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Best Hiking Socks – 2024’s List
When it comes to choosing your hiking socks, there are so many to pick from so to help you, we have selected some of the best hiking socks on the market at the moment.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Liners
Most people who hike or backpack in cold weather are familiar with glove liners. It’s amazing how much extra warmth you get out of your winter gloves when you add a wafer-thin, weighs-as-much-as-a-penny 100% Merino glove liner.
The same logic is true of sock liners. They’re simple in construction: thin and uniform, without any cushioning. There’s a bit of compression, but no patches of extra thickness<, reinforced sections or elasticated support panels. Because of this, they’re pretty cheap, even the ones made of the highest quality materials by the best designers. Yet adding one of these liners to an average pair of hiking socks makes a world of difference, increasing the performance (and therefore the value) of the sock. You can wear liners by themselves in a pinch, on a warm day, but be aware that you’ll wear out the heel in no time.
Ultra-lightweight
Best for easy treks and summer weather, ultra-lightweight hiking socks are basically sports socks like any other: they stress airflow and moisture-wicking over the warmth or the ability to perform well in cold, wet weather. Ultra-lightweight socks tend to be cushioned only under the sole, leaving the rest of the foot covered by a thin breathable material. Slightly more sock than a liner.
Lightweight
Lightweight socks are a little warmer and more cushioned than ultra-lightweights and suitable for multiple-day hikes on a decent terrain in nice weather. They’re often nicely fitted and supportive feeling though, even without thick fibers or dense weaves all over. It can be worn with or without a liner.
Mid-weight
Midweight hiking socks offer more warmth, and are ideal for extended hiking in three or four seasons, depending on where you’re traveling to. They usually have some extra cushioning thickness around the top of the foot and the ankle as well as underfoot. They should have durable, reinforced heels and toes, but, worn by themselves. aren’t so bulky as to push your hiking boot size up a level.
Mountaineering socks
Mountaineering socks or full-cushion socks are the thickest, warmest, most protective socks you can get. They are made for extended trips, rough trails, and alpine or arctic conditions. In anything milder, they are hot and heavy and you will regret carrying them around in your pack after you realize it’s way too hot to wear them. Usually tall enough to sit over the calf or under the knee, and thick enough to deflect lots of trail debris and blackberry snags.
Insulation
Pairing a durable synthetic cushioning ‘outer’ sock with a luxurious, wafer-thin Merino liner can be a great way to enjoy the best of both.
Layering your socks can also prevent blistering, i.e. two lightweights socks prevent blistering better than one thick sock that weighs as much as both put together. This is because of the layers of sock rub against the shoe and each other, and rarely your feet. If you’re breaking in new hiking boots or expecting a particularly slippery hike, consider using a liner or layering lightweight socks. There’s no rule that says you can’t layer with an ultra-lightweight sock instead of a cushion-less liner.
If you’re really pushed for space in your pack, liners are your friend: take seven pairs of liners and two pairs of thick socks instead of seven pairs of thick. Overall you want a pair of socks that will offer you the comfort you expect when going on a hike as without proper insulation you will have a comfortable time and could put yourself in harm's way in cold climates.
Materials
You’ll probably experiment for a few years with different blends before you’re confidently picking the right socks for every hike with no regrets. In the meantime, it’s great to travel with options and layer/swap out as needed. You’ll get to know what performs better in your conditions, and which materials your feet like to have on them.
Wool
A very popular choice for hiking socks, wool provides fantastic all-round performance in terms of comfort, warmth, breathability, moisture-wicking, and durability, with the added advantages of being anti-microbial and odor resistant. It can be heavier than synthetics and take a little longer to dry.
Many people remember wool as itchy, but new Merino blends are incredibly soft and wearable. Some brands even offer an itch-free guarantee. Icebreaker has been making merino underwear for over a decade now, so it must be ok!
Although 100% Merino thermals can be found, pure Merino isn’t quite as durable or as stretchy as 90% wool blends. As a result, most high-performance hiking socks incorporate 30-50% synthetic to increase elasticity and durability.
Synthetic
Dries fast, weighs less than wool, and is cheaper to produce. Synthetic blends made from propylene, nylon, and acrylic do a good enough job of mimicking wool or cotton, with the advantage of being longer-lasting.
Bamboo
Silky smooth and naturally insulating, bamboo is lightweight and comfy. Blended with synthetics or cotton, it makes hiking socks feel softer and better fitting. A fast-growing, lower-resource-intensive renewable resource. Bamboo-blend hiking socks are a good choice for vegans looking for extra comfort but wanting to keep clear of silk and wool blends.
Cotton
Not recommended for hiking socks, cotton tends to absorb sweat instead of wicking it away and gives no insulation whatsoever when wet (have you ever tried to grab a hot oven tray with a wet kitchen towel?). Cotton takes ages to dry, and due to a combination of all these factors, cotton socks can cause blisters if worn when hiking.
Silk
Exceedingly comfortable and lightweight, silk socks are superb at wicking away sweat. Silk is often used in high-end sleeping bag liners to trap extra warmth without the sweatiness that contact with synthetics can induce, and silk does just as well in sock liners. Not durable enough to feature in ‘outer’ socks very often.
Fit
You may have to (and want to) wear a sock liner, meaning you can’t feel how silky smooth the sock does or doesn’t feel against your skin, but you do get a sense of how much compression you’ll get, how much underfoot cushioning, how snugly the end sits on your toes, how high the sock comes up your leg and how well it sits on your calf. Obviously, it will be a fraction looser without the liner, but remember that feet do tend to swell up within a couple of hours of activity.
Overall, when it comes to fit check to make sure the socks you are interested in are available in a variety of sizes as if you decide to get a pair of socks that do not fit, they will be useless. Another way to check the sizing of the socks is to check the customer reviews as this will give you an inside look at if the sizing is accurate and if they fit well for other customers.
Best Hiking Socks - 2021
1. FEIDEER
If you prefer an extra level of cushioning, the hiking walking socks from FEIDEER are a great choice. Built with a fine gauge knitting technology, these socks are thicker than normal, making your feet feel well supported. Available in a multi-pack, these are a brilliant price
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
These FEIDEER Men’s hiking socks feature a cushioned foot-bed that works by absorbing impact when doing high impact exercise. The cushioning protects your ankles and eases the level of friction so you can enjoy being active in pure comfort. The thicker style ankle sock also makes these socks a lot warmer in comparison to some of the other socks in our collection.
Drying Speed
Made from 85% cotton, 12% polyester fiber, and 3% spandex, these hiking socks from FEIDEER are best hand washed in cold water, however, they may be machine washed below 40 degrees. For longer-lasting socks, these are best air-dried or can be tumble dried on low heat. Avoid ironing or dry cleaning as this can cause damage.
Durability
Suitable to wear for a variety of activities like hiking, mountaineering, and cycling, these men’s socks are extremely durable.
Breathability and Wicking
This option has been built with the perfect amount of advanced technical fibers that work by wicking away sweat from your feet. The socks feature a mesh ventilation zone that helps your feet to breathe easily so you can go hiking all day and still have dry feet.
2. Razer Trail
The Razer is a tough addition that is a great hiking companion. It is made from high density knit durable materials and also comes with a lifetime guarantee. The mid-rise of the garment helps to keep out debris and also provides warmth. One of the best features of this item is the fact that it is finished off with an anti-odor and bacteria blocking technology.
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
This high-density knit sock feature a high-rise cut that will not only keep out debris but will also provide warmth. The garment features impressive arch support and a well-thought-out blend of materials. The 4% elastane provides just the right amount of compression without sacrificing comfort. The seamless toe lessens the chances of blisters or chafing and the reflective logo is a life-saver in low-light situations.
Drying Speed
Another reason that the Razer makes a great hiking companion is because of its quick-drying abilities. Nylon is innately water-resistant and dries within hours. The high-density knit materials provide great comfort, breathability, and a great option for multi-day hikes or traveling.
Durability
Besides the fact that these socks come with a lifetime guarantee, you can rest easy knowing that they are made from high-quality materials. The 100% recycled nylon, polyamide, and elastane are built to last. Nylon is well known for being soft and abrasion-resistant. The Razer is a great option for ascending or descending any trail.
Breathability and Wicking
Besides the fact that the materials used to knit this garment are naturally moisture-wicking, the strategically placed mesh zones also provide great breathability. The bottom and top of the foot, along with the back of the ankle, will breathe easily through any adventure.
3. Time May Tell
The Time May Tell hiking socks are a great option if you need a warm, comfy, and durable pair of socks. Providing plenty of support, cushioning, and built with moisture-wicking technology, you will not be disappointed with these socks. Suitable to wear when hiking, cycling, and climbing, these socks are extremely durable.
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
Featuring elastic compression support, these socks have been designed so they fit your feet well and arch support reduces the risk of plantar displacement. The socks lengthened welt makes them less likely to slip down. They also have soft cushioning padding that prevents blisters, and a reinforced toe makes them more comfortable to wear.
Drying Speed
Made from 80% Merino wool, these socks are quick drying. Best hand washed or machine washed at 30 degrees, these socks can be hung up in the shade to dry naturally. Avoid dry cleaning.
Durability
These professional hiking socks are suitable to wear whilst taking part in a variety of outdoor pursuits including hiking, climbing, and cycling. Exceptionally durable, these socks can withstand a lot of wear and still look brand new.
Breathability and Wicking
This option has been built with moisture-wicking technology, ensuring moisture is wicked away from the skin during periods of intense activity which may result in higher levels of sweat. Designed so your feet stay dry and well ventilated, you can wear these all day long without having to worry about your feet getting too hot or sweaty.
4. Darn Tough Micro Crew
This company, Darn Tough, means business for both men and women. The socks have been made, tried, and tested in Vermont, USA. The company prides its self on making hiking socks that can not only compete with the rest, but go beyond your needs when it comes to hiking, and these socks do.
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
A Merino wool base makes these women's socks, both antimicrobial and antibacterial naturally. With the fine-gauge knitting that makes these socks extremely comfortable, you will forget that they are on your feet.
Drying Speed
Many reviewers have reported that even if these socks got wet during a hike, they were already dry by the time they got home. Made of 67% Merino wool, these socks will always be dry and ready to go with you on your next adventure.
Durability
With high-density knitting of Merino wool, nylon and spandex, these socks are incredibly durable. As if that wasn't enough, the company also supplies a lifetime guarantee.
Breathability and Wicking
Wool is a magical component is wicking away sweat. It absorbs the wetness without wetting your foot. It has been proven that these socks can be worn on multiple hikes while staying dry and odorless.
5. Tom & Mary
Tom & Mary women’s recreational hiking socks have done a fabulous job in manufacturing premium grade combed cotton socks that provide extreme comfort. Perfect to wear for a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, running, and skating, these socks are extremely versatile. They also come in a pack of 4 or 5 socks, making them an affordable buy.
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
These hiking socks have double cushioning, providing extra comfort and protection against any foot pain or blisters. The socks feature a non-slip elastic top that helps them hold in place and stay up, especially around the calf area. They also have a central elastic band that prevents them from rotating and slipping down when you are moving around.
Drying Speed
Made from 84% combed cotton,14% polyester, and 2% elastane, these hiking socks can be machine washed however to ensure longevity, they should be washed by hand in warm water, then hung up to dry.
Durability
The socks have been created using combed cotton that is made by specially treating the cotton fibers and spinning the yarn, making the cotton stronger and softer.
Breathability and Wicking
These premium socks have been built using moisture-wicking technology that improves the breathability and ventilation of the socks, keeping your feet sweat-free and odor-less.
6. Injinji 2.0
These five-finger beauties feature a lightweight, technical design and were the fastest drying hiking socks we tested. The toes are meant to prevent blisters and even improve your balance and posture (more so if you wear them with five-finger running shoes). This sock was easily the fastest drying, but overall we felt that it didn’t really offer enough comfort and warmth for the price.
Read moreWarmth and comfort
The sock was quite warm, but not really satisfying for the price point. The five-finger design is a novel experience and lovely if that’s what you are used to, but can become a little stifling after a long hike.
Drying Speed
The Injinji NuWool may be the fastest drying thick hiking sock out there. It was definitely the best of the bunch this time around.
Durability
Not as impressive as other hiking socks in this testing round. The soles have a tendency to generate fluff, suggesting that this fabric might start to wear through faster than we’d like.
Breathability and Wicking
These offered good breathability thanks to the airflow panels around the top of the foot.
7. Meriwool Merino
The comfort is up to par with excellence, providing freedom from scratchiness. In the cold winter, you get a feeling of warmth and comfort and in the summer months, you get fresh and cool. You will find a built-in cushion exactly where you want it and a great moisture control performance.
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
The warmth and comfort are guaranteed through a subtle blending of Merino wool at 33%, acrylic at 33% and for the needed sock stretch factor elastane at 1%. These socks mold comfortably to the foot and work for you in all weather conditions. You get a toe to heel padding with good shock-absorbent characteristics.
Drying speed
Dry out time is ultra-fast due to the use of comfortable synthetic fibers that do not hold and absorb moisture. Moisture sits on the surface of synthetic fibers, so evaporation quickly takes moisture away.
Durability
In past times, cotton socks were much favored for comfort and durability. The synthetic combination of purposely designed fibers in these socks has taken the concept of durability forward. These socks have a high durability level and will be a long time part of your hiking or casual wear kit.
Breathability and Wicking
From toe to heel, Merino wool has sock ventilation areas that ensure breath-ability. In these socks, your feet can flex and breathe regardless of how you use them. Use them for trekking, hiking, other outdoor activities or just for everyday wear, these socks give you comfort, quality, breath-ability, wick factor, and style.
Wicking comes from the synthetic qualities of the blended materials, these synthetic fibers are created to wick moisture away from your feet through evaporation. Do not hot iron these socks because they are constructed from synthetics and it is best to wash them in warm water. This way you will prolong the durability of these socks.
8. Danish Endurance Merino
These socks from Danish Endurance are not only made from Merino wool but they also come in a 3 pack to ensure that you not only have a quality pair of hiking socks but you also have some backup pairs as well.
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
As stated above the fact that these hiking socks are constructed from Merino wool is a big bonus and means that these socks will last you many hiking adventures to come. This is important when looking for a pair of hiking socks as if they do not fit properly then there is no use for them. These socks are offered in a variety of sizes to ensure you receive the best fit and are comfortable throughout your hike.
Drying Speed
Insulation is what these socks were made for. They not only are breathable for your feet but they are also constructed from Merino wool which means they will keep your feet not only protected and warm but also will also keep your feet dry which is crucial when you out in the wilderness.
Durability
Users of these socks have raved about the number of uses they actually get from these socks. Which is, in fact, perfect when you are considering the longevity of the product. No one wants socks that won't hold up after one or two times on your feet.
Breathability and Wicking
When it comes to the look and style of these Merino wool socks from Danish Endurance, the simple design and all-around color actually work and add a sense of style even with their simplicity. They also have some areas throughout the sock that allows for breathability to ensure that your feet do not get stuffy and sweaty while on your hike.
9. Merrell Cushioned Performance
Merrell has partnered with K. Bell socks, a leading manufacturer of socks, to create some of the best performing socks on the market.
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
These hiking socks from Merrell are some of the comfiest hiking socks on our list. They feature a cushioned sole that provides extra comfort when walking along rough terrains. The socks offer plenty of arch support, particularly when feeling fatigued after a long walk.
Drying Speed
Made from 60% acrylic, 25% wool, 13% nylon, and 2% lycra, these hiking socks can be easily machine washed and tumble dried.
Durability
This option features a reinforced toe and heel that provide a good level of durability, making the socks last longer.
Breathability and Wicking
Different from some of the other options, these socks have not been designed with any wicking or ventilation properties.
10. SmartWool PhD
A superbly warm and comfortable sock, with excellent fit and compression for running around all day long. The SmartWool Ph.D. has definitely upped the competition, with great support for your instep and arch and a stretchy ‘X’ bracing the top of the sock. There are three levels of cushioning available for different activities and different bodies: Ultralight, Light, and Medium.
Read moreWarmth and Comfort
These were the warmest and most comfortable sock we tried in the medium weight hiking sock category. Even warmer than the Darn Toughs. With three different levels of cushioning, you can find your perfect match.
Drying Speed
Not bad, not great. Quick-drying speed compared to department store sports socks, unimpressive drying speed compared to the other superbly designed and tested hiking socks on this list.
Durability
With the SmartWool Ph.D. Midweight, you’re looking at the great durability of the shape and fabric, and continued performance in all the other key areas. Just not quite as durable as the Darn Tough range, whose lifetime guarantee is hard to beat. One common detractor with Merino thermals is that they don’t last forever: after a few years of wearing your favorite thermals day in day out, they tend to develop tiny holes and runs around areas of high abrasion. Merino socks are no exception, though we think it’s well worth the extra performance you get from merino.
Breathability and Wicking
The warmest and cushiest sock we tested, and understandably not the most breathable, though they came pretty close. Very good wicking ability. The Lightweight version of SmartWool’s Ph.D. hiking sock range is a much better model for breathability, combining ample cushioning below the foot but minimal thickness everywhere else.
11. Carhartt All-Terrain
One of the reasons we like Carhartt socks is that they are super comfy and are built to last as long as your boots. Available in a multi-pack of 6, these socks are made for wearing all year round.
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The Carhartt boot socks are one of the comfiest pairs on this list. Featuring arch support that helps provide a secure fit, these are great for feet that are always on the go. The socks have NanoGLIDE reinforcement that enhances the durability of the socks and reduces the risk of blisters.
Drying Speed
Made from 43% polyester, 35% acrylic, 8% nylon, and 1% spandex, these hiking socks from Carhartt can be machine washed and dried easily.
Durability
The hiking socks are suitable to wear when walking along with a variety of terrains and rough weather conditions. They are also suitable to wear all year round.
Breathability and Wicking
The Carhartt hiking socks feature mesh cooling panels and instep channels that provided added airflow and breathability. They have odor-fighting properties that keep your feet smelling fresh after a long walk. The socks have been built with fast-drying technology and sweat-wicking technology, keeping your feet dry.
Sources
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