Many gardeners are particular about protecting their hands with gloves for different jobs. But what about their feet? Anyone familiar with a greenhouse knows that the coolest part is at floor level. Boots or shoes can only go so far. If you stand around for any time on those floors, your feet will be getting colder. Buying good socks as gifts—or for yourself—can be the answer for those who spend wintertime outdoors or in a greenhouse
Here’s a list of sock brands I have gathered from seasoned gardeners who swear by their warmth. These wool- or alpaca-blend socks are non-itchy and are offered in a variety of weights from thin to thick, with a price range from $25 to $70. Many will machine wash and dry, but it’s been my experience that in most cases, line drying is preferable.
Bombas’ merino cashmere blend ribbed socks are soft and slouchy, never tight on your legs. They also sell merino wool-blend house socks with gripper bottoms, so when you leave your boots at the door, you won’t slip on inside floors. And for every pair of socks they sell, another item is donated to a charitable organization.
Bridgedale Merino has a large selection of wooly socks, but the most unusual are their Stormsock waterproof socks. I live in Oregon, and the incessant winter rain makes these three-layered merino wool socks with a soft knit cuff very attractive.
Darn Tough offers merino wool-blend socks for everything from no-see-em footies to heavy-weight hunting boot socks. The Mystic Stripe Crew is one of my favorites. Best of all, if they wear out, you send them back for another pair—just keep the packaging. My friend‘s Darn Tough sock ripped at the top hem. She sent them back, and voila—a new pair arrived.
Farm-to-Feet presents a wide selection of merino wool-blends. One of my favorites is the Hamilton with its light cushioning and cheerful Fair Isle design. They also have a satisfaction guarantee, but it specifically excludes dryer loss and dog-chewed socks.
Fluff Alpaca carries the Scottish purveyor Samantha Holmes’ Stripey Alpaca Socks. Alpaca is known for its durability and warmth. These are luxurious socks at reasonable prices.
Maggie’s Organics features Snuggle Socks made of soft organic merino wool with a thick padding, and a rolled cuff. These show off winter designs in a loose fit on the leg—perfect inside my garden boots.
Smartwool sells a wide variety, including their Hike Striped crew socks. This is the one brand I know that stands up to the dryer and comes out fitting great.
Other brands mentioned by gardeners on social media include Costco wool socks, Alvada A 8 thermal socks, and Wigwams, as well as Injinii toe socks.