13 Best Socks for Hiking

It’s no secret that wearing the right shoes is key to success in hiking. However, if you’re not wearing a proper pair of socks for hiking, chances are you will have blisters or frostbite, depending on the conditions. Hiking socks are designed with additional cushioning on the bottom, making them feel different than your regular socks inside hiking shoes. Aside from that, socks for hiking boots are also made to help ease the impact of trekking over rough and uneven terrain. The best hiking socks must be breathable, warm enough in cold weather, and comfortable for you to wear all day long. If you haven’t owned a pair, it’s time to get one! Check out our favorite hiking socks below and have fun picking which pair to buy!

Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Socks

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When hiking in hot weather, your feet might sweat and emit odors. Don’t worry; you’re not the only one! Because of this, we highly recommend getting Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Socks, some of the best socks for hiking out there. When it comes to longevity and breathability in warm weather, these socks are among the best.

Thanks to these socks, you can hike comfortably no matter how hot the weather is. Plus, even after hundreds of miles, you won’t find a single hole! The 100% synthetic construction gives the socks unbeatable durability and breathability. Additionally, they’ll dry quickly on the trail, making them an ideal pick for dry and soggy environments. By the way, if you’re bad at navigation, you might also want to get yourself a hiking handheld GPS!

DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Cushioned Hiking Socks

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The DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Cushioned Hiking Socks are merino-synthetic blend socks for hiking that won’t disappoint you. Available in a pack of three, these socks offer a great value. One of the main reasons why we love these socks is because of how comfortable they are. They offer a snug fit and allow your feet to move freely without causing blisters.

In addition to that, these socks are also breathable and have great moisture-wicking capabilities. By wearing these socks, your feet will stay cool and dry all day long. What’s more, the cushioning underfoot is enough for multi-day hikes or trail runs over rough terrain. Best of all, they come in a unisex fit that fits everyone well.

Icebreaker Merino Mountaineer Mid-Calf Socks

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Winter hiking is fun, that’s until your feet are freezing! Thankfully, there are Icebreaker Merino Mountaineer Mid-Calf Socks! These expedition-weight socks for hiking boots are as important as your winter hiking jacket and winter shoes. Densely cushioned for comfort and warmth, you’ll never have to think twice about hiking during winter anymore. Plus, they’re highly breathable.

Moreover, these socks are engineered to fit great inside your boots. We also love the seamless toe box that prevents bunching, which is crucial during a long descent. Meanwhile, the reinforced toe and heel areas mean you can always rely on these socks for many years. While the high price point won’t appeal to everyone, we think they should be your go-to option for serious warmth.

Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Low Cut Socks

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While there are many other socks for hiking that are great for warm weather, we think this pair is perfect for those searching for minimalist summer socks. Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Low Cut Socks feature highly breathable mesh zones and a low profile that work well with most hiking shoes, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and trail running.

Furthermore, these socks for hiking have targeted cushioning placed only where you need it most. Featuring a multi-sport design, these lightweight socks also include Indestructawool technology for that extra durability. Meanwhile, the Shred Shield technology helps to reduce wear from the toe. With everything they offer, you won’t regret purchasing them.

Thorlos Hiking Moderate Cushion Crew Socks

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The Thorlos Hiking Moderate Cushion Crew Socks are some of the best vegan hiking socks on the market. These socks for hiking are created using a blend of the brand’s signature THOR WICK fabric, which can keep your feet cool at all times. Because of that, you can hike comfortably and won’t have smelly feet.

Apart from that, these best vegan hiking socks are also extremely durable. Their long-lasting characteristic makes them the perfect pick for long trails and excursions. On top of that, we love how the low-profile toe seam won’t irritate your precious feet. Even better, they dry quickly! This means they’re ideal for those weekend hikes when you need to pack light.

Feetures Elite Light Cushion Quarter Solid Socks

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Feetures is probably better known among runners, but we love its socks for hiking too! Enter the Feetures Elite Light Cushion Quarter Solid Socks. As the name suggests, these socks are lightweight, thin, stretchy, and fit snugly in all the right places. That way, they can stay smooth and wrinkle-free during hiking and other aerobic activities.

While there are many other socks for hiking that are more popular, these socks manage to stand out in warm conditions. When moisture-wicking and breathability are critical, you can always depend on this pair. Not to mention, these socks are backed by a lifetime guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied with them (we highly doubt that), you can return them for a replacement pair.

Swiftwick FLITE XT FIVE

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Swiftwick FLITE XT FIVE, the self-proclaimed most technologically advanced hiking socks, is another pair you should consider. These socks for hiking boots are designed to give your feet advanced stability and support. That way, you can get the most out of your trail adventure. Swiftwick blends Merino wool with a full Olefin fiber footbed in making these socks, allowing the socks to have amazing moisture-wicking capabilities.

What’s more, these socks also feature the amazing AnkleLock Technology. As you can guess from its name, it helps to support your ankles during quick movements on varying or uneven terrains. Meanwhile, the GripDry Fiber will keep your feet from sliding in your DSW hiking boots. Though they’re a bit more expensive than other options, we have to admit that they’re solid performers for hiking.

Injinji Run 2.0 Lightweight No-Show Toe Socks

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Up next is the Injinji Run 2.0 Lightweight No-Show Toe Socks, which are some of the most popular toe socks out there. One of the main reasons why they’re beloved by many is because they reduce friction between your toes. And since each toe is wrapped in moisture-wicking fabric, they do a superb job at keeping your feet dry on the trail too.

Besides being comfortable, these socks for hiking are also affordable and highly breathable. Because of their unique design, they might initially feel awkward or strange. However, they’re worth getting used to, especially if you often struggle with toe blisters, which no hiker wants to have! Overall, we highly recommend these toe socks if you want a breathable and cool option.

Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks

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With non-slip and non-blister material, Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks are the ideal option if you’re looking for the best vegan hiking socks. As with other Darn Tough hiking socks, this pair is guaranteed to last for years (hence, the name). To make things even better, these socks for hiking boots are also backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Moreover, these best vegan hiking socks are also perfect for trekking. That’s because they offer impressive foot cushioning and anti-slip soles, and most importantly, they won’t cause blisters. Made with the brand’s signature Coolmax technology fabric, these socks promise to keep your feet cool and dry at all times by drawing away moisture. No more smelly feet!

Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks

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Those searching for a pair of budget ankle socks for hiking should look at Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks. Though affordable, these simple and lightly padded socks don’t compromise comfort. They have cushy tabs at the ankle that help keep them from sliding down. On top of that, the padding across the sole makes these socks feel more comfortable.

The versatility of these socks is also impressive. Aside from hiking, they can be used for everyday use as well. Thanks to their no-show design, they go well with most sneakers. You can use these socks for hiking, running, workouts, and many other activities. Best of all, for every pair of socks you purchase, you give back to the charities and programs that the brand sponsors!

Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks

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If you’re searching for a pair of socks for hiking boots made with merino wool, consider getting Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Merino Wool Socks! These socks are made with long-distance hikers in mind, as they’re tough and can last for hundreds of miles. Though on the pricier side, these comfy socks are backed by a lifetime guarantee, which is a huge plus.

As we said earlier, these socks are comfy. The slight compression and cushioning in the heel, toe, and top of the instep help prevent pain from shoelace pressure. This is a great feature, especially for long, steep descents. Available for both men and women, these socks are an amazing option for rugged hikes when minimalist socks aren’t enough.

Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

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Another pair of socks for hiking boots that’s worth buying is Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks. These socks are thoughtfully designed with a snug fit so they won’t slide down easily. Plus, there’s enough padding in the right area for excellent breathability. Though some may consider these socks pricey, no one can deny their quality.

Those who own the past versions of the Performance Hike probably know they’re not that durable. Thankfully, the brand has learned from its mistake. These third-generation socks have tougher wool in the heel and toe, extending their lifespan significantly. Overall, we think they’re suitable for those who prefer light and breathable socks that last a while.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks

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While there are many socks for hiking available on the market, only a few can match the quality Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks has to offer. Offering a nice balance of comfort and durability, these socks are built to last. As the name suggests, these socks are relatively thin and light, ensuring good temperature regulation. And since they’re woven super tightly, they can last for a very long time.

Though warmer and thicker than minimalist socks, these socks for hiking boots are still breathable. Plus, the wool-synthetic blend makes them versatile. They’re suitable for both warm and cool conditions. When it comes to the price tag, they’re more expensive than many other options out there. However, they’re worth your hard-earned money since they can last forever and are backed up by a lifetime guarantee.

How To Choose The Best Socks for Hiking

Now that you’ve seen our picks, it’s time to know the main criteria to consider before you choose which pair to get. Here are the things to consider:

Fabric

Usually, the best socks for hiking are made with polyester, nylon, and synthetic fabrics. They’re breathable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking, making them perfect for hiking. There are also hiking socks made from wool, which are great for managing moisture and keeping your feet warm. Meanwhile, those made with merino wool will feel soft and comfy. They work super well, especially when blended with synthetic fibers.

Thickness

Socks for hiking for different levels offer different thicknesses and cushioning for different purposes. Heavy-weight socks have the thickest cushioning. While they don’t wick moisture well, they’re the best for cold weather. Medium-weight socks offer medium-level cushioning with moderate moisture-wicking. They’re usually great for fall or spring hiking. Meanwhile, lightweight socks feature a little less cushioning. However, they’re more breathable and can wick moisture away more effectively. Finally, there are ultralight socks, which have minimal padding for easy movement. Because of that, they’re also best for hot weather.

Fit

Another thing to consider is the fit of the socks. You have to ensure your socks fit your feet properly so you won’t have blisters. Before going for a hike, you can put your hiking shoes on and test the socks by simply walking around. Your socks should fit snugly but not too tight. You should also make sure no seam creates uncomfortable pressure points.

Height

As you can see from our picks, socks for hiking are available at various heights. You can usually find no-show, ankle, quarter, crew, and knee-height socks. Those wearing hiking boots might want to go with quarter socks or something higher so that the top of the boot won’t touch the skin.

Do hiking socks make a difference?

Yes, they do! Socks for hiking keep your feet dry, comfy, and less sweaty, and they also help prevent painful blisters. We don’t recommend hiking with regular cotton socks.

Are bamboo socks good for hiking?

Of course! The best vegan hiking socks, like bamboo socks, can keep sweat away from the skin. They’re great at ensuring your feet remain dry, cool, and comfy throughout your hike. However, you should also consider other factors like their thickness and fit.

Should I wear cotton socks for hiking?

Never wear cotton socks for hiking! That’s because cotton absorbs moisture easily and takes a super long time to dry. Instead, try using wool socks to stay warm.