They might be a relatively small part of your riding attire, but choosing the best horse riding socks can significantly enhance comfort, whether you’re wearing long leather riding boots, winter riding boots or short riding boots, yard boots, wellies or country boots
Since riding socks endure a lot of wear, we’ve looked for styles with reinforced toes and heels for durability. We’ve also paid close attention to the materials. Bamboo is an excellent choice, being naturally antibacterial and sustainable, with superb moisture-wicking properties to keep feet dry and comfortable.
For long boots, opt for a close fit, with thinner socks providing a better feel but less durability, ideal for competitions rather than daily wear. Lastly, bold colours and patterns can make pairing socks easier after washing.
If you’re looking for socks for a young rider, here’s our round-up of the best riding socks for children.
Best horse riding socks: H&H’s quick guide
Best value horse riding socks: Woof Wear Long Bamboo Waffle Riding Socks
Best competition horse riding socks: LeMieux Competition Socks
Most fashionable horse riding socks: WeatherBeeta Stocking Socks
Best horse riding socks for children: Hy Equestrian DynaMizs Ecliptic Socks
Woof Wear Long Bamboo Waffle Riding Socks
Sizes: S (UK 3–5½), M (UK 6–8½) or L (UK 9–12)
RRP: £13.99 for a pack of two
Reasons to buy
- Cost-effective
- Durable and long-lasting
- Suitable for taller riders, as the socks reach knee-length
Reasons to avoid
- Better in summer than in winter
The blended bamboo fibres in these socks are naturally antibacterial and offer double the moisture-wicking ability of cotton, helping to keep your feet cool and dry. They also feature engineered elastic around the instep, along with padded toes and heels for extra comfort. While they’re designed to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, I found them a bit thin for colder conditions. If temperatures drop, I’d suggest layering them or choosing a warmer option.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
LeMieux Competition Socks
Sizes: S (UK 12½–3½), M (UK 4–7½) or L (UK 8–12)
RRP: £14.95 for a pack of two
Reasons to buy
- Seamless, so no rubbing under close-fitting competition boots
- The stretch upper offers light compression, enhancing blood flow
- Ultra-light and breathable
Reasons to avoid
- Too light for everyday riding on very cold days
A firm competition favourite, these socks are ultra-light, breathable, and designed for performance. Their seamless construction and compression fit ensure maximum comfort while minimizing bulk under tall boots, making them ideal for competition and daily riding.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
WeatherBeeta Stocking Socks
Sizes: One size (adult)
RRP: £8.99 for one pair
Reasons to buy
- Stylish and practical, available in a variety of designs
- Thin nylon stocking over the calf makes them ideal for wearing under tall boots
- Wash well and keep their shape
Reasons to avoid
- Limited warmth
These socks are described as ultra-lightweight yet hardworking. They have a nylon stretch stocking, which is thin over the calf, while the sock is made of breathable stretch cotton and offers a cushioned panel at the top of the foot for added protection and comfort.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or gooutdoors.co.uk
Ariat Tek Slimline Performance Socks
Sizes: One size
RRP: £12 for one pair
Reasons to buy
- Comfortable fit, with no rubbing under tall boots
- Ideal thickness for warmer months
- Snug, soft material that holds up well to washing
Reasons to avoid
- Sizing can run a little small
These socks have moisture movement technology that wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping your feet feeling ventilated. The arch support also has a breathable mesh wrap and there is targeted heel and ankle bone protection to keep your feet supported.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com, gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at ariat.com
Hy Sport Active Riding Socks
Sizes: Young rider (UK C12–4) or adult (UK 4–8)
RRP: £21.99 for a pack of three
Reasons to buy
- Good value for money
- Comfortable to wear, and last well
- Slim, snug cut on the leg
Reasons to avoid
- Adult sizes top out at size 8
Designed to match the rest of the Hy Sport Active range, these socks are anti-bacterial and have moisture-wicking properties, which prevent sweating and allow for breathability, keeping your feet comfortable
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Shires Aubrion Abbey Socks
Sizes: Child (UK C10½–3½) or adult (UK 3½–8)
RRP: £4.50 (adults), £3.75 (children’s)
Reasons to buy
- Offer great value for money
- Ideal for everyday riding without adding bulk
- Breathable and lightweight
Reasons to avoid
- Better suited for spring and summer riding
These fine-knit socks are described as heat-releasing and offer light support under riding boots. They’re an excellent choice for warm-weather riding, offering breathability and comfort at an affordable price, though they may not be ideal for colder conditions.
In the UK? View adult sizes now at amazon.co.uk,viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the UK? View children’s sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Dublin 3 Pack Socks
Sizes: One size (adult)
RRP: £16.99 for a pack of three
Reasons to buy
- Massive range of fun colours and designs
- Strike a good balance, keeping feet warm in cooler weather but not too hot in warmer conditions
- Good value for money, holds up well without developing holes, even after some use
Reasons to avoid
- may not be ideal for those seeking thicker or more cushioned options
These lightweight and breathable socks offer a comfortable fit, making them ideal for wearing under riding boots or around the yard. With just the right amount of warmth without being too thick, they provide lasting comfort in various weather conditions. They also come in a wide range of assorted designs and colours.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Pikeur Competition Socks
Sizes: EU 35–40 or 41–46
RRP: £12.45 for one pair
H&H review: 8/10
Reasons to buy
- Warm, without being too warm
- Comfortable around the foot, and stays in place
- Can double as competition socks
Reasons to avoid
- Quite expensive
These soft, breathable and hard-wearing riding socks have excellent wicking properties and a cushioned foot. They ere tested for H&H by grade V international para rider Tamsin Addison who found them “particularly good to wear under long boots” and “supportive around the foot area, but quite tight to put on”. Performance-wise she said “They were really comfortable, warm enough without being too sweaty, and they remained in place.”
Read H&H’s independent Pikeur Competition Socks review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Dreamers & Schemers Boot Socks
Sizes: One size
RRP: From £15.95 for one pair
Reasons to buy
- Fun, unique designs
- Stretchy and breathable fabric
- Matchable with custom saddle pads and spur straps
Reasons to avoid
- Limited cushioning compared to thicker riding socks
These are highly functional, soft and silky socks with fun designs. The cotton on the toe, sole and back of the heel wicks moisture and protects against rubs and blisters. The material on the leg is thin and stretchy, while the knitted cuff keeps the socks up. Every pair comes with a spare sock in a random design – wear them matching or non-matching as you please.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or etsy.com
Soxtrot UK Socks
Sizes: Child, teen or adult
RRP: From £9.50
Reasons to buy
- More fun, affordable, unique designs
- Lightweight and breathable
- Smooth, snug fit
Reasons to avoid
- May run small for those with larger calves
Designed for both fashion and function, these thin and breathable silk-feel socks from Soxtrot are perfect under tight boots – and come in more than 100 styles. They’re long-lasting, easy to wash and quick to dry. Available in constantly changing designs and also available in ankle style.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Best riding socks for children
Hy Equestrian DynaMizs Ecliptic Socks
Sizes: One size (UK C12–4)
RRP: £16.99 for a pack of 3
Reasons to buy
- Comfortable for chores but thin enough for riding without adding bulk
- Fun patterns that kids can match with their horse’s riding wear
- Durable, stand up to regular use in touch conditions
Reasons to avoid
- Might want to pop an extra pair on for cold weather riding
Designed to match with the Dynamizs Ecliptic collection, these socks are made from a soft fabric that has added bamboo, which is known for its breathable and moisture-wicking properties. They have padded feet for extra comfort, too.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Shires Aubrion Abbey Socks
Sizes: Child (UK C10½–3½)
RRP: £3.20 for one pair
Reasons to buy
- Offer great value for money
- Ideal for everyday riding without adding bulk
- Breathable and lightweight
Reasons to avoid
- Better suited for spring and summer riding
Similar to the adult version, these fine-knit socks are described as heat-releasing and offer light support under riding boots.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Hy Little Rider Sasha Socks
Sizes: One size (UK C8–12)
RRP: £12.99 for a pack of 3
Reasons to buy
- Fun and playful designs
- Comfortable and breathable for all-day wear
- Affordable price, and good value for the money
Reasons to avoid
- Limited range of sizes
These cute socks are perfect for the smaller jockey. With added bamboo, which is known for its antibacterial properties, these moisture-wicking socks will help keep feet fresh all day long, combining comfort with fun for equestrian activities. They are ideal for wearing under boots or around the stable.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Toggi Carousel Socks
Sizes: One size (child)
RRP: £15 for a pack of 3
Reasons to buy
- Add a bit of fun to kids’ riding outfits
- Stay soft after several washes
- Slim enough to fit under boots
Reasons to avoid
- Minimal cushioning
These comfortable, knee-high riding socks for children also come in a variety of colorful designs, offering a soft and stretchy fit. They contain bamboo and are ideal for equestrian activities, fitting snugly under riding boots while providing breathability and comfort.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
You might also like:
14 of the best long leather riding boots for every budget
Treat your feet to a pair of the best insulated wellies
A pick of the best short boots for riders of all ages and abilities
7 pairs of winter riding boots designed to keep your toes warm
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