Good socks are one of the simplest ways to make walking, camping and everyday outdoor life more comfortable, but you do not have to spend a fortune to keep your feet happy. This guide rounds up some of the cheapest men’s socks at Go Outdoors that are still worth pulling on in 2026.
The focus here is on warmth, cushioning and practicality at low prices, whether you are trudging through muddy fields in wellies, heading out for a winter dog walk or just trying to keep your toes warm around camp. We have picked options that cut cost without feeling flimsy or disposable.
Each pair comes with its own angle, from simple thermal socks that boost warmth, through to merino rich explorers and double layer designs aimed at reducing blisters. It is not only about finding the absolute lowest price, but about choosing budget socks that actually work for how and where you walk.
These recommendations are built around what matters on your feet: warmth, comfort and basic durability at sensible prices. We look closely at the materials, intended use and construction details, then weigh that up against how much you are paying so you are not just buying the cheapest pack on the shelf.
Rather than chasing headline low prices, we favour socks that offer genuinely useful features for outdoor use, such as thermal knit constructions, merino blends or double layer designs to cut down on rubbing. Where customer feedback is available, we factor that into our choices so the pairs highlighted here feel like sound, good value purchases rather than false economies.
The result is a tight list of men’s socks that make financial sense for everyday walkers and occasional campers, while still being up to the job when the weather turns or you are out on your feet for hours.
We started by looking at the more affordable men’s socks in the Go Outdoors range, focusing on options designed specifically for walking, outdoor work and camping rather than fashion or trainer socks. From there, we filtered out anything that looked too thin, too basic or unlikely to cope with British weather and muddy paths.
Materials and construction played a big part in the final selection. Thermal socks and longer welly friendly designs scored highly for cold and wet conditions, while merino blend and double layer socks made the cut for offering better comfort and blister resistance without a massive price jump. This way, you can choose between simple warmth, all day comfort or extra protection, depending on your needs and budget.
We also aimed to cover the main ways people actually use outdoor socks in the UK: winter dog walks, festivals and camps in wellies, longer hikes and everyday wear in sturdier boots. All of the socks here sit firmly at the cheaper end of the price range, but they still offer enough performance to be worth your money.
Below you will find a small selection of men’s socks that deliver strong value at lower prices. Some are simple, no nonsense thermal socks that keep your toes warm for the least possible spend, while others cost a touch more but add useful benefits like merino content, extra length for wellies or a double layer for blister protection.
Use the summaries to match each pair to how you actually get outdoors, whether that is standing in a field at 6am feeding horses, walking the dog on frosty mornings or clocking up miles on muddy trails.
A straightforward pair of thermal socks from Peter Storm that offer a noticeable bump in warmth over everyday cotton socks without stretching your budget.
For the money, the Peter Storm Men’s Plain Thermal Socks are a very easy upgrade over thin everyday socks. The thermal knit is designed to trap more warm air, so your feet stay noticeably cosier on chilly walks and around camp. They are versatile enough for wearing in walking boots, winter trainers or even at home when the heating is off, which makes them good value if you want a cheap all rounder. Because they come from Peter Storm’s value focused range, you are getting outdoor ready warmth without a premium price tag.
As a simple thermal sock, the Plain Thermal model is not as technically advanced as merino or double layer walking socks, so breathability and odour control may be more limited on long hikes. The thickness may feel a bit bulky in close fitting shoes, and very heavy use could see them wear out faster than premium options.
Ideal if you want an inexpensive pair of go to thermal socks for general winter wear, short walks and camping weekends. They suit anyone who feels the cold but does not need advanced technical features, just straightforward cosy feet on a tight budget.
A thicker, heat trapping thermal sock aimed at cold days outdoors, giving you extra insulation for a similar low price.
The Men’s Thermal Heat Trap Socks build on the simple thermal idea with extra emphasis on insulation, making them a strong budget option for genuinely cold conditions. The heat trapping design aims to lock in more warmth than a standard sock, which is ideal for standing around in the cold at events, on the touchline or while camping in late autumn and winter. At around the same low price as the Plain Thermal Socks, they feel like a smart choice if warmth is your top priority and you still need to keep spend under control. They are chunky enough to feel snug in roomier boots, giving you that cosy, padded feel many people look for in a winter sock.
The extra insulation of the Thermal Heat Trap Socks can feel too warm and sweaty in milder weather or indoors, so they are best kept for genuinely cold days. They are also relatively bulky, which might make them a tight fit in more snug boots. Like many cheap thermals, long term durability will not match top end hiking socks if you really hammer them.
Best for people who spend a lot of time standing or moving slowly in the cold, such as dog walkers, anglers or match spectators. If you want maximum warmth per pound and expect to use them mainly in winter boots or wellies, these are a strong budget choice.
A longer, cushioned welly sock designed to make rubber boots warmer and more comfortable for a modest extra spend.
The Peter Storm Essentials Men’s Wellington Sock is tailored specifically for life in wellies, which is where many cheaper socks struggle. The longer cut helps protect your calves from the top of the boot, while the thicker knit and cushioning take the edge off cold, rigid rubber. For farm work, festivals or muddy dog walks, that extra warmth and padding goes a long way. Considering the modest price, having a dedicated welly sock that transforms how your boots feel is excellent value, especially if you are outdoors in them several times a week.
Because these are tailored to wellies, they may feel a bit long and warm in shorter walking boots or everyday shoes. They also sit at a slightly higher price than the very cheapest thermal socks, so if you rarely wear wellies you might not see the full benefit of that extra spend.
A great pick if you are often in wellies for work, chores or wet weather camps and want to make them feel warmer and less punishing without spending much. They are also a sensible buy for festival goers and parents on the sidelines of muddy pitches who live in rubber boots for hours at a time.
A merino rich explorer sock that brings better comfort and odour control to budget friendly walking and camping.
The Men’s Essentials Merino Explorer Socks stand out in this cheap line up by bringing merino wool into the mix, something usually reserved for pricier hiking socks. Merino is renowned for warmth, breathability and reduced odour, so these are a step up in comfort for longer walks or multi day trips. You get that soft, more luxurious feel on foot while still paying a clearly budget friendly price, which is ideal if you want a more technical sock without paying premium brand money. They are a versatile option that work well in walking boots for year round UK use.
Although they include merino, these are still budget socks, so you should not expect the same high merino percentage or ultra plush finish as premium hiking brands. The price is a touch higher than basic thermal socks, which may put off those who simply want the cheapest possible option for occasional use.
Ideal for walkers and campers who are happy to spend a little more than the bare minimum in return for better comfort and fresher feet. If you take longer walks, go on hiking weekends or simply dislike synthetic only socks, these merino explorers are a very wallet friendly upgrade.
A double layer sock built to reduce rubbing and hotspots, offering affordable peace of mind if you are prone to blisters.
The Peter Storm Men’s Essentials Double Layer Socks use a two layer construction to help cut down on friction, which can be a real advantage if you struggle with blisters in cheaper boots. The inner and outer layers move slightly against each other rather than your skin, spreading the rubbing and reducing hotspots. For a wallet friendly price you are getting a design trick often seen in more expensive walking socks, which makes them strong value if you are ramping up your mileage. They also offer a good degree of cushioning, so long days on your feet feel a little softer.
The double layer design adds a bit of thickness, so they can feel snug in boots that are already a close fit. As with other budget options, the materials and finish are not as refined as top end blister resistant socks, so heavy, daily use may reveal their limits sooner.
Suited to anyone prone to blisters or hot spots but still shopping at the cheaper end of the market. If you are building up to longer walks, charity treks or more regular hiking and want extra protection without stepping up to expensive technical socks, these double layer socks fit the bill.
