Since the topic of this guide is a specific material used in the construction of socks, it is only natural that we focus on this aspect first when choosing our top ten designs. We took into account not only the percentage of Coolmax polyester that goes into Coolmax socks but also the type and quality of the materials that accompany it.

In order to help you make the best possible choice for yourself, we have compiled a list of materials found in the items we described here so that you can learn more about them. Find out about their advantages and disadvantages, and what they’re best used for.

Polyester: The fabric that started it all. Polyester is a synthetic fiber, amazingly durable and colorfast, meaning able to hold onto color even after repeated wash cycles. It is breathable, though not too much, which is where the Coolmax aspect comes in.

Invista came up with a technology to add better moisture-wicking and breathability to this material, and thus Coolmax polyester was born. It has the ability to pull moisture away from the skin and keep it dry and cool while allowing the moisture to evaporate from the outer layers of the fabric. It has quickly become the go-to fabric for most sports sock designs.

However, polyester is not a friend to the environment. It is not biodegradable and thus is not meant for those who are conscious of the pollutants they leave behind themselves.

Nylon: Another synthetic material, nylon is added to blends because of its amazing resilience and the ability to resist wear and tear. It is also elastic at the same time. There is rarely a design made from 100% nylon, as this is usually added in a relatively smaller percentage to improve the overall characteristics of a sock.

Spandex/Lycra/Elastane: The same way there are no 100% nylon socks, there are also no 100% spandex socks. Rather, these three names - spandex, elastane, and Lycra - all describe the same type of material. This fiber is stretchy and flexible, and it is what allows a design to fit the shape of the foot. It is also what keeps the design securely in place no matter what activity you’re engaging in.

Brand-Specific: Aside from the standard materials listed here, there are also those that are brand-specific, such as Endurofil from Bridgedale, Indestructawool from Smartwool, THOR-LON from Thorlos and the like. These are innovative technologies carefully engineered in a lab to ensure superior moisture-wicking, comfort, and/or other performance features.

However, it is important to note that, just because the design doesn’t have any brand-specific materials in it, it doesn’t mean that it is any lower in quality than those made only from classic material blends.

Whether you’re looking for best Coolmax socks for regular wear or for your next workout or run, one of the most important things you should consider is their comfort. Feeling pain or any type of irritation in our feet can affect our performance both when it comes to sports and to more mundane tasks, as it becomes all we feel and all we can focus on during the activity. This is why it is essential that you choose a pair that is comfortable for you.

There are several things you can look out for when it comes to this.

• Materials: As we mentioned in our Materials section, there are some materials which are softer and/or more comfortable than others. If you’re looking for an ultimate irritation-free experience, then go for a natural material, such as wool, cotton, and bamboo. These are gentle on the skin and even hypoallergenic, enabling you to wear them for as long as you want to.
  Synthetic materials are not as soft, but they are not too rough either. Given the fact that Coolmax is a synthetic fiber, it would be good if you could choose a blend that also includes a natural material in the construction.
• Cushioning: Whether you’re standing for long periods of time, walking or perhaps even running, a layer of cushioning under your foot will serve to increase your comfort levels. This is especially important in high-impact activities, where cushioning also has the effect of shock absorption.
  You can choose designs that have cushioning only in certain areas of the sock, such as the ball of the foot or the heel, or those which have full-length cushioning, depending on your preference. There is also a choice between thick, thin and even ultra-thin cushioning so that you can equip yourself with just the level you need.
• Seams: Finally, to avoid unnecessary chafing and blisters, take a look at the seams of the sock. They should be flat, invisible or otherwise undetectable, as that will prevent them from digging into your skin and causing discomfort. Seamless toes and seamless constructions are your friends, regardless of where you intend to wear your socks.

Regardless of the type of socks you’re looking for, one of the essential things in picking out the right pair for yourself is their fit. Without a good fit, you may end up with pain or blisters or any other type of discomfort, and even if all other features of the socks work perfectly, there’s little point to them if the fit isn’t right.

The first important aspect is that the fit shouldn’t be too tight. Your toes shouldn’t feel pinched or cramped and the cuffs shouldn’t leave any indentations or markings on your skin. A fit that is too tight might cut off your blood flow which could, in turn, lead to cold feet, numbness and circulation problems later on. While a sock should be snug, it should absolutely not be too constricting.

On the other hand, it should also not be too loose. When a design is loose, it will slip down your leg, causing you frustration over having to pull it up all the time. Moreover, a loose sock will make the material bunch up in your footwear. With constant moving around, especially if you’re engaged in a sport, this bunching causes friction and may lead to blisters developing over time.

Look for designs that have a fair amount of spandex or elastane (or Lycra) in them. This type of material is what adds stretch and what helps a sock accommodate your foot shape and fit securely.

If you wish for even more comfort and a better feel, look for ergonomic fits, or those that are specific for the left and right foot. These take into account the shape of each foot and are more likely to protect you from irritations and unpleasantries in the long run.

Durability is a measure of how long an item we own lasts before it becomes completely unusable. It is particularly important in things or products we use on regular - clothing, footwear, accessories and similar. The more durable a product is, the happier we will feel about our purchase and it will definitely be money well spent.

The same is true for Coolmax socks as well. Any type of socks, for that matter. This is something that we’re investing money in, and thus it is normal to ask yourself how long it will last.

The durability of a sock is hinged on many different factors: how often you wear them, for what purpose, how often you wash them, if you air dry or machine dry them, etc. etc. However, there are a couple of features you can keep an eye out for that will help in choosing the most durable option for yourself.

The first one would be the type of materials used in the construction.

Synthetic materials such as polyester, polyamide, nylon, and acrylic are quite durable. They don’t lose their shape over time and their colors usually don’t fade. Given that in this guide, we are talking about a type of polyester, you can safely assume that most of the options on our list have a longer lifespan.

Durability decreases with the addition of natural materials. Cotton, wool, and bamboo each have their own set of benefits, but durability isn’t one of them. These materials tend to wear out, fray or lose shape easily, which is not ideal.

The second feature you should look for is potential reinforcements in the design. Reinforced heel and toe areas reduce the chances of developing holes and thus prolong the life of your socks even if you use them in hard-hitting sports.

The last criterion we paid attention to was versatility, or in how many different situations you can use the best Coolmax socks from our list. While the material in itself is designed for warm weather and sweaty conditions, it doesn’t mean that all of the options laid out are strictly for summer or for sports.

On the contrary, you will find quite a few that are good autumn/winter options as well, and those which can and should be worn all day, every day, regardless of the season.

So what makes a sock versatile?

The answer to this is multifold. First, we’ll start with the color, which should be as neutral as possible for you to be able to wear it on different occasions. White and black are standard, as well as gray and tan.

Sports designs tend to come in vibrant color combinations that stand out. If you’re conscious of your color coordination even while you work out, you should definitely pick out a combo that works with your athletic gear.

Secondly, versatility is a reflection of the overall aesthetic of the design. Is it sporty, with ribs near the cuff and a casual look to it? Is it thick and cozy, great for cold weather and boots? Or is it thinner and simplistic and won’t stand out much even if you pair it with a suit and dress shoes?

These are all little tidbits to consider before you make your purchase. Of course, if you are hunting for a specific design with a specific purpose, then versatility isn’t of much importance to you. But if you’re just looking at socks in general, you might take this into consideration as well.