Frankly speaking, just exerting your body to achieve pointed landmarks in the mountains is not what hiking is all about. In fact, we believe a good hike can potentially energize your body and your brain cells. That brings us to the fact that hiking will make little sense without the right technical gadgets and stuff at hand. Having said that, we’ve found hiking a lot more healing, too, when we have the right gear to back us up. For example, the right kind of hiking socks with liners, trousers, backpacks, boots, and all.
Therefore, in this guide, we’re specifically going to share with you our top picks for liner socks! With these on, you can truly enjoy taking a hike up and down the hill! These options are our tried and tested, so they will perform perfectly. Let’s get started. What say?
Table of contents
- Terramar Merino Wool Liner Sock
- Fox River Wick Dry Sports Socks
- FoxRiver Mens Liner Crew Socks
- Terramar Women’s Sock Liner
- Lorpen Unisex-Adult Liner Sock
- Fox River Steel Toe Socks
- Thorlos Men’s Kx Max Socks
- Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks
- FoxRiver Wick Dry Liner Sock
- Carhartt Men’s Force Socks
- Rothco GI Polypropylene Sock Liner
- Realtree Men Liner Sock
- Dickies Men Over-the-calf Socks
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Hiking Socks With Liners
- What type of socks are best for hiking?
- Do sock liners help keep your feet warm?
- Can you wear liner socks by themselves?
Terramar Merino Wool Liner Sock
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Best Versatility. The Terramar Merino Wool Liner Sock is pretty much a breakthrough among heavy-duty footwear. Coming from China, they fit the bill for rough outdoors. To start with, they have a perfect fit – true to size, therefore we have had no issues with the size. To be precise, we picked the large size in classic black, and it was a satisfaction. The fabric is a rich mix of Merino wool, polyester, nylon, and spandex. All of that offers supreme moisture control! Further, we liked the compatibility with machine-wash! Aside from that, our feet felt very snug and cozy with these on, and since they fit like a glove, they provide you with extra reassurance for outdoor adventures. So, what’s our final word on this Terramar pair? You can now officially bid farewell to old, itchy socks and welcome your new favorites!
Check out the brand website for a range of interesting options!
Pros
- They supply sufficient warmth in winter.
- The socks are easy to slide into any pair of shoes.
- They have elastic, so they don’t slip down.
Cons
- The elastic may be uncomfortably tight.
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Fox River Wick Dry Sports Socks
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The Fox River Wick Dry Sports Socks are a must-have item in our travel kit! The socks come as a true manifestation of user orientation and a high focus on usability. We used these high-tech socks just a while back, hiking up north. And we fell in love with the so many awesome features. For example, these socks come with next-level moisture control. This built-in quick-dry technology kept our feet cool and dry during the toughest of workouts. On top of that, constructed from high-quality polyester and nylon, the socks provide your muscles with much-needed comfort with their soothing effect. Furthermore, in terms of durability, we rate the socks as good enough. Why? Because they really do not let constant wearing take a toll on their appearance. Needless to say, these are a dope option!
Pros
- These socks contour to your foot shape.
- The pair is soft and lightweight.
- There’s a shock cushion on the toes.
Cons
- They may pill after several washes.
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FoxRiver Mens Liner Crew Socks
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Best Quality. Designed with next-level user comfort in mind, these USA-made socks make perfect hiking liner socks! We use the FoxRiver Mens Liner Crew Socks time and again, thanks to the smooth and soft feel they give us. Well, the magic is in the revolutionary make! These socks feature an organic shrink treatment that assures comfort in a customized way. The shape conforms to the foot type, no matter what size. Plus, they’re suitable for sporty activities as they are knit-weaved and have modern moisture management technology. The feature lets us keep our feet dry and fresh even after hours of relentless walking. Great, right?
Furthermore, these liners don’t require heavy maintenance. They can stand intensive use, and you only need to machine-wash them for care. Also, we realized that the material is a fit for multiple weather conditions. So, you’re good to go with them in both winter and summer!
Also, take a look at the multiple options listed on the site!
Pros
- The socks are a blend of high-quality fabrics.
- They fit all kinds of footwear.
- You have multiple options on the size.
Cons
- You won’t have a range of color choices.
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Terramar Women’s Sock Liner
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Are you looking for affordable comfort in sock liners? Then do as we say. Check out the Terramar Women’s Sock Liner! With these, it is a matter of the right balance of cost and quality. These liners come in our favorite classical colors, like black, brown, or gray. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes ranging from x-small to 11-13. So, to talk of the construction, these socks are thoughtfully crafted from spun silk and stretchable nylon – fibers that are known to provide top-level comfort! Also, we liked the lightweight feel, partly because of the thermoregulatory technology that kept our feet dry and at ease. Aside from that, these machine washable liners are a high-quality import from China. Therefore, they proved easy to maintain with a few simple wash (hand and machine) instructions. All in all, these will, fingers crossed, make a great upgrade to your hiking gear!
Also, check out our special roundup of the best hiking socks for women!
Pros
- These socks will outwear their counterparts.
- With built-in technology, they will fit like a glove.
- They are suitable for all seasons year-round.
Cons
- These are not the best for high-intensity sports.
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Lorpen Unisex-Adult Liner Sock
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If you’re after a versatile option that you can use in all seasons, well, we say try out the Lorpen Unisex-Adult Liner Sock! These socks are a top-grade construction of Merino and Nylon. The synthetic fibers provide your feet with ultimate comfort and ease of movement. We tried the socks recently on our trip to Texas. We knew it was going to be hot, so we pinned our hopes on this pair. Well, lucky us, the product did meet our expectations! So, the material kept us dry and absorbed all the moisture that naturally came out of our feet from walking and walking for hours. Plus, what interested us was the fact our feet didn’t get heated up. That’s supposedly from the action of Merino wool, which prevents heat buildup. Additionally, banning heat also meant less release of nasty odors. Makes sense? So, if you ask us, well, we did get the value we wanted!
P.S. Here are some of the best toe socks for hiking. Go over them!
Pros
- The elastic keeps the socks from slipping off.
- They are durable and lasting.
- You’re free to use them as base layers or outer socks.
Cons
- Some buyers experienced quality issues.
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Fox River Steel Toe Socks
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Introducing the Fox River Steel Toe Socks, our go-to companion for demanding workdays! Options are available for true-to-size ordering, either in black or grey color. What we fell in love with initially was, of course, the make. Made of acrylic and nylon blend, these socks struck the right note for our non-stop outdoor fun. Also, the little amount of spandex gave this footwear a rare stretchy quality. Moving on, another feature had a pretty awesome impact on us. What’s that? That was the URfit system memory that remembers your foot shape and even its minute details to give your feet fool-proof protection. Cool, isn’t it?
Furthermore, this pair of liners is specifically designed for the demands of tough work environments. That means these are made to provide you with unparalleled comfort in boots or any sort of sturdy footwear. So, built to deliver performance and last ages, these socks definitely deserve a chance!
Pros
- The steel-toe design adds extra comfort.
- Moisture management keeps feet dry.
- The socks come with soft compression.
Cons
- They could run a little big for a woman’s foot.
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Thorlos Men’s Kx Max Socks
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With fibers chosen for dependable performance and next-level durability, the Thorlos Men’s Kx Max Socks are a revolution in the footwear industry! When we tested these, we noticed many interesting features that we would like to talk about here. First, we found these socks incredibly soft, and on top of that, they felt like a robust protection around our feet. In fact, this pair of socks has been clinically proven to alleviate foot pain as well as reduce blisters. That’s, of course, because of the thoughtful construction, which reduces pressure on your feet and cushions key points on the feet.
In addition to that, there’s a quick-dry feature that wicks away moisture. With that feature in operation, we had a great time traveling on foot without worrying about getting our feet wet from sweat or developing nasty odors. Finally, we should’ve mentioned this earlier: the socks are acrylic and nylon – fabrics known for comfort and longevity!
See the original listing with lots of buyer reviews!
Pros
- They are made for machine washing.
- The fibers adjust according to your foot shape.
- You can expect them to last very long.
Cons
- They are thick, so they are not the best liners.
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Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks
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Best Durability. An advanced option to keep your feet happy, no matter how hard the trek, the Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks are simply a class apart! These socks come with an ultra-modern design that fits not only the foot but also each toe like a protective second skin. When we wore the pair for the first time, we walked miles in them without even feeling any soreness in our feet. As a matter of fact, these socks were so comfortable that they actually reduced friction and made the journey a breeze. In addition to that, the construction has a remarkable quality of dividing your body weight equally over the foot muscles. So, when tested, we found our feet perfectly grounded on rough terrain – as long as we walked in these. That’s cool, isn’t it? That’s not all; the material is breathable and prevents any bad odors from piling up in the foot. Well, there goes another biting concern that you may have – if you can’t stand smelly feet like us. Right?
You may also be interested in the best hiking socks for summer!
Pros
- They are a high-quality product.
- The pair works as both base layer and regular socks.
- You will get good value for your money.
Cons
- Not all people have the same size toes!
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FoxRiver Wick Dry Liner Sock
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A top-drawer footwear item for hiking, let’s meet your new bestie, the FoxRiver Wick Dry Liner Socks! Well, they have been a reliable bestie to us for years now! These socks are comprised of a majority of Coolmax polyester, whereas they only contain about 6% nylon and 1% spandex. Being sustainable and skin-friendly, these materials give the wear a soft and cozy feel – which feels like a warm hug to our feet. Also, on a recent hike in the hills, we realized that our feet were cool and dry after hours of walking. Impressive as they were, it was mainly due to the anti-sweat quality of the fabric. Besides that, the soothing texture reduces hot spot attacks, which, in return, reduces the probability of blisters forming. Finally, we loved the overall versatility; no matter what time of the year, these socks are always good to go!
In case you’re interested, here’s our guide on the best thin hiking socks. Check them out!
Pros
- These are suitable for both men and women.
- The pair will reduce friction when you walk.
- They will control your feel temperature!
Cons
- A user reported durability issues.
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Carhartt Men’s Force Socks
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If there’s a pair of liner socks that we can always count on, that’s the Carhartt Men’s Force Socks! Built to bear rough use in the outdoors, the Carhartt socks come with lasting performance and long life. Basically, the pair is a mix of several important materials that act together to give your feet the most comfortable experience. For example, the nylon and polyester parts ensure coziness. On the other hand, the wool element absorbs moisture with sweat-wicking technology – preventing odor buildup and damage to the skin.
On top of that, we loved the thoughtful design with enhanced heel pockets. They give us the perfect grip and cut down on the possibility of ugly accidental slips. Another feature worth noting is the cushioning on the heels and toes. They protect our feet from shocks that naturally come with wild adventures. So, they’re definitely a yes from us!
Here’s a quick review on Carhartt socks by C-A-L Ranch Stores on YouTube!
Pros
- They can be worn alone as well as liners.
- These socks reduce friction when on the move.
- You can wear them in any weather.
Cons
- They may not be the best value for the price.
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Rothco GI Polypropylene Sock Liner
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Best Value for Money. These liner socks make a fine choice to enhance your outdoor activities – if you are into that sort of a thing. The Rothco GI Polypropylene Sock Liners are made of top-rated polypropylene, which ensures remarkable durability for years of use. We have had this thing in our camping kit for years now. One of the things that we liked the most about this pair is its ability to prevent friction between our feet and the boots. The reduction in friction consequently lets us avoid painful blistering. So, you see, a lot of care and thought has gone into its manufacturing!
“This is an extraordinary pair of sock liners, we had success experimenting with these! They were soft, light and friendly to the skin!”
WOW Travel
Apart from that, these socks are ideal for cold-weather activities. That’s why whenever we go, say, skiing, we put these on. Also, the socks can take several washes without diminishing in quality. In fact, they are designed for machine wash. So, to sum up, you should keep these at hand whenever you decide to do some wandering around in cold winters!
Pros
- They adapt to your foot condition.
- The fabric keeps your feet dry and cool.
- The product offers value for the money.
Cons
- They might not be as durable as the others.
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Realtree Men Liner Sock
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For the purpose of keeping you dry and warm in winter, this heavy-duty base layer works nicely. Well, first of all, we loved the reliable construction of polypropylene and spandex. The rich blend makes the pair soft, stretchy, and sustainable. Apart from that, the Realtree Men Liner Sock is a bit thicker than its counterparts, so we were quite happy with the warmth and coziness we received with these on. However, also note that the thickness doesn’t necessarily add to the weight. In fact, the pair was one of the lightest winter socks on the market. Furthermore, most liner socks leave irritation on your feet, but with these pairs on for hours, we found no signs of rashes. That’s because of the moisture-wicking action of the fabric that protects your feet from damage. So, in a nutshell, they are a solid option for long-distance travel!
Pros
- These socks are top-quality, US-made.
- The toe seams are flat for added comfort.
- They have mild compression.
Cons
- These are not suited for summer.
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Dickies Men Over-the-calf Socks
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Best Overall. The Dickies Men’s Over-the-calf Socks are the epitome of user-centric manufacturing. We keep using them from time to time whenever we feel the need! These socks are ideally suited for cold weather conditions when you feel like getting your feet as well as calves fully covered and protected against the damaging effects of winter. Besides that, made from premium-quality polyester and an element of nylon and spandex, these comfy socks see to it that you get the coziest experience. Having said that, what particularly intrigued us was the blood circulation technology! You see, the socks have been engineered in such a way that they improve blood circulation throughout the legs as well as reduce any fatigue with their soothing compression. Awesome, isn’t it? What’s more, the material is sturdy and stays intact with repeated use year after year!
Pros
- These socks come with superior comfort.
- You can use them as liners or plain socks.
- The design features arch support!
Cons
- They might be counterproductively big.
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Our Verdict!
We rate the Dickies Men Over-the-calf Socks as our top choice. That’s our Best Overall entry. However, there are multiple other items on the list that we found particularly valuable in some specific features. So, let’s see what are some of our other top choices below!
- Best value for money: Rothco GI Polypropylene Sock Liner
- Best quality: FoxRiver Mens Liner Crew Socks
- Best durability: Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks
- Best versatility: Terramar Merino Wool Liner Sock
How To Choose The Best Hiking Socks With Liners
When we picked the best hiking socks and liners for this guide, we were aware of three main factors that we knew would help us decide on the best stock. So, all you need to do is consider these factors when looking for liner socks. And you’ll make the right decision. So, what are those key factors? See below!
Sturdiness
That’s pretty important, you see. Since we are looking for hiking liner socks for lots of outdoor punishment, the material should be as strong and lasting as possible. So, the key is to review the specs and customer reviews so that you’re certain that the item you choose can withstand rough outdoor use and last long enough.
Size
Secondly, there are all kinds of sizes out there, and getting the right size is really sometimes an armageddon to win. So, you should contact the manufacturer or retailer and get all the details on the sizes before you pay. Also, prior checking on customer reviews will be a lot of help.
Comfort
Finally, this is a no-brainer feature that you’ll inevitably be interested in and focused on. By checking the material quality claims, you can ascertain that the product you choose is soft and comfy. Also, talking to an expert and getting an idea of the right sort of fiber that’ll suit your feet will help. Last but not least, buyer reviews can be eye-openers. Go through them!
What type of socks are best for hiking?
Generally speaking, experts consider wool to be the best material for hiking socks or liners. That’s mainly because of their anti-moisture and skin-friendly qualities.
Do sock liners help keep your feet warm?
Yes, sock liners do keep your feet warm as well as dry. That’s the very reason why specialists recommend wearing these as a first layer when you go hiking or camping!
Can you wear liner socks by themselves?
Of course, you can wear liner socks by themselves. They are thin, comfy and lightweight. Also engineered to control moisture and keep your feet dry. So, they make good socks in their own right.