The best socks for men's shoe sizes 13–15 are socks whose published size range clearly includes your size. That sounds obvious, but 13–15 is where sock labels disagree the most. Depending on the brand, a size 13 can be a Large or an XL, and a size 15 can be an XL or an XXL. This guide explains why, and how to choose with a tape measure instead of guessing.
At Samson, sizing is simple: Samson XL socks are made for US men's shoe sizes 13, 14 and 15, and Samson XXL is made for 16, 17 and 18.
Quick answer: which sock size fits sizes 13–15?
| US men's shoe size | Approx. foot length | Samson sock size |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | 11.7 in / 29.7 cm | XL |
| 14 | 12.0 in / 30.5 cm | XL |
| 15 | 12.4 in / 31.4 cm | XL |
If your foot measures 12.5 in (31.8 cm) or longer, or you wear a size 16, 17 or 18, choose Samson XXL instead and see our guide to the best socks for sizes 16–18. The full chart for 13–18 is on our men's sock size chart.
Why sizes 13–15 are the tricky range
There is no industry standard for what “XL” means on a sock. Each brand publishes its own chart, and the edges of those charts often land right in the 13–15 range. Here are a few examples from brands' own size charts (checked 25 September 2026):
- Size 13 can still be a Large. Stance lists its men's Large as US 9–13 and XL as 14–16 (Stance size guide). Under Armour lists LG as 8.5–13 and XL as 13–16, so 13 appears in both (Under Armour size chart).
- Size 15 can be XL or XXL. Darn Tough's XL is 12.5–14.5 and its XXL starts at 15 (Darn Tough size chart). Smartwool's XL is 12–14.5 and its XXL is 15–17.5 (Smartwool size chart). Nike's US unisex chart lists XL as 12–15 and XXL as 15–18, so 15 sits in both (Nike sock size chart).
- Some XL ranges stop before 15. Balega lists its XL as men's 12–14 (Balega size guide).
None of these charts is wrong. They simply use different cut-off points. The practical lesson: read the numbers, not the letters. We collected more brands in our guide to XL and XXL sock sizes by brand.
How to choose when brands overlap
1. Measure your foot
Shoe sizes vary between footwear brands, so your foot length is the more reliable number. Stand with your heel against a wall, mark your longest toe, and measure from the wall to the mark. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement. Our step-by-step measuring guide and the visual Find Your Fit page walk through it.
2. Compare the measurement with the brand's range
Samson XL covers an approximate foot length of 11.7–12.4 in (29.7–31.4 cm). Samson XXL starts at 12.5 in (31.8 cm). If a brand publishes only shoe sizes, look for a range where your size sits comfortably inside it, not one that stops exactly at your size.
3. Check the fit points
A sock that fits puts its heel pocket around your heel (not underneath it), covers your toes without the toe seam pulling, and stays up without the cuff digging in. If you see the opposite, the sock is probably too small. Our heel, toe and cuff fit checklist covers the details.
Socks for men's size 13
Size 13 is the start of the Samson XL range (approximate foot length 11.7 in / 29.7 cm). If regular Large socks feel tight at the heel or toes, a sock whose range is built around 13 and up is the easier fix.
Socks for men's size 14
Size 14 sits in the middle of the Samson XL range (about 12.0 in / 30.5 cm). Every XL chart listed above includes 14, but at some brands it sits right at the edge of the range (Stance's XL starts at 14; Balega's XL ends at 14), so it is still worth checking the numbers.
Socks for men's size 15
Size 15 is the top of the Samson XL range (about 12.4 in / 31.4 cm). If you wear 15 and have bought XXL from another brand, that may simply reflect where that brand draws its line. At Samson, choose XL if your foot measures up to 12.4 in, and XXL if it measures 12.5 in or longer.
Choose a style for how you wear them
Every Samson style comes in XL for sizes 13–15, in packs of five pairs of one colour ($64.99 per pack, about $13.00 per pair).
- Athletic socks: white crew socks for training, basketball and everyday wear. 70% combed cotton, 25% nylon, 5% spandex.
- Dress socks: navy crew socks with a lightweight construction designed to fit inside dress shoes.
- Hiking socks: brown, thicker crew socks with a cushioned heel and forefoot, for boots and trails.
Signs your current socks are too small
- The heel pocket sits under your foot instead of around your heel.
- The toe seam pulls tightly across your toes.
- The cuff leaves deep marks.
- You keep pulling the sock forward for more room.
If that sounds familiar, read why regular XL socks can still feel too small.
What if they don't fit?
You can request a return within 30 days of receiving your order, as long as the socks are unworn, unwashed and in their original packaging. Email support@samsonsocks.com to start a return.
The bottom line
For men's shoe sizes 13–15, pick a sock whose stated range clearly includes your size, and use your foot length to settle it when brands disagree. At Samson, sizes 13, 14 and 15 are all Samson XL. If your foot is 12.5 in (31.8 cm) or longer, choose Samson XXL.