Spend enough time on the trail, and you’re likely to hear some crusty old-timer touting the benefits of Merino wool and sweat-wicking, quick-drying socks. At first glance, paying a premium for high-tech foot gloves might not seem like something to prioritize when setting up your hiking arsenal, but having the right combination of form and function on your feet will save your tootsies in the long run, preventing blisters and soreness on long outings and hot days on the trail.
In other words, yes, hiking socks do make a difference. A big difference.
Most quality hiking socks are made with a blend of Merino wool, nylon, and spandex. Wool is a naturally odor-resistant fabric that wicks moisture away from the skin and helps prevent sores caused by unnecessary rubbing; nylon typically adds durability; and a small percentage of spandex is used to make the socks elastic so that they can stand up to hundreds of on-trail miles.
When selecting the right sock, pay special attention to the length and cushioning. Adventurers who prefer to hike in trail runners or low-cut hiking shoes can get away with a no-show or ankle-cut design, while boot wearers might opt for a longer “crew” sock height. As for cushioning, keep in mind the aggressiveness of the terrain you’ll be hiking through and the weather in the area you plan to visit; more cushioning means more comfort but also more warmth.
As an avid hiker who’s trekked across Iceland, Nepal, the U.S., and Ecuador, including a 25-day stint on the John Muir Trail, I’ve seen my fair share of sore toes and unnecessary rubbing. I hope you never know that pain, so I’ve hand-picked a few of my favorite hiking socks to keep you comfortable and blister-free in any conditions.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
FAQ:
Should I wear thin or thick socks hiking?
Most hiking socks come in a variety of thicknesses, to match the weather you’ll be facing in the wilderness and the amount of cushy comfort you prefer under your heel and forefoot. As such, it’s crucial to first think about the type of terrain you’ll be encountering. Thicker, heavily cushioned designs are warmer, sure, but they also provide impact absorption on rough, rocky terrain (like granite slabs in Yosemite) and add an extra barrier of protection between your precious skin and high-ankle boots. Thinner socks (especially Merino wool ones) wick moisture like a dream but provide better ventilation in hot, muggy climates.
What length sock is best for hiking?
This one all depends on bugs and what style hiking shoe you prefer. Hiking in a warm, sunny, tick-and-mosquito-free zone? Low-profile ankle socks will keep you comfortable and cool. Venturing out in chilly shoulder season (spring or fall) weather? Grab those full crew-length babies from your drawer. It’s also generally a good idea to wear longer, crew-length socks if you know you’ll be wearing a high-top boot for ankle stability.
What is the best material for winter hiking socks?
Merino wool all the way. And, yes, we’re going to talk your ear off about this point. Not only is wool a naturally antimicrobial, odor-controlling fiber, it’s also excellent at staying warm, even when wet. That means you’ll stay safe, dry, and blister-free even after slogging up a long, snowy uphill trek. Look for products labeled with the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) seal of approval to ensure that your purchase protects the welfare of these remarkable animals.
Best overall
Darn Tough Hiker micro crew cushion socks
It’s hard to argue with Darn Tough’s unconditional lifetime guarantee on its uber-comfortable Merino wool socks, which is why the brand has become a no-brainer for serious backpackers on the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails. With high-density cushioning to minimize sore spots on longer hikes and superior sweat-wicking, their micro crew cushion is a must-have for day hikes and overnighters alike.
Runner-up: Smartwool Hike light cushion mid crew socks
Smartwool is a brand that’s become synonymous with high-quality, odor-controlling, moisture-managing outdoor apparel, and the light cushion mid crew is just one arrow in the brand’s quiver of functional hiking socks. Not only are these babies nearly impossible to get a blister in, they’re also padded where you need it most—the entire bottom of the foot—with ventilating mesh zones up top for temperature regulation and avoiding sweaty feet on the trail. Plus, Smartwool recently launched a collaboration with the non-profit organization Outdoor Afro, making it easier to give back while you get outside.
Best blister protection
Injinji Trail midweight crew socks
Sure, they might look a bit silly and downright unconventional at first glance, but Injinji’s unique performance toe socks are designed to minimize friction on rugged terrain and hot days, sparing you those dreaded, hike-ending blisters you’ve probably had nightmares about. The crew length provides in-boot comfort while sealing out debris, and the mesh tops make sure your feet stay cool on longer runs and scorching summer afternoons.
Runner-up: Swiftwick FLite XT Trail Five
Looking for a sock that’s so perfectly fitted to your foot that you’ll forget you’re even wearing it on the trail? Swiftwick has you covered. Their all-new FLite XT Trail sock is designed with the rugged, warm weather phenom in mind; hikers who don’t balk at a steep set of rock stairs or trail runners who go hard in adverse conditions. With bespoke AnkleLock technology to protect against heel rubbing and grippy fabric in the heel and forefoot to prevent in-shoe sliding, this is a truly excellent sock for your wildest adventures.
Best ankle height sock
Smartwool Performance Hike light cushion ankle socks
Sustainability meets durability with Smartwool’s welcome update to its beloved PhD series, now with the addition of cooling, body-mapped mesh zones, improved durability, and recycled nylon. These ankle height crew socks are ideal for hikers who prefer to head to the hills in low-profile trail runners or know they’re going to be hiking on well-maintained park paths where grass and gravel aren’t likely to invade their toe box.
Runner-up: Swiftwick Pursuit One
Designed with, you guessed it, moisture-managing Merino wool, Swiftwick’s Pursuit One is a functional ankle-height sock that’ll keep your tootsies guarded against blisters year-round. Since wool is naturally sweat-wicking in hot months and warming when you need it, these luxuriously soft socks are an ideal trail companion for long runs and epic hikes in any weather (especially for warm weather hikers who love a low-cut sneaker). Bonus points for having the ideal length for that no-chafe heel feel.
Best odor protection
Paka Inca socks
Not only does Paka work with over 100 Quechua weavers to preserve Inca traditions, the company views all-natural alpaca wool as a novel technology–one that’s lighter, softer, and more moisture-wicking than its Merino counterparts. Often called the “fiber of the gods,” alpaca fabrics are three times lighter than sheep’s wool and supremely good at sweat-wicking, which means they’re virtually impossible to stink up. Your tentmates and hiking partners will thank you.
Best budget pick
Decathlon Quechua Hike 900 High
When lifestyle writer and Emmy-nominated makeup artist, Karim Orange, told me about Decathlon’s Merino wool Quechua hiking socks, I was blown away by the high-end features (think soft, anti-friction wool paired with an anatomical right/left foot design and durable Cordura fibers) offered for such a low price. “I love these socks for medium-weather hikes and often choose to layer them for added insulation or moisture control,” she says. Want something even more wallet-friendly? Check out Decathlon’s Quechua U-Warm mid hiking socks, which are half the price.
Best non-wool option
Darn Tough CoolMax micro crew socks
Vegans, rejoice—Darn Tough has perfected the art of the recycled polyester/nylon-blend hiking sock. Engineered with CoolMax technology, which is designed to pull sweat away from the skin and toward the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate quickly, this micro crew is cozy, comfy, and padded in all the right places for all-day wear.
Best for recovery
Sockwell Pulse Firm compression socks
Any good coach will tell you that recovery is a crucial part of training, and compression socks have been scientifically proven to benefit muscle function and soreness during the post-exercise rest period. Sockwell’s four zones of firm, graduated compression wrap up the leg, from foot to calf, and work together to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve post-hike fatigue and pain. Plus, the company uses a blend of soft rayon and environmentally-sourced Merino wool to provide perfect, next-to-skin comfort and durability.
Best for cold weather adventures
Smartwool Classic Mountaineer maximum cushion crew socks
If you’re planning to tackle a trek in sub-freezing or snowy conditions, you’ll want well-cushioned Merino on your feet, to maximize comfort and stay warm even in damp or frigid weather. Luckily, Smartwool’s mountaineering-focused crew socks deliver in all the right categories, boasting the brand’s thickest design, an elasticized arch brace for a no-slip fit, and ethically-sourced ZQ wool.
