9 best golf socks for on and off the course

What puts a pair of socks — one of the most widespread and popular articles of clothing on the planet — amidst the best golf socks? While any pair pulled over your feet will technically suffice as golf wear if you wear them out to the links, the best golf socks benefit from a fitness-themed design, sound material science, and the game in mind for fashion and purpose.

Ideally, good golf socks keep your feet dry, fend off fatigue, prevent blisters, and look good, all while staying in place during the 5 to 10 miles you could walk on a championship-length course. You get to consider how you’ll dress, where you’ll play, and how your golf shoes work best with that layer between them and your feet.

This collection of the best golf socks considers conditions, fashion, function, and player needs. The resulting set predicts what you’ll be wearing, when you’ll be playing, and your body’s needs on the course.   

Top 9 socks for golf

Best no-show: Swiftwick FLITE XT Zero Tab Socks
Best budget: FootJoy ComfortSof Low Cut Socks
Best quarter socks: FootJoy TechSof Tour Socks
Best knee-length: Adidas Utility OTC Socks
Best novelty: Cute But Crazy Golf Swing Men’s Crew Socks
Best cushioned: Bombas Men’s Golf Ankle Socks
Best for cold weather: Mizuno Breath Thermo Racer Mid Socks
Best for off the course: Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Socks
Best compression: G/Fore Ribbed Compression Crew Socks

How we chose the best golf socks

We’ve worn a lot of golf socks. That’s a start. Some failed us in the past, slipping out of position. Others were too thin and left a blister that made the back nine all but unbearable. We’ve worn styles from no-shows to knee-length. We took that player’s experience into this search and focused on proven brands due to their ongoing research and development into materials and fitting technology.

Best no-show: Swiftwick FLITE XT Zero Tab Socks

$19.99

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Benefits
— High-tech materials
— Moisture wicking
— Secure fit

Swiftwick boldly claims that the Swiftwick FLITE XT Zero Tab is “the most technologically advanced sock ever developed.” While it’s not like these Swiftwicks have WiFi or draw AI sketches, they boast advanced materials and reliable performance for multiple sports.

The FLITE XT socks are made with Swiftwick’s AnkleLock Technology to support ankles during repetitive movements and to keep the “no-show” (or bottom of the ankle just at the top of most athletic shoes) in place. Proprietary GripDry Fiber goes into the heel and forefoot to minimize movement and slipping. They’re moisture-wicking and cushioned in the undersole.

Material: Proprietary GripDry Fiber, 62% nylon, 21% olefin, 13% polyester, 4% spandex | Length: No-show/ankle | Features: GripDry technology, moisture-wicking, Anklelock technology | Sizes available: S-XL

Best budget: FootJoy ComfortSof Low Cut Socks

$8.00

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Benefits
— Moisture absorbing
— Under $10
— Snug fit

At only $8 a pair, FootJoy ComfortSof Low Cut Golf Socks use a fabric blend heavy on cotton to absorb moisture and keep the foot dryer. That same fabric blend also lends softness and comfort to the mix. 

These FootJoy’s are cut to a very low “no-show” style, even with the top of most golf shoes. However, your shoe fit may vary, so size up the match carefully. Simple and inexpensive, the ComfortSof stands in nicely for more expensive socks.

Material: 83% combed cotton, 16% nylon, 1% spandex | Length: No-show/ankle | Features: Reinforced heel, cushioned sole | Sizes available: 7-12

Best quarter socks: FootJoy ProDry Quarter Socks

$10.00

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Benefits
— Unique fit
— Moisture wicking
— Golf-specific design

FootJoy sets foot a second time in this collection with this quarter socks design. The quarter sizing fits as no-show socks that hide inside the shoe top and ankle socks that ride a bit higher. However, they sit below crew socks.

The ProDrys use the DrySol material blend to prompt moisture-wicking properties and provide a secure fit.

Material: 60% acrylic, 30% polyester, 5% spandex, 5% nylon | Length: Quarter sock | Features: Moisture-control fiber, double-layered heel | Sizes available: 7-12

Best knee-length: Adidas Utility OTC Socks

$12.00

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Benefits
— Affordable
— Moisture-wicking
— Cushioned footbed

There was a time in the development of golf when knee-length socks were almost a required uniform. Plus, fours (or golf knickers) were all the rage, and knee socks completed the look. Today, knee-length socks are more for support, warmth, and comfort than fashion.

The Adidas Utility OTC Socks are a modern concept of knee socks with moisture-wicking material and a four-fabric blend to encourage comfort and secure fit. While staying knee-high, these Adidas include extra cushion at the bottom of the sole for comfort on long golf walks. Designed for general utility use and not for golf, these Adidas make up for that all-purpose intention with comfort and support.

Material: 66% acrylic, 28% polyester, 4% natural latex rubber, 2% elastane | Length: Knee length | Features: Arch and ankle support, cushioned footbed | Sizes available: XS-L

Best novelty: Cute But Crazy Golf Swing Men’s Crew Socks

$15.00

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Benefits
— Fun styling
— Good materials
— Wearable on or off the course

Golf is a sport that allows players to peacock a little — to wear loud or whimsical clothing and accessories with total freedom. From that school come the Cute But Crazy Golf Swing Men’s Crew Socks, crew-length golf socks that lean into loud and fun styling with a mix of golf imagery and slogans.

These aren’t performance socks in support, moisture-wicking properties or cushioning, but fun socks can serve a golf enthusiast off the course during cocktails in the clubhouse.

Material: 57% combed cotton, 40% nylon, 3% spandex | Length: Crew length | Features: Fun styling, off-course appropriate, purchases support charity | Sizes available: 7-12

Best cushioned: Bombas Men’s Golf Ankle Socks

$16.50

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Benefits
— Targeted cushioning
— High-tech design
— Patented material 

You can tell a lot of thought and research goes into creating the Bombas Men’s Golf Ankle Socks. The designers use what the company calls strategic zone cushioning to surround the foot comfortably throughout 18 holes.

The socks’ Thermoregulation lets the feet breathe while moisture-wicking repels sweat to avoid slippage. Finally, a mesh under-toe ventilation zone works to keep the foot cooler.

By way of styling, the Bombas socks are a no-show, emerging just at the top line for most golf shoes.

Material: Proprietary cotton-poly yarn blend | Length: No-show/ankle | Features: Targeted cushioning, thermoregulated, ventilated | Sizes available: M-XL

Best for cold weather: Mizuno Breath Thermo Racer Mid Socks

$20.00

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Benefits
— Heat-generating material
— Brand name R&D

Mizuno, out of Japan, makes a wide range of sports products, from golf clubs and tennis rackets to apparel and accessories. However, a high level of research, development, and design goes into most of its high-tech offerings. In the case of the Breath Thermo Racer Mid Socks, Mizuno intended the garments for runners setting out for a cold day’s job. Still, they’ll serve golfers playing 18 in early spring or autumn.

All of the R&D in the Thermo Racers went into keeping your feet warm. Mizuno boasts that it used its proprietary Breath Thermo Technology to harness the body’s natural heat and keep it within the socks. This aims to keep your lower extremities warm enough against the cold ground.

Material: Proprietary Drylite, Breathe Thermo | Length: Crew | Features: Designed for cold weather, thermo design handles moisture | Sizes available: S-XL

Best for off the course: Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Socks

$22.00

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Benefits
— General comfort
— General purpose

There’s an entire breed of golf accessories these days that are intended to serve on and off the golf course. From golf shoes to polo shirts to golf watches, dual-use apparel and equipment are meant to save time transitioning from play to the rest of your day. The Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Socks are comfortable enough to weather a round of golf and then walk off to additional activities.

While some of the products on our list result from rounds of research and testing to fit the specific needs of golfers, the Nike Everyday Plus Cushioned Socks are your everyday basics. Still, they’re comfortable during a round and whatever the rest of the day brings.

Material: 68% cotton, 29% polyester, 2% spandex, 1% nylon | Length: No-show/ankle, mid-ankle | Features: All-purpose design, sweat-wicking, high-friction weave | Sizes available: S-XL

Best compression: G/Fore Ribbed Compression Crew Socks

$20.00

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Benefits
— Healthy compression design
— Moisture-wicking
— Antimicrobial materials

More evidence is emerging that compression technology improves circulation, prevents injury, and enhances performance in multiple sports. The G/Fore Ribbed Compression Crew Socks employ that compression concept to warm the leg muscles and maintain healthy blood flow. 

The blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex allows for moisture-wicking properties and the venting of heat from the foot. That material mix is also antimicrobial to hold off the order. The design isn’t golf specific, but this crew design will do nicely on a day when long pants are in order on the course.

Material: 71% nylon, 25% polyester, 4% spandex | Length: Crew | Features: Compression technology, moisture-wicking, mesh-venting | Sizes available: M/L, L/XL

Knock your socks off

As a golfer, you put ample thought into everything from your clubs to your polo shirt. Don’t forget to put just as much care into selecting your golf socks. Whether walking a round or carting it, your feet still take the worst while on the course. Good golf socks protect your feet from too much moisture, unnecessary soreness, agonizing blisters, and other factors that could ruin your game. Your feet deserve better.

How to pick the right socks for you

Before choosing the best golf socks, consider your playing conditions, golf shoes, clothing preferences, etc. Whether you’re playing in the sun or rain, in shorts or pants, etc., good golf socks can be aimed at effective play as much as a good golf glove or the right shoes.

Price

Cost is less of an issue with golf socks than with other accessories. In most cases, a pair of good socks won’t run you north of $20. You can pull down two or three pairs for some less ambitious brands for that amount. If you don’t mind laying down that Andrew Jackson, settle in with a top pair like the Swiftwick FLITE XT Zero Tab Socks or the Bombas Men’s Golf Ankle Socks.

Comfort

Be kind to your feet. Even if you take a cart, they’re doing a lot of work down there to get you through a round of golf. If you have old injuries in your feet or ankles, comfort and support become even more critical. While there’s a level of comfort intended in all socks, consider the fabric used and the amount of cushioning built into the socks.

Clothing

So much of selecting the right golf socks relies on your shoes and clothing. For example, you can employ a pair of no-shows if you wear shorts and lower-cut golf shoes. If the weather calls for rain pants and high tops, opt for crew socks or knee highs. 

Conditions

The golfer who plays in Arizona isn’t going to face the same weather as the Scot teeing it up at St. Andrews. When you need to adapt your socks choice to rain, cold, or heat, keep in mind there are options to match course conditions.  

FAQ

What socks should you wear golfing?

That depends on what you’re wearing during your round. Most golfers enjoying the game in warm climes opt for shorts in this era. The only place you see long pants in good weather on legitimate golf courses is on the PGA Tour.

With that in mind, most players wear short golf socks that rise just higher than the golf shoe where the foot meets the ankle. All golf sock manufacturers make that style. If you’re playing in colder, wetter weather and long pants or rain gear is in play, more traditional athletic socks for both length and material. 

What’s the best sock to keep feet cool and dry?

Sweat comes into play from head to toe if you’re playing warm-weather golf. While many brands of shoe top golf socks feature moisture-wicking properties, we go with the Swiftwick FLITE XT Zero Tab as our Best Overall pair of golf socks and the best for cool, dry wear. Swiftwick’s GripDry material keeps the foot dry while holding the sock in place.

What are the best socks for caddies?

Again, it comes down to what the caddie wears during work. Some high-end courses insist their caddies wear full-length (often white) jumpsuits. Elsewhere, the caddie can wear the same shorts as any player. The jumpsuit puts full-length athletic socks to work. Shorts mean the same no-show or bottom-of-ankle golf socks are legal. For caddies able to go with shorts, the Bombas Men’s Golf Ankle Socks offer generous cushioning to go easy on the feet while walking 18 rounds in loop.