Hiking socks (just like the best hiking boots we reviewed on this website) are an essential piece of apparel for any hikers. Your feet, after all, are the vehicles which will be carrying you over the distance you set to walk. We all know that the slightest annoyance has the potential to become an unbearable hindrance. So let’s see the best hiking socks you can get this year for your outdoor adventures!
Without a decent pair of socks, our feet can get all kinds of sores and blisters, and these may start as uncomfortable, but over a longer duration can be debilitating and a sure fire way to ruin a good walk, or worst still, they can lead to greater problems further down the road.
So, a common question would be what are the best socks for hiking? With so many different socks to choose from, and at varied prices, I have taken on the challenge of finding out for you which are the best socks for hiking, considering various conditions and footwear.
How do you determine a sock’s length?
we can help
Please note, that there are so many ways of listing the height of socks, and very often it appears that the meanings overlap. To that extent, I will work to the following key.
- Ankle Sock – Just covers the ankle
- Boot – Comes part way up your calf
- Calf – Comes over calf
- Knee High – Reaches or even covers the knee
Also the following hiking socks are listed according to the season they were meant to be worn in, and in order of least impressive to the best hiking socks from my own experience with them out on the South West Coast Path and I would like to add that whenever I go out hiking, I always take a selection of socks with me to change if I get wet feet or if I feel any discomfort coming on.
How do you determine a sock’s size?
we can help with that as well
It’s actually really simple, sock sizes usually correspond with shoe sizes. However, to make your life easier and make sure you pick the perfect sock size for your feet, you can always measure your foot with a ruler and check with the vendor for accurate sizing.
Product | Season | Recommended For | Our Verdict | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Balega Blister Resist |
Spring, Summer | Running, Hiking | Best hiking socks to prevent blisters | Check Price |
IceBreaker Hike + Lite Crew Socks |
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter | Outdoors, Hiking, Trekking | Best socks for all year round hiking | Check Price |
SmartWool Run |
Spring, Summer | Multi Sport, Hiking | Best hiking socks for warm weather | Check Price |
Thermalica – Luxury Merino Wool Thermal Socks |
Autumn, Winter | Hiking, Trekking | Best socks for winter hiking | Check Price |
Darn Tough Cushioned Boot Sock |
Autumn, Winter | Outdoors Lifestyle, Hiking, Trekking | Best socks for long distance hiking | Check Price |
SmartWool Outdoor |
Autumn, Winter | Hiking, Trekking | Best smartwool socks for hiking | Check Price |
Best Socks
for summer hiking
Material Composition | 80% Combed Cotton, 17% Nylon, 3% Spandex |
---|---|
Style | Ankle sock |
Available Sizes | L - XL |
Material Type | Cotton |
Outer Material | Cotton |
Season | Spring Summer |
Recommended for | Sports Activities |
Our Verdict | Best budget socks for short activities |
These socks were the cheapest set that I tested; in fact, they came in a pack of three and at the same price as many of the other pairs tested. I felt that I should throw in a budget pair into the mix to compare against the more costly brands. The Yuedge Outdoor Sports Socks are advertised as being wicking, breathable, cushion, and anti-blister casual crew socks.
They were thin and relatively comfortable for general exercise, or day to day wear around the house or for short bursts of sport, but after a vigorous day on the trail, I soon began to feel tender patches and sores. I am sure that for brisk walking and short walks they are perfect, especially at the price. In other words, pack a bunch of these sock in your backpack if you plan for a longer hiking adventure!
Material Composition | 65% Nylon, 20% Elastane, 15% Lycra |
---|---|
Style | Calf |
Available Sizes | S - L |
Material Type | Nylon |
Outer Material | Nylon |
Season | Spring Summer |
Recommended for | Sports Activities |
Our Verdict | Best lightweight hiking socks |
Designed to improve circulation, enhance performance and to keep your blood flowing during long haul flights, I would save this pair of socks for the latter and look to other socks for comfortable hiking. These socks were a little too tight to be comfy, and too thin to be worn in my hiking boot. There was a lot of movement between foot and boot, causing rubbing in various places.
With graduated compression which decreases up the leg to improve blood flow to the heart, this lightweight, calf-height sock from Rymora also offers a seamless toe and a non-slip cuff.
Material Composition | 51% Wool, 46% Nylon, 4% Elastane |
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Style | Ankle Sock |
Available Sizes | S - XL |
Material Type | Mesh, Nylon Wool |
Outer Material | Synthetic |
Season | Spring Summer |
Recommended for | Multi Sport, Hiking |
Our Verdict | Best hiking socks for warm weather |
This sock boasts a Four Degree fit system with dual elastic for good stretch and recovery, however, the sock seemed a little too tight on the foot for me. It really depends on how thick the foot is and how accustomed you are with compression-style socks.
In my opinion, these socks are much better suited to a hiking trainer than hiking boots. To be honest, they grasped the foot a little too tight for my taste and caused my inner toes to rub together. But that being said, it really depends on how loose or tight you prefer your socks to be. If you’re one of the people that enjoy wearing socks with a firmer grip than these are for you. As the material goes, they were a little on the thin side, hence my recommendation to wear them with a trainer.
All in all, good socks for those who prefer short, footwear during a relaxed day-long summer hike. Perhaps could do with a little more cushioning!
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Material Composition | 61% Wool, 37% Nylon, 2% Elastane |
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Style | Boot |
Available Sizes | S - XL |
Material Type | Wool |
Outer Material | Merino |
Season | All year round |
Recommended for | Outdoors, Hiking, Trekking |
Our Verdict | Best Socks for all year-round hiking |
These light cushion Merino wool crew socks seemed a lot thicker than I had expected when I first put them on, and, as I was wearing my trainer for a springtime coast walk, I wondered if they may be a little too hot for the day. As it turned out, heat was not an issue. To be honest, there weren’t a lot of issues with these socks at all.
Anatomical fitting, with enhanced support for ankle and instep, a seamless toe closure, breathe zone and a comfort cuff, the IceBreaker socks are designed for comfort, endurance, and ventilation. And they seemed to supply all three in abundance.
I can say that the IceBreaker Hike are very comfortable, cool, and there was just enough cushioning on the soles for me to have no trouble with that dull ache at the base of my foot that often occurs after a long walk. I would recommend these socks for trainers or boots. And whilst they are promoted as summer and springtime socks, I have worn much thinner socks than these throughout the winter, so I do recommend them for all year-round purposes.
Material Composition | 32% Nylon, 32% Drynamix, 30% Mohair, 4% Microfibre, 2% Elastane |
---|---|
Style | Ankle Length |
Available Sizes | S - XL |
Material Type | Mohair, Drynamix |
Outer Material | Mix |
Season | Spring Summer |
Recommended for | Running, Hiking |
Our Verdict | Best hiking socks to prevent blisters |
The Balega Blister Resist is a comfortable lightweight sock, which uses its Drynamix Air conditioning fabric system to help keep your feet both cool and dry. When I wore these, I was out in my hiking trainers, as being a quarter length ankle sock, I thought they would be lost in a boot, and that lack of coverage could cause some discomfort and abrasion to my upper ankle.
These are among the best hiking socks for summer that prevent blisters, and I would say for more athletic sports too. The design is quite funky, and the snug fit never needed adjusting throughout my hike. Whilst the Drynamix technology repels moisture, the mohair felt comfortable and soft against the foot, and the elastic was strong enough to hold but not too tight to prevent circulation or leave unsightly marks.
Best Socks
for winter hiking
Material Composition | 38% Wool, 30% Nylon, 30% acrylic, 2% elastane |
---|---|
Style | Knee high |
Available Sizes | S - L |
Material Type | Wool, Nylon, Acrylic |
Outer Material | Mix |
Season | Autumn, Winter |
Recommended for | Hiking, Trekking |
Our Verdict | Best waterproof socks for hiking |
Designed in collaboration with a former Navy Seal, this knee-high sock was probably better suited to a wintertime alpine adventure as opposed to a mid-spring coastal walk along the English Riviera.
With arch and ankle braces designed to keep the sock in place and wicking ventilation zones to control temperature, these socks are designed to keep you comfortable, dry and warm.
More appropriate to a boot than a trekking shoe, these would no doubt be a considerably warm sock, as being knee high, they are practically tights. During my springtime walk, these socks did get a little heated but saying that they were not too sweaty around the toes by the end of my walk. However, these were one of the least comfortable socks for me, especially as they got tangled with my knee support, and the two together seemed to constantly dig into the back of my knee and felt they were cutting my circulation off.
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Material Composition | 33% Merino Wool, 33% Acrylic, 33% Nylon, 1% Elastane |
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Style | Over Calf |
Available Sizes | S - L |
Material Type | Merino Wool |
Outer Material | Mix |
Season | Autumn, Winter |
Recommended for | Hiking, Trekking, Outdoors Activities |
Our Verdict | Best socks for active men |
Designed to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable, with cushioning to prevent abrasion and also to optimize moisture transportation, the Danish Endurance Merino Hiking calf height socks are configured to be both strong and durable.
Although it states in its Amazon description that this sock is great for year-round activity, I actually found it to be uncomfortable heat during a cool springtime walk, although the sock was not moist with perspiration afterward.
The elastic actually seemed quite intrusive and felt on the verge of cutting into the top of my calf. Apart from those minor issues, the sock fit well inside my boot and was comfortable and soft against my foot.
Material Composition | 56% Wool, 41% Nylon, 3% Elastane |
---|---|
Style | Boot Length |
Available Sizes | S - XL |
Material Type | Merino Wool |
Outer Material | Synthetic |
Season | Autumn, Winter |
Recommended for | Hiking, Trekking |
Our Verdict | Best smartwool socks for hiking |
Although these socks include ventilation zones to optimize breathability and the displacement of any moisture, the Smartwool Outdoor sock actually created quite a lot of heat during my walk.
These were a boot high sock, quite lightweight, relatively thin, but surprisingly warm. I wore them inside my trainer whilst hiking a stretch of the South West Coast Path, but I have since worn them out on Dartmoor in a boot too and they were an even better fit in a boot, especially over longer distances.
A comfortable sock to wear, and not too tight and felt cushioned enough to keep me comfortable throughout my walk when in my hiking trainer.
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Material Composition | 64% Merino Wool, 33% Nylon, 3% Lycra |
---|---|
Style | Boot Length |
Available Sizes | S - XXL |
Material Type | Wool |
Outer Material | Synthetic |
Season | Autumn, Winter |
Recommended for | Hiking, Trekking, Outdoor Lifestyle |
Our Verdict | Best socks for long distance hiking |
A comfortably tight fit, the Darn Tough Cushioned Boot sock is built for superior performance, with seamless construction to prevent slipping, cushioning for perfect support and the Merino wool is antibacterial to reduce the risk of feet odor.
This was a comfortable sock, and its high ankle makes it ideal for boots in the winter, but that being said, I wore these in the summer in a trainer and they were just as comfortable as one could hope. In fact, I wore these socks for the longest stretch of the Coast walk – walking in them for ten miles with no problems arising.
Material Composition | 80% Wool (Merino), 15% Polyester, 5% Elastane |
---|---|
Style | Over Calf |
Available Sizes | L |
Material Type | Wool |
Outer Material | Wool |
Season | Autumn, Winter |
Recommended for | Hiking, Trekking |
Our Verdict | Best socks for winter hiking |
The Thermalica socks were the only socks packaged in an attractive box, which although looks great, is perhaps a bit of an overkill for a pair of socks, and cumbersome to fit into any backpack so is obviously going to be discarded at first opportunity, without littering, of course.
They were thick, but surprisingly light, as well as also feeling very cool and breathable. These socks were ideal in a boot as the height protects your ankle from any abrasion the top of your boots may produce. There is enough elastic throughout the sock’s construction to hold the sock in position which fits comfortably over the foot, but there’s not too much to restrict circulation at all or leave markings.
After having worn this sock on a relatively warm and dry day, the sock which boasts the ability to absorb 30% of their dry weight without transferring any discomfort to the wearer, didn’t really get a good testing in that respect, but after a lengthy stint on the South West Coast Path, my feet remained cool throughout. Also, being made of high Merino Wool content, they have a terrific thermal retention rating. If you are a beginner hiker, these socks will help you get your groove on and succeed in your endeavors.
Best Hiking Socks: FAQs
Before we wrap up this guide on best hiking socks reviews and buying guide, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions you asked us about these items!
1. Are compression socks good for hiking?
Compression socks are excellent hiking accessories. While some hikers would describe them as “tight,” we prefer the term “snugly” to describe how these socks fit your feet. Compression socks usually are knee-high and improve your blood flow, helping your legs and your heart deal better with the effort. This aid, in turn, prevents discomfort and swelling.
2. Is it necessary to use hiking socks with hiking footwear?
Ask any avid and experienced hiker and they will tell you that hiking socks are crucial for a positive hiking experience. Some of the best hiking socks on the market are able to provide you with the necessary cushioning for comfort, thermal protection against moisture, skin rubbing, blisters, and foot odor. Moreover, specially designed socks with pressure points allow you to venture in longer hiking and outdoor adventures, providing you with enough comfort so you don’t feel like your feet are killing you slowly with each step you take.
3. Should I get hiking socks for both summer and winter?
Hiking in the summer and hiking in the winter are two different activities. Just as you pick summer hiking boots and winter hiking boots and wear each pair when the season comes, you should approach hiking socks in the same manner. For this reason, you should get different socks for different seasons.
4. Should I wear two pairs of socks when hiking?
Some people prefer wearing two pair of socks – especially if they are prone to blisters. If you want to protect your sensitive feet on a long and hard hiking trail, wear a thinner liner pair of socks and a thicker pair of socks for cushioning. This approach helps with friction reduction, lifting the moisture from the skin and keeping it drier.
5. What is the main feature you should look for when you buy a pair of hiking socks?
One of the most important features you should look for when buying a pair of hiking socks is the material. We recommend you avoid cotton or cotton blends. Instead, look for socks made of wool (with Merino wool being among the best choices you have) or for synthetic polymer blends. Such materials work as insulators, keeping your feet warm even if it cold outside and cool in the heat of the summer.
Conclusion
Before you go, I will leave you to enjoy a couple of stills I took while out and about, testing the socks. And remember, you can’t really enjoy the benefits of hiking if you don’t have the proper equipment.
Do you wear special hiking socks? Which ones are your favorite? If you have suggestions on other best socks for hiking, feel free to share your experience with them in the comments section below!
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