Socks have been around for hundreds of years, with the oldest pair found to be between 300 and 500 A.D. in Egypt. The word sock comes from the Old English word socc, which was used as a term for a light slipper. Socks were the original house slipper, a light shoe meant to provide protection from already paved roads or even flooring. Today, socks have expanded to include a multitude of uses for both men and women.

Here are just a few examples for men’s socks:

1. Athletic socks
These socks specifically work with your shoes to create the smoothest experience with your feet and the ground for training by means of running, lifting weights or other physical activity. No one wants to think about blisters, cold or hot feet, or even bunching while they are getting their sweat on. That’s why athletic socks are some of the most important socks to research, because you know you have a bad pair as soon as you step into the gym or on the treadmill. Able to hold up to some serious friction and impact, these fibers are almost always synthetic with a unique mesh to create circulation and flow without compromising the integrity of the fabric.

2. Dress socks
Made of a finer thread and a satin or silk material, these socks are a luxurious version of the crew sock. Some come with designs meant to show off some flair, while others create a blank black canvas for your shoes while walking your red carpet event. 

3. Wool socks
Wool socks were invented for the colder weather in the northern countries of Europe and North America. Their main purpose was to retain heat in the feet, which can sometimes get frostbite if they are unprotected in very cold weather and sweat from exercise. Wool works very well to protect the feet from too much moisture, which can cause hypothermia in the feet, as well as retaining heat from the feet. 

4. Crew socks
These socks are the usual work horses for many people. They are tough, thick and usually ribbed up to the top of the ankles. These socks are for everyday use with sneakers for walking, short trips, or even to wear with your house slippers or to bed. They are usually made out of a blend of synthetic and natural fibers to keep them durable yet breathable. 

5. Ankle socks
Ankle socks are like the Crew socks in their fabric and overall design except for where they stop on the foot. They are meant to give the illusion of no sock on the foot by stopping just short or on the ankle bone so they hide under the shoe. This usually has a fashion intention of showing off the shoe or preventing a longer sock look 

6. Toe/slipper socks
While not very popular in the Western world, toe socks are common among the Asian countries as part of their daily attire both inside and outside the home. These socks are meant to keep the feet clean when putting on sandals and walking through the home. Some Asian cultures find the ground very dirty no matter how hard you clean it, and having socks that work with sandals is a must.