The 20 Best Socks for Kids of 2025

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Parent- and expert-approved socks for all ages, seasons, activities, and budgets.

In This Article

Parents

It may seem unnecessary to invest in high-quality socks for your little one, especially considering how quickly they outgrow clothing. But the best socks for kids are more than just a fashion accessory—they actually protect their feet and encourage healthy development. Good socks can even improve the way toddler shoes and even baby shoes fit.

“Proper socks help maintain a healthy foot environment by managing moisture, reducing friction, and offering gentle support,” advises Derek Roach, owner of Flow Feet, an orthopedic footwear retailer in San Antonio, Texas. “Well-fitted socks also prevent excessive rubbing and pressure points inside the shoe, helping to reduce the chance of developing blisters, calluses, and corns—common issues that can lead to discomfort and altered walking patterns.“

To find the best socks for kids, we did a deep dive on the top brands, styles, and types of socks across the market. We also consulted with experts in the fields of podiatry and orthopedic footwear to learn what to look for and how to find the right pair for each activity. These are the best socks that help support healthy foot growth for kids, from babies to big kids, and for every activity, from soccer to skiing.

Bombas is one of the best brands for socks, regardless of age. My family loves to hike, and Bombas socks consistently save our feet from blisters and bad weather. These socks secured our best overall spot because they’re incredibly soft and have a seamless toe area. This makes them an excellent choice for people with sensory processing difficulties or kids who are just very picky.

In addition to comfort, these socks feature an incredibly cushioned and supportive design to contribute to better overall foot health, including a cushioned footbed to absorb impacts and a honeycomb stitching around the midfoot to provide additional arch support. And while $50 for an 8-pack, or a little over $6 per sock, may seem a bit expensive, the overall quality aligns with the price.

The Details

At a little over $11 for a pack of 14 pairs, these socks math out to about 80 cents per pair—you’d be hard pressed to find more value (And they're often on sale!). But the price tag isn’t the only good thing about these socks. They are made of a cotton and polyester blend with plenty of stretch for growing feet and elastane to keep them from rolling down. These fabrics also contribute to the sock’s softness and excellent fit.

The Details

Perfect for low-rise sneakers, these socks hit just below the ankle, making them a stylish yet protective choice. Despite the low cut, the cuff is elastic enough to keep them from slipping into the shoe (a pet peeve of mine, and probably anyone who has worn socks, like, ever). And just like the above pair, the materials are top-notch for the price. Each pair comes out to about $0.80 for an almost unbeatable deal. And despite the affordable price, they’re still made with reinforced toes and heels for added durability.

The Details

One of the features that makes these socks stand out most is the color-coded band along the heel that makes laundry day a breeze. The bands indicate which size the sock is so that families with multiple children don’t have to stress about mixing up their kids’ socks. You can also differentiate between sizes because toddler sizes XS and S have grips on the soles—great for wobbly steps. To top it all off, the socks are made for superb comfort with super soft fabric, padded soles, and smooth toe seams.

The Details

Whether your kid is a fan of athleisure or a budding Olympian, these socks transition from sports practice to the classroom seamlessly. The Everyday Cushion Crew features strategically placed padding for maximum comfort and shock absorption. While the added fabric may seem hot and bulky, the Dry-Fit material and mesh areas provide a ton of breathability. To tie it all together, the socks are designed with Spandex bands around the cuff and the arch to keep the sock in place, no matter the activity.

The Details

These tube socks bring that vintage athletic aesthetic, great for cruising at the roller rink or a decades day school spirit week outfit. The colorful stripes bring visual interest, almost reminiscent of classic NBA uniforms. But these socks don’t prioritize looks over performance. They have a ton of features that add comfort and functionality, including a smooth toe seam for kids with sensory processing difficulties, ring-spun cotton for an ultra-soft feel, and plenty of cushion for impact absorption. Plus, for shoppers who prefer local products, these socks are made in the USA by a small business.

The Details

We love these socks because of how well they work for a variety of sports. Families with multi-sport athletes know the struggle of buying a million different uniforms, shoes, and helmets for all their kids’ sports. So having a pair of socks that works for soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, football, and more is an important money- and space-saving hack. There are a lot of design features that make this sock so versatile, including protective cushioning on high-impact areas like toes and heels, excellent arch support, and top-notch sweat ventilation. Though perhaps my favorite feature, as a retired multi-sport athlete myself, is the double-welt top cuff that keeps the sock in place over shin guards, when diving across the court for a last-minute save, or when sliding into home base.

The Details

While plenty of socks on this list are breathable, the Under Armour stands out from the crowd for their sweat-wicking and fast-drying fabric and mesh panels that increase circulation. These features come together to provide a supremely breathable and cooling experience, ideal for athletes, kids in hot climates, and nervous folks whose feet sweat no matter what. That said, there are plenty of other design elements that make these a good choice. The heel has a special design to keep it firmly in place throughout tons of activities, there’s built-in arch support to reduce fatigue, and the medium cushioning provides shock absorption without adding tons of bulk.

The Details

These socks, as the name implies, are as cozy as it gets. Great for pairing with pajamas after a bubble bath, these are incredibly soft and feature a flat toe seam and extra cushioning for added comfort. How is the sock so soft? Well, the fabric is 88% OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton for a high-quality feel. They also run just a tiny bit large, keeping the socks from being too tight or uncomfortable and accounting for any potential shrinkage in the wash. Kids love these socks for lounging around the house because of their relaxed sizing and BPA-free grips on the soles.

The Details

Okay, I know Bombas already won our best overall pick, but when a brand is this good, it bears repeating. Bombas are really hardy socks, if my family's frequent hikes are any evidence. The features that make these socks so durable include the Y-stitch along the heel, how stretchy the fabric is, and the strategic cushioning that prevents wear and tear in high-impact areas. Other designs that make these socks worthwhile are the super breathable fabric with airflow vents, incredibly sweat-wicking HexTec materials, and the honeycomb stitching arch support.

The Details

These socks have the most traction because of the unique grip pattern on the sole. They have more grippers than other socks on the market, and they’re mainly concentrated in high-impact areas like the balls of the feet and the heel. This varied pattern is great for unsteady first steps or kids who just can’t stop running indoors, no matter how many times you tell them not to. Other notable features include a padded heel tab that helps prevent blisters on the heel and makes the socks easier to put on, as well as a fade-resistant cotton blend.

The Details

Some of the most beloved features of these socks include the non-slip grip on the soles, how well they hold up after multiple washes, and the way the socks stay on without being too tight or cutting into sensitive skin. And, as a fun bonus, these socks come in a variety of kid-appropriate designs, from vehicles to bold stripes to animals like a precious hamster and teddy bear.

The Details

Toddlers crave more independence but still struggle with some tasks, and these socks meet them where they are. They still have features meant to support beginner walkers like anti-slip grips on the soles, while also having loops on the side to make them easier for toddlers to put on by themselves. It’s the ideal middle ground between baby socks and big kid socks. Plus, we’re big fans of the seamless toe, stretchy knit fabric, high-quality cotton, and adorable designs.

The Details

As the brand name implies, the star of these socks is the combed cotton fabric. Unlike regular cotton, combed cotton goes through an additional refinement step to get rid of any impurities or irregular fiber lengths. This makes the material incredibly soft, fade-resistant, and less likely to shrink or pill. Despite the quality cotton, each pair only maths out to about $3. That’s a great price considering how quickly kids are growing at this age and how soon they may outgrow the socks.

The Details

Athleisure is all the rage for tweens these days, with some snazzy athletic socks as the ideal finishing touch for an outfit. We love these socks in particular because they’re capable of double duty, from the court to the classroom. The synthetic materials have a lot of stretch, keeping them in place through a variety of activities without acting as compression socks. The materials are also to thank for superior moisture-wicking properties that give the socks a breathable and cooling feeling. Lastly, we’re big fans of the increased padding and reinforced fabric around high-impact areas like the toes and heels since this feature adds durability and comfort.

The Details

Babies are known for having delicate skin, and these socks are designed to comfort even the most sensitive feet. The mesh knit fabric adds a lot of softness and breathability, while the flat toe seam reduces irritation. Other practical features include non-skid grips on the soles that indicate the sock size and a rib-knit cuff to keep the socks from slipping down. The only downside is that the largest size available is 24M, so they’re not an option for older kids.

The Details

Whether your little one is preparing to break the mutton busting world record or just likes the aesthetic of boots, these socks are a solid choice for a number of reasons. No matter how high-quality a pair of boots is, you’re gonna need a good pair of socks to protect their feet, ankles, and calves. The over-the-calf fit is tall enough to accommodate most boots, while the ribbed cuff prevents the sock from slipping down. (Being from Texas myself, I can attest that there are few things as inconvenient as your sock falling below the calf and leaving your leg exposed to chafing.) The merino wool-based material is excellent for temperature regulation and moisture control—a must when you’re wearing boots. And, with arch support and reinforced toes and heels, these socks are made to help promote your kid’s foot health.

The Details

Seriously, Merino wool is the best of the best when it comes to wool socks. It is “a natural fiber that has gained popularity for its impressive performance with toughness, longevity, comfort, and temperature regulation. It possesses a remarkable ability to keep feet warm in cooler conditions and surprisingly cool in warmer weather,” says Roach. “In addition, merino wool can absorb and wick away moisture while still retaining warmth, and it boasts natural antimicrobial properties that can help minimize foot odor.”

These socks, in particular, are made of 75% Merino wool with 15% nylon and 10% elastic. While most of the fabric is Merino wool, the nylon and elastic add enough stretch to keep the socks in place. And with reinforced toes and heels, these are made to last.

The Details

Skiing puts a lot of pressure on your shins, calves, and toes, so a padded sock is a must. These over-the-calf socks offer full cushioning and a flat toe seam for extra protection. And, this padding comes without a ton of extra bulk, so your kid can stay in control of their skis. Since the slopes can get really chilly, really fast, we also love how warm these socks are. The Merino wool blend keeps little toes toasty and dry, while still being breathable.

The Details

For sensitive kids, we recommend a seamless sock made with super soft materials, and these fit the bill. They’re made mostly of combed cotton, which is just regular cotton that’s been refined an extra step to make it softer. But the best part is the seamless design. Each sock is handmade to not have any seams along the toe. And, as a bonus, we love the number of colors and designs available, including low-cut, no-show, ankle, and crew lengths.

The Details

To find the best socks for kids, we began by researching the top brands on the market. From there, we scoured reviews and compared the buzz online with our own experiences with each brand. Our Parents editors and writers, who are parents themselves, also shared their tried-and-true recommendations for kids’ socks that have withstood their children’s all-day wear. Lastly, we consulted with experts in the fields of healthcare, specifically podiatry, to learn what features to look for in kids' socks that contribute to proper foot development. To make our final selection, we carefully considered size range, styles, material, and cleaning instructions to ensure a proper fit, comfort, and convenience.

In order to get all the facts, we interviewed the following experts:

The best course of action is a combination of good hygiene practices, like using soap to thoroughly scrub the feet during bath time, and frequently changing their socks, according to Dr. Fuchs. Roach echoes the sentiment, encouraging parents to “have children change socks daily or multiple times a day if they become damp.” When cleaning the socks, Dr. Fuchs suggests parents “wash socks in hot water with a good detergent to help eliminate bacteria and odors.” Adding a laundry sanitizer is a great way to get rid of odor-causing germs.

Long story short, they do! A good pair of socks can contribute positively to your kid’s hygiene, comfort, and foot development. According to Dr. Santiago, quality socks can “prevent infection, foot fungus, and maceration of the skin [i.e. waterlogged skin].” This is especially true for kids who are active, play sports, or live in hot and humid areas. Quality socks also help protect against blisters and calluses, improve the way shoes fit, and add comfort, she says.

Yes! One of the key differences between sports socks and regular socks is that “sports socks are designed to keep feet dry during prolonged activity,” Dr. Santiago says. Athletic socks are extra breathable to accommodate the sweat and heat that comes with working out. They typically have moisture-wicking materials and mesh vents for easier breathability.

Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. In her spare time, she and her husband collect socks, many of which informed this article.