If you wear a US men's size 17 shoe, most standard sock-size charts do not go far enough. A typical "large" sock often stops around shoe size 12, while many "XL" socks stop around size 15. For a true size 17 foot, look for XXL socks specifically labeled for men's shoe sizes 16–18.
At Samson, our men's XXL socks are designed for shoe sizes 16, 17, and 18. That range gives a size 17 foot enough room without relying on excessive stretching.
What sock size should a man with size 17 shoes wear?
A man wearing size 17 shoes should generally choose an XXL or extended-size sock whose published range includes size 17. The letters alone are not enough: one brand's XXL may fit differently from another brand's XXL, so always check the actual shoe-size range.
- Samson XL: US men's shoe sizes 13–15
- Samson XXL: US men's shoe sizes 16–18
For a size 17 shoe, Samson XXL is the correct choice.
Size 17 sock checklist
- Find 17 in the numbers, not just the letters. A pack that says "XXL" doesn't always include 17. Look for 17 inside the printed shoe-size range.
- Check where 17 sits in the range. In the Samson XXL range (16–18), 17 is in the middle. At some brands, 17 is the very top of XXL; at others, the chart stops before 17 (see the table below).
- Measure your foot. A US men's size 17 corresponds to an approximate foot length of 12.8 in (32.6 cm). Samson XXL covers about 12.5–13.2 in (31.8–33.5 cm). Measure both feet while standing and use the larger measurement. Our foot-measuring guide shows how.
- Know the signs of a sock that's too small. The heel pocket sits under your foot, the toe seam pulls, or the cuff digs in. Our heel, toe and cuff fit checklist explains each one.
- Keep the packaging until you're sure. Samson returns are accepted within 30 days of receiving your order for socks that are unworn, unwashed and in their original packaging. Email support@samsonsocks.com to start a return.
How other brands size a 17
Here is where size 17 falls on a few brands' published charts (checked 25 September 2026). Charts can change, so always check the chart for the exact product.
| Brand | Size that includes 17 | Where 17 sits |
|---|---|---|
| Darn Tough | XXL (15–17) | Top of the range |
| Wigwam (stretch sock chart) | 2L (15–17) | Top of the range |
| Smartwool | XXL (15–17.5) | Near the top |
| Nike (US unisex chart) | XXL (15–18) | Upper half |
| Oddball (Performance Crew) | XXL (15–18) | Upper half |
| Tall Order | XXL (16–20) | Lower half |
| Stance (US) | XXL (17–20) | Bottom of the range |
| Under Armour | Not listed (the men's sock chart tops out at XL, 13–16) | Above the chart |
| Samson | XXL (16–18) | Middle |
Sources and more brands are in our guide to XL and XXL sock sizes by brand.
Why ordinary XL socks often feel too small
A sock that's shorter than your foot has to stretch across the heel and toes, which can pull the heel pocket under your foot and make the toe seam pull. We explain this in more detail in why regular XL socks still feel too small.
Which Samson style for size 17?
Samson athletic, dress and hiking socks all come in XXL for size 17, in packs of five pairs. To compare the three styles, see our guide to the best socks for men's sizes 16–18.
Should size 17 feet buy XL or XXL socks?
Choose XXL. Samson XL covers sizes 13–15, while Samson XXL covers sizes 16–18. A size 17 foot falls in the middle of the XXL range, making it the appropriate fit.
Where can I buy socks for men's size 17 shoes?
Shop Samson's complete XXL sock collection for men's sizes 16–18. It includes athletic, dress, and hiking options made for larger feet.