Nothing gets your mood down during a hike or run than the feeling of wet socks on your feet. It's not possible to control the weather or the environment you'll be moving in, but you can choose a pair of waterproof socks for yourself.

But, before we look into our waterproof sock selection, it goes without mention that you need to pair them up with the best waterproof shoes. With various brands of water-resistant shoes in the market claiming to offer different features, for example, comfortable inner layer, material, fabric, anti-bacterial and anti-odour functionality, sports, and all-weather capability, among other qualities, it might be hard to figure out. We are here to help.

You will never go wrong with the Vessi Full Waterproof Sneakers, available for both men and women. With the waterproof socks you pick, you are guaranteed the best experience and comfortability walking out into wet, snow, or mud-filled terrain.

Vessi Footwear - Women's Collection

Vessi Footwear - Men's Collection

Now, down to business.

With a high-quality pair of waterproof socks, you can run, jog, ski, or cruise around wet environments without any worries of water penetration. This article covers the best waterproof socks you can buy and the factors to keep in mind when doing so.

Enjoy!

1. Randy Sun Waterproof Socks

Whether you are a man, woman, girl, or boy, if you like sleek, high-quality socks that will keep your feet dry and warm even in cold weather, the Randy Sun waterproof socks are the choice for you. They are designed for outdoor activity, and you can wear them when hiking, trekking, running, or skiing.

These waterproof breathable socks are seamless and will keep your feet comfortably dry even in wet conditions. While most waterproof socks will sacrifice comfort for function, the Randy Sun socks don't feel like plastic bags or add bulk to your feet. As such, they are one of the best waterproof socks you can buy.

They come in various sizes and come with three-layer construction that might not be suitable for certain shoes because of thickness. As such, you should wear loose-fitting shoes with these socks. You won't have any trouble cleaning them since they are both hand and machine washable.

Even in the heat of summer, these socks will keep you cool and comfortable, thanks to the breathable design.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Breathable
• Lightweight build
• Affordable

Cons

• You shouldn't machine wash them in temperatures above 40 degrees.

2. Dexshell Hytherm Pro Socks

The Dexshell Hytherm Pro Socks are a lightweight option designed to take away the extra strain and weight from your feet with an outer layer comprising nylon, elastane, and cuff elastics. Whether the weather is cold and wet or dry and hot, these socks will still provide waterproof and breathable performance to keep your feet warm and cozy.

Reaching ankle, these Dexshell socks are a great option for hiking, biking, and other sweaty outdoor activities. At the same time, the ankle-high design ensures that you won't mess up your aesthetic if that is important to you.

Plus, since Dexshell is a recognized manufacturer of other waterproof products such as gloves and hats, you can rest assured that their socks will meet and exceed your expectations. Since they are comfortable enough, you can wear these socks daily without any trouble.

Even if your feet get soaked, the water-resistant material in these socks will ensure your feet remain as dry as you need them.

Pros

• Lightweight design
• Great running, biking, and hiking socks
• Comfy and snug fit

Cons

• Only reach ankle height

3. SEALSKINZ Waterproof Cold Weather Socks

If you are looking for waterproof socks that can provide coverage higher up your legs, you should consider the SEALSKINZ cold weather socks. These socks are made to reach knee height and are waterproof and breathable to protect your legs from moisture during vigorous outdoor activities.

The SEALSKINZ hiking socks are mid-weight, which means that they are not overly heavy on your legs and feet. They can provide the exact balance of warmth and breathability while protecting your skin from moisture with the three-layer construction.

These socks have a merino wool moisture-wicking lining that facilitates quick heat transfer from your feet to the outer layers to ensure you stay dry and comfortable. The SEALSKINZ hiking socks are also made with a padded heel, toe, and footbed.

This means that your feet will be protected from impact due to the shock-absorbing abilities of these socks. As a result, you can say goodbye to your fears of blisters, pressure, and friction, which would normally irritate you.

Pros

• Merino wool lining
• Mid-length socks
• Great moisture control

Cons

• Some people could be sensitive to merino wool.

4. Showers Pass Waterproof Crosspoint WP Crew Sock

One of the most durable options you can buy is the Showers Pass Crosspoint sock with three layers of waterproof protection to keep your feet dry. The nylon knit construction is abrasion-resistant to ensure the maximum longevity of these socks.

Additionally, the Crosspoint crew socks come with an Artex membrane with high performance while being more breathable and flexible. As a result, you can enjoy complete freedom of movement with these socks, even in high endurance activities.

During the construction of these socks, Showers Pass makes them shape a 3-D foot rather than a standard plywood foot shape. This gives the socks a better feel and fits within a smooth design

Pros

• Moisture-wicking capabilities
• Great fit
• 3-layer build
• Offers protection to mid-calf length.

Cons

• Relatively pricey

5. Dexshell DS643 Ultralite Bamboo Sock

Next up, we have the Dexshell Ultralite Bamboo sock, which is an ankle-length option. These socks are made from high-quality materials that ensure that you'll use them for a long while. The inner layer comprises bamboo rayon which makes these socks quite comfortable to walk in for hours.

There is an in-cuff seal at the top of the socks to prevent water ingress, which is why these are among the best socks you can buy for waterproof outdoor activities. You can wear these socks in any weather condition and even watersports. The seamless design ensures maximum comfort and fits when you have them on.

Pros

• Ideal dry comfort
• Bamboo rayon lining
• Lightweight feel

Cons

• Only ankle-length protection

6. RANDY SUN Waterproof Sports Socks

The Randy Sun Sports socks comprise three layers that are made from high-quality materials. In the outer layer, you will find waterproof nylon, polyester, and elastane. The mid-layer has a lightweight and breathable membrane, while the lining has CoolMax, polyester, and elastane. As such, these socks are among the most comfortable waterproof socks you can buy.

These socks are available in four different sizes designed to fit men, women, girls, and boys ergonomically. Caring for these socks will be a cup of tea since you can handwash them or throw them into the washer at temperatures below 40 degrees.

Unfortunately, you can't dry, clean, tumble dry, or iron these socks without compromising their durability. However, these socks offer a lot in relation to their price.

Pros

• Snug fit
• Variety of sizes
• Easy to wash
• Long-lasting

Cons

• It might be too thick to fit compact shoes

Factors to Consider When Choosing Waterproof Socks

1. Three-Layer Build

Waterproof socks are not made the same way as your standard socks. They are designed with three layers comprising different materials meant to provide various features. The combination of materials is what makes socks waterproof. So let's look at the three layers a bit closely.

• The Outer Layer

The outer layer is the first line of defence against water, dirt, friction, and shock. When your typical hiking socks wear out, you'll find holes in the heel and toe areas where there is the most friction. In waterproof socks, the outer layer counteracts the friction to prevent the formation of holes which could make the waterproof socks useless.

• The Middle Layer

Under the outer layer is the middle layer which is a thin, waterproof, and breathable membrane. These membranes contain small pores that are too small for water droplets to permeate while being large enough to allow sweat to escape, ensuring breathability. As a result, your feet will remain protected from elements from the outside and also stay cool and dry from the inside.

• The Inner Layer

The third layer is the innermost one and is responsible for moisture-wicking. It is designed to draw moisture and sweat from your feet while reducing discomfort from chafing.

2. Materials

Waterproof socks are made from various materials which dictate the performance of the socks themselves. Let's consider the types of materials you should expect in your waterproof shoes.

• Merino Wool

Merino wool has a unique ability to hold heat in. It responds according to the temperature of the skin, which makes it efficient. They can provide much warmth, especially during cold seasons or snowy treks. Plus, Merino wool can absorb moisture without your feet feeling wet. It's soft, comfortable, and has a lot of elasticity.

• Nylon

Waterproof socks primarily made from nylon can breathe better than those of other materials. However, nylon is hardly used alone in socks. It's usually combined with polyester and spandex to make it smoother and more comfortable. As a result, nylon can keep the socks from chafing from the friction with your shoes.

• Bamboo Fiber

Bamboo has moisture-wicking properties in addition to being soft and breathable. Waterproof socks made from bamboo can keep your feet dry and comfy for long periods. Bamboo also offers anti-bacterial and thermal protection so that your feet can remain dry and clean as you wear these socks.

These waterproof socks will be easier to remove and wear, which is why they are the most comfortable options to buy.

• Neoprene

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is great for waterproof socks since it is stable and flexible. However, its synthetic nature makes it more suitable for snow hiking rather than hot hiking. This material is a great insulator, but it is not very breathable in hot weather.

3. Breathability

Some people believe that waterproof socks can't be breathable. On the contrary, technology has allowed the development of waterproof, breathable socks that can keep your feet warm. The membrane we find in these socks is designed to protect from moisture while delivering breathability.

The breathability of waterproof socks is measured in Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR). This measure will increase with breathability, which means that the socks with the highest rate are the most breathable.

4. Fit

Waterproof socks won't fit into your shoes as easily as your normal socks will. This is because waterproof socks contain multiple layers of materials which make them thicker than your standard pair of socks. As such, you'll have to wear them with loose-fitting shoes.

So, as you select a specific size of waterproof socks, you should consider the level of comfort you want in the shoes you have. You might need larger shoes than you currently have to accommodate for the thickness of the waterproof socks.

5. Hygiene

Keeping your feet warm isn't all that waterproof socks should do. They should also keep your feet dry and clean. If you are heading out for a long hike, you don't want to get stuck with socks that you can't easily wash. This is because if you develop sores or blisters, they can easily get infected from the hot, sweaty environment inside your shoes.

So, you should choose a pair of socks that you can easily and conveniently clean. Alternatively, if you aren't in a position to wash them, you should take waterproof socks with antibacterial fabric. This will help reduce the chances of developing an infection, especially if you have an open cut or blisters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best waterproof socks?

In this review, the best waterproof socks are the Randy Sun Waterproof Socks, which are a good-looking and efficient pair of socks.

2. Do waterproof socks really work?

Yes, waterproof socks can keep your feet warm and dry even in wet environments after moisture penetrates your shoes.

3. Are Sealskinz socks really waterproof?

Yes, SEALSKINZ socks are both waterproof and breathable for providing protection and comfort to your feet during hiking, skiing, or trekking.