Enjoy comfy feet with riding socks that are perfect under long boots

Whether you’re training, competing, or enjoying a casual hack, choosing a pair of the best horse riding socks can help deliver all-day support and style in the saddle. No matter whether you’re wearing long leather riding boots, short boots, yard boots, wellies or country boots, we’ve got you covered.

We have selected durable riding socks with reinforced toes and heels. We’ve also looked for materials with excellent wicking properties to help prevent sweaty feet. Bamboo is an excellent choice as it is also antibacterial and sustainable. For young riders, see our selection of best riding socks for children.

Best horse riding socks: H&H’s quick guide

Best overall riding socks: Cool Horse Socks Competition Riding

Best value riding socks: Woof Wear Long Bamboo Waffle Riding

Best competition socks: LeMieux Competition

Best riding socks for children: Hy Equestrian Little Rider Sasha

Cool Horse Socks Competition Riding Socks

Sizes: S (UK 12–3), M (UK 4–7) or L (UK 8–11)

RRP: £11.25 for one pair

Reasons to buy

• Coolmax padded foot
• Ribbed arch and heel support
• Ultra-lightweight
• Bright and bold designs

Reasons to avoid

• If you are looking for a thicker riding sock check out their everyday riding socks

An essential for all equestrians, these socks are designed to meet the specific needs of horse riders, offering unbeatable comfort and lasting durability. Whether they’re for riding, mucking out, or simply staying warm, these socks are built to last and bring extra fun to every ride.

I have a pair of these socks and they are super comfy and I can wear them all day without my feet getting sweaty or damp. I also love the bold designs, and they make a perfect gift for any equestrian.

Woof Wear Long Bamboo Waffle Riding Socks

Sizes: S (UK 3–5½), M (UK 6–8½) or L (UK 9–12)

RRP: £14.99 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.

LeMieux Competition Socks

Sizes: S (UK 12½–3½), M (UK 4–7½) or L (UK 8–12)

RRP: £16.95 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 minimising bulk under tall boots, making them ideal for competition and daily riding.

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 ventilated. The arch support also has a breathable mesh wrap and there is targeted heel and ankle bone protection to keep your feet supported.

Hy Equestrian HyConic Riding Socks

Sizes: Children’s (UK C8–12) or adult (UK 4–8)

RRP: £12.50 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 only go up to size 8

Designed to match the HyConic range, pack of three, each pair is a different colour so you can accessorise your outfit, these socks are breathable to keep your feet comfortable.

Shires Aubrion React Technical Socks

Sizes: Adult (UK 3½–8)

RRP: £8 for one pair

Reasons to buy

• Cushioned knit sole
• Supportive

Reasons to avoid

• If you are looking for a longer sock

Sports styled and coordinating with the Aubrion React colours, these technical socks offer anatomic support and comfort. Varying knit patterns are used to throughout the leg and foot as open knit zones help with moisture control. They are also suitable for other outdoor activities.

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.

Pikeur Tube Socks

Sizes: EU 35–40 or 41–46

RRP: £19.95 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 were 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 sock review.

Toggi Watts Socks

Sizes: adult (UK4–8)

RRP: £16.99 for two pairs

Reasons to buy

• Compression fabric
• Lightweight and breathable

Reasons to avoid

• Not many colour options

Designed for function, these thin and lightweight socks from Toggi are perfect under close fitting boots. They are made from compression fabric to help aid muscle recovery, and the breathable knit at the foot section helps regulate temperature.

Aztec Diamond Define Technical Socks

Sizes: adult

RRP: £25 for two pairs

Reasons to buy

• Compression fabric
• Medium thickness
• Anti-stick yarn

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in one size

Designed for performance and practicality, these medium-thickness sports socks are made with a 3D-knit. They offer a secure, comfortable fit under riding boots, and are breathable wicking to help keep your feet fresh all day. The anti-stick fibres repel hay and debris, making them perfect for wearing with short boots over breeches.

Horseware Athletix Newmarket Riding Socks

Sizes: UK C12½–3, UK4–6½ or UK7–10½

RRP: From £9.95 per pair

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Cotton feet for added comfort

Reasons to avoid

• Style might not suit your needs

These slim-fitting socks offer snug, supportive compression through the calves, making them ideal for wearing under tall boots without adding bulk. They feature a breathable cotton footbed to help provide lightweight comfort and freshness.

Best riding socks for children

Hy Equestrian 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.

Aubrion Children’s Eltar Socks

Sizes: One size (UK C12–4)

RRP: £5 for one pair

Reasons to buy

• Comfortable for chores but thin enough for riding without adding bulk
• Silicone print for added grip perfect to prevent sagging

Reasons to avoid

• If you are looking for bright coloured socks

Crafted from a fine knit, these socks promote heat release to minimise moisture build up, ensuring a comfortable fit without adding bulk under your boots. Silicone Aubrion logos are printed on the inner leg to provide grip, which prevents the socks from sagging inside boots.

LeMieux Mini Character Junior Socks

Sizes: Child UK C6-8, C9-12 or C13-3

RRP: £6.95 for two pairs

Reasons to buy

• Offer great value for money
• Ideal for everyday riding without adding bulk
• Available in a range of fun equestrian-inspired designs

Reasons to avoid

• If you are looking for a longer sock

These socks come in a range of playful designs, adding a touch of personality to any outfit. Crafted from soft cotton, these socks are an ideal choice for wearing under boots, shoes, trainers and sandals. Natural fibres gently wick moisture and keep feet cool.

Toggi Rosette Children’s Socks

Sizes: One size (child)

RRP: £13.49 for a pack of 2

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, riding socks for children also come in a variety of colourful 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.

United Oddsocks Giddy Up Socks

Sizes: One size (child UK12–5.5)

RRP: £11.99 for a pack of 6

Reasons to buy

• Mix and match designs
• Ideal for everyday use

Reasons to avoid

• More cushioned options are available

These gorgeous oddsocks feature six playful horses with unique designs to mix and match for a fun look everyday. The ideal gift for children who love horses.

Different types of riding socks

Horse riders across all disciplines rely on boots for riding and general yard chores, and various sock types are available to enhance comfort. Crew socks offer full coverage of the lower leg, reaching the mid-calf. Knee-high socks are a popular choice for riders wearing long boots, but they can also be worn with shorter boots to provide extra grip and prevent rubbing. Many riding socks are made from moisture-wicking material to keep feet dry and feature extra padding for long-wearing comfort and durability, preventing wear and holes.

Are riding socks necessary?

Yes, good horse riding socks have been specifically designed to offer a padded footbed and breathability, providing maximum comfort while being worn for long periods of time. They help prevent your lower leg rubbing against tall boots.

You might also like:

16 of the best long leather riding boots for every budget

Treat your feet to a pair of the best thermal wellies

Best short riding boots for riders of all ages and abilities

7 pairs of winter riding boots designed to keep your toes warm

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.