One thing that every foot-sheath collection should have is the sometimes unpredictable ankle sock. It’s not quite a no-show and not quite crew socks.
The best ankle socks for men usually hit just below or above the ankle bone. With these socks, you can do many different things all year, not just run, climb, or play tennis.
You can find a lot of cheap pairs that you can wear every day or 12 to get you through the summer. Would you like to sit on the couch without socks and point your toes at a fire? A lot of pretty, bright colors.
You can also find ankle socks for guys that can help you if you’re training for a race and need some support to keep your feet safe.
BECAUSE OF THIS
The best ankle men’s socks, including ankle socks, can significantly affect how comfortable you feel.
This piece will be about many different kinds of ankle socks, but the best pair by far is Tracksmith’s Merino wool no-shows, which are more showy than the name might suggest (for reasons I’ll explain soon).
This sock and a few others on the list meet essential criteria, such as being breathable, made with sweat-wicking materials, extra support where needed, and ankle tabs to keep them from slipping off.
1. TOP ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN IN GENERAL: TRACKSMITH MERINOSBNO-SHOW SOCK
Tracksmith’s merino wool socks are sold as “no-show” socks, which are sometimes, but they are more like ankle socks in terms of shape and height. And since Tracksmith puts so much care and attention to detail into all of its clothes, that’s good enough for me and puts them at the top of my list of the 14 best ankle socks for guys.
As expected, since Tracksmith makes running gear, these are great for running in every way.
They’re not too heavy, let air flow through, don’t smell bad, and have the proper structure and tension. Unfortunately, these are also great qualities for everyday life and anything you might want to do with it.
Material: 73% merino wool, 26% polyamide, 1% elastane | Sizes: XS-L | Colors: 4
2. MEN’S AXEL ARIGATO LOGO ANKLE SOCKS ARE THE BEST COTTON ANKLE SOCKS ON THE MARKET
These stylish cotton socks from Axel Arigato are made to move with your feet. They’re also very soft because they’re cotton. Unless it’s cold outside, so that’s a bad comparison. Getting on with it…
There are five colors to choose from, but I like the Desert Sage one because it has a soft pop of green. A jacquard-knit Arigato logo on the front of these socks also makes them stand out.
Material: 84% cotton, 14% polyamide, 2% elastane | Sizes: 36-40, 41-45 | Colors: 5
3. LONDON SOCK CO ANKLE COLLECTION WORKOUT ANKLE SOCKS ARE THE BEST FOR MEN
The word “workout” covers a lot of ground. In your mind, that could mean anything from taking the dog for a walk to spelunking with your friend Kevin.
Kevin is always making things challenging for you. You’ll need socks to handle everything your busy lifestyle can throw at them.
This nice three-pack from London Sock Co. is perfect because it is made of organic cotton that breathes, has a strengthened heel, built-in arch support, and an antibacterial treatment to keep things smelling good down there. The company’s logo is on the back tab, which gives these colored socks a fun touch.
Material: 81% organic cotton, 17% polyamide, 2% elastane | Sizes: XS-L | Colors: 3
4. LOCI BAMBOO SOCKS ARE THE BEST BLACK ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN
The bamboo used to make these socks makes them some of the best ankle socks for men. Location is proud that their blend is second only to silk in softness.
They’re sturdy, let air flow, keep sweat away, and don’t keep smells in. This is an excellent pair of super-cosy socks you can wear daily.
And since these are black socks, you can wear them almost anywhere except for weddings, job interviews, date nights, and after-work drinks. You could just wear them for ankle sock stuff.
Material: 87% bamboo | Sizes: One size | Colors: 1
5. THE BEST WHITE ANKLE SOCKS FOR GUYS ARE THE CS SEARSPORT ANKLE ATHLETIC SOCKS
The best features of the Best Ankle Socks For Men are all in these reasonably priced socks: moisture-wicking, breathable cotton, a more substantial toe, arch support, non-slip features, and compression where you need it.
Although they come in a few other essential colors, you should get at least two or six packs of the white ones. You’ll wear them everywhere, from running or walking the dog to getting the mail or keeping the couch warm on a cold winter night. Those are white socks. You will figure it out.
Material: 88.3% cotton, 10.7% polyester, 1% spandex | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 3
6. THE COOVAN CUSHION ANKLE SOCKS 10-PACK ARE THE BEST CHEAP ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN
The ankle socks you wear every day probably aren’t something you’re trying to come up with something new. You want strong materials, simple patterns, a low price, and many of them, if possible.
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 3
7. THE ASICS CUSHION QUARTER 3-PACK IS MEN’S BEST THICK-PADDED ANKLE SOCKS
The Asics Cushion Quarter Size is another good choice if you just want a pair of soft, cozy socks that aren’t too technical. The tops are made of engineered mesh to let your feet breathe, and the ankle and base are extra thick.
You should save your bright, flashy socks for ski trips and vacations. You’ll want to wear these socks when you curl up on the couch with a good movie.
Material: 98% polyester, 2% spandex | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 2
8. THE CARHARTT FORCE MIDWEIGHT LOW-CUT SOCKS ARE THE BEST-REINFORCED ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN
Do you like to go outside and make a mess? Do you love comfort? Do you like men’s ankle socks in general? All of these are good reasons to love Carhartt’s Force socks. Yes, Carhartt’s comeback and possible move from workwear to streetwear has been the subject of memes since the 2010s.
But even without those things, the line of clothes is still unique. They can take a beating and still keep you comfortable and supported.
This pair is no different, with its strengthened arch and ankle, ability to wick away sweat and smells, and breathable mesh instep.
Material: 98% polyester, 2% elastane | Sizes: L-XL | Colors: 3
9. THE BEST ANKLE SUPPORT SOCKS FOR MEN: THEY HAVE MERINO 10 CUSHION NOT SHOW TAB
Because they’re so comfortable, I wear Feetures compression socks when I run and when I’m not running. It fits all the right places on my feet because it has targeted compression, and the seamless design keeps things from getting in the way while I run.
But the Merino 10s are great. Features Tencel and Merino wool mix insoles keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They’re so comfortable that you won’t even notice they’re there.
Material: 43% nylon, 28% wool, 27% Tencel, 2% spandex | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 7
10. MEUNDIES ANKLE SOCKS ARE THE BEST FUN ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN
Weed melons. There are pandas. Pizza and dinosaurs. Drinking martinis. The Toy Story. Food. Tacos. Jam in space.
This is a short list of the things I love. But it’s also a short list of themes in MeUndies’ massive men’s ankle socks selection. An incredible 64 colors and themes are available. The “Adventurous” group has the most fun ones. They also make funny presents.
But things aren’t always fun and games with this group of ordinary people. The 65 pairs are all made of super-soft Supima cotton and have a cushioned bottom, an ankle tab that keeps your feet from getting blisters, and a toe that feels like it’s one piece.
Okay, that’s great, but just in case you forgot… Socks with Space Jam.
Material: 86% Supima cotton, 13% nylon, 1% lycra | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 65
11. THE BEST ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN THAT DON’T SHAKE: SWIFTWICK PURSUIT ONE
Do you think of Merino wool immediately when you see the words “sweat-absorbent” up there? Yes, that’s great. If not, read on.
If you’re busy, merino wool is like a miracle fabric because it keeps your feet warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot.
Yes, it is one of the best fabrics for wicking away sweat. This pair from Swiftwick is mainly made of natural merino wool and has a seamless toe box and strengthened heel and toe.
Material: 66% merino wool, 32% nylon, 2% spandex | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 2
12. BOMBAS MERINO WOOL GOLF ANKLE SOCKS ARE THE BEST WOOL ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN
The first thing you might notice about these socks is that they stand out too much. You might also notice that Bombas made them (a strong-quality signal from the jump). What is the third thing? Golf.
Think about this good news if you play golf. This is good news, even if you’re not a player. While they are advertised as golf socks, they are not limited to golf.
It won’t slip down your ankle while doing whatever you’re doing, which is one of the best things about these men’s ankle socks. They also breathe well and wick away sweat. Also says that they’re great for all occasions, not just golf.
Material: 48% merino wool, 48% nylon, 3% spandex | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 3
13. THE LULULEMON MACRO PILLOW TAB RUNNING SOCK IS THE BEST PAIR OF LIGHT ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN
Lululemon’s MacroPillow Tabs are ready to go and very light, keeping the performance sock train going. Even though they’re made for running, these shoes would be great to wear every day.
The heel tab has a little extra room, but it does a great job keeping these socks close to your feet. Meanwhile, the heel is made so that you feel locked in whether you’re running, biking, hiking, or doing anything else busy. Also, since we’re talking about exercise, Lululemon’s “No-Stink Zinc” treatment stops the growth of bacteria that cause smells.
Material: 95% nylon, 5% elastane | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 2
14. BOMBAS WINTER ANKLE SOCKS 6-PACK ARE THE BEST ANKLE DRESS SOCKS FOR MEN
Socks for the ankle. And here you thought that was a silly oxymoron that needed no further study. But let’s take a closer look at this, shall we? After-shave socks wouldn’t go with a suit. Also, you wouldn’t wear them out for drinks. Honestly, you probably wouldn’t wear even the best ankle socks for guys to a formal event very often.
Finally, the shoeless party. Take a look. You go to a friend’s house for a holiday party.
The event is fancy, but they have a young child and don’t want your dirty shoes to get all over the hardwood floors. Do your socks look nice? Now that you’re on your third date, relaxing on the couch with a movie and some Red Vines, it’s time. Do your socks look nice?
This beautiful six-pack of winter ankle socks from Bombas will make them.
Material: 69% cotton, 27% polyester, 3% rubber, 1% spandex | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 12
TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST ANKLE SOCKS FOR MEN
That’s why ankle socks are helpful. They can keep your feet healthy during a marathon, a day walk, a movie at home, or an after-ski party. Most of the time, the best ankle socks for guys were made to do certain things.
To get the most out of them, think about how you’ll use them, what you’ll wear with them, and why you’re getting them in the first place. Then, compare their features to those things.
HOW TO DESIGN
Most ankle socks are made to be seen, even if it’s just a little. So, you can say whatever you want, even if it’s just, “I’m running, leave me and my black socks alone.” How your socks look is up to you; just know that anything goes with how things look.
MATERIAL
The material of a sock has a significant effect on how it feels. Merino wool is a great fabric for function, and some ankle socks are made of it.
However, if you’re just looking for a comfy pair of tennis shoes, plenty of cotton choices are available. What you’ll do in your ankle socks will help you choose the suitable material.
A FINAL DECISION
No matter what they look like or why you’re wearing them, ankle socks are all about function and comfort. As my top pick, the Tracksmith Merino No-Show Sock is everything a sock should be: breathable to built to last.
