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Socks That Give Back
Conscious Step Mystery Box
Classics for Everyday Wear
DeadSoxy Core Dress Sock Subscription
Made in Texas
Sock Club Sock of the Month Club
A Surprise Every Month
Hippy Feet Sock of the Month Club
The best socks will make your day. There’s nothing worse than scrambling for a clean pair when you’re running late, and nothing quite beats the feeling of slipping into a fresh, cozy set. And though socks might not be the star of your outfit, they sure can make a statement. You don’t want to be caught in the boardroom with a mismatched pair—what would your mother say? Plus the right pair of socks can give you a surprising boost of confidence. Just look at that one coworker with the zany socks; isn’t he just the life of the break room?
To be fair, socks aren’t exactly the most thrilling garment to shop for. That’s where sock subscription services come in. I’ve rounded up some of the best options to deliver fresh pairs right to your door—whether you prefer a monthly mystery box or a pair on your own schedule. Forget the hassle, and let someone else take the legwork out of keeping you stocked with high-quality socks. Consider it a little treat to yourself.
For more apparel recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Hoodies, Best Running Shoes, and Best Rain Jackets.
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Photograph: Conscious Step
Socks That Give Back
Conscious Step Mystery Box
Conscious Step is the most unconscious conscious shopping you can do. Each pair sends $1 directly to the nonprofit it’s partnered with. I’m currently wearing my socks that save LGBTQ lives—which support the Trevor Project—while I type this. Other pairs in my collections: socks that give water (Water.org), socks that support mental health (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and my personal favorite, socks that protect butterflies (Pollinator Partnership). Next on my list? So glad, you asked: socks that save cats (Best Friends Animal Society), socks that support self-checks (Keep A Breast Foundation), and socks that provide meals (World Central Kitchen).
The socks are crafted from organic, Fair Trade Certified cotton sourced in India. They’re also vegan-certified and free from herbicides and pesticides. Plans start at $12 a month, with discounts for prepaid 6-month ($84) and 1-year subscriptions ($144). Mystery boxes let Conscious Step select a seasonal crew pair for you, while the build-your-own option lets you choose. Pick your style (crew, quarter, or ankle socks), the number of pairs you want, and the cause you’d like to champion. Subscribers also get an e-newsletter each month to learn more about the impact of their purchase. Conscious Step also offers free shipping within the US, though international shipping is available in some regions if you’re gifting across borders.
Tip: Instead of cutting the black string that holds the socks together, tug the loose end to release them. I learned this the hard way with one pair, and now they have an unfortunate hole.
Made out of roughly 75 percent organic cotton, 16 percent recycled polyester, 4 percent recycled polyamide, 3 percent polyamide, and 2 percent elastane.
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Photograph: Dead Soxy
Classics for Everyday Wear
DeadSoxy Core Dress Sock Subscription
DeadSoxy’s subscription service is for anyone who needs reliable socks for everyday use. Subscribers snag 25 percent off the regular price and free shipping; you can pause, skip, or cancel whenever. While the brand offers a variety of multipacks to suit different tastes, the Core Dress Sock subscription is the standout for me. Every one, two, three, or six months (your choice), you’ll receive a curated rotation of black, grey, charcoal, or navy socks—classic colors that belong in every sock drawer. Funky socks have their moments, but you do need the basics for occasions where the funk may not be so appropriate.
DeadSoxy also makes calf socks that stay put. Its “TrueStay Stay-Up” technology grips your mid-calf to prevent any annoying rolling, so you don’t have to adjust them throughout the day. The dress socks are also designed with a Y-stitched heel, which cups your foot for a snug fit, also keeping the fabric from bunching inside your shoes.
Other plans include: Fancy No-Show Socks ($17), Fancy Casual Socks ($20), Core Casual Socks ($20), Fancy Dress Socks ($27), and Ole Miss NIL Socks ($23).
Made out of 75 percent combed cotton, 20 percent polyester, and 5 percent elastane.
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Photograph: Sock Club
Made in Texas
Sock Club Sock of the Month Club
Sock Club is like a little slice of Americana for your feet. The socks are designed in Austin and crafted from cotton grown in the southeastern US. The designs are anything but ordinary, and they supposedly never repeat.
The subscription starts at $12 per month, or you can prepay: $36 for three months, $72 for six, or $132 for a full year. You can choose between a “modern classic” or “bold and funky” pair. I think every pair has its flair. Sock Club also lets you browse the archives; you can shop designs dating back to 2015, which makes for a fun trip through the brand’s history. They ship across the US and to over 230 countries via Asendia International Mail.
Made out of 80 percent US-grown combed cotton, 16 percent nylon, and 4 percent Lycra.
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Photograph: Hippy Feet
A Surprise Every Month
Hippy Feet Sock of the Month Club
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Photograph: Sock Box
Zany Socks for the Workplace
Sock Box Sock of the Month
Sock Box was founded by a former corporate worker who grew tired of the monotony of office attire. He’s the zany-sock coworker turned sock entrepreneur! You don’t get to pick your socks, which is part of the charm. Past designs have featured eccentric colors and geometric patterns that are sure to be a conversation starter anywhere.
Starting at $12 a month, you can choose between one or two pairs, with the flexibility to pay monthly or prepay for six, 12, or even 24 months. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Sock Box ships to Canada and the US. For Canadian residents, the company also offers a lifetime subscription for a one-time payment of $1,095. According to the company’s FAQ page, “the membership is nontransferable and expires upon death of the member, or closure of the business; whichever occurs first.” How grim.
Made out of roughly 70 to 85 percent combed cotton, 10 to 28 percent nylon/polyamide, and 2 to 5 percent spandex/elastane.