Best Winter Equestrian Socks of 2023

You might be asking yourself how important riding boot socks really are. I mean, as long as the boot fits, right? But when it comes down to it, the socks you wear with your riding boots actually do alter the overall function of your footwear, making socks a very important part of an equestrian's winter wardrobe!

How to Choose Winter Socks

Sock features like arch and heel support, breathability, and material content all affect your foot's comfort and warmth during the chilly months.

When choosing which socks to purchase, consider the fit of your boots. Are they snug or do they have some wiggle room? Vice versa, when it comes to purchasing new winter boots: what socks will you typically be wearing with them? If you plan on consistently wearing thick socks, consider going up half a size from your normal shoe size to allow enough space. If you are trying to keep your toes warm, you do not want your winter sock and boot combination to be so tight that it cuts off your circulation. Check out our favorite women's winter riding boots to find the perfect footwear to pair with your winter socks!

As you can imagine, the thicker the sock the warmer it typically is. However, thinner socks with strategic materials, like merino wool, can keep your feet quite toasty as well. Our equine experts tested a wide variety of socks that cater to different temperatures, usage, and style preferences. Let's dive into the category winners for our best winter socks of the year!

Before Wear

It sounds counterintuitive, but your feet still perspire even when they are cold. If the weather is frigid and dampness gets trapped in your socks with no escape, your feet will become especially chilly! It is therefore important to make sure your feet are completely dry before they go in your socks. Using a foot powder, such as Gold Bond Medicated Powder, absorbs moisture to reduce foot chill—plus it even helps with frictional skin irritations, like rubs from breaking in new winter riding boots!

Materials to Consider

The material content of socks is something to keep in mind so you can better understand the performance of your socks and filter what materials would be best for your winter riding situation.

Although very comfortable and durable, socks with a high cotton content can absorb and retain sweat. Too much moisture and heat can lead to blisters, or promote fungus like athlete's foot. If you prefer to wear 100% cotton or cotton blend socks, it is better to have an additional pair of thin socks made of more breathable materials against your feet; then, you can put your cotton socks over them. Merino wool is naturally quick-drying and temperature regulating, so your feet can stay comfortable in a variety of temperatures. Natural wool fibers also have great heat retention, even when wet. Bamboo is another reliable natural material with a silky feel that provides great antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties.

Synthetic materials include, but are not limited to: nylon, acrylic, polyester, elastane, and spandex (also known as Lycra). Synthetic materials are commonly blended with natural materials to help retain the sock's shape over time. Some synthetic materials, like acrylic and polyester, are more quick-drying than others. Socks or sock liners made of polypropylene are typically used as a base layer in particularly cold winter climates, as the closed cell structure of this synthetic fiber acts as a moisture barrier—therefore retaining a large amount of heat. However, socks made of polypropylene can sometimes be a bit hard to come by.

Insulated Boots

If your winter riding boots are insulated, you may not need as thick of socks as you think. Insulated boots are specifically designed to provide warmth in lower temperatures, even without help from thermal socks. It can be more difficult to adjust your foot warmth in this boot style, particularly if you are trying to extend the wear of your insulated boots into the warmer seasons. With non-insulated winter boots, you can more easily choose your desired level of warmth with sock layering or just by picking different socks.

SmartWool Extra Stretch Knee High Socks

We love these SmartWool socks as a base layer in the wintertime thanks to their merino wool construction that provides both warmth and breathability. Designed with no cushioning, you can easily double up on your socks without adding bulk. The Indestructawool technology offers strength while extra stretch in the calves provides additional comfort. There's no need to worry about your circulation being cut off by too-tight socks while you're at the barn or in the saddle, even if you have thicker calves. We like how these soft socks help keep our feet fresh, warm, and dry underneath other sock layers.

Darn Tough RFL Ultra Lightweight Merino Knee Socks

Merino wool is a wonderful material for keeping your feet cozy while maintaining airflow. If you experience mild winters, or have insulated boots that do not require a lot of extra warmth, these socks by Darn Tough are a great pick. We prefer the performance fit for a close-contact feel, thanks to the blend of nylon and spandex that offers shape and support. The lack of cushioning ensures these everyday knee-high socks are super lightweight, so they won't feel too bulky in your boots. Reinforced points ensure strength and durability, yet these silky smooth socks stay flexible and feel like a second skin.

Kerrits Heels Down Wool Socks

At Riding Warehouse, we are big fans of everything Kerrits, and these socks are no exception! Our top choice for a versatile, midweight boot sock, the Kerrits Heels Down has a cotton blend construction that's both soft and durable. These socks also have reinforced heel and toe areas to provide support while maintaining a longer lifespan. The fun horse print and "heels down" lettering give these cozy socks extra points in our book, and the color choices match a variety of outfits. We always appreciate the lightweight warmth of these Kerrits socks!

SmartWool Full Cushion Flower Knee High Socks

We love these socks, not only for their floral pattern, but for providing the ultimate comfort and warmth all winter long! These knee-high socks are fully cushioned from calf to toe in a breathable and comfortable merino wool construction. The Indestructawool technology by SmartWool knits premium yarns in a way that strengthens each part of the sock for unbeatable performance. The 4 Degree Elite Fit System locks everything in place to prevent blisters and sock slippage. Whether you are hitting the slopes or riding your horse in the dead of winter, these socks have got your feet fully covered!

Cavallo Sioux Knee High Socks

When competing, it's common to get those pre-show jitters; and with nerves typically comes sweat! No one likes cold feet, especially in the literal sense. We like these thin socks by Cavallo for winter shows, because you can maintain a close-contact feel or easily wear another pair of socks underneath if you need extra warmth. Then, continue to wear these classy socks into the summer show season courtesy of the breathable cotton blend. We love the slight padding that helps prevent rubs and blisters, and we feel so classy in the tasteful holiday colors!

Kelley & Co Adult Crew Socks At The Fence - 6 Pack

These Kelley & Co socks are perfect for the horse-crazed equestrian with their fun, horsey prints! The poly-blended fabric is durable and comfortable while offering a smooth feel in your boots. We love wearing these crew socks as-is, or for layering on the outside to add a pop of fun to your winter riding outfit. Thanks to the variety of colors, you can also coordinate these socks with many different outfit options. Sold as a convenient six pack, Kelley & Co's socks are also a great bang for your buck!

Darn Tough Shetland Lightweight Merino Crew Socks

We like the versatility offered with these socks by Darn Tough; the merino wool construction has a sleek feel while offering the warmth you need. With a fun holiday-themed print and colors, we enjoy wearing these socks around the house, with our lifestyle boots, or during rides. Cushioning under the foot and below the ankle area provides the ultimate long-wearing comfort that stands the test of time. Whether you are hanging around the house or heading out to the barn, these crew socks are the epitome of cozy casual style!

LeMieux Adult Sophie Stripe Fluffies Tall Socks

We cannot resist a good pair of plush softie socks! We love these super cozy socks by LeMieux, with cool-toned winter colors in a simple stripe pattern. We wear these to warm up our feet in the morning before winter rides, or during nighttime lounging. Some of us will admit that we sometimes even wear these cuddly socks with our winter riding boots—it's hard not to! These knee highs are also the perfect holiday gift for your equestrian or non-equestrian friends.

We hope you have enjoyed learning more about our favorite socks to wear during the wintertime. We love our equines and want to spend time with them during the colder months, but maintaining warm feet while doing so is critical! We invite you to take a look at all of our sock choices if our crew's top picks do not quite meet your needs. Please feel free to ask our customer service team any questions by reaching out at 1-800-620-9145 or via email at info@ridingwarehouse.com. In the meantime, happy winter riding!

Shop Our Best Winter Socks of the Year: