5 best socks for hiking

Hiking socks are specialized socks designed to provide comfort, protection, and performance during hiking and outdoor activities. They are a crucial part of your hiking gear, as they play a significant role in ensuring foot comfort, moisture management, and preventing blisters. Here's what you need to know about hiking socks:

Material: Hiking socks are typically made from a blend of synthetic fibers like polyester or natural materials such as merino wool. Merino wool is a popular choice due to its moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, and odor resistance. It also provides cushioning and insulation, even when wet.
Moisture-Wicking: Hiking socks are designed to wick moisture away from your feet, keeping them dry and reducing the risk of blisters. This moisture-wicking ability is essential, especially during long hikes or in wet conditions.
Cushioning: These socks often feature cushioning in specific areas, such as the heel and ball of the foot, to provide extra comfort and reduce fatigue during long hikes. The level of cushioning can vary, with options for lightweight, medium, and heavyweight cushioning depending on your preferences and hiking conditions.
Compression: Some hiking socks have built-in compression to improve blood circulation in the legs and reduce muscle fatigue. This can be particularly beneficial for hikers covering long distances or dealing with elevation changes.
Seamless Design: To minimize friction and reduce the risk of blisters, many hiking socks have a seamless design, especially in the toe area. This prevents rubbing and discomfort, particularly on extended hikes.
Height: Hiking socks come in various heights, including ankle-length, crew, and knee-high. The choice of height depends on personal preference and the type of hiking boots or shoes you're wearing.Longer socks can provide additional protection against debris and offer more insulation in colder conditions.
Arch Support: Some hiking socks have built-in arch support to provide extra stability and reduce fatigue during long hikes. Proper arch support can help prevent foot strain and discomfort.
Durability: Hiking socks are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities. They are often reinforced in high-wear areas such as the heel and toe to extend their lifespan.
Temperature Regulation: Merino wool socks are known for their ability to regulate temperature. They keep your feet warm in cold conditions and cool in hot weather, making them versatile for different hiking environments.
Anti-Odor Properties: Merino wool socks, in particular, are naturally odor-resistant, which is beneficial during multi-day hikes when regular washing may not be possible.
Layering: Many hikers use a two-sock system, where they wear a thin moisture-wicking liner sock underneath a thicker hiking sock. This can provide additional comfort, reduce friction, and enhance moisture management.

Choosing the right hiking socks is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience. It's essential to consider factors such as the season, terrain, and personal preferences when selecting the appropriate socks for your outdoor adventures. Well-designed hiking socks can make a significant difference in preventing discomfort and foot-related issues during your hikes.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best socks for hiking on the market

Dickies Men's Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks Multipack

Dickies - Royce Too

Based on 89 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dickies dri-tech comfort 6 Pairs crew with wicking, moisture management fibers keeps feet dry, ventilation channels engineered for air circulation and moisture control, arch compression hugs feet and keeps socks in place, while providing in-step support, Reciprocated heel and toe for superior fit and full cushion comfort

78% Cotton, 19% Polyester, 2% Spandex, 1% Nylon
Imported
Machine Wash
Soft Breathable Moisture Control Fibers
Arch Compression Support and Stability
Ventilation Channels Enhance Air Flow
Durable Reinforced Heel and Toe
Fabric content may vary by color

User questions & answers

Question:	What size shoes is the Size "Big-Tall" for
Answer:	The tags on mine said China. That might explain why the "cashmere" is "100% polyester". :-(
Question:	Do these wear in the heel & toe? I always seem to get holes in my heel then toe section, thanks
Answer:	how do I measure for the right size?
Question:	is the eleastic at the top very stretchy? i HATE tight elastic that hurts my leg and leaves a mark
Answer:	I measured my hand spread out from thumb to pinky, as this was a reliable method I read about online. I measured 8" and bought a size 9" and they fit perfectly. Hope this helps!
Question:	Does the discription "6 pack" mean 6 pairs or 6 individual socks
Answer:	I cannot recommend these. Mine started separating at a couple of seams within the first couple of weeks. The company did nothing to resolve the issue after being notified.

Women's Hiking Walking Socks, FEIDEER Multi-pack Outdoor Recreation Socks Wicking Cushion Crew Socks

FEIDEER

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

FEIDEER Multi-pack Women's Hiking Trekking Ski Athletic Socks Comfortable Breathable Wicking Cushioned Outdoor Sports Socks

FEIDEER socks, whether the socks are comfortable, only the feet know.

Dry and breathable, no sweat odor.

High elastic socks, no binding.

Thicken the heel, shock absorption and wear resistance.

Wrapped toe, comfortable and considerate.

Feature

Main Fabric: Cotton

Height: About 5.90 IN

Color: Gray Pink/Gray Yellow/Gray

Package include: 3 Pairs Women’s Socks

Color: Gray Pink/Gray Blue/Gray Yellow/Gray Red/Gray

Package include: 5 Pairs Women’s Socks

Height: About 6.69 IN

Color: Dark Gray/Purple/Light Red/Light Yellow

Package include: 4 Pairs Women’s Socks

Color: Blue/Dark Gray/Purple/Light Red/Light Yellow

Package include: 5 Pairs Women’s Socks

Hand wash in cold water and air-dry for a longer lasting sock.

Water temperature should be below 40 degree centigrade if machine wash.

Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. Do not iron. Do not dry clean.

Imported
Elastic closure
Cotton78%, Polyester fibre20%, Spandex2%. Medium fits women’s socks size 4.5-7 (US).
MOISTURE CONTROL - Walk all day long and no need to worry about moisture due to our Exclusive Moisture Wicking Management, breathable and fast drying, keeping your feet cool and dry.
FULLY CUSHIONED - With thickened towel bottom design to made our hiking socks more soft and comfortable, which reduce foot friction and relieve foot fatigue, effectively protecting your feet from shear and painful blisters.
EXCELLENT ELASTICITY - Elasticized arch brace, good flexibility, to avoid the rotation of the sock during the movement; elastic ribbed cuffs, not tight or loose, durable and comfortable.
HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETIC SOCKS - FEIDEER outdoor recreation socks are comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking cotton socks, ideal for trekking, walking, running, camping, hiking, skiing, cycling and other outdoor activities.

User questions & answers

Question:	What size for an
Answer:	These are gloves that are made to be able to use on a cellphone touch screen and are in the "driving Gloves" category, hence they are not super bulky. They do keep your hands warm in cold weather, but I have not used them in a very, very cold weather because it only gets down into the 20s where I live. They are not ski gloves, which would be warmer, as they have a different purpose.
Question:	I’m looking for comfy thick socks to wear around the house and at night to keep my feet warm. Will these work? I don’t want anything too tight for sle
Answer:	The fleece are the warmest. The cashmere are really soft and nice but not for cold weather at all. The wool isn't very good for warmth with these gloves either, but they are slightly better than the cashmere, just not as comfortable and soft.
Question:	I will be wearing these through the summer. Temps from 70 - 90 degrees will they be to hot on my feet? I work on a farm
Answer:	They are good for driving, the palm is deerskin leather, soft and flexible perfectly for grabbing the steering wheel.
Question:	Would these fit comfortably for a woman who wears US size 8 1/2 wide
Answer:	I think they would be way too big. I have big hands and bought the men’s medium and they are a little too big. The small would have been a much better fit.

Merrell Women's 3 Pack Cushioned Performance Hiker Socks (Low Cut/Quarter/Crew)

Merrell

Based on 862 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Merrell high-quality ribbed and cushioned arch support compression hiking

74% Polyester, 24% Nylon, 2% Lycra Spandex
Imported
Pull On closure
Machine Wash
Cushioned sole - Merrell compression and hiking crew socks are cushioned to give your feet extra comfort so you feel like you are walking on the clouds no matter how tough the terrain is
Arch support - zoned arch support helps prevent fatigue in your feet to help keep you going for the longest of hikes
Reinforced heel and toe - Merrell and hiking socks for men have reinforced heel and toe which ensures better and longer durability of the sock, so they will last and serve for you year after year

User questions & answers

Question:	Is the top binding or loose? I need a non-binding (diabetic) crew
Answer:	I wear a size 8, I bought Medium and they fit fine.
Question:	Item says it's 25% wool, but longer description leaves wool out completely. Do they contain wool
Answer:	Designed in UK , made in Korea korea makes very high quality fabrics.
Question:	Approximately how far up the leg do these socks go? I need some well above my ankle
Answer:	I have size 12 shoes. I ordered 12-15 size. When I got them there were no size markings on the pack anywhere!!! Fit tight!! I returned them.
Question:	What are the shoe size ranges for the S/M size of this sock
Answer:	So far no. I walk between 5-8 miles a day wearing them and there is no sign of wear in heel or toe. However they are not extra cushioned there either so if your heel is loose in the shoe you may get more wear than me

EnerWear 4 Pack Women's Merino Wool Outdoor Hiking Trail Crew Sock

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

86% Merino Wool, 10% Polyester, 3% Nylon, 1% Spandex
Machine Wash
Size: US 9-11/Shoe Size 4-10½.
Made of high quality wool material, to keep your feet at optimal level warmth.
Designed for extreme weather conditions, great cold weather gear for outdoor activities and sports like skiing. Terry-loop cushioning throughout the entire foot, making the socks suitable for hiking, mountaineering, outdoor camping, cycling and longtime outdoor work.
Package contains 4 pairs of multicolored socks.They are elastic and perfectly make it suitable for your feet.
Due to the Suitable Length, the Socks Are Easily Match with All Kinds of Shoes, Especial Boots and Sneakers.

User questions & answers

Question:	Will these socks stay up on munchies legs are do they become loose and fall down
Answer:	My Rand GPS is a piece of junk. When it works it is great. But I now on my 3rd tablet in one year. And the base and everything else has been replaced. Their CS department, where you go to get replacements, are the worst dept. I've ever talked with. Terrible product and ever worse CS. Good luck if you own their stuff.
Question:	Are they thick or thin
Answer:	Haven’t weighed them but they are very light.. between 100 and 200 grams each shoe maybe
Question:	How do these socks compare to Smartwool
Answer:	I do not understand the question. They are grey in color.
Question:	Are these preshrunk so I can wash them in the washer
Answer:	Yes it's leather. Love them!

innotree 5 Pack Women's Cushioned Hiking Walking Running Socks, Moisture Wicking Blister Resist Multi Performance Padded Quarter Crew Ankle Athletic Socks Outdoor Trekking

innotree

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

【MATERIAL】 50% Cotton, 45% nylon, 5% Lycra spandex. SIZE: S (Womens 5-7 US Size) / M (Womens 6-10 US Size). Each pair ankle socks weight 0.11lb/49g. If you want men's hiking socks, please click https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DNJ9LZ9
【COMFORATABLE】 Fine gauge knitting technology makes the hiking socks super comfortable, breathable and fast drying. Great elasticity and stay up-compressed top holds the quarter socks securely on the calf.
【PERFORMANCE】 Half thickness and cushioning along the bottom of the foot provide the perfect amount of support while a smooth, performance fit assures there's no slipping and no blisters.
【FUNCTIONAL】 Moisture wicking and blister resistance. Ideal for hiking, camping, mountain biking, trail running, backpacking, travel, trekking and other athletic outdoor activities and wide variety of summer and winter sports.
【DURABILITY】5 pairs micro crew socks in one set, great for gift idea. Great durability, buy with confidence. Please don't hesitate to contact us via Amazon message system if at any time you aren't completely happy with your purchased.

User questions & answers

Question:	I need for womens shoe size 5 ,What size your socks are available
Answer:	The label says 35% wool , 29% cotton and 36% polyester
Question:	Are these high enough to wear with hiking boots
Answer:	No
Question:	Can you please provide a guide to sock size? I am a women’s size
Answer:	Yes, way to much made in China!
Question:	Will these be too hot for summer? (I live in phoenix, +90 degree
Answer:	I didn't keep any of the information or tag that came with the socks I purchased. So I don't know about about the wool content at this time. BUT, they are very warm, soft and not itchy. My feet are usually cold so if they are warm to me, they should be most people. They also wash well and I love the colors.

Product features

5 Pack Women's Mid Cushion Low Hiking Camping Multi Performance Socks

Features

Fine gauge knitting technology makes the hiking socks super comfortable, breathable with great elasticity.
Half thickness and cushioning along the bottom of the foot provide the perfect amount of support while a smooth, performance fit assures there's no slipping and no blisters.
Stay-up compressed top holds the sock securely on the calf.