If you’ve been climbing for a while, chances are you’ve never seen someone wearing socks with climbing shoes. In fact, socks and climbing shoes are seen as weird pairs. Many people believe you shouldn’t wear socks with rock climbing shoes. However, some climbers love to wear socks when climbing, and there are plenty of reasons why. Since rock climbing shoes can be very uncomfortable, adding socks to them will let you feel comfier. Aside from that, the socks will also provide extra cushioning, prevent blisters, and fight odor! Yes, you might look like a fool to some, but who cares if wearing socks with rock climbing shoes allows you to tackle those challenging terrains? If you’re looking for a pair or 2, you’re in luck! Keep scrolling and soon you’ll find your shopping cart full of socks for climbing shoes!
On a side note, you might want to also read our list of the 13 best waterproof socks for dogs and the 13 best waterproof socks for kids!
How To Choose The Best Socks for Climbing Shoes
When choosing the best pair of socks for climbing shoes, there are a few criteria that you want to consider carefully, which are:
Thickness
First, you have to make sure that the socks for climbing shoes you’re going to buy are thin. When climbing, you want your toes to be closer to the rock to give you more feel. If there’s a thick material in the way, you will lose the feel and sensitivity that you need to be able to climb properly.
Sweat-wicking capabilities
It’s no secret that sometimes wearing socks can mean that your feet are more likely to slip around in the shoes, especially when you start to sweat. For that reason, you should find a pair of socks that can wick sweat away and are highly breathable. The right pair will always keep your feet cool and dry at all times.
Tightness
Socks and climbing shoes can be mortal enemies if the socks are too loose and won’t stay up. That said, the socks for climbing shoes should offer you a tight and snug fit so that they won’t get in the way!
Ability to prevent blisters
One of the biggest reasons why many climbers want to wear socks with rock climbing shoes is to prevent blisters and chafing! To do that, the socks have to be of high quality. The ones that tend to get holes easily and slide down below your ankles won’t be able to protect your feet properly.
Are you supposed to wear socks with climbing shoes?
Nowadays, it’s rare to find climbers that wear socks with climbing shoes. However, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do that. While not all socks are suitable for climbing, the right pair will help you to climb more comfortably, prevent blisters, and provide extra cushioning! If you’re okay with wearing socks with climbing shoes, get the right pair, and feel free to do so!
Thorlos Experia XECU Thin Socks (CU)
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Who says socks and climbing shoes don’t get along? Just wear the Thorlos Experia XECU Thin Socks with one of your best climbing shoes for indoor bouldering, and you’ll know what we’re talking about! These thin socks come with minimal layering and great cushioning in the middle of the foot, toes, and heel. You can rest assured that these socks are super comfortable to wear.
On top of that, the Lycra fabric will enhance the fit, while the sculpted pad technology in the heel and toe area adds to the extended durability of the socks. Just like other socks for climbing shoes, they also have amazing sweat-wicking capabilities that all climbers will truly appreciate. Trust us, you won’t regret purchasing these socks!
What We Love
A decent option for those looking for budget-friendly, thin socks for climbing shoes.
Pros:
- Thin and comfortable
- Lycra fabric for a better fit
- Durable
- Great sweat-wicking capabilities
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Might fall down after being washed a few times
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Rockay Accelerate Anti-Blister Socks (CU)
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What makes the Rockay Accelerate Anti-Blister Socks a very popular pick among climbers is the fact that they’re one of the most environmentally friendly socks for climbing shoes you can find on the market right now. But that’s not all, as they also feel great and work as well as other top picks on this list. They’re not that expensive, and even better, they’re available in many designs
These socks also provide you moisture-wicking and odor-resistant capabilities, promising you nothing but an enjoyable climbing session. They also have just enough cushioning to make you feel more comfortable. Made with recycled materials, they feature great arch support and a bit of reflective detailing which is very useful at night.
What We Love
One of the best picks for environment-conscious climbers.
Pros:
- Made from recycled materials
- Seamless toe
- Ample cushioning
- Great arch support
- Wick away moisture pretty well
Cons:
- The sizing guide is slightly off
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Feetures Elite Ultra Light No Show Tab Socks (CU)
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Socks and climbing shoes can be an odd pair, but the Feetures Elite Ultra Light No Show Tab Socks want to prove that wrong. These socks are extremely thin and snug, so they don’t move around on your feet when you’re climbing. The extra thin fabric is made of specialized iWick fibers that draw moisture away from the foot. Apart from that, they also come with compression threads in the arch for a supportive fit.
What’s more, these socks for climbing shoes are designed almost perfectly to the shape of a foot, giving them an excellent fit and reducing the chance of your socks rubbing your feet and creating blisters. Since they don’t have a toe seam, you don’t have to worry about irritation. Overall, we’re pretty satisfied with these thin socks, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same.
What We Love
They’re comfortable to wear and thin enough to still let your feet have enough sensitivity.
Pros:
- iWick fibers to draw moisture away
- Thin fabric
- Offer an excellent fit
- No toe seam
- Won’t create blisters
Cons:
- Some people find them too tight
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Under Armour Essential 2.0 No Show Socks (CU)
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For super affordable but still high-quality socks, we highly recommend opting for the Under Armour Essential 2.0 No Show Socks. Costing you around 20USD, they’re such a good deal. That’s 6 pairs of soft, stretchy socks with anti-odor technology and a little bit of arch support. Plus, they’re designed by Under Armour, so who can say no to these socks for climbing shoes?
These impressive socks come with a scooped welt design that follows the lines of your shoes a bit more, as opposed to just cutting a straight line across your ankle. Not to mention, the sweat-wicking material will ensure that you’ll have dry, comfortable feet when you’re trying to reach the top. Best of all, there are dozens of color combinations for you to choose from!
What We Love
The best option for those on a tight budget without sacrificing comfort.
Pros:
- One pack consists of 6 pairs of socks
- Anti-odor technology
- Sweat-wicking material
- Available in many colors
- Scooped welt design that follows the lines of your shoes
Cons:
- Won’t stay up if they’re too big for your feet
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Balega Hidden Comfort No Show Socks
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For many people, the Balega Hidden Comfort No Show Socks are the best socks for climbing shoes. These socks’ design makes them practically invisible while still providing more than enough cushioning and comfort to climbers. Personally, we like the dense cushioned area that remains plush and comfortable under the foot.
With the Dynamics patented fabric design, your feet will remain cool and dry at all times. Even though they have a low profile, they’re kept in place with the help of a heel tab and the seamless toe design. Your heel will also fit firmly into the sock, which is what every climber wants. Their heel pocket is also deep enough for just about anyone to get a snug fit.
What We Love
A super popular option that has a great combination of comfort and performance.
Pros:
- Very comfortable to wear all day long
- Dynamics patented fabric design
- Seamless design
- Offer a snug fit
- Available in plenty of color options
Cons:
- A little bit small for climbers with wide feet
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Smartwool PhD Outdoor Mini Ultra Light Merino Wool Socks (CU)
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Whenever you want to climb, feel free to wear these socks with climbing shoes. The Smartwool PhD Outdoor Mini Ultra Light Merino Wool Socks are very affordable. Despite the low price point, they still manage to offer you a great fit, superb breathability, and unmatched comfort. Apart from that, there’s also the Indestructawool feature that helps to boost their durability.
Since they’re thin, that means you won’t have to worry about having smelly feet anymore as they’re highly breathable. You also won’t lose that sensitivity you need when climbing. The lightly cushioned bottom will also allow you to wear these performance socks on various terrains comfortably. So, get your wallet ready and buy a pair now!
What We Love
Although affordable, these socks for climbing shoes don’t compromise on comfort.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Indesctructawool technology to boost durability
- Highly breathable
- Lightly cushioned bottom
- Comfortable to wear all day long
Cons:
- Might be too thin for some people
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Swiftwick ASPIRE ZERO Socks
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These virtually no-show, ultra-light socks are one of the best socks for climbing shoes available on the market. The Swiftwick ASPIRE ZERO Socks are constructed with a firm compression and mesh pattern in the footbed that’ll support every indentation of your foot. Meanwhile, the thin and narrow cuff sits just below the ankle with enough compression.
Allowing climbers to wear these socks with climbing shoes comfortably, they also come with great moisture-wicking capabilities and engineered pattern knit for maximum airflow. That way, your feet will always be cool and dry even when it’s super hot out there. Best of all, these socks are available in 18 different colors! Impressive, right?
What We Love
One of the cheapest and most comfortable socks for climbing shoes out there.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Highly comfortable
- Great moisture-wicking capabilities
- Available in 18 different colors
- Durable
Cons:
- Some people have said that they tend to become loose after being washed a few times
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Rockay Agile Ultralight Socks (CU)
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You may not have heard of Rockay before, but its socks are worth checking out. One of them is the Rockay Agile Ultralight Socks, one of the best socks for climbing shoes. First of all, these socks are made of 100% recycled materials, which is very awesome. Half of the materials are reclaimed from ocean waste, like abandoned fishing nets. But you don’t have to sacrifice to do good, as these socks are soft, smooth, and breathable.
The knit of these socks is denser on the bottom and more open on the top. Even better, after pulling them out of the wash to wear again, you’ll find them neither stiff nor smelly. Wonder why? Well, that’s because they have an anti-odor coating! Since these socks are designed to prevent blisters and chafing, you can finally say goodbye to them!
What We Love
Boasting many essential features, you’ll be able to wear these sustainable socks with climbing shoes confidently.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 100% recycled materials
- Smooth and soft
- Anti-odor coating
- Prevent blisters
Cons:
- Not the most durable option
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OS1st TA4 Thin Air No Show Socks
5
“Breathable” is the first word that most people will probably think of when wearing the OS1st TA4 Thin Air No Show Socks. These are a highly engineered pair of socks for climbing shoes designed for maximum movement and minimal bulk. Woven with a soft and stretchy nylon/lycra microfiber, the top of these socks is an airy, see-through thin weave.
Furthermore, the arch of these socks is wrapped with a moderate-compression band that includes what the manufacturer calls “lift bars”. They’re basically longitudinal stripes on either side of the instep that raise the fabric between to allow airflow up the foot. We also appreciate how these socks can prevent blisters from forming,
What We Love
One of the most breathable socks for climbing shoes you’ll find on the market.
Pros:
- Highly breathable
- Designed for maximum movement
- Thin materials
- Prevent blisters
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Some people find them too small
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Injinji Run 2.0 Lightweight No Show Toe Socks (CU)
4
Saying that we love the Injinji Run 2.0 Lightweight No Show Toe Socks is truly an understatement! These shoes are simply amazing. The first thing that we want to point out is none other than their 5-toe design! Unlike other socks for climbing shoes, these socks fit your feet like gloves! Each toe will get its own section of the sock, so you don’t have to worry about blisters forming between your toes. Plus, this will allow you to climb more comfortably!
There’s also a supportive band that runs along the middle of the foot to keep your arches supported. Meanwhile, the mesh top of the sock will enhance breathability, allowing your feet to stay dry and cool. We also appreciate the fact that they have more gripping power and durability than other socks you can find on the market.
What We Love
The best socks for climbing shoes with a 5-toe design that’s super comfortable.
Pros:
- Prevent blisters from forming between your toes
- Highly comfortable
- Mesh top for better breathability
- Offer a snug fit
- Great gripping power
Cons:
- More expensive than some of the options out there
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Drymax R-Gear Socks (404)
3
Socks and climbing shoes are actually a great pair, especially if the socks you’re wearing are the Drymax R-Gear Socks. These socks are super duper thin and lightweight. they have a flat toe seam that eliminates the sock’s rubbing against your toes, which can cause blisters. Meanwhile, the no-slip banding around the foot will keep the socks from sliding around, which can be dangerous when you’re climbing.
We also like the arch band and mesh stripes that are designed with vented fabric, as they increase the amount of air that flows onto your skin. That way, your feet can stay dry, comfortable, and won’t be sweating too much! In fact, just like their name suggests, these socks can keep your feet drier than other socks for climbing shoes!
What We Love
The best socks for climbing shoes that dry quickly and can wick sweat and moisture away from your feet.
Pros:
- Highly breathable
- Thin and lightweight
- No-slip banding
- Keep your feet dry all day long
- Very comfortable
Cons:
- Not the most durable option
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Nike Unisex Spark Lightweight Socks (404)
2
If you’ve worn a pair of socks from Nike before, you’ll definitely love the Nike Unisex Spark Lightweight Socks, as they have all the best features of Nike socks. Aside from offering you ample support, they’re also thin and provide you a snug fit. When you’re climbing with them, it’s as if you’re not wearing socks! For that reason, you don’t have to worry that wearing socks with climbing shoes will prevent you from enjoying your climbing session.
Moreover, these socks are made of a breathable knit designed to keep your feet cool all day long and promote airflow. Say bye to smelly feet! They also have a band around the middle of the foot, adding an extra layer of support. You’ll also like the fact that they’re made of anti-friction material, which is super helpful to resist blisters.
What We Love
A pair of tight and lightweight socks from a mega-popular brand that any climber will love.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Provide ample support
- Offer a snug fit
- Breathable design
- Anti-friction material to prevent blisters
Cons:
- Might tear easily if not taken care of properly
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Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Socks
1
The Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Socks differ from the ultra-light counterpart by adding extra cushion while still offering that seamless and comfortable fit that climbers adore. These socks for climbing shoes are shaped to nicely mold to your feet, especially at the arch and heel. Speaking of the arch, there’s the PowerArch technology that also adds arch support and a slight compression feel.
Furthermore, the snug fit will keep the socks tight around your feet, helping to prevent blisters and hot spots from forming. What’s even more amazing is that they’re designed specifically for the left and right feet, although that means you have to be more careful when wearing them. Like their sibling, these socks also have iWick fabric to lower moisture levels, so that your feet will stay free of sweat for a long time.
What We Love
A great pick for climbers looking for maximum comfort and protection.
Pros:
- Extra cushion for better comfort
- Seamless design
- PowerArch technology to support your arch
- Offer a snug fit
- Cheap
- iWick fabric to lower moisture levels
Cons:
- Need to be careful to differentiate the right and left sock
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