Updated on June 28, 2021

While boots may be the foundation for any great hike, socks are an equally important, but often overlooked gear item. Selecting the best hiking socks will provide an essential element of protection for your feet against excess moisture, preventing blisters, and a layer of cushioning for getting you from the trailhead to the summit (and back).

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we always prefer to knock your socks off with our extensive knowledge of all things gear related. However, in this case, we would prefer to simply help you choose the best hiking socks for your feet to comfortably take you on your next adventure.

For more of our top hiking apparel recommendations, check out these popular articles:

Hiking Socks for Women | Summer Hiking Socks

 

Quick Answer - The Best Hiking Socks

  1. Darn Tough Crew Full Cushions
  2. REI CoolMax EcoMades
  3. Smartwool PhD Pro Lights
  4. Darn Tough Mountaineering
  5. Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Pros
  6. Darn Tough Hiker
  7. Smartwool PhD Pro Approach
  8. Farm to Feet Damascus
  9. REI Co-op Lightweight
  10. Injinji Liner + Hiker

 

Comparison Table - Best Hiking Socks

For the best experience turn your device horizontally
NameHeightMaterialCushioningPriceRatingReview
Darn Tough Crew Full CushionsCrewMerino wool/ Nylon/ Lycra spandexMedium$$5.0Read Review
REI CoolMax EcoMadesAnkleCOOLMAX EcoMade polyester/ Nylon/ SpandexLight$4.8Read Review
Smartwool PhD Pro LightsCrewMerino wool/ Nylon/ ElastaneLight$$$4.7Read Review
Darn Tough MountaineeringKneeMerino wool/ Nylon/ SpandexHeavy$$$4.5Read Review
Wigwam Hiking Outdoor ProsCrewPolypropylene/ Acrylic/ Nylon/ Polyester/ SpandexMedium$4.5Read Review
Darn Tough HikerCrewMerino Wool/ Nylon/ Lycra SpandexMedium$$4.8Read Review
Smartwool PhD Pro ApproachCrewMerino Wool/ Nylon/ ElastaneLight$$$4.8Read Review
Farm to Feet DamascusCrewMerino Wool / Nylon / Lycra SpandexLight$$4.8Read Review
REI Co-op LightweightCrewMerino Wool / Nylon / Lycra SpandexMedium$4.6Read Review
Injinji Liner + HikerCrewWool / Acrylic / Nylon / LycraMedium$$$4.9Read Review
NameHeightMaterialCushioningPriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Socks for Hiking

Darn Tough Crew Full Cushions

Specs
  • Material: Merino wool/ Nylon/ Lycra spandex
  • Height: Crew
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Merino wool wicks away moisture and breathes
  • Mid-level cushion density under foot
  • Reinforcement at the heels and toes and elastic support around the arch
  • Ring-toe construction hides seams and enhances comfort
Darn Tough Crew Full Cushions

BEST OVERALL HIKING SOCKS

If you’re looking for a high quality sock that checks all the boxes, look no further.

Darn Tough’s Full Cushion socks feature wide temperature regulation, making them ideal for donning in all but the hottest of weather conditions. These merino wool socks include just the right amount of nylon to boast a little bit of the best of both wool and synthetic worlds. Thanks to a thicker padding, the full cushions are among the more durable socks on this and they also sport excellent wicking capabilities.

What I like most about the Darn Tough Crew Full Cushions is how well they fit, making for a comfortable, sleek sock that serves to help prevent hot spot and blister development.

REI CoolMax EcoMades

Specs
  • Material: COOLMAX EcoMade polyester/ Nylon/ Spandex
  • Height: Ankle
  • Cushioning: Light
Features
  • The polyester yarn in COOLMAX® EcoMade fabric comes from recycled water bottles
  • Reinforced heels and toes
  • Seamless toe construction helps prevent chafing
REI CoolMax EcoMades

BEST FOR: BUDGET

For under $15, you’d be hard pressed to find a higher quality pair of of hiking socks.

REI designed these lightweight quarter socks from the brand’s proprietary COOLMAX EcoMade fabric, which comes from recycled water bottles and stretch nylon. They’re reinforced through the heels and the toes to make for an added degree of ruggedness, while seamless toe construction serves to effectively stave off chafing.

What I like most about these socks — other than the affordable price tag — is how well they wick away moisture, making them suitable for wearing all summer long.

Smartwool PhD Pro Lights

Specs
  • Material: Merino wool/ Nylon/ Elastane
  • Height: Crew
  • Cushioning: Light
Features
  • 4 Degree™ elite fit system with flex zones at the ankle joints
  • Virtually Seamless™ toes won't chafe
  • Achilles strap provides extra protection and warmth

BEST FOR: HOT WEATHER HIKING

When you need a sock that can help you go the distance and then some on your next hike, consider Smartwool’s Phd Pros.

These socks feature incredible temperature regulation and versatility. Constructed from the optimal blend of merino wool, nylon, and elastane, Smartwool designed these using its Indestructawool technology. This patent-pending premium yarn construction results in socks that sport best-in-class durability and comfort for all-day hiking. The Achilles strap provides for extra protection and adds a bit of warmth, as well.

What I like most about these socks is the 4-degree elite fit system feature that provides for flex zones at the ankle joints and results in an increased range of motion when you’re on the move.

Darn Tough Mountaineering

Specs
  • Material: Merino wool/ Nylon/ Spandex
  • Height: Knee
  • Cushioning: Heavy
Features
  • Over-the-calf height and extra cushioning make them ideal for long-distance hiking and climbing through subzero temperatures
  • Fine-gauge knitting ups the durability
  • Performance fit means no slipping, no bunching and no blisters
Darn Tough Mountaineering

BEST FOR: WINTER HIKING

If you’re looking for a sock as heavy-duty as your next adventure, consider Darn Tough’s mountaineering model — it’s sure to fit the bill.

Darn Tough’s over-the-calf mountaineering socks feature extra cushioning in all the right places and a streamlined fit. Although primarily made from merino wool, the brand blended in a bit of nylon and spandex for extra moisturizing wicking and an added degree of durability. The merino wool ensures your feet don’t start to stink after a long day out on the trail.

What I like most about the Darn Tough Mountaineering socks is how well they cushion and form fit to your feet and calves.

Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Pros

Specs
  • Material: Polypropylene/ Acrylic/ Nylon/ Polyester/ Spandex
  • Height: Crew
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Reinforced heel
  • Lightweight instep for enhanced breathability
  • Ultimax moisture management: Gets the moisture up and out

BEST SYNTHETIC OPTION

When you need a full-length sock that performs exceptionally well in wet weather, the Wigwam Pros are a great choice.

These midweight hiking socks feature an impressive degree of durability and are among the quickest-drying models on the market to date. Wigwam has been producing these socks for seven years strong and they remain a top-notch favorite among wet-weather hikers.

What I like most about the Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Pro socks is how affordable they are compared to merino wool alternatives, costing just a dollar more than our budget pick.

Darn Tough Hiker

Specs
  • Material: Merino Wool/ Nylon/ Lycra Spandex
  • Height: Crew
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Moisture Wicking
  • Lifetime Guarantee
  • Quick Drying
  • Naturally Antimicrobial

BEST FOR: ALL-WEATHER ACTIVITIES

The name says it all. Not only are these award winning socks, they are also guaranteed for life by Darn Tough. One of the many brands utilizing the amazing properties of Merino wool, the Vermont based company uses only sustainably sourced materials for its American based operation. The family owned company has been making socks in its Green Mountain mill for over 40 years. In addition to fine-gauge knitting, the socks feature undetectable seams which reduce chafing and hotspots. The performance fit also ensures that the socks will stay put on your foot, thus reducing bunching and blisters.

Smartwool PhD Pro Approach

Specs
  • Material: Merino Wool/ Nylon/ Elastane
  • Height: Crew
  • Cushioning: Light
Features
  • Performance-Oriented Fit
  • Mesh Zones For Breathability
  • Seamless Toes

BEST FOR: MULTISPORT

Smartwool literally burst onto the scene 25 years ago when they first began making socks. Since then, the brand, unlike many of the others in this group, have expanded their offerings to include apparel and accessories that also utilizes the same Merino wool used in their socks.

The brand uses a proprietary technology that they’ve aptly named “Indestructawool” for enhanced durability along with its 4 Degree elite fit system for performance-oriented fit including flex zones in the ankle region. Other features include body-mapped mesh zones to increase breathability, enhanced comfort via virtually seamless toes, and extra protection in the Achilles region.

Farm to Feet Damascus

Specs
  • Material: Merino Wool / Nylon / Lycra Spandex
  • Height: Crew
  • Cushioning: Light
Features
  • 100% U.S. Materials and Construction
  • Seamless Toe Closure
  • Moisture Wicking
  • Lifetime Guarantee
Farm to Feet Damascus

BEST FOR: THRU HIKERS

Farm to Feet may very well be the only brand in the list that is made from 100% U.S. materials. Founded in 2013 as a division of Nester Hosiery, a leading manufacturer of quality Merino wool socks, this company makes all their products right at home in their North Carolina factory. Farm to Feet represents the trend in creating unique products made entirely within the United States.

The socks are created using Merino wool derived from American based farms. Drawing on its history of creating quality socks long before 2013, the socks utilize advanced construction that sandwiches stretchy nylon yarns between two layers of body yarn (from a sheep) creating a smooth exterior and low profile fit which is ideal for technical and sport socks.

REI Co-op Lightweight

Specs
  • Material: Merino Wool / Nylon / Lycra Spandex
  • Height: Crew
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Reinforced Padding In The Heel And Toe
  • Seamless Toe Prevents Chafing
  • Moisture Wicking

BEST FOR: BUDGET CONSCIOUS HIKER

REI has a history of providing quality gear from numerous manufacturers at their retail locations and online. In addition to providing this resource, the Co-op also produces its own line of gear and apparel. While REI specific items are generally lower in cost than similar items from other manufacturers, extensive research and design goes into every product that bears the REI name.

Notable features in this sock include a seamless toe, a stretch arch band for support, and a reinforced ankle which aids in reducing shoe friction. Additional reinforced padding in the heel and toes increase comfort and durability.

Injinji Liner + Hiker

Specs
  • Material: Wool / Acrylic / Nylon / Lycra
  • Height: Crew
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • 2-for-1 Package (Liner + Sock)
  • Increased Blister Protection
  • Moisture Wicking

BEST FOR: BLISTER-FREE HIKING

While this sock is one of the pricier options on the list, it can easily be justified by the fact that you are literally getting two pairs of socks for the price of one. The package comes with both the socks themselves, as well as a separate inner liner for maximum comfort. The socks are like gloves for your feet. Each toe is encased in its own cocoon of protection. The benefit of this feature is that skin-on-skin friction is completely eliminated, thereby protecting your feet from spots where blisters are prone to appear first.

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING HIKING SOCKS

SOCK HEIGHT

The height of your sock should generally reflect the height of the hiking shoe. The rule of thumb when selecting sock height is that the sock should at least be visible above the cuff of the shoe. For example, if wearing boots, a crew sock is the better option over a low-cut or quarter cut sock as the sock will not be able to protect the leg if the shoe is coming into direct contact with the shoe or boot.

 

CUSHIONING

The amount of cushioning is based on the thickness of the sock. When selecting the right cushioning for socks, consider your destination and the weather expected. Lighter cushioning is typically ideal for warmer climates while heavy cushioning will provide maximum warmth.

 

PRICE

Money is typically a factor when selecting gear. It’s important to know that even if you buy premium boots or shoes for hitting the trail, it’s still advisable to not shortchange yourself in the sock department. All of the socks in this list are from respected manufacturers and it comes down to personal preference and what you can afford.

 

MATERIAL COMPOSITION

Avoid cotton at all cost. Almost all socks in the outdoor marketplace now have some wool in their DNA. The natural properties of the fiber make wool ideal for moisture wicking, warmth, breathability, and antimicrobial benefits. Most hiking socks contain some percentage of synthetic fiber which helps to increase the durability of the socks. A smaller percentage of Lycra or similar material provides the stretch factor needed for maintaining the sock’s shape.

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

MERINO WOOL

Wool has long been used for it natural properties that have made it ideal for outdoor and lifestyle endeavors. In recent years, Merino wool has emerged as the defacto material due to its softer feel, moisture wicking and thermal regulating properties, and its natural antimicrobial benefits.

ANTIMICROBIAL

Whether natural or synthetically enhanced, the antimicrobial properties of a fiber help resist odor causing bacteria. The benefit will come from the ability to wear fabrics longer without washing. This is advantageous when spending days and weeks on the trail.

SOCK HEIGHTS

There are numerous options when it some to sock height:

  • Ankle socks typically cover the ankle bone and are ideal for lower cut shoes and boots.
  • Quarter socks are a height between ankle and crew, so they sit just above your ankle and are usually a good option to pair with low-cut boots on warm summer hikes.
  • Crew socks are the standard for hiking as they work with lower cut shoes as well as for higher boots. They generally hit around the mid-calf region of the leg.

 

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