The Best Hiking Socks for the Comfort You Deserve on the Trail

A quality pair of hiking socks can make or break a day on the trail. Your feet are your most important tool when hiking. They’re your means of transportation, your method of travel and if they aren’t cared for and kept comfortable, hiking can quickly descend into the realm of misery. Hotspots, blisters and frostbite are all legitimate concerns.

Thankfully, there’s never been a better time to buy hiking socks — there are more companies applying careful consideration and serious tech to their knits than ever before, and warm, soft, breathable materials like merino wool have become standard. It doesn’t matter whether you’re headed up to the local overlook for an afternoon or making a 10-day trek through Patagonia; you’ll need a good pair of hiking socks.

Do I Really Need Hiking Socks?

The short answer here is yes, you do. This comes with a caveat — if you’ve got the feet of a Flintstone and don’t mind ill-fitting, non-breathable socks that don’t have any antimicrobial properties to speak of, then no, you don’t really need a hiking sock. But, if you’re going to be trekking more than a mile on a regular basis, then it pays dividends to invest in a couple of pairs of well-constructed, highly durable hiking socks.

Today’s hike-specific socks don’t just provide cushy comfort: many are made with merino wool, which is naturally antimicrobial and wicks moisture away from the foot (the benefit here is that you’ll have less stink and keep blisters at bay). Many hiking socks are engineered to prevent hot spots and have a more accurate fit than your average pair of Hanes.

Bottom line: a hiking sock will keep your feet drier, cooler and more comfortable — and even the most expensive pairs won’t break the bank.

A Note on Price

At first glance, hiking socks can seem expensive, especially compared to the cotton socks you may buy in packs of 12 for less than $10. But like all pieces of outdoor gear, hiking socks are designed to perform: to keep your feet warm while letting them breathe, to prevent blisters and, of course, to be comfortable.

Sock makers employ technical materials such as merino wool and construct each sock with hidden seams and hybrid knit patterns in order to create different levels of stretch. They also take careful consideration in applying compression to different areas of the foot. All of these things factor into the price of a decent pair of socks that are ready to take on the rigors of trail use; if you’re serious about getting outside, they’re well worth the extra cost.

Materials to Look For

Merino Wool: Harvested from Merino sheep, it’s quick-drying, static resistant, breathable and naturally antimicrobial, which means it doesn’t hold odors as polyester and cotton do. It’s also softer than traditional wool.

Nylon: Fibers made from durable, lightweight, synthetic polymers.

Spandex: A synthetic polyurethane-based fiber known for stretchability.

Elastane: A variant of “spandex.”

Polyester: A common plastic-based synthetic fiber that’s strong, light and shrink-resistant.

Silk: A natural fiber produced by insects. Silk is strong, soft, smooth and cool but not very elastic.

New and Upcoming Releases:

Our recommendations are based on real-world testing. Here’s a snapshot of new and just released hiking socks our testers are considering for future updates to this guide.

Smartwool Second Cut Hike Sock: On April 10th, 2023, Smartwool launched a new sock focused on sustainability and keeping material that can be re-used out of landfills. The Second Cut Hike Sock is made by re-spinning old socks, which the brand collected through its Second Cut take-back project, into new yarn. Through its take-back program, Smartwool has has collected more than 725,000 socks and kept more than 54,200 pounds of socks out of landfills.

Gordini Performance Socks: On 8/15/23, Gordini will enter the performance sock category for the first time, releasing both ski and hiking-specific socks for men and women. Gordini’s new socks feature Soleknit and Orbitknit technologies: Soleknit zones differeny performance fabrics into key areas of the sock for a cushioned, quilted effect that increases breathability and moisture transfer, while Orbitknit ribbing tech allows for the cuff or leg of the sock to expand to all shapes and sizes from the structural pattern of the knit itself, rather than relying on elastic yarns (which wear out over time). The Fall 23 collection will include four ski socks and four hiking socks for men and women in varying heights.

REI

BEST OVERALL HIKING SOCKS

Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew Socks

• $24.00 at REI

• Materials: 70% merino wool, 29% nylon, 1% elastane
• Cushion: heavy

Smartwool may be the biggest name in technical hiking socks. It’s no surprise that its plush trekking model, built with full cushioning to provide support over miles and miles, is also incredibly comfortable. The sock has a heathered look that’s iconic among hikers and it’s equipped with all the additional features a hiker needs: a flat and minimal toe seam, light compression around the arch and of course, a very healthy dose of merino wool.

REI

BEST UPGRADE Hiking Sock

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Cushion Socks

• $20.00 at REI

• Materials: 64% merino wool, 33% nylon, 3% Lycra spandex
• Cushion: Medium

The hallmark of all Darn Tough socks is their unmatched durability. These socks last forever — and if for whatever reason they don’t, Darn Tough has a simple lifetime warranty that allows you to trade them in for a brand-new pair with few questions asked.

But it’s not just that resilience that makes Darn Tough socks, and particularly the Hiker Boot Sock Cushion, great for multi-day and long-distance hiking — they’re comfy and warm, too. The Hikers are tall enough to accommodate supportive boots made for trekking and are knit with a merino wool blend so they’ll hold off going sour during long days on the trail.

Amazon

BEST BUDGET HIKING SOCKS

Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker

• $20.00 at Amazon

• Materials: 62% Merino Wool, 34% Stretch Nylon, 2% Polyester, 2% Spandex
• Cushion: Medium

For a piece of clothing that’s so easily forgotten (and lost in the wash), hiking socks are expensive. But they’re also essential. That high price tag is a result of the technical materials and processes that go into making socks that are suitable for a lifetime of trail use. Wigwam has been making socks in Wisconsin for over 100 years, and its Merino hiking socks are a solid set that will meet most hikers’ needs mile after mile.

Huckberry

Best Construction

Worn T3 Hike Sock

• $24.00 at Huckberry

• Materials: 52% Merino, 42% AR nylon, 6% elastane
• Cushion: Medium; targeted

Our tester isn’t typically a fan of ribbed cushioning in her socks, but Worn’s T3 Hike Sock changed her mind. She was blown away by the fact that both sturdiness and thinness could coexist in one lightweight package — the boot-high cut is tall enough to protect ankles, and the Merino-blend fabric both breathes and warms. Our tester wore these on multiple 3-mile hikes, around the house and even on errands — they’re that comfortable and well-made.

REI

BEST QUARTER LENGTH SOCK

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks

• $7.00 at REI

• Materials: 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex
• Cushion: Light

So much of hiking gear is made for the hardcore crowd, the thru-hikers and the folks who hit the trail at sunrise and don’t get back to the car until dusk. Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew is perfectly suitable for that set, but it’s also an excellent choice for day hikers, hikers who hike in running shoes and hikers who might only go a few times a year (yes, even they should invest in the right socks).

To put it plainly, it’s a great sock for every type of hiker, thanks to a comfy fit, breathable nylon-merino construction and Darn Tough’s lifetime warranty.

Arvin Goods

BEST BLEND OF STYLE AND FUNCTION

Arvin Goods Hemp Biofiber Performance Crew

• $18.00 at arvingoods.com

• Materials: 39% organic cotton, 25% polyester, 16% recycled cotton, 13% hemp biofiber, 6% rubber, 1% spandex
• Cushion: Light

As the new kid on the block, Arvin Goods doesn’t have heritage to lean on — however, it does have style, breathability and comfort. The Hemp Biofiber Performance crew blends organic cotton, polyester, recycled cotton and hemp to create a lightweight, hard-working sock that gets softer every time you wash it. The ribber cuff provides a secure fit and is soft to the touch. Upon wearing, we discovered the sock is neither too thick nor too thin: it’s just right.

Courtesy

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT CREW HIKING SOCKS

Farm to Feet Damascus 3/4 Crew

• $23.00 at farmtofeet.com

• Materials: 57% merino wool, 40% nylon, 3% Lycra spandex
• Cushion: Light

Product and material origin is important. Farm to Feet, owned and operated by the Nester Hosiery in North Carolina, may be the only company making hiking socks with a supply chain that’s 100 percent made in the United States. (Many other brands do build their finished products here with materials that are sourced abroad; most merino wool, for instance, comes from New Zealand and Australia.) The Damascus is a great example of what that supply chain can produce: a technical hiking sock with targeted cushioning and compression that’s ideal for hikes both long and short. It’s also available in a quarter-length model.

Courtesy

BEST SOCKS FOR SPEED HIKING

Fits Light Performance Trail Quarter

• $19.00 at fitssock.com

• Materials: 50% merino wool, 40% nylon, 7% polyester, 3% Lycra
• Cushion: Hybrid; extra cushioning on toe, arch, heel and ankle cuff

You can’t really go wrong with FITS socks — every pair is incredibly comfortable and hard-wearing. But when it comes to ticking off the miles as fast as possible, its new Light Performance Trail sock is unbeatable. The sock features a slightly taller hybrid cuff that’s built out just enough to guard your ankles (and shoe interior) against sticks, rocks, snow and any other debris you might kick up as you make your way towards your destination. These socks also fit incredibly well (as if the brand name couldn’t have been more of a clue); they hug the foot snugly without feeling restrictive and breath well with venting on the top of the foot.

Courtesy

BEST COMPRESSION HIKING SOCKS

Lasso Performance Compression Socks

• $30.00 at lassogear.com

• Materials: 62% polyamide, 29% Tempcontrol polyester, 9% Lycra spandex
• Cushioning: Supportive

If you’re the type that likes a little compression on your hikes, pick up a pair of Lasso Gear’s performance socks. Available in an array of colors and prints, Lasso’s appeal goes beyond the surface; its patented compression patterns have been shown to support the ankle, foot and arch, reduce muscle fatigue and soreness and improve muscle recovery. Tempcontrol polyester wicks away moisture, and SmartSupport compression keeps you hiking, biking or whatever you choose to do that day.

REI

BEST LINER HIKING SOCKS

REI Co-op Silk Liner Crew Socks

• $14.00 at REI

• Materials: 55% spun silk, 44% nylon, 1% spandex
• Cushion: None

Liner socks are divisive; either you like them or you don’t. Liners are thin, lightweight socks typically worn as a layer underneath regular hiking socks. Their purpose is to keep your feet dry by wicking away moisture and to prevent blisters by reducing the friction on your skin with an added layer. As with any layering system, everyone has his or her own approach and there’s no solution to suit all hikers, but if you are thinking of trying a liner, REI’s silk and nylon model is a solid place to start.

Amazon

BEST FOR PREVENTING BLISTERS

Injinji Outdoor Midweight Mini-Crew NuWool Sock

• $22.00 at Amazon

• Materials: 64% NuWool, 33% nylon, 3% Lycra
• Cushion: Medium

Yes, Injinji’s separated toe design is definitely different, but it’s also ideal for hiking. Separated toes mean less rubbing and friction from skin-to-skin contact, which in turn means fewer blisters. The style can feel strange at first, but it doesn’t take long to get used to and is actually incredibly comfortable. Like any high-quality hiking sock, Injinji’s is constructed with supportive arch compression, a mesh top and, yet again, merino wool. If you can’t get past the look, just remember: once your feet are in your boots, nobody will be the wiser.

Courtesy

BEST HIKING SOCKS FOR TRAIL RUNNERS

Feetures Elite Ultra Light Quarter

• $18.00 at feetures.com

• Materials: Merino wool and Rayon
• Cushion: Light

Feetures specializes in running socks, so it’s no surprise that these socks are built to tackle any climbs you have planned as well as trail runs that turn into full-day hiking adventures. The ultralight feel is durable enough to hold up to dirt, mud and rain, while still protecting your piggies from blisters. Plus, the anti-odor properties are always a good performance addition that helps for those sweaty workouts.

nathan

Best HIKING SOCKS For Travel

Nathan Speed Tab Low Cut Socks

• $15.00 at nathansports.com

• Materials: 80% Nylon, 15% Spandex, 5% Elastic
• Cushion: Medium

Heading out for a weekend getaway, and planning on fitting in a hike? Bring these comfy and minimal running socks with you — they double as a hiking sock for <5 mile treks, and the speed tabs pull double-duty as an efficient way to get the socks on and off, and also as an ankle guard to prevent blisters. Make sure to wear these with hiking shoes, not boots — your ankles will thank you later. If you’re low on luggage space but want to make sure you’ve got comfort wherever you go, these are an easy addition to any pack.

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