If the dark, frigid days of winter have you dreaming of curling up fireside with a good book and a steaming mug of tea, then you‘ll want to slip your feet into a pair of Nordic Socks. This Scandinavian brand has gained a cult following for their ultra-cozy socks that embody the Nordic concept of "hygge" – creating a warm atmosphere of contentment and well-being.
As someone who suffers from chronically cold feet, I had high expectations when I decided to put Nordic Socks to the test. I ordered 10 different styles and spent several weeks wearing them around the house, out running errands, and even on a ski trip. Now I‘m ready to share my honest thoughts to help you decide if these socks are really worth the hype.
About Nordic Socks
Nordic Socks was founded in 2017 by two Norwegians who wanted to share their passion for cozy living with the world. The brand is based on the Scandinavian concept of "hygge," which doesn‘t have a direct English translation but encompasses a feeling of coziness, comfort, contentment, and well-being.
Growing up in Norway, the founders were used to long, dark, frigid winters where the simple act of putting on a soft pair of socks could make a big difference in your day. They wanted to spread that feeling of everyday joy by creating a line of socks that were not only functional but also beautiful and luxurious.
Nordic Socks has since become an international sensation, gaining attention from fashion and lifestyle publications and amassing a devoted following on social media. The brand frequently sells out of styles and has had over 12,000 5-star reviews from happy customers.
While many brands sell "nordic socks," Nordic Socks aims to capture an authentic Scandinavian essence in every design. All of their socks are made in Europe using sustainable practices and high-quality natural materials. For every pair purchased, the company also donates a pair to someone in need.
Materials & Construction
One of the key features that sets Nordic Socks apart is the quality of the materials. All of their socks contain at least 30-40% merino wool, which is ultra-soft, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating to keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The Mountain collection socks have an extra 25% wool for added warmth in the coldest weather. Many styles also incorporate acrylic for durability, polyester for quick drying, and a touch of elastane for stretch and shape retention.
All of the Nordic Socks I tried had a medium thickness that felt substantial without being too bulky in shoes. The construction was flawless with tightly knit, cushioned soles, reinforced heels and toes, and smooth toe seams that didn‘t rub or irritate.
The socks washed well without any noticeable shrinking, pilling, or color fading. I was very impressed with how they held their shape and softness after multiple wears and washes. They seem made to last for many cozy seasons to come.
Norse-Inspired Designs
Nordic Socks come in an array of beautiful colors and patterns inspired by traditional Scandinavian knitwear. From classic Fair Isle snowflakes to vibrant zig zags and stylized reindeer, the designs evoke fireside evenings in a log cabin or trekking across a glacier.
I love the way the patterning is mirrored on the front and back of the sock in most styles for an eye-catching look at any angle. All of the styles I tried were mid-calf height which hit about 6" above my ankle bone for a secure fit that stayed put without sagging or bunching.
The women‘s socks come in one size that fits U.S. women‘s shoe sizes 5-10 and the men‘s socks fit U.S. men‘s 4-13. I‘m a women‘s size 8.5 and found the fit to be perfect – snug through the arch and ankle without feeling constricting.
Comfort & Performance
Slipping on a pair of Nordic Socks feels like a warm hug for your feet. The merino wool is incredibly soft and cozy with no itch whatsoever. I have very sensitive skin and had no issues with irritation or rubbing even after walking all day.
I wore my Nordic Socks in a variety of settings and they kept my feet comfortable in every scenario. Puttering around the house on a lazy Sunday, my feet stayed toasty warm without sweating. On a chilly hike with my dog, they wicked away moisture and never felt damp or clammy. I even wore them skiing and was impressed with how well they thermoregulated inside my boots.
The cushioning on the sole was just right – supportive without adding too much bulk. I didn‘t experience any blisters, hot spots, or aches even after long days on my feet. The arch support was noticeable and appreciated as someone with flat feet who often experiences foot pain.
While Scandinavians love to hygge in their socks at home, I found Nordic Socks to be great for everyday wear with all kinds of footwear from sneakers to boots. The wool kept any foot funk at bay and they always looked fresh when I took my shoes off.
Top 10 Nordic Sock Styles
Nordic Socks have nearly two dozen unisex and gender-specific sock styles in multiple colorways. These were the 10 pairs I put to the test:
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Ulf Unisex Socks – Grey with white Nordic snowflake pattern. Classic and versatile for everyday wear.
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Ingrid Women‘s Socks – Ivory with red and navy reindeer. Festive for the holidays or apres-ski.
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Lars Men‘s Socks – Navy with mustard yellow Nordic star. Bold and eye-catching.
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Bjorn Unisex Socks – Black with grey ribbed knit. Sleek and simple for minimalists.
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Astrid Women‘s Socks – Dusty pink with cream Nordic heart. Pretty in pink for Valentine‘s Day.
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Tor Men‘s Socks – Forest green with red and white Fair Isle. Perfect for the rugged outdoorsman.
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Maja Women‘s Socks – Cream with teal and burgundy tulip pattern. Folksy floral flair.
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Leif Men‘s Socks – Charcoal with bright blue snowflake. Vibrant twist on a winter staple.
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Tuva Women‘s Socks – Oatmeal heather with brown reindeer. Earthy and elegant.
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Sven Men‘s Socks – Slate blue with a mustard diamond pattern. Retro ski lodge vibes.
I was truly impressed with the quality and comfort of every pair I tried. It was difficult to pick favorites, but the Ulf, Bjorn, Astrid, Maja, and Sven socks really stood out to me in terms of versatility, coziness, and style.
Nordic Socks vs. the Competition
Nordic Socks aren‘t the only brand known for their cozy socks, so how do they stack up to the competition? Here are my thoughts:
Smartwool: Smartwool socks are a staple for many outdoor enthusiasts and offer similar benefits like moisture-wicking merino wool and cushioned soles. However, Smartwool socks tend to be thinner and less warm overall than Nordic Socks. Smartwool also has more limited color and pattern options.
Darn Tough: Darn Tough is another popular merino wool sock brand with a reputation for durability. Like Nordic Socks, they offer a lifetime guarantee. I found Darn Tough socks to have a slightly sportier, more technical feel while Nordic socks feel more homey and handcrafted. Darn Tough also has a higher price point on average.
Bombas: Bombas is known for their cozy, cushioned socks and giving back to the community. They use a brushed cotton material that is very soft but not quite as warm or moisture-wicking as Nordic Socks‘ merino wool. Bombas has a wide variety of heights and cushioning levels but more limited patterns.
Overall, I found that Nordic Socks offered the best combination of coziness, performance, durability, and style for the price. If you‘re looking for socks to keep you warm while still looking cute and photo-worthy, Nordic Socks are the hygge heroes you need in your sock drawer.
Conclusion
After putting Nordic Socks to the test, I can confidently say that they live up to the hype. The hygge-inspired designs, premium materials, and superior craftsmanship create a sock that looks as great as it feels. From padding around the house to hitting the trails, Nordic Socks kept my feet warm, dry, and blissfully comfortable.
At $16-20 per pair, Nordic Socks are definitely a splurge, but I believe the quality and longevity make them worth the investment. I also love that the company gives back with each purchase. These socks would make a wonderful gift for anyone on your list who could use a little more coziness and joy in their life (including yourself!)
If you‘re ready to treat your feet to a taste of the hygge life, head to nordicsocks.com and use code COZY10 for 10% off your first order. Your toes will thank you!
