They might be a relatively small part of your riding attire, but choosing the best horse riding socks can really increase your level of comfort when worn under long leather boots and winter riding boots, but can also be worn with short boots, yard boots, wellies or country boots, too.
As socks are likely to get a lot of wear, consider how robust they look and feel, and keep an eye out for styles with reinforced toe and heel areas. It’s also a good idea to check what materials have been used to help you determine whether they’ll have good wicking properties to prevent sweaty feet. Lastly, as socks are often worn under boots you may not be too fussed on a particular design or colour, but bear in mind that brighter tones and patterns will make locating and pairing them up after a wash much easier.
Best horse riding socks
Ariat Tek slimline performance socks
Colours: Navy/red or navy/blue | Sizes: One size (UK 4–8) | RRP: £10 for one pair
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.
View now at ariat.com, rideawaystore.com, naylors.com or equus.co.uk
Cavallo Simo socks
Colours: Black, blue, coffee or twilight | Sizes: EU 36–44 | RRP: £15 for one pair |
These Cavallo socks come in a good range of sizes to ensure the perfect fit in your boots. They are ergonomically designed with a padded ankle and heel protection, while the extra-thin leg ensures perfect contact with the horse. Antibacterial silver thread is integrated into the sole to support moisture wicking, keeping your feet feeling fresh.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Dublin riding socks
Colours: Six different sets | Sizes: One size | RRP: £12.99 for three pairs |
These Dublin socks are made from a naturally breathable stretch cotton and come in a range of assorted designs.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
Shires Aubrion Perivale compression socks
Colours: Aqua, white, pink or navy | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.99 for one pair |
These sporty socks from Shires provide high elasticity compression around the legs to improve circulation and help prevent muscle vibration. They also have a cushioned foot and heel for optimum comfort.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or viovet.co.uk
QHP show socks
Colours: 7 different sets of three colours | Sizes: 4 sizes (covering EU 30–46) | RRP: £16.9 for pack of three |
Available in a good range of colours and sizes, these thin socks from QHP are ideal for wearing with boots. The leg is very elastic, while the foot is reinforced for optimal comfort.
View now at equus.co.uk
Coldstream Pawston performance socks
Colours: Black, black/Windsor wine, navy or navy/raspberry | Sizes: One size (UK 4–8) | RRP: £11.99 for one pair |
These sleek, slim-fitting socks from Coldstream are ideal for wearing under long boots. Made from lightweight, anti-bacterial fabric, with added moisture-wicking properties, they incorporate a dynamic stretch technology.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Pikeur competition socks
Colours: Black, night blue, chocolate or grey | Sizes: EU 35–40 or 41–46 | RRP: £12.45
These soft, breathable and hard-wearing riding socks have excellent wicking properties and a cushioned foot.
A previous version of these Pikeur socks scored 8/10 as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full review.
View now at equus.co.uk
Equetech performance socks
Colours: Black/navy/grey, red/white/blue or mulberry/pink/black | Sizes: One size (UK 3–7) | RRP: £14.50 for pack of three |
These Equetech socks have a thin nylon leg and a soft cotton foot for the perfect fit under long boots. They also contain Lycra.
View now at equus.co.uk
Supreme Products Active Rider show socks
Colours: Black | Sizes: One size (UK 4–8) | RRP: £9.50 for one pair |
Made using bamboo fabric that wicks away moisture and keeps feet feeling fresh, these socks from Supreme Products are great for wearing on long competition days.
View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Dreamers & Schemers boot socks
Colours: Wide variety of patterns | Sizes: One size | RRP: From £15.95 for 1½ pairs |
These 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 with a random design – wear them matching or non-matching as you please.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Stierna performance riding socks
Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: 3 sizes (covering EU 35–43) | RRP: £23 for one pair | Review: 7/10 |
These highly technical socks from Stierna have high-density cushioning at heel and toe as well as mesh ventilation zones that provide additional breathability and moisture management. The flat knit on the leg accommodates a tight fit, while the ribbed cuff prevents slipping and the ribbed ankle support holds the sock in place.
These Stierna socks scored 7/10 as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full review.
View now at rideawaystore.com
Aztec Diamond riding socks
Colours: Black or burgundy | Sizes: One size (UK 3–8) | RRP: £6 for one pair |
These cotton knee-high socks from Aztec Diamond are cooling and lightweight – ideal for wearing under boots – and have a reinforced heel and toe panelling.
A previous version of these Aztec Diamond socks scored 9/10 as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full review.
C4 riding socks
Colours: 11 | Sizes: One size (UK 4–12) | RRP: £9.50 for one pair |
Built for durability and comfort, these cotton socks from C4 come in a variety of colours. They have stay-up technology, a reinforced footbed, arch support and a seamless toe.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Derby House Pro bamboo cotton socks
Colours: Peacock/pink/plum | Sizes: One size (UK 4–8) | RRP: £12.95 for a pack of three |
These super-soft socks from Derby House have moisture-wicking, antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as the ability to keep your feet cool in summer and warm in winter.
Fouganza 500 light women’s horse riding socks
Colours: Dark blue/raspberry or pink/asphalt blue | Sizes: UK 2.5–5 or 5.5–8 | RRP: £9.99 for two pairs |
These socks are designed for regular riders and described as ideal for warm weather. They are lightweight and thin socks with a reinforced heel and toe to prevent wear.
View now at decathlon.co.uk
Hy Equestrian riding socks
Colours: Various colours and patterns | Sizes: One size (UK 4–8) | RRP: £15.99 for pack of three |
These fun, vibrant socks from Hy are stretchy with added bamboo, which is known for its antibacterial properties, allowing moisture to wick away to keep feet feeling fresh. The padded soles provide extra comfort.
View now at equus.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
LeMieux competition socks
Colours: Black, grey, navy, burgundy, green or ice blue | Sizes: S–L | RRP: £13.95 for pack of two |
These lightweight ultra-close contact riding socks from LeMieux provide compression that enhances the fit of long boots. The soft, closely woven foot gives support and stability, while the topside seam ensures comfortable toes.
A shorter version of these socks scored 7/10 as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full review.
View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk
Mochara performance riding socks
Colours: Black/grey | Sizes: One size (EU 36–41) | RRP: £10 for pack of two |
These knee-high performance riding socks from Mochara Equestrian won’t add any bulk under your riding boots and are designed with wicking properties to keep you cool and a cotton foot for comfort.
Perilla alpaca three quarter socks
Colours: 21 | Sizes: XS–L | RRP: £20.50 for one pair
Made of 75% alpaca wool, these three-quarter length boot socks from Perilla have a ribbed leg and soft cushioned sole. Alpaca can be worn all year around to keep your feet warm on cold days and to gently wick away moisture on warm days. The wool repels odour and bacteria, and can be worn for a week without washing.
Soxtrot UK socks
Colours: 100+ | Sizes: Child, teen or adult | RRP: From £9.50 |
These thin and breathable silk-feel socks from Soxtrot are perfect under tight boots. They’re described as long-lasting, easy to wash and quick to dry. Available in more than 100 constantly changing designs and also available in ankle style.
You might also like:
A pick of the best short boots for riders of all ages and abilities
19 of the best long leather riding boots for competition and everyday wear
14 pairs of winter riding boots you’ll be thankful for when it’s cold
Ensure your feet stay warm while you’re riding this winter with our selection of the best winter riding boots
Save extra 10% on Horse & Hound subscriptions with Queen’s Platinum Jubilee special offer
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
