Whether you’re an experienced hiker or an absolute novice, nothing compares to the comfort brought about by the best pair of hiking socks.
Hiking socks are critical to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Unlike regular cotton socks, a great pair of hiking socks will keep your feet less sweaty and cushioned, which in turn stops painful blisters from forming as your shoe rubs against the back of your feet while your hike.
But with all the different brands on the market today, choosing the right pair can be confusing.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you — and your feet — covered. Here is our list of the best hiking socks in 2023:
Designed to be used all year-round no matter the weather, the BRIDGEDALE Midweight Boot Height Merino Hiking Socks tops our list because of its durable and versatile build. It features the brand’s patented Fusion Technology — a specialized blend of Enduro wool, nylon, Endurotil and lycra — that is designed to provide balanced insulation, moisture control and gives you a perfect snug fit to perform your best on whatever hiking trail.
Key features:
- High cut style
- 44% Enduro Wool
- 38% Nylon/polyamide
- 17% Endurofil/Polypropylene
- 1% Lycra/Elastane
- Anti-shock cushioning
- Scaffold core
- Durable nylon knit upper
Price: $35.95
Pros
- Excellent moisture control
- Good quality wool construction
- Sufficient cushioning
Cons
- Stitching on hem lacks durability
Verdict: The BRIDGEDALE Midweight Boot Height Merino Hiking Socks combine the best fabric blends to give you the highest levels of comfort and durability. Aside from its high quality construction, it also has a Scaffold Core that provides a close fit that ensures they don’t bunch up or slip down, and also retains its shape after machine washing.
If you’re looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly option, the SMARTWOOL Hike Full Cushion Crew Sock is your best bet. At the top of its list of features is its Merino wool blend construction — made with natural fiber grown by Merino sheep which makes it thinner and softer than regular wool. The fabric is also naturally anti-bacterial with enough moisture-wicking technology to keep your feet free from sweat and odor.
Key features:
- 56% Merino wool
- 11% nylon
- 31% recycled nylon
- 2% elastane
- Flat knit toe seam for secure fit
- Elasticized arch brace
- Shred shield technology
Price: $25
Pros
- Eco-friendly and recycled materials
- Lightweight design
- Excellent snug fit
Cons
- Lacks breathability
Verdict: Made with recycled materials to reduce your environmental footprint, SMARTWOOL Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks offers full cushioning on the entire sock, coupled with strategically placed areas of compression under the arch and around the ankle to ensure a snug fit — perfect for those long days on the trail.
If hiking boots are your choice footwear, then you’ll definitely love the DARN TOUGH Midweight Hiker Boot Socks. These hiking socks feature a mid-calf height, ensuring complete protection for your ankles and to reduce friction between your feet and boots. It also features a special fusion technology which means seams are almost undetectable through its high density knitting — giving you great fit without the added bulk.
Key features:
- Undetectable seam fusion with high density knitting
- 64% Merino Wool
- 33% Nylon
- 3% Lycra Spandex
- Unisex design
- Mid calf height
- Full cushioning
- Ribbed outer support
Price: $31
Pros
- Ideal for all kinds of hiking boots
- Fit for performance
- Temperature regulating
Cons
- Might be a bit too warm for hotter days
Verdict: Perfect for hiking across different seasons, the DARN TOUGH Midweight Hiker Boot Socks has a Merino wool blend construction that provides the right amount of temperature control for both cold and warm climates. Its medium weight and performance fit means they stay up and don’t bunch up even after longer use.
As its name suggests, the WIGWAM Merino Comfort Hiking Socks focuses on comfort above all else. Its standout feature is its unique construction: it’s built with Merino Wool — a soft fabric that does not itch or rub the skin to prevent blister build up. This pair also provides the right amount of stretch because of its combination of nylon and elastic fabric that not only gives you performance fit, but also prevents the sock from falling down when walking. These hiking socks are fully cushioned throughout the foot and leg, adding an extra layer of comfort and stability.
Key Features:
- Silk and Coolmax technology
- 52% Merino Wool
- 34% Stretch nylon
- 2% Polyester
- 2% Spandex
- Elasticized arch panel
- Ultra smooth seamless toe closure
Price: $17
Pros
- Extra durable
- Full cushioning throughout the entire sock for extreme comfort
- Moisture resistant and quick to dry
Cons
- Loose fit
- Lacks compression paneling
Verdict: The WIGWAM Merino Comfort Hiking Socks are guaranteed to keep your feet both dry and comfortable. Manufactured with high quality Merino wool, this midweight sock prevents itching with a foot-hugging fit and comfort seamless toe closure. It also has insulating properties that help reduce odor that comes with sweat.
Hiking in cold weather? The 1000 MILE Heat Double Layer Walk Socks are sure to keep your feet dry and toasty even in the harshest of winters. These performance hiking socks feature a patented construction of Nilit Heat yarn that is designed not only to provide maximum comfort but also ensures that your feet are warm and protected despite any change in the weather. Completely sustainable and eco-friendly, this yarn is made using coffee charcoal and nylon fiber that provides natural insulation and temperature-regulating properties.
Key Features:
- Nilit heat warming inner lining
- 100% polyamide
- Top venting for added breathability
- Arch bracing for additional support
- Anti-bacterial
Price: $17.99
Pros
- Ideal for cold weather
- Double layer protection and comfort
- Sustainable and eco-friendly material
Cons
- Lacks breathability compared to other brands
Verdict: As its name suggests, the 1000 MILE Heat Double Layer Walk Sock features a thick double layer that not only keeps your feet dry but also regulates heat even in the coldest temperatures. Despite its thick build and all-over padding, this pair of hiking socks remains breathable with an inner layer that wicks away sweat for maximum comfort no matter the weather.
THE BEST HIKING SOCKS -- WHY SHOULD YOU BUY ONE ANYWAY?
No one wants a hike that ends in painful blisters on your feet.
If you share this problem, then hiking socks are the ultimate solution.
Moisture Wicking
Because of Australia's hot climate, your feet are prone to sweating. More sweat means more friction, which eventually leads to blisters.
The best hiking socks are made from high-quality wool that does at excellent job at wicking away moisture and keeping your feet dry throughout the hike
Added Cushioning
The best hiking socks provide just the right amount of cushioning in the areas where it is most needed -- in the ball, toes, and heels.
Unlike ordinary socks, they are made with a very dense weave that adds an extra layer of strength and protection even on the most rigid terrain.
Excellent Insulation
Good quality hiking socks are constructed from carefully selected blends of wool and other fibers that are designed to keep your feet dry, comfortable and at the correct temperature -- providing the excellent insulation for colder months or rainy weather.
THE BEST HIKING SOCKS -- BUYING GUIDE
To choose the right pair of socks for hiking, here are a few important factors to consider:
1. Size
Like shoes, choosing the best hiking socks starts with finding the right fit.
Socks that are too big or too small can rub your feet the wrong way and lead to blisters. A good rule of thumb when choosing the right sock size is to check that the heel of the sock should sit right at your heel without bunching up around the ankle. The toe seams should lay flat and the overall fit should be snug with a bit of room for your feet to stretch out.
2. Height
Choosing the right height for your hiking socks depends on the kind of hiking shoes you're wearing.
For instance, if you're wearing low-cut shoes, you can choose no-show socks or ankle-height socks to prevent ankle chafing. If you're using hiking boots, crew socks are a good option because they come up several inches above your ankle. You can also use knee-high socks for winter hikes, to prevent from the cold weather.
3. Material
There are different materials to choose from when choosing the right pair of hiking socks, the most popular being wool blends.
Wool socks are not only antimicrobial, they also have temperature-regulating properties that keep your feet dry throughout the hike. Merino wool, in particular, is a good option to consider as it is made from natural, renewable fiber that won't irritate your skin.
4. Padding
Comfort should be your top priority when it comes to hiking socks.
Choose hiking socks that have just the right amount of padding, as too thick cushioning could be too bulky to wear. As a rule, check for padding around the heel, toe and underfoot areas -- as these are the parts that suffer the most when walking.
