Socks
Good military socks do more for your feet than almost any boot upgrade. Our range covers the full sock drawer for service members, hikers and anyone who spends long days on their feet in boots.
- Cushion sole boot socks – Rothco G.I. Type Cushion Sole Socks in a cotton, wool and nylon blend with a padded sole, plus Government Issue Irregular Cushion Sole Socks at a lower price.
- Liners – the Rothco G.I. Sock Liner, a thin layer worn under a boot sock to reduce friction, and Polar Fleece Boot Liners for cold-weather wear.
- Winter and thermal socks – Heavyweight Natural Thermal Boot Socks, Thermal Boot Socks and Wool Blend Mid-Calf Winter Socks for cold ground and long days outside.
- Everyday and PT socks – the Mid-Calf Boot Sock, G.I. Style Tube Socks and Athletic Crew Socks for training, sports and work.
- Dress and service socks – Rothco Military Dress Socks for oxfords, and Rothco AGSU Socks in heritage walnut, a cotton-rich crew sock made in the USA and designed for the Army Green Service Uniform.
Buy boot socks in multiples. Rotating pairs lets each one dry out fully between wears, which helps the cushion last and keeps feet healthier.
A note for service members: DA PAM 670-1 calls for tan, green or black cushion sole socks with combat boots, and the Air Force has set green or coyote brown socks for its OCP uniform. Check the color you order, and see the guide below for which socks go with which uniform.
How to Choose Military Socks
Pick by the boot and the weather. Most blisters come from heat, moisture and friction, so the right sock keeps your foot dry and stops it sliding inside the boot.
Cushion Sole Boot Socks
Cushion sole socks add a thicker, looped knit under the foot, where boots take the most impact. They're the everyday choice for combat boots, hiking boots and work boots. Rothco's G.I. Type version blends cotton for comfort, wool for warmth and moisture handling, and nylon for durability.
Sock Liners
A liner is a thin sock worn under your boot sock. The two layers rub against each other instead of against your skin, which cuts down on blisters during long marches and hikes. Liners also wick sweat away from the foot.
Thermal and Wool Blend Socks
For cold weather, step up to heavyweight thermal or wool blend socks, and add fleece boot liners for standing still in the cold. Make sure your boots still fit with the thicker sock: a sock that cramps your toes cuts circulation and makes feet colder.
Tube, Crew and Athletic Socks
Tube socks and athletic crew socks are for PT, sports and casual wear. They're lighter than boot socks and wash easily. Keep them out of your boots on long movements, since a thin sock gives less padding and slides more.
Dress Socks
Dress socks are thinner and smoother so they fit inside oxfords and look clean at the ankle. Rothco's Military Dress Socks are made for that job, not for field boots.
Sizing and Care for Boot Socks
Buy socks in the size that matches your shoe size range, and try new boots on with the socks you'll actually wear. Wash boot socks inside out to clean the cushion loops, skip fabric softener, and air dry when you can. Carry a dry pair in a plastic bag in your ruck or pack.
Military Socks and Uniform Regulations
Army Combat Uniform Socks
DA PAM 670-1 paragraph 4-2 lists tan, green or black cushion sole socks as part of the Army combat uniform. Paragraph 20-28 says cushion sole socks are worn by all personnel when wearing combat or organizationally issued boots, and they may be worn with the black dress sock as a two-sock system.
Dress and Service Uniform Socks
Paragraph 20-28 also says black socks are worn with black oxford shoes and heritage green socks with brown oxford shoes. For the AGSU, paragraph 14-3 lists green cushion sole socks (with boots only), heritage green dress socks and stockings. Rothco's AGSU socks come in heritage walnut, so check your unit's current guidance before wearing them for an inspection.
Air Force and Space Force
When the Air Force moved to OCP, it set authorized socks as DLA-issued green socks or coyote brown only. Check DAFI 36-2903 for the current rule. The Marine Corps and Navy have their own sock color rules, and units can be stricter for all services.
Socks for Hiking, Work and Cold Weather
Outside the military, the same military socks serve hunters, hikers, warehouse workers and anyone in boots all day. A cushion sole sock over a liner is a reliable setup for long walks, and a heavyweight thermal sock with a fleece liner handles a cold deer stand or ice fishing trip.