15 Best Sustainable Socks For All Your Ethical Comfort Needs

Sustainable Socks

04/08/2022

Konstantina Antoniadou

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Looking for the best sustainable socks for all your future athletic and casual needs? Here is a list of the top eco-friendly socks crafted ethically with your comfort in mind.

Don’t forget to check out our top favorite affordable sustainable underwear brands too.

This post is about the best sustainable socks

Sustainable Socks

Granted, when we think of the most splurge-worthy slow fashion basics, socks might not be at the top of our priorities list. But what if we told you that the best sustainable socks of 2022 will force you to rethink your relationship with this often-forgotten wardrobe staple once and for all? 

Seems like all sustainable basic clothing brands are on a mission to knock our socks off (pun intended) with their colorful, fun, and downright beautiful collections. 

Consider them as a way to elevate your mood and indoor outfits in the most ethical way possible. Whether you are on the hunt for the best eco-friendly socks for working out, or simply looking to opt for a few pairs of organic sustainable socks to keep yourself cool and comfy, we rounded up a list of the most durable and affordable eco-friendly socks ahead.

What are the best eco friendly fabrics for socks?

While there are many sustainable options out there, the best eco-friendly fabrics for socks are by far organic cotton, hemp, ethically sourced or recycled wool, and bamboo. Those fabrics are not only extremely durable, soft, and comfy, but also safe for the environment, recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable. Apart from the fact that they don’t require a lot of water, most of those plant-based fabrics actually replenish the soil rather than depriving it of its nutrients.

Are sustainable socks worth the higher price tag?

Yes! While sustainable socks might seemingly be a bit pricey, they actually help you save money in the long run. Eco-friendly socks are extremely durable and high quality. This means that longevity is pretty much guaranteed. While other synthetic options show signs of wear-and-tear pretty easily, that’s certainly not the case with sustainable socks.

In a nutshell, you will save many natural resources, support brands that thrive on ethical manufacturing practices, and be certain of the products’ antibacterial, hypoallergenic properties. p.s. Check out this guide on how to shop for sustainable fashion on a budget to explain the money saving theory!

Why should I pay more for sustainable socks?

Let’s be honest; sustainable socks are an investment. If you want to reap the advantages of better materials and great craftsmanship, then you should definitely pay more for socks and underwear. While these socks don’t come with a $5 price tag, you will be wearing them for much longer, and thus, you won’t have to toss your socks and opt for new ones multiple times per year. Plus, eco-friendly socks offer superior comfort thanks to the special construction and quality fabrics.

This post is about the best sustainable socks.

Best Durable & Sustainable Socks With Eco-Friendly Materials

1. Conscious Step


Sustainable Socks

Just as the name suggests, Conscious Step is at the top of everyone’s list of the most ethical cotton socks. Apart from being super cute, they are also vegan and GOTS certified organic. On top of that, when you opt for a pair of ethically made socks, another one gets donated to people in need. You’ll be pressed to find better vegan eco-friendly socks.

Price:  $14.95+

Ethics: GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton, Fairtrade Certified, Certified Vegan, 1% For The Planet

Location/Shipping: Sold from the US

Size Range: S-M

Shop Conscious Step Here

A Few Favorite Socks from Conscious Step:


ethical socks


Sustainable Socks That Save Dogs


sustainable socks usa


Support Space Exploration Bundle


sustainable socks uk


Socks That Save LGBTQ Lives

2. Darn tough


Sustainable Socks

We already know that the best sustainable socks should tick all our longevity and quality boxes. Enter: Darn Tough. Their line runs the gamut from durable, ethical winter socks to casual sustainable wool socks with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Every pair is crafted in the US with 100% RWS-certified wool, REPREVE® Nylon, and a very small percentage of synthetic fibers. Also, their future goal is to use virgin, petroleum-based fibers across all collections.

Price: $16+

Ethics: Sustainable And Recycled Materials, Ethically-Made In The Company’s Mill, Lifetime Guarantee, Fsc-Certified Paper Packaging 

Location/Shipping:  Sold from the US

Size Range: S-L

Shop Darn Tough Here

Shop Our Favorite Darn Tough Socks Here:


ethical socks


Women’s Ranger Hiking Socks


sustainable socks


Animal Lifestyle Sock


sustainable socks


Kids Sunset Ridge Sock

3. Pact


sustainable socks

Pact’s coveted collection of the best ethical socks women opt for on-repeat is certainly very extensive. The brand uses Fair Trade and GOTS certified organic cotton to craft their organic sustainable socks. In addition, the line includes colorful no-show, short and crew styles along with some amazing sets to match every possible occasion.

Price: $9+

Ethics: Organic Cotton, Fair Trade Certified Factories, Sustainably And Ethically Made, Give Back. Wear Forward Program

Location/Shipping: Sold from the US, worldwide shipping available 

Size Range: One Size

Shop Pact Here

A few favorites from Pact Socks:


sustainable socks usa


Organic Cotton 2 Pack No Show Socks


sustainable socks uk


Crew Socks 2 Pack


ethical socks


Organic Cotton Crew Socks 3 Pack

4. RoToTo


When we asked the SKL community for the best sock recommendations, Rototo was at the top of the list! If you’ve always to upgrade your collection with the best sustainable socks made in Japan from organic and recycled cotton, RoToTo is for you! Some noteworthy styles are crafted with four different yarns to mimic denim while others are made with a linen-cotton blend exterior – but their organic sustainable socks have a cult following. Plus, the brand is hailed for their excellent craftsmanship.

Price: $35- $46

Ethics: Handmade In Goryocho Village, Sustainable & Recycled Materials

Location/Shipping: Sold from Japan, worldwide shipping available

Size Range: M-L

Shop RoToTo Here

5. Bombas


Sustainable Socks

Why stick with one pair of inexpensive eco-friendly socks when you can have 4,6 or even 12? Bombas’ ethical socks collection is knitted with centuries-old techniques from scarves and sweaters to achieve the gorgeous multi-textured color. No wonder why they have 17.000 + glowing reviews. Also, the brand’s Honeycomb Arch Support System is definitely worth the mini-splurge.

Price: $12+

Ethics: Organic & Recycled Materials, Renewable Energy, Fair Labor, Donations

Location/Shipping: Sold from the US, worldwide shipping available

Size Range: S-L

Shop Bombas Here

6. Organic Basics


Sustainable Socks

Organic Basics’ best eco-friendly socks are every minimalist’s dream. The brand uses utterly soft GOTS certified organic cotton as well as recycled wool and recycled GRS certified nylon and Tencel lyocell for their entire sustainable ankle socks collection. Each pair displays an accurate Impact Index. On top of that, they are only working with certified factory partners. If you are looking for sustainable ankle socks or ethical merino socks, this brand is for you.

Price: $15-$28

Ethics: Certified Sustainable And Recycled Materials, Fair Labor, Regenerative Organic Cotton Pilot Project

Location/Shipping: Sold from Denmark, worldwide shipping available

Size Range: 35-46

Shop Organic Basics Here

A few of our personal favorite sustainable socks:


Sustainable Socks

Shop Organic Cotton Socks Here


Sustainable Socks

Shop Sheer Socks Here


Sustainable Socks

Shop Organic Cotton Rib Socks Here

7. Outerknown


Sustainable Socks

The Outerknown keeps creeping back into every list, and our best sustainable socks roundup is no different. The brand offers a slew of organic sustainable socks drenched in all-natural, plant-based dyes. Some of the styles also feature modal. Did we mention that they also have ethical winter socks made from recycled wool and polyester?

Price: $14

Ethics: Organic & Recycled Materials, Renewable Energy, Fair Labor, Donations

Location/Shipping: Sold from the USA, worldwide shipping available

Size Range: One Size

Shop Outerknown Here

8. Patagonia


Sustainable Socks

Patagonia has all our sustainable needs covered, including the best eco-friendly socks for all our winter and summer shenanigans. Do you want 100% organic non-GMO natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and linen? Maybe 100% recycled poly? They have everything! Their colorful sustainable athletic socks are either anklet or crew. As for their ethical merino socks, they end just below the knee.

Price: $19 – $28

Ethics: Sustainable Fabrics, Fair Labor, Circular Business Model, 1% For The Planet

Location/Shipping: Sold from the US

Size Range: S-XL

Shop Patagonia Here

9. Kotn


Sustainable Socks

Kotn’s sustainable socks are crafted with source-efficient manufacturing protocols that limit waste and recycle water. They all come in different cool, neutral colorways made from tightly-woven cotton and nylon blend. Plus, the brand describes their ethical socks as “walking on clouds” – yes they are that comfy.

Price: $12-$18

Ethics: Sustainable Fabrics, B Corporation, Non-Toxic Dyes, Fair Trade

Location/Shipping: Sold from the US, worldwide shipping available

Size Range: S-XL

Shop Kotn Here

10. Thought


Sustainable Socks

Throught is the ultimate e-destination for the best sustainable bamboo socks which are breathable, anti-bacterial, and super soft. Maximalists rejoice! This collection of sustainable socks comes in so many different prints and colors to choose from. Think tie-dye, cats, leopard, cactuses, dots, and more. The brand also loves recycled pet plastic, organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, and modal.

Price: £6.95-£24

Ethics: Natural And Recycled Materials, Responsible Sourcing, Vegan-Friendly

Location/Shipping: Sold from the UK, worldwide shipping available

Size Range: 4-7

Shop Thought Here

11. People Tree


Sustainable Socks

Did you know that People Tree is the first-ever brand to carry the Fair Trade certification by the World Fair Trade Organization? It’s the perfect place to shop for GOTS and FLO-certified organic sustainable socks in an array of colors. To top it all off, the brand focuses on closed-loop manufacturing processes as well as machine-minimal handcrafting to lower their footprint.

Price: $9-$13

Ethics: Sustainable Fabrics Fairtrade Certified And Gots And Flo -Certified, Peta-Approved, Donations

Location/Shipping: Sold from the UK, worldwide shipping available

Size Range: S-XL

Shop People Tree Here

12. Allbirds


Sustainable Socks

Allbirds proudly offers some of the best sustainable socks crafted with love from renewable materials to minimize odor and wick moisture. We love their sustainable athletic socks with Breathable Trino® and durable reinforcements. In addition, the carbon-neutral, B-certified brand not only buys offsets to minimize their impact but also pays attention to the manufacturing and sourcing process of their materials. 

Price: $12-$16

Ethics: Sustainable & Recycled Materials, Carbon-Neutral B-Corporation, Fair Labor, Renewable Energy

Location/Shipping: Sold from the US, worldwide shipping available

Size Range: S-XL

Shop Allbirds Here

13. The Hemp Authority


Sustainable Socks

The Hemp Authority aims to make hemp inexpensive eco-friendly socks mainstream! Some options are heavy enough to keep you warm and cozy throughout winter, while others are lightweight for spring and summer adventures. Consider them the best sustainable socks with mold-resistant and moisture-wicking qualities. Also, they naturally protects against UV rays!

Price: $7-$39

Ethics: Certified Sustainable, Antimicrobial Materials

Location/Shipping: Sold from the US

Size Range: M-L

Shop The Hemp Authority Here

14. Naadam


Sustainable socks

Naadam’s eco-friendly socks are manufactured with a closed-loop system to reduce water waste. On top of that, the brand uses non-toxic dyes and Mongolian cashmere to create their mid-calf length ethical socks. Plus, Naadam ensures living wages across their supply chain while also investing in offsets and prioritizing renewable energy.

Price: $75

Ethics: Traceable, Renewable Materials, Fair Labor, Carbon Offsetting, Recycled Packaging

Location/Shipping: One Size

Size Range: Sold from the US

Shop Naadam Here

15. Le Bon Shoppe


Sustainable Socks

Le Bon Shoppe’s organic sustainable socks are not only très minimaliste but also made in small quantities in South Korea to avoid waste. When it comes to ethical winter socks, their “Boyfriend” collection reigns supreme, followed by the vintage-inspired “Cottage” line. On top of that, there are so many gorgeous colors to choose from!

Price: $14

Ethics: Eco-Friendly Materials, Ethically-Made In South Korea In Small Batches

Location/Shipping: Sold from the US

Size Range: 6-10

Shop Le Bon Shoppe Here

This post was all about durable & sustainable socks with eco-friendly materials

We’ve been totally smitten with the dozens of amazing sustainable sandals that are currently available online! From stylish recycled flip flops with good-for-the-planet manufacturing practices and sustainable slides that are comfy and versatile, there is an option for every taste. Can you think of a better way to upgrade your ethical wardrobe arsenal this season than with a pair of handmade organic sandals? Think not! Chic sustainable heel sandals are also great candidates!

If you liked this post, you’ll definitely want to check out these other posts from SKL:

15 Sustainable Leggings to Adore for Workouts and Relaxing

Affordable Sustainable Bra Brands To Feel Comfortable at Any Size or

The Best Sustainable Basic Tees and Tanks

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Sustainable Socks

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