

January 18, 2017 at 11:02 am

Style Fan

Veteran

I am a big fan of Smartwool socks. I have the thick hiking ones for cold days and the fancy ones (not cable) for regular wear. I don’t like any of the other Smartwool products. I wash them in cold water and hang to dry. I hang most things to dry. I put very little in the dryer.

January 18, 2017 at 11:09 am

Joy

Veteran

I have washed my smart wool socks in a mesh bag and but them in the dryer on no heat to remove more moisture, then hang to dry. Those that have been accidentally dried in the dryer have come out fine. Most often those have been DH’s and I’ve not heard that they shrank enough to matter.
The wool socks from REI are Farm to Feet

January 18, 2017 at 11:30 am

SarahF

This is very helpful–thanks!

January 18, 2017 at 11:31 am

Joy

Veteran

Oops, submitted accidentally.
Angie, the Farm to Feet wool socks I bought are basically thin with a bit of light padding in the toe area and vertically on part of the leg.

January 18, 2017 at 11:38 am

Joyce B

Veteran

Thanks for the roundup, I need to try some of those.
I have worn Hue knee highs for a long time but the last pairs I bought got torn and my old ones are still going strong!
Are those compression socks not for people with vascular insufficiency? Are they pretty tight?

January 18, 2017 at 2:13 pm

April

Veteran

Comments on two products…

One, as to the HeatTech items — Uniqlo is doing remarkably well to still have any HeatTech around in January. HeatTech used to be completely gone by the beginning of December, and it was maddening.

Two, I have mentioned this before, but when I was in a sporting goods store last year (on an errand for Mr. April), I overheard a conversation in which a sales associate told a customer that SmartWool, after getting a lot of negative feedback on a product change they’d made, was about to revert to their beloved older formulations. So, she said, if the customer had recently been disappointed in SmartWool, she should not give up because better days were coming again.

January 18, 2017 at 3:03 pm

April

Veteran

P.S. Sorry, Angie, I forgot to address your kind suggestion. It’s actually the width that becomes a problem for me, so a longer shoe doesn’t really help. My foot per se isn’t wide so I don’t really need a wide size overall, I just can’t have anything too narrow across the widest part of my foot, due to foot issues that are becoming increasingly severe. Even something as insignificant as the thickness of a little sock creates a problem. Ugh.

January 18, 2017 at 3:12 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies. AMAZING socks aren’t all that easy to find. Fab that you’ve got good resources.

Suz and Diana, I’m hard on my socks and get holes in them FAST. I’m happy to throw them in the dryer for that reason.

Good info, Joy.

Joyce, the compression socks are tight – but I do find them comfortable.

April, more excellent info. I will give SmartWool another go next year. And how about stretching your foot in the bunion area to accommodate the thickness of the sock?

January 18, 2017 at 3:20 pm

Bonnie

Veteran

Last spring I went on a quest to buy comfortable socks. I tried at least a dozen different brands and really liked four styles. One pair say Sonoma on the bottom, two pair were from Amazon and don’t have their name anywhere, and one pair was discontinued at Macy’s. I have about half a dozen of each pair so have nice stash that should last for awhile. I have a problem with fitting socks. They feel great on the foot and ankle but are too tight on the leg. I also have a big selection of the socks that didn’t work and have been trimmed to ankle length. I wear them at night.

January 18, 2017 at 4:03 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Now that our cold spell has broken, my Uniqlo order arrived today: Heattech socks, long undies, and another long-sleeved tee. Well, if that order was what it took to get our mild weather back, I guess it was a small price. I also have lots of the Nordstrom compression socks and like them, and I have a couple of pairs of the Smartwool cable socks, which I bought this year and was glad to have during the cold weather. This winter, I’ve found myself planning my pants and shoes around which socks I’ll want, given the day’s weather.

January 18, 2017 at 6:34 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am looking for a sock that does not lose its partner. Until such a beast is found, I buy multiples of the same sock and they are mid calf, black and from H&M. If I am ever in the cold for the winter, I will stock up on heattech!

January 18, 2017 at 7:34 pm

amiable

Veteran

Shevia, I’m looking for the same quality in a sock! I love heattech socks, but cannot bring myself to pay $7 shipping for $7 in socks. So I’m looking for a more local option too

January 18, 2017 at 8:34 pm

Ginger

Active Member

I’m a huge fan of Smartwool no-show ped-type socks. They’re extremely sturdy with a strong elastic so they don’t slip off the heel. The wool is very comfortable in shoes that you’re nearly wearing without socks, it adds just the touch of warmth that keeps toes from feeling cool.

January 21, 2017 at 11:22 am

NaoNao

Active Member

Somewhat off the beaten track, but “Stance” socks are some of my favorite. They’re a slightly stretchy slightly thicker sock and very well made. They do market to a younger crowd–they’re for athletics and skateboarding, but they make crew socks for women that are just lovely—unique designs, florals, stripes, etc. They are very high quality and don’t require special care.
They come in ankle, crew, no show, and knee, as well as some one-off designs. Rihanna recently collaborated with them, so if you like funky, “street style” type of socks, this is your brand! I *love* them and stalk them on eBay and at, of all places, Ross discount stores!

January 25, 2017 at 9:21 am

minimalist

Veteran

I have those SmartWool socks, in black, and the words I’d use in a review aren’t permitted anywhere on the internet.

I love merino, and SmartWool used to be my favorite. Good to hear, April, that the quality might be improving. But come to think of it, I’d heard that same story from an SA in late 2012, when I complained about some casual socks pilling and wearing through within a dozen wearings (never put in dryer). Which is why I risked buying another round last year. Surely 4 years would have been enough time for them to make improvements? Or was it enough time to improve a little, then plummet again, and now maybe they’ll improve on a new round?

It’s nice that they work for other people! I wanted to love these socks, but their PPW is very high at the moment.

February 27, 2017 at 1:57 pm

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