What Kind of Socks Should You Wear for Golf?

You probably won’t think socks are important when planning to play a round of golf. But you’ll be surprised how much your socks will matter once you’re in the golf course. Let’s be honest. You definitely will care more about your swing, your outfit, or maybe even what snacks to sneak into your golf bag. But here's a surprising thing: socks really do matter.

Whether you’re a weekend golfer, a club member, or just starting out, choosing the right golf socks can make a surprising difference. We’re talking comfort, performance, avoiding blisters, and yes, making sure you don’t get turned away at the clubhouse door.

Let’s walk through what kind of socks you should be wearing for golf, how long they should be, and how to avoid any dress code drama.

Here’s the deal: the "right" length kind of depends on where you’re playing.

If you're out on a public course or somewhere laid-back, you can totally rock ankle golf socks or even hidden socks if that’s your style. They're comfy, modern, and go well with golf shorts or sneakers.

But… not every course is that chill.

There are still a bunch of clubs (especially the old-school, private kind) that take dress codes very seriously—including your socks. White. Crew length. No logos. That kind of thing.

Remember when Mark Wahlberg went to play at Elanora Country Club in Sydney? He got stopped and asked to change his socks. Yep—because they were the wrong color and too short 

Moral of the story: if you're ever unsure, go with golf crew socks. They're classic, comfy, and almost always acceptable.

Let’s talk about the guys first. The best golf socks for men are all about comfort and function. You’re walking several miles during a round, often in the sun, maybe sweating a bit—your socks have to keep up.

What should you look for? Moisture-wicking fabric (no one likes swamp feet), good cushioning, and arch support. Socks that stay put, keep your feet dry, and won’t wear out after three rounds.

One Reddit golfer summed it up perfectly:

“I didn’t think socks mattered... until I wore a good pair. Now I’m obsessed.”

Now for the ladies! Well, women’s golf socks are built for performance, but they don’t skimp on style either. Think about those breathable materials, no-slip heels, and a bit of extra cushion where it counts. That’s perfectly what the best golf socks for women can be.

There are a lot of great options that feel light but supportive. Some women prefer ankle socks in summer and switch to golf crew socks when it’s cooler, or when they’re heading to a stricter club.

Our Pro tip? Always keep a backup pair of neutral crew socks in your bag, just in case the dress code gets intensely strict.

Alright, let’s break down what separates regular socks from the best golf socks:

• Moisture-wicking – No sweaty, slippery feet here.
• Arch support – Especially important if you walk 18 holes.
• Cushioning – Soft but not bulky. You want comfort, not squish.
• Snug fit – No slipping, no blisters.
• Durability – You shouldn’t have holes after two rounds.

Golfers are definitely catching on—there’s even a stat that says the golf socks market is expected to hit $3.6 billion by 2030. That’s a lot of golfers upgrading their sock game.

Oh yes. If you thought the “no jeans on the course” rule was strict, wait until you learn about socks.

Some private clubs go all in: socks must be white, crew length, and logo-free. They might even specify fabric types or ban low-cut styles altogether.

The LPGA even made headlines a while back with their stricter dress code updates—though those focused more on tops and bottoms, it shows how seriously golf takes attire.