“There’s no such thing as bad weather; only bad clothes” goes the famous quote, and we couldn’t agree more.
Winter is a beautiful season and something as fleeting as cold isn’t a reason to keep you from enjoying all it has to offer.
A good coat, snuggly scarf and gloves to protect you from the elements are, of course, a winter prerequisite, but the ultimate warmer? A good pair of thermal socks.
For there are few things more dispiriting than toes that have turned into ice cubes due to a lack of appropriate footwear. They become an all-consuming thought, the number one obstacle to joy in your life. But there is a way to safeguard your happiness this winter, from the feet up. Two words: thermal socks.
Now, don’t look at us like that. You may think they’re not the most attractive proposition, and up until very recently we’d have agreed with you, but the new wave of heat-retaining, cosy socks are here to prove us wrong.
They’re painted in every colour of the rainbow, with plenty of patterns in the mix too. There’s no need to sacrifice style for comfort; with our edit of the best thermal socks, you can have it all.
We’ve found the most stylish options around for both men and women to buy now and do your feet a favour.
Shop the selection below
Free People Plush Inside Out Crew Socks
Feet screaming for a winter S.O.S? Wrap them in Free People's fun design that feature gloriously comfy plush on the inside. The ribbed look feature contrast heel and toe details to keep the look stylish.
Buy now £12.00, Free People
Uniqlo Heattech Pile Lined Socks
Uniqlo is a brand that does two things very well: collaborations, and its Heattech collection. These socks are from the latter, and it's not just the yellow stripes keeping you warm. The pair are lined with super soft pile to keep trotters nice and cosy, whatever the weather's doing outside.
Buy now £4.90, Uniqlo
M&S Pure Cashmere Socks
Is there anything more luxurious than feeling cashmere against your skin? While sweaters and scarves may be a bit pricier than your January finances can handle, M&S's pair of socks offer an everyday luxury at a price that won't make you wince.
Buy now £30.00, M&S
M&S Collection 2pk Max Warmth Thermal Geometric Boot Socks
Two pairs of cosy socks, both sporting cosy weaves and prints - hey, what’s not to love? Both pairs are crafted from warm yet breathable wool and are perfect for wearing with boots.
Buy now £8.00, M&S
Chalier Finery 5 Pairs of Women’s Wool Socks
It’s hygge season, which means cosiness is front and centre on the agenda. Nail your cold weather look with this five-pack of warm wool socks, offered in a multi-coloured Fair Isle print. The crew design means you’ll have a fresh pair ready for every day of the working week, so you’ll never have to endure cold feet while you’re out and about again.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Sockshop Men’s 1 Pair Jeep Hiking Wool Blend Socks
Warm, rugged, wholesome; if this sock were a person, we’d ask it out for a drink. The chunky knitted design is made with a pleasingly thick wool rich yarn mix that’s made for country walks and hiking while the ribbed tops ensure they won’t keep sliding down every other minute.
Buy now £7.99, Sockshop
HEAT HOLDERS - 3 Pack Multipack Mens Insulated Thermal Socks for Winter
When it comes to style, black has always been an enduring shade. This triple pack of Heat Holder socks come in the sleek colour and work to keep feet warm using features like thermal brushing and extra long looped cushion pile to trap heat. These socks are so warm, they come with a 2.34 tog rating, making them seven times warmer than an average cotton sock.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Sockshop Men’s 2 Pair Pringle Cushioned Boot Socks
Designed for boot-wearing men with a thing for long walks, Pringle of Scotland offers this pair of burgundy and black socks, complete with cushioning. Made with a cotton and polyester blend - with a little elastane for stretch - the soft knit also wicks away moisture, keeping you feeling fresh.
Buy now £7.99, Sockshop
Seasalt Women’s Cabin Socks
This pair of socks are designed largely for indoor use, with a touchably soft fluffy lining to warm you from the ground up. Available in a selection of fun and fetching colourways, the printed ankle design socks can also be worn inside a pair of boots for extra insulation.
Prices from £3.95.
Buy now £3.95, Seasalt Cornwall
Johnstons of Elgin Donegal Cable Cashmere Socks
It's going to take some storm to feel the wind on your feet when you're in these socks. Modelled on a classic fisherman's jumper, the cable-knit design has been handcrafted with 96 per cent cashmere content. As wearers of the luxury fabric will know, that means it's a case of handwash only.
Buy now £75.00, Johnstons of Elgin
