Construction work already has more than a few challenges: long hours, hot days, sweaty work, knee and back pains, hazards aplenty, and that’s on a good day.

The last thing you need is to add torn and sagging socks or sore, sweaty, and stinky feet to that list.

A good pair of socks will be a game-changer for your comfort on the job site. You’ll stay cool and dry and have plenty of comfort to keep foot fatigue at bay.

Plus, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run by not constantly having to buy those cheap 12-packs of socks that break much too quickly.

That’s what I call a win-win for sure.

Key Things You Should Look for in a Work Sock as a Construction Worker

• They actually wick sweat. Opt for socks made from merino wool which is far better at wicking sweat than polyester which most sock brands use. They may cost more, but it's worth it.
• They're padded in the right places. You're on your feet all day in boots. Socks that use high-density knit wool in the heel, ball, and instep where your boots rub the most are going to be the most comfortable for long days on your feet.
• They have compression. You may not think you want compression, but hear me out. A light compression helps circulation, which helps your recovery time after long days on your feet. Also, it helps your socks stay up Nothing is more ignoring than socks that fall down all day, right? 
• They offer some kind of guarantee. Brands that offer a 10 year + guarantee clearly have confidence that your socks won't rack up holes on your second wear out to site. Stick to those brands.

Best Overall: Camel City Mill Boot Wool Work Sock

They say you never forget your first love. That has proven very true with Camel City Mill's Boot Socks.

When I first started construction work, an older friend (and mentor figure) gave me a pair of these socks. I wore them for years and honestly loved every minute.

The blend of Merino wool (53%) with nylon (38%) and Spandex (9%) results in a sock that’s incredibly resilient, keeps my feet from sweating, is naturally odor resistant, stretches nicely to accommodate my extra-wide feet, and offers good ventilation.

The wool also does an amazing job of regulating my temperature so my feet never overheat in my boots whether I’m on a job site, hiking, or hunting (yes, I use them for all three).

They’re lightweight enough that I can use them in the summer, but they still have decent padding built in. They protect my toes in steel-toed boots and offer great cushioning to reduce foot fatigue over a long day.

I’ve continued to buy more colors and cuts year after year, and none of the other socks I’ve tested can quite live up to them.

Best for Steel Toe Boots: Camel City Mill Heavyweight Boot Wool Work Sock

I spend a lot of time wearing steel toe boots (for better or worse). This means I’ve tried a lot of socks with steel toe boots, and these Camel City Mill Heavyweights are the only ones I’ve really liked.

It’s largely thanks to the extra-thick padding around the toes, which keeps the edge of my steel (or composite) toe cap from cutting into my extra-long toes and the front of my feet when I’m doing some job in a kneeling or crouching position.

I've worn these in the summer, but I keep them mainly for the colder eight months out of the year. I've found the Boot Sock mentioned above to be more comfortable in heat. But I’ve worn them in the dead of winter and they do an amazing job of insulating my feet, even without winter work boots.

What I like most is the cushioning in the calf and shin, which keeps the back of my work boots from rubbing or causing blisters. I’ve also found my feet ache less after wearing these all day, which I believe is likely the result of both the underfoot padding and the light compression in the legs and ankles.

Notable Mentions

• Best for up to 8" boots: The Camel City Mill Crew Wool Work Sock
• Best for 6" boots and warm weather: The Camel CIty Mill Ankle Wool Work Sock