Best Socks for Cowboy Boots and Why
Apr 13th 2020
How to Choose Cowboy Boot Socks
We talk a lot about our cowboy boots. It's part of our identity as cowgirls and cowboys—but there is one surprisingly crucial element to the cowboy boot we often overlook or forget: our socks. The socks you'll wear with your cowboy boots should as carefully chosen as the boot itself.
We consider every aspect of what we need in a boot—where we’re wearing them, what performance we expect out of them, how durable they are, and how to take care of them as they take care of our feet. But socks touch our feet every day, too, and they are essential to the fit and comfort of our boots. The socks you wear can improve how your cowboy boots feel and fit. If you want to find the best socks for cowboy boots, explore this guide to see what your options are.
Why wear socks in the first place?
Putting on a pair of socks may seem instinctual by now. It's what your mamma told you to do every morning when you woke up, it's what you do in the winter to keep your feet warm and it's what society does to keep their bare feet protected. But why?
- Socks absorb moisture, keeping your feet drier and healthier. This is especially important when your feet sweat. Sweat creates bacteria, and the longer that sweat sits on your skin in warm, dark places, the better bacteria and fungus can grow. It's important to keep your feet dry.
- Another byproduct of sweat is odor, but a good pair of socks that absorb moisture fights against foot odor.
- They create a protective barrier between your skin and the cowboy boot itself that helps prevent blisters and raw spots. Socks also provide cushioning.
- Socks help regulate foot temperatures depending on their materials. Warm in winter, cool in summer for example.
What features make a sock good for cowboy boots?
Those are all mighty fine reasons to wear socks in the first place. So now you might be wondering: is there a kind of sock specifically made to work with cowboy boots? Absolutely. When looking for boot socks, consider these top features:
1. Choose Socks Made From Moisture-Wicking Material
The first feature you'll want to look for to ensure you've got the best for you, your feet, and your cowboy boots is whether or not the sock’s material is moisture-wicking. Moisture-wicking refers to the material's ability to take or absorb sweat away from your feet and pass it through the material to evaporate, keeping feet dry. Moisture-wicking fabrics pull the moisture away using tiny, built-in capillaries. The most common moisture-wicking sock materials include:
- Merino Wool: Wool has a wonderful soft touch and is not at all itchy, as some people are led to believe. It traps moisture, keeping your feet dry, and the material is rugged. Wool naturally prevents odor and bacteria growth as well, so this material is perfect for changing seasons.
- Acrylic: Acrylic is an inexpensive material that wicks away moisture, but the absorbency is not as good as that of wool.
- Cotton: Cotton also traps moisture to reduce irritation and fight odor. Once the sweat is absorbed, it doesn’t evaporate as quickly as wool or Merino wool, but is still a great option.
- Nylon: Nylon is often blended with other fabrics to make them stronger and more durable. Pure nylon socks don't offer the same performance as cotton or wool, but a nylon blend may improve absorbency over nylon alone.
- Lycra, Spandex, and Elastane: These are the ideal materials for those who need cowboy socks that fit exceptionally well. They have good stretch features that will keep the socks right in place for perfect support for legs and feet.
2. Tall Socks Are Best for Boots
Ideally, you'll match cowboy boots that have a long shaft with tall socks that go all the way over your calf muscle. It's not a fashion choice, but one for comfort—especially when compression is required. Over-the-calf socks can provide a much-needed circulatory boost that can help provide extra support and circulation to keep your feet healthy. Over-the-calf socks should also have a comfortable, not too tight grip to prevent painful bunching in your boot.
3. Pay Attention to Seams
Comfortable feet are a must, but even if you have the highest quality material and the best cushioning, if a sock has a seam on a vulnerable spot on your foot the former doesn't matter. A seamless toe is the most comfortable option for people who are on their feet all day. Seamless designs prevent blisters and rubbing and keep pressure off the feet.
Our collection of socks for cowboy boots includes over-the-calf socks from some of the top names in Western footwear, as well as crew socks and wool socks that provide just-right cushioning whether you’re wearing cowboy boots, work boots, or sneakers.
The next time you go to pull on your boots for a long day ahead, make sure to protect your feet with the best socks for your cowboy boots and your feet.