We've been around knitting mills for a long time, and we have opinions about socks.
Here are a few of our favorites — all knit in the U.S., all worth trying.
Ballston 1918
Lightweight Merino Wool Crew Hiking Socks
$28.99 · 4-pair pack
Ballston has been knitting wool socks since 1918, and the lightweight crew is their
workhorse. 81% merino wool, which is high for the price point — most brands at this
level are 50-60% at best. They're genuinely all-season: thin enough for warm weather
hiking but the wool content means they still insulate when it's cool. The 4-pack
pricing makes them easy to stock up on. If you're only going to try one thing here,
start with these.
Shop at Ballston 1918 →
Ballston 1918
Heavyweight Expedition Hunting Socks
$33.99 · 3-pair pack
The opposite end of the Ballston range. These are 83% wool, knit thick,
and built for sitting in a tree stand at dawn or slogging through snow. They're the
kind of sock that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with the cheap ones.
The expedition weight means serious cushion — your feet stay warm and comfortable
even on long, cold days. Not subtle, not lightweight, not trying to be. Just a very
good heavy wool sock.
Shop at Ballston 1918 →
Fox River
Jasper Lite Crew Hiking Sock
$16.00
Fox River has been making socks since 1900, which is a claim not many companies
can make about anything. The Jasper Lite is their lightweight hiking staple — a
crew-height sock that works equally well on a day hike or a Saturday of errands.
At $16, it's one of the better values in American-made socks. Comes in Denim,
Brown, and Olive, all of which are understated enough to wear anywhere.
Shop at Fox River →
Fox River
Original Rockford Red Heel
$9.00
This is the one with a story. The Rockford Red Heel has been in continuous
production since 1880, when the Nelson Knitting Company of Rockford, Illinois
started making them. In 1932 they added the red heel — and people started using
it to make sock monkeys (the red heel becomes the mouth). Fox River acquired the
brand in 1992, and it's now part of the Nester Hosiery family. You can still buy
it in seven colors, it's nine dollars, and it might be the most charming
American-made sock you can own. Also just a perfectly good everyday sock.
Shop at Fox River →