Best Hiking Socks: Top Brands For Your Trekking Feet

There are a variety of hiking socks available on the market, but the consensus is that Darn Tough makes the best hiking socks. Darn Tough's Hiker Micro Crew Cushion is the most popular sock on their website and is an REI and Amazon top seller. The Hiker Micro Crew Cushion is a merino wool sock that offers the ideal mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Smartwool is another popular brand of hiking socks. Their Athlete Edition Run Print Crew sock line is thin, ultralight, and durable. These socks are great for hot, desert conditions where your feet may swell.

Injinji is known for its anatomical toe sock, which prevents blisters by separating the toes. The Trail Midweight is made with Coolmax EcoSpun polyester, a recycled material spun for durability and temperature control.

Farm to Feet is a USA-made and USA-sourced sock company. Their unisex Farm to Feet Damascus Light sock is exceptional at moisture-wicking and breathability.

Materials: Merino wool, synthetic fibres, or a blend of the two are best for hiking socks

When it comes to hiking socks, the best materials are merino wool, synthetic fibres, or a blend of the two.

Merino wool is a natural fibre that comes from Merino sheep. It is often used in hiking socks because it is soft, comfortable, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking. This means it can draw moisture away from the skin, keeping feet dry and comfortable, and preventing odour buildup. It also provides insulation, keeping your feet warm in cold temperatures and cool in warmer temperatures. However, merino wool can be expensive, slow to dry, and unsuitable for those with sensitive skin or wool allergies.

Synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and spandex are also commonly used in hiking socks. They are lightweight, durable, and quick-drying. They can be blended with other materials to enhance their performance, such as adding spandex for stretch or nylon for durability. Synthetic fibres are often less expensive and easy to care for. However, they are known to retain odours and may be less breathable than natural fibres.

A blend of merino wool and synthetic fibres can provide the benefits of both materials, such as moisture-wicking, odour resistance, and durability. Blends can be designed to meet specific needs, such as adding extra padding for high-impact areas or providing extra ventilation for hot weather.

When choosing hiking socks, it is important to consider not only the material but also the fit, cushioning, and height. Hiking socks should fit snugly without being too tight, and they should have enough cushioning to protect your feet from impact. The height of the sock should also be considered, with ankle socks being suitable for warmer weather and mid-calf or knee-high socks for colder weather or rough terrain.

Fit: Hiking socks should be tight but not too tight, with no slippage and no bulky seams

When it comes to hiking socks, fit is crucial. A good hiking sock should be tight but not too tight, with no slippage and no bulky seams. This is important because if your socks are too loose, blisters are likely to form. On the other hand, if they are too tight, they may restrict blood flow.

To ensure a good fit, it is recommended that you try on socks with the hiking shoes or boots you plan to wear. The socks should feel comfortable and supportive, not too tight or too loose. It is also important to choose the right size sock for your feet, rather than simply your shoe size, as sometimes people size up when it comes to hiking footwear.

Some hiking socks feature integrated compression stitching and structured toe boxes that help to prevent the socks from slipping or bunching up. These features can enhance the fit and feel of the sock, making your hike more comfortable and enjoyable.

When it comes to brands, Darn Tough, Smartwool, and Eddie Bauer are popular choices among hikers. These brands offer a range of sock weights and lengths to suit different hiking conditions. Darn Tough, in particular, is known for its lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that your investment in a good pair of hiking socks is protected.

Durability: Darn Tough socks are known for their durability and lifetime guarantee

Darn Tough socks are made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and lycra, which makes them both soft and strong. The merino wool helps to regulate temperature and keep your feet dry, while the nylon adds durability and abrasion resistance. The lycra gives the socks a snug fit that won't slip or bunch up.

The socks are designed to be durable and are reinforced in high-wear areas to prevent holes and tears. They also feature a seamless construction, which reduces the risk of blisters and irritation.

Darn Tough is so confident in the durability of their socks that they offer an unconditional lifetime guarantee. If your socks ever wear out, they will replace them free of charge. This guarantee is a testament to the quality of Darn Tough's products and their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Many customers and reviewers have praised the durability of Darn Tough socks, reporting that they last for years without showing any signs of wear and tear. Some have even put the lifetime guarantee to the test and had their worn-out socks replaced by the company.

Overall, Darn Tough socks are known for their durability and are a trusted brand for outdoor enthusiasts looking for high-quality, reliable socks that will last for years.

Cushioning: Light cushioning is best for hot weather, medium for most conditions, and heavy cushioning for cold weather

When choosing hiking socks, it is important to consider the cushioning. Light cushioning is best for hot weather, medium for most conditions, and heavy cushioning for cold weather.

Light cushioning is ideal for hot weather as it provides a thin layer of protection without adding bulk or warmth. This type of sock is highly breathable and helps to wick away moisture, keeping your feet cool and comfortable. It is perfect for activities such as trail running, day hiking, or fast-paced adventures in warm climates.

Medium cushioning offers a balance between protection and breathability, making it suitable for most hiking conditions. It provides extra padding without adding too much bulk, making it a versatile option for a range of activities and temperatures. This type of sock is a good choice for those who want a comfortable and durable option that can handle a variety of trails and conditions.

Heavy cushioning is designed for cold weather and provides maximum protection and warmth. It is ideal for winter hiking, mountaineering, or any activity in extremely cold conditions. The thick fabric helps to insulate the feet and keep them warm, even when wet. However, it is important to note that heavy cushioning can take up more space in your shoes or boots, so it is crucial to ensure a proper fit.

Length: Choose hiking socks based on your activity and weather conditions

The length of your hiking socks will depend on the type of activity you are doing and the weather conditions.

For instance, if you are hiking in overgrown trails and wearing shorts, you might want to opt for a longer sock that will protect your legs from scratches and dirt. In this case, a crew-length sock or even a sock that goes over the calf would be a good option.

On the other hand, if you are hiking in hot weather, you might prefer a shorter sock that will help keep your feet cool. In this case, a no-show or ankle-length sock would be a better choice.

It is also important to consider the type of footwear you will be wearing. Make sure that your socks are at least as high as your footwear to prevent your skin from rubbing against the top of your shoes or boots, which can cause blisters.

Additionally, if you are planning on doing any river crossings or hiking in rainy conditions, you might want to choose a sock that dries quickly. Synthetic socks tend to dry faster than wool socks, but wool socks will keep your feet warm even when wet.

Finally, if you are looking for a sock that will provide compression and improve blood flow during your hike, you might want to choose a longer sock that goes over the calf or even up to the knee.

• Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion: This sock comes in a variety of lengths, including no-show, quarter crew, 3/4 crew, crew, and boot. It is made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex, and offers a lifetime guarantee.
• Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Print Crew: This ultralightweight sock is perfect for hot, desert conditions and comes in a crew length. It is made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, elastane, and polyester, and has a 2-year warranty.
• Injinji Midweight Trail: This toe sock is great for preventing blisters and comes in a 1/4 crew and crew length. It is made with a blend of nylon, COOLMAX EcoMade polyester, and Lycra spandex.
• Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Cushion: This synthetic sock is a good alternative to the Darn Tough merino wool sock and comes in a 3/4 crew and boot length. It is made with a blend of Coolmax polyester, nylon, acrylic, Lycra spandex, and polyester, and also offers a lifetime guarantee.
• Farm to Feet Damascus Light: This lightweight sock offers targeted cushioning and comes in a variety of lengths, including no-show, 1/4 crew, 3/4 crew, and crew. It is made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex, and has a lifetime warranty.
• REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew: This budget-friendly sock comes in a 1/4 crew and crew length and is made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex. It has a 1-year warranty.

Frequently asked questions