The Best Funny Socks

Buying Guide

The main categories of socks include sport-specific (like soccer), ankle, knee, compression, fashion, dress, crew and novelty. Some of these overlap, and this can be a good thing.

If you want to buy funny socks, though, you won’t want to skimp on quality because cheap socks can hurt your feet. They might not provide enough support, bunch up in your shoes, cause blisters or shrink in the laundry.

Look for socks made with cotton and other materials for stretch, like nylon and Spandex. The material should be nice and soft and provide enough cushioning to make them feel comfortable.

Spandex can also provide some tightness, but compression socks are best if you need extra support. These go a long way towards preventing swelling and pain and are suitable for sports, work, and wear on airplanes. Cotton is very comfortable, and synthetic materials like nylon and acrylic provide more moisture-wicking properties.

Funny socks can be below the ankle, above crew height, halfway up the calf or all the way up to the knees. They are sold individually or in sets with several pairs; each usually has a different pattern. As for the patterns, you can pretty much find anything that you want, from cats to pickles to stripes and polka dots. Some even have patterns or sayings on the bottoms, too.

• People love novelty socks, and they are not expensive. They make great gifts, too: you can buy a dozen and give them out as different presents to friends and family.
• Look for patterns that have things that your recipient likes. For example, if grandpa loves to fish, get him funny socks with fish and worms on them.
• Be careful when washing novelty socks because they can shrink if you aren’t careful enough. Read the label’s instructions; the socks may have to be washed in cold water or air-dried.
• There’s no reason you can’t mix and match these socks; why not wear a dog sock on your right foot and a cat sock on the left?