If you’ve ever gotten a blister while hiking, you’ll know how important proper hiking socks are. Hiking socks are built with specific materials that can help keep your feet warm, comfortable and supported through even the roughest hikes. To find out more, we talked to expert hikers about why hiking socks are so different than regular socks, and why you should get a pair of two yourself.
What’s the difference between hiking socks and regular socks?
“Keeping your feet cool and dry is the most important thing to prevent blisters,” says Cris Hazzard, a professional hiking guide and creator of HikingGuy. You can do so by opting for the following hiking sock fabrics: synthetic materials like polyester or natural options like wool, especially Merino wool, which all help wick sweat away from the skin, according to Wesley Trimble, communications and creative director at the American Hiking Society. “Wool tends to reduce odor better than many synthetics, but some manufacturers treat synthetics to make them more odor-resistant,” Trimble says. “Some manufacturers also create blends of wool and synthetics.” He notes that wool and other materials derived from natural sources tend to be more planet-friendly than petroleum-based synthetics. Avoid cotton or cotton blends in hiking socks at all costs, he adds, and you should be good to go.
Beyond materials, the height of your sock plays a crucial role in your comfort when you’re outdoors. “Wearing a higher sock height can protect your ankles from brush and scratches on the trail, especially if you’re wearing shorts,” Hazzard says. Hiking socks labeled as crew socks are designed specifically to peek out from over your hiking boots while providing ample protection, and you can also rock them over your pants to further keep debris at bay.
Thickness is another hiking sock factor that can greatly impact the quality of your hike. “Thinner sock materials will dry more quickly and be more breathable but provide less cushion, which may be important to some hikers,” Trimble says. He says light- to medium-cushioned hiking socks tend to be the most popular among hikers.
To make the most informed decision about your hiking socks, you should have an idea of the footwear you plan to bring along for the ride. While Trimble says slightly thicker socks tend to provide more insulation in colder temps, they can also cause hiking shoes and boots to feel too small. And the sock-footwear relationship goes both ways. “When choosing hiking footwear, it’s important to wear the type of sock you’ll wear most often while hiking,” he says. “For hikers who already own suitable hiking shoes or boots, it’s helpful to consider [hiking sock] fit, accounting for feet swelling in the afternoon when hikers are on their feet for hours.”
When wearing more snug-fitting shoes, he recommends choosing a thinner sock, and if you’re working with shoes that feel a little too roomy, a thicker sock may help account for that extra space. Trimble warns this might cause the feet to sweat more, which may cause more friction due to additional sweat, thus contributing to blisters.
It’s really not a good idea to wear two pairs of socks while hiking, even in winter. As Trimble mentioned, your feet will swell as you hike, and if you’re wearing two pairs of socks, it can actually restrict blood flow to your feet, causing them to feel colder.
If this all sounds like a lot of, ahem, leg work, no sweat — you can always experiment with the right hiking socks by having a couple pairs on hand during your hike , and given that they’re virtually weightless and take up no space at all, you’ll be glad you did. “Always pack a couple of pairs with you so you can change them out during your hike, especially if it’s a longer hike,” says Allison Boyle, the CEO and founder of She Dreams of Alpine and Become an Outdoor Backpacking Badass coaching program. “Moisture is one of the big causes for us to get blisters and hot spots, so the more diligent we are about keeping our feet dry, the better off we are.
Here are the best hiking socks experts swear by for a comfortable, pain-free trek.
These are some of REI’s bestselling hiking socks for a reason. Darn Tough’s Micro Crew socks are made with a blend of merino wool, nylon and spandex to create some of the most comfortable and durable hiking socks on the market. Our outdoors editor, Kai Burkhardt, has had a pair for over three years and they still feel brand-new.
“My favorite hiking socks are Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks,” Boyle says. “The most common area for me to get blisters is in and around my toes, so I find that these toe socks are the best in helping me prevent blisters.”
“Socks, for me, are a no-brainer: I always go with Darn Tough,” Hazzard says. “I think I have some pairs that are still going strong after 15 years. These socks are made in the USA, don’t sag and keep your feet comfy and dry. I use the Hiker Quarter Cushion model for most of my hiking. It’s a good blend between comfort and protection.”
“Smartwool does it right when it comes to hiking socks,” says Underscored contributor Erica Zazo. “These ankle-height hiking socks fall perfectly at the top of my boot and have extra cushion on the entire bottom of the sock, which adds much-needed extra support. The thermoregulation knit on top also prevents overheating on hot or humid hikes.”
“Lighter than sheep’s wool and better at sweat wicking, these alpaca wool socks are my go-to on long sweaty days in the mountains,” says Underscored contributor Emily Pennington. “Best of all? They’re nearly impossible to stink up — something your tentmates will thank you for.”
These socks are one of Zazo’s go-to pairs, thanks to their thin yet durable and comfortable design. Made with a blend of merino wool, nylon and just a bit of spandex, they offer great support and ventilation to keep your feet cozy and dry whether you’re hiking, biking, running or just taking a stroll around the park.
Give your feet a break with these cool-as-ice hiking crew socks made of double-layer merino wool that both regulates temperature and naturally prevents odors. Achilles support prevents that dreaded sensation of socks bunching up under your boot, while seamless toe closures prevent bulk that often contributes to blisters.
We love Parks Project, and that love extends to the brand’s hiking socks. Made with a mix of repurposed, landfill-bound materials; nylon; polyester; and spandex, these socks also have additional cushioning for peak comfort and performance.
With their classic crew length and shape that is designed to hug your foot so you can barely feel them, these socks are designed to offer comfort during hikes and workouts. Cushioning at the base of the arch makes them comfortable mile after mile, and the reflective design helps you stay visible on the trail.
Made of sweat-wicking, responsibly sourced merino wool with a dash of spandex for a form-fitting feel, these all-around fan-favorite hiking socks hit every high note. Their seamless toes prevent chafing and blisters, while the arch band provides extra support. Thanks to extra reinforcement at the heels, toes, footbeds and Achilles tendons, they’ll last for years — and miles — to come.
Made from merino wool, these socks wick away moisture, which isn’t just uncomfortable but causes odor and bacteria growth. Extra stretch keeps them from feeling tight or restrictive on your feet as you walk.
Patagonia designed these socks with a light cushion on the sole to accompany you on hikes, runs and long walks. Both stretchy and durable, these comfortable socks won't leave your feet feeling sweaty or constricted after a long day outdoors.
These cool colorblocked Bombas socks are quite literally the bomb with their itch-free merino wool blend, seamless toes for a blister-free hike, vents for extra breathability and moisture control and support at the arch to promote stability. With every purchase, the brand donates a pair of socks to someone in need.
The North Face’s outerwear is renowned for its unmatched ability to regulate temperature, and these breathable hiking crew socks are no exception. Made from soft merino wool, both the heel and toe are cushioned. Plus, the padded sole offers all-day comfort your feet will thank you for at the end of the hike.
Ideal for several-hour or several-day hikes, this four-pack of wool blend socks keeps you both comfortable and dry in every type of terrain. These socks feature a compressive ribbed design to stay put during high-intensity activity, while elastic arch bands promote full-day comfort and endurance. Flat-toe seams and cushioned soles make these a dream to wear for hours on end.
Available in your choice of crew or ankle length, these hiking socks get their cushioning and sweat-wicking properties from merino wool and their elasticity for ample range of motion from spandex. Keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, these temperature-control hiking socks make summiting a breeze year-round.
Smartwool has been accepting and recycling old socks to turn them into brand-new ones. The Second Cut socks feel just like the tried and true Smartwool socks you know, but they’re more environmentally friendly, thanks to their 50/50 blend of recycled socks and merino wool.
