The Best Socks To Wear With Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots are not only timeless and stylish but they also make a great addition to nearly any look. Oftentimes though, finding the right socks to go with them can be tricky.
Of course, you want your socks to be comfortable but you also want them to fit the aesthetic of your cowboy boots. Or maybe you’re worried about what type of socks to wear during hot summers. Either way, I’ve got you covered!
In this post I’ll answer the age old question “are you supposed to wear socks with cowboy boots?” as well as all the things to consider when choosing socks to wear with boots. I’ll also provide a list of some of the best socks to wear with cowboy boots regardless of the occasion!
Just remember, ultimately, the best kind of socks to wear with your cowboy boots are ones that are comfortable, fit well, and compliment your personal style.
Should you always wear socks with cowboy boots?
The short answer is yes, you should always wear socks with cowboy boots. Wearing socks with boots is not only more comfortable but also helps to protect your feet as well as your boots.
Wearing boots (or any other type of enclosed shoes) with bare feet increases the chances of developing fungal infections, such as athlete’s feet. Due to the friction, wearing boots barefoot also increases the chance of blisters.
Additionally, your feet continuously rubbing against the inside of the boots without socks can lead to damage to the boots.
Wearing the right pair of socks, especially thick socks made up of moisture-wicking fabric, helps to keep the feet dry, reduces the risk of painful foot conditions, and keeps your boots in great condition for years to come.
What To Consider When Choosing Socks For Cowboy or Cowgirl Boots
These are all factors you should take into account during the decision-making process:
Weather
When you wear cowboy boots, the weather is one of the biggest factors to consider when deciding on socks. While cowboy boots can be worn year-round, you may want to switch out the pair of socks (and material) you’re choosing based on the weather.
For example, while wool socks are great for wearing with boots in the colder months due to their ability to retain moisture, keep feet dry and warm, and provide soft comfort, they can also be too thick and hot during warmer months.
The best socks for cowboy boots in hot weather or the summer months are thin socks made of cotton or a cotton blend which will offer more breathability.
The fit of the socks
You’ll want a sock that is snug but not too tight. If your socks are too loose it may cause slippage or bunching inside your boots – and trust me, no one wants that!
Socks that are specifically designed for boots can be a good choice, as they are often longer and have more cushioning in the footbed which offers additional comfort.
Occasion
The occasion will not only affect the specific boots you’re wearing but the socks as well. For outdoor adventures or occasions that might be more physically demanding, you would want to choose socks that offer breathability along with comfort and support.
However, if you’re wearing boots for a more formal occasion you’ll want to consider the rest of your outfit to ensure you choose the style (and material) of socks that are most appropriate for the overall look you’re going for.
Sock material
Considering the material of a pair of socks is important for both comfort and practicality. For example, if you’re looking for more padding you will want to opt for a wool sock whereas if you’re looking for a material to keep your feet cool and dry you might opt for a sock made up of a nylon blend.
Height of the boots
The length or height of the boot is also important to consider when deciding which socks to wear. If the socks are too short the shaft of the boot could rub against the skin of your calf muscle and cause discomfort. For taller boots, you will want to wear tall or long socks that come to the top of the boots.
Color of the socks
Considering the color of socks with boots is important even if the socks don’t extend higher than the height of the boots.
For practical reasons, you want to match the sock color to the boot color to prevent them from standing out when looking down into the boot – this means you might opt for socks in dark colors when wearing dark colored cowgirl boots.
If the socks extend past the height of the boots, match the color of the socks to not only the boots but to your overall outfit in order to create a cohesive and stylish look.
The type of cowboy boots
Along with all of the above factors, taking into account the specific type of boots you’re wearing is a must! From traditional western boots – think “real” cowboy boots – to buckaroo boots, and leather boots there are plenty of practical and fashionable socks choices depending on the look you’re going for.
What Socks To Wear With Cowboy Boots
What is the best sock material to wear with boots?
Wool Socks
Wool socks are great cowboy boot socks. They are one of the most popular for wearing with boots as they are not only durable and will last a long time, but wool is naturally moisture-wicking and can help prevent odors.
In addition, wool provides extra cushion for your feet and can be especially helpful and comfortable when wearing new boots that are not yet broken in.
Thick wool or fleece-lined socks can provide warmth and insulation to your feet in cold weather months, however, you might find that they are too warm for summer months.
Another great option for more breathability is merino wool which is thinner and softer than “regular” wool while providing all of the odor-resistant and moisture-wicking benefits.
Either way, if you’re looking for the best thick socks for cowboy boots, wool is the way to go.
Nylon Blend Socks
Nylon blend socks are made up of synthetic material that can help to keep your feet cool, comfortable, and dry. They are perfect for wearing with a pair of cowboy boots.
Cotton Socks
As a lighter fabric, cotton socks are great for warmer weather as they won’t cause sweaty feet. Cotton socks are also a great choice when wearing shorter boots.
Moisture-wicking Socks
While not technically a material itself, many socks designed for wear with boots will offer moisture-wicking blends. These are the best socks for sweaty feet and to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day!
Different Types of Socks
There are many different types of cowboy boots and each one will require a different style of sock. Here are a few styles to look for depending on the style of boots you have.
Knee-High Socks
These socks extend up to your knee or just below it. They are a great option for a tall pair of boots or if you’re looking to make a fashion statement with a pair of buckaroo boots and decorative knee-high socks.
Seamless Toe Socks
These socks simply do not have a seam at the toe and eliminate the potential for irritation and discomfort caused by the seam rubbing against the front of the boot.
Socks with seamless designs are also known for their ability to stay in place and provide a more snug fit which is important when wearing cowboy boots. They also come in a variety of materials, styles, sizes, and heights.
Long Socks
Long or tall socks can certainly refer to knee-high socks but are typically shorter and extend to the calf. You’ll often see these socks labeled as crew socks and they are a great size to wear with a variety of boots such as traditional western boots and work boots on a daily basis.
Short Socks
short socks or ankle socks extend just to the ankle or slightly above it. While they are best worn with casual shoes or athletic shoes, short socks are also great to wear for short western boots or booties.
The Best Socks For Cowboy Boots
These are some of our favorite (and highest-rated) socks to wear with boots. With a variety of materials and sizes, there’s something here for everyone!
Realtree Ladies Moisture Wicking Wool Blend Crew Boot Socks
These are the perfect socks to keep your feet warm and comfortable all day long! They offer a blend of wool and polyester, in addition to being moisture-wicking, which provides excellent insulation that keeps your feet cozy and dry no matter the weather.
Darn Tough Women’s Merino Wool Boot Sock Cushion
This incredibly comfortable sock is perfect for hiking, running, or just day to day wear in your boots.
It’s made of ultra-soft merino wool, which is naturally breathable, wicks away moisture, and provides superior warmth. Plus, it has a full cushioning footbed that gives you extra padding – adding even more comfort.
Tipi Toe Women’s Cotton Winter Crew Boot Socks 6 Pairs
These socks are the perfect addition to your sock drawer and can be paired with many shoes for many different occasions. Not only are they made from a soft, warm fabric blend of cotton, spandex, and elastic, but they also come in a variety of designs.
They also provide a comfortable fit and would go great worn with cowboy boots for casual occasions in warm months!
Wrangler Women’s Western Boot Socks 3 Pair Pack
These socks are great all-around boot socks for casual wear or to wear with buckaroo boots for a little added style! The set comes with three pairs of stylish socks, made from premium cotton and spandex that provide a comfortable fit.
These boot socks also provide a half cushion foot with additional arch support.
Warm Knee High Socks for Women-Thermal Cotton Socks
Another soft cotton-nylon blend that offers a great sock for everyday wear. These knee-high socks are perfect for keeping your feet cozy and warm in the winter but cool enough to wear during warmer months as well. They also come in a variety of colors to match any occasion or boot that you pair them with.
At the end of the day, the socks you choose to wear with your cowboy boots is a personal preference. Just keep in mind that thinner socks could create irritation. A good pair of socks will not only be comfortable but will also help to prevent irritation while also wicking away moisture.
Keep these suggestions and tips in mind and you’ll be able to rock your favorite pair of boots in no time.
