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You can wear the best hiking boots in the world on your next day hike or backpacking trip, but if you’re not also sporting a high-quality pair of hiking socks, you could be looking at foot pain, blisters, frostbite, or worse.
Any military veteran will tell you about the importance of having clean, dry socks while deployed, and experienced adventurers can second that notion, no matter where in the world they’re heading. Socks are just as important as women’s hiking boots and men’s hiking boots when it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry, and because they’re the material that comes into contact with your skin the most, they play a crucial role in blister prevention.
I’ve completed solo thru-hikes, motorcycle journeys, and mountaineering trips around the world, and in my experience, blisters are perhaps the most common issue that hikers come up against. This is true whether you’re on a three-week trek through the Karakorum or a two-hour jaunt at a state park near your house. I’ve seen more hikers deal with blisters than any other injury, and I’ve suffered my fair share, too.
While blisters may seem minor, they’re quite painful, particularly if you develop several at once. More importantly, if you’re on a multi-day trip, you have no choice but to continue hiking, and without proper care a blister will become infected, blossoming into a very serious injury (one that’s hard to manage mid-trek).
Finding the best hiking socks is a great way to ensure you can go without pain over long distances. Luckily, there are hundreds of options on the market today, making it easy to find a good blend of comfort and performance, no matter your objective, climate, or foot type.
In this piece, I’ll cover 11 of the best hiking socks on the market this year, then talk about what you should look for in your hiking socks. Let’s roll.
Materials: Merino wool, nylon, lycra spandex
Colorways: Charcoal, Black, Eclipse
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
These socks run up fairly high on the calf, so I’ve found that they’re best worn with a sturdy, above-the-ankle pair of hiking boots, and they’re warm enough for everything from ski trips to multi-day cold weather camping and backpacking trips. I’ve also worn them around camp with hiking sandals, and they remain very breathable on balmy days.
Despite the ‘full cushion’ in the name, these are still thin enough for high-output activities but have more than enough padding to cushion you on rough terrain. The only potential drawback here, as mentioned above, is the relatively high cut, which may not be desirable for some.
Testing review notes: “Comfortable, versatile (wide range of temperatures), and very durable. I’ve had one pair for several years and it’s still performing.”
What reviewers say: “My husband is a power lineman. He’s done it for 20 years. This is his new favorite sock! That says a lot. He’s tried a ton! I hate that they’re so expensive … He says they’re so comfortable and keep his feet dryer from sweat.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $27.95
Materials: Merino wool, nylon, elastane
Colorways: Natural/Monsoon Heather
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Unlike the Hiker Full Cushion and some of the other socks on this listing, the focus here is on warmth above all else, so these aren’t going to win any awards for breathability. That said, the 80% Merino wool build does a solid job of staving off “overheating” when moving fast, and the socks remain surprisingly lightweight. The $30 price point isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but if you’re looking for serious warmth, these socks for the snow get the job done with aplomb.
Testing review notes: “Superbly warm and well-cushioned. I wore these at 22,000 feet on Aconcagua and on a couple of glaciated Ecuadorian volcanoes and my feet were warm without issue.”
What reviewers say: “After a whole day of walking with these socks in my heavy boots, I am already very excited. They sit comfortably, keep your feet dry and warm. Keep in mind, however, that the socks are relatively thick. With mountain shoes, which you buy in a size larger than your normal size, this is no problem.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $31
Related:
Best Winter Running Shoes
Best Winter Boots for Women
Best Winter Boots for Men
Materials: Merino wool, nylon, Lycra spandex
Colorways: Castle Rock, Rustic Gold, Mauve Shadow
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
The Merino wool count is 80%, so they don’t have the pliability found in many of the models incorporating more synthetic materials, but these are some of the best hiking socks for hot weather that also provide warmth in temps that drop a bit. Smartwool hiking socks and Darn Tough hiking socks offer more durability and performance in their models, but all told, these budget socks are a great choice for summer and shoulder seasons hiking. The underfoot cushion is comparably sparse, however, so for longer, multi-day outings you may find yourself wishing you had a burlier sock.
Testing review notes: “Some of my favorite summer hiking socks at a lower price point than similarly designed and built models from mainstay brands.”
What reviewers say: “These are the most comfortable socks I’ve ever worn. I wear them every day, and they have held up well. Whether it’s around town or hiking, they look great. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, so the weight of these socks is perfect for our climate.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $17.95
Materials: Merino wool
Colorways: Picante, Military Olive, Taupe Natural Marl, Charcoal
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Testing review notes: “Great socks for hiking. Very form-fitting. These socks truly wear like a second skin. I’ve never dealt with blisters in these.”
What reviewers say: “Yes, they are expensive, but they are so worth it. Soft, wonderfully warm wool. These socks are comfortable, they stay up, and they last for years. Simply the best!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $22
Materials: Outer (Nylon, Spandex), Inner (Bamboo, Charcoal, Nylon)
Colorways: Green/Sand, Black/Blue, Navy/Magenta, Charcoal/Khaki
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Testing review notes: “Won’t win any points for breathability or long-term hiking comfort, but they perform very well in wet environments. Almost like drysuit booties in sock form.”
What reviewers say: “Great pair of dry socks. Fit great and keep my feet dry and warm when sailing even in the rain.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $31.95
Materials: Nylon, Merino wool, Lycra, spandex
Colorways: Taupe, Black, Denim, Gray, Space Gray, Neptune
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Despite the thin, breathable build, the light cushion does its job well, so I’ve found these to hold up even on multi-day backpacking trips. Thanks to a higher Nylon-to-merino ratio, these socks wick better than most Merino blends. The lower cut means this sock won’t work as well with high boots, but they’re great to pair with trail runners or hiking shoes.
Testing review notes: “Light and highly breathable. Perfect for summer hikes. More support than the Run Zero Cushions below.”
What reviewers say: “These are very comfortable hiking socks. I had no irritation from seams in them and they were not hot in temperatures that reached the low 90s.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $23.95
Materials: 100% wool
Colorways: Black, Light Gray, White, Winter Moss, Laguna Blue, Masala, Light Gray, Neptune Blue
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Even though they’re 100% wool, this sock is extremely breathable, thanks to body-mapped mesh zones, so it’s an amazing choice for hiking in hot weather, or for someone looking for a trail running shoe sock. These socks are quite durable, too, but have no cushion. So when it comes to heavy packs, rough terrain, or long multi-day trips, you’ll want more padding.
Testing review notes: “These socks stand out with one of the thinnest, lightest builds I’ve worn. Great for trail running. Also excellent when it comes to odor resistance.”
What reviewers say: “I wore them every day for a week taking daily walks in July in hot and humid Florida. No smell.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $18
Materials: Lycra, Spandex/Nylon
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Testing review notes: “If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or looking for the best compression hiking socks, these are your buy. Need to pair with a full sock.”
What reviewers say: “The ankle socks don’t look like much but work great. Light and easy to use. I use them at night when not using compression socks.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $12.95
Related: Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Materials: Polyester, nylon, Neofil, elastane
Colorways: 30+ combinations
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
All told, they’re one of the best summer hiking socks you can buy, if you don’t mind the low cut. With both these and the Smartwool socks above, be careful to ensure that your shoe collar rides below the sock, to avoid rubbing and blisters. Balega also offers over a dozen different color schemes and styles, so there’s plenty of variety to choose from, making your sock truly your own. These are great socks to pair with the most comfortable sneakers for women, worthy for both chill days and hiking.
Testing review notes: “Fairly cheap, with tons of colorways (30+) and a lightweight, breathable design. A good choice for summer hiking, running, and scrambling. High heel tab prevents slippage.”
What reviewers say: “How could a pair of socks just be so good? I bought a pair on a flier. I have perpetually sore feet. I played golf in them yesterday and never thought about my feet. These socks are just different and very good. So good that I wore them to bed as well.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $16
Related: Best Long-Distance Running Shoes
Materials: Polyester, nylon, Lycra
Colorways: Amethyst
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
With built-in arch support that lets your foot impact properly with each step and a mesh top for maximum ventilation, the Injinji Liners will keep your feet cool and comfortable as a standalone sock on warm days, and boost your warmth (while minimizing blisters) on colder ones.
Testing review notes: Both a good liner sock and a good minimalist sock for experienced hikers and runners. The individual toe sleeves do a great job of preventing hotspots and toe blisters.
What reviewers say: I only run with Injinji socks now, I have all kinds of variants. I prefer this one in summer because they are so light
Price upon publish date of this article: $12
Materials: Polypropylene, acrylic, nylon, polyester, spandex
Colorways: Navy/Pewter, Light Gray/Heather
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If you’re avoiding wool for ethical or other reasons, this is a great choice. It’s not the warmest sock, but if rain is on the forecast or you’re tramping through wet, boggy turf, you can be sure you’ll stay dry (or more accurately, as dry as possible) with these on your feet. The sock is well-cushioned, but my friends and I have found that the build is a bit loose and prone to slippage. Use a hiking liner like the Injinji Liner Crew to add extra warmth for cold weather.
Testing review notes: “Comfortable and durable. Doesn’t offer the same odor resistance and moisture-wicking as Merino, but has held up well for several seasons.”
What reviewers say: “These are my go-to socks for any casual wear. They are not too hot when hiking in summer, fit well, and last forever.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $18
What to Look for in the Best Hiking Socks
There are three main things your socks need to do for you. For starters, they need to be comfortable, minimizing friction. Blisters are caused by excess friction in specific areas on your feet — known as “hot spots.” A good pair of socks prevents hot spots by providing a thick, comfortable layer of padding between foot and boot, minimizing and dispersing the natural friction you experience while walking, preventing you from having excessive rubbing in one spot. Remember, wearing properly fitted, broken-in boots is just as important for blister prevention, as well.
Depending on the conditions, socks also need to be warm to prevent frostnip or frostbite if hiking in cold conditions. As extremities, your hands and feet will get colder than the rest of your body in low temperatures so warmth is crucial.
Finally, socks also need to be breathable and moisture-wicking to prevent excess wetness from sweat. This is relevant both in cold weather and warm weather since your feet will heat up quite quickly while hiking, even if it’s cold outside. Wet socks lead to wet skin, which leads to blisters. No good.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Hiking Socks
Cut: The three main cuts of hiking socks are crew, quarter, and no-show. Many brands have further breakdowns, but in general, you can split up hiking socks by whether they rise well above the ankle (crew), just above it (quarter) or below it (no-show). Crew socks work best with boots, while quarter and no-show socks are a good choice for lower-cut hiking shoes and trail running shoes. Ultimately though, it comes down to personal preference.
Materials: Some of the most common sock materials are cotton, silk, Merino wool, and synthetic blends. In non-active environments, many of these materials have benefits, but for hiking socks, you’ll usually be choosing between Merino wool or some synthetic blend. Cotton is too absorbent and dries too slowly, promoting blisters. Silk is a decent material for liners used in conjunction with another pair of socks, but is too fragile to make use for full-fledged socks. Let’s talk synthetics and wool:
- Synthetic: Materials like Nylon and Lycra spandex offer a snug fit, arch support, and retain sock shape over time. Various polyester, acrylics, and polypropylene are also commonly incorporated for moisture-wicking. In general, synthetic socks are affordable, durable, moisture-wicking, and dry quickly. However, they aren’t as breathable as Merino wool, and when wet, offer poor insulation.
- Merino Wool: This is the industry standard for high-quality hiking socks because it’s lighter, thinner, and softer than traditional wool and is naturally odor-resistant. The biggest advantage of Merino is that it’s temperature-regulating, making it well-suited to a range of climes. A good pair of Merino wool socks can serve equally well in 40-degree weather as it can in 70-degree weather. Wool is also highly absorbent, so it stays dry even in wetter conditions (or with sweaty feet). The main downside of Merino wool is that once it does become wet, it often dries slower than synthetic materials. It’s also quite expensive.
Comfort: As we mentioned above, the world’s most comfortable shoes for men won’t do you any good if you don’t have good socks. Features like padding and arch support can improve comfort, particularly if you’re someone who already wears shoes for plantar fasciitis.
- Padding: You’ll usually find this cushioning on the ball and heel of your foot, adding comfort and impact protection. It’s typically incorporated by increasing the density of the weave or blending in durable materials like acrylic. This extra padding comes in handy on long trips, hard terrain (scree, talus, etc.), or when carrying heavy loads, but too much padding can decrease breathability, or make your shoe fit much tighter than normal, so be aware of this in advance.
- Arch support: This comes in the form of tighter weaving in the arch. A bit of arch support can go a long way, particularly if you’re already someone who wears walking shoes for high arches. But keep in mind… If you don’t already have a pair of quality shoes, socks aren’t going to make up the difference. Arch-support socks will certainly promote a better gait, wearing the right shoes, you’ll likely still experience pain and discomfort. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you should also consider looking into specially-made compression socks for plantar fasciitis.
Fit: The two key fit points in hiking socks are the toe and heel, so pay attention to how the sock fits there. Length is the most crucial measurement when it comes to socks. Overlong socks will bunch up at the toes, and short socks will restrict arch flex and movement, fitting improperly over your heel. Remember to try your socks on with your hiking shoes. Particularly if you’re purchasing heavily padded socks, they may make your shoes or boots fit much tighter than you’re used to. If you’re a newer hiker, or just used to wearing shoes for standing all day, be sure to walk in your socks and see how they feel in motion. Sometimes socks will fit well when standing, but bunch and slide on your foot in stride.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Hiking Socks
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
Most of the brands on this listing have been used by the author for many years and hundreds of miles. His trips span from climbs up glaciated peaks in Ecuador to trails in the Balkans and the jungles of Guatemala. Wearing these socks, he has trekked through the Irish countryside in rainstorms, crashed motorbikes in Peru, and sweated his ass (and feet) off in the Tunisian desert. Between the author’s experience, extensive research, and customer reviews, we’ve selected 11 of the best socks for hiking on offer in 2023.
Meet the Author
Owen Clarke is a writer who’s hiked thousands of miles all over the world in various brands of hiking socks for the past decade. In addition to Footwear News, Clarke has tested hiking, climbing, and riding footwear for Outside, Climbing, Rock and Ice, Climbing House, The Outdoor Journal, Backpacker, and many other reputable publications in the outdoor space.
