Best Hiking Socks of 2024
Comfortable, Durable, Blister-free Hiking socks
Home > Gear Reviews > Footwear
February 28th, 2024
With all the brands of hiking socks on the market (REI alone has 176!), you’d think it would be hard to decide on the best hiking socks. But it was actually the opposite— the consensus is pretty clear.
Among professional reviewers, hundreds of user reviews, and our own extensive experience testing different socks over thousands of miles in diverse climates from the snow to rainforest to desert, Darn Tough makes the best hiking socks out there. Of Darn Tough’s 105 models, the best for hiking is the women’s and men’s Darn Tough Hiker.
That said, there are a number of other hiking socks that perform exceptionally well in certain situations. We researched and tested 25 of the best hiking and backpacking socks over thousands of miles on trails, looking for the best mid-weight, lightweight, ultralight, budget, and cushioned hiking socks.
We took the socks on everything from thousand-mile-long thru-hikes across the US and Canada to day-hiking in the Columbia Gorge to see how they perform under long and difficult conditions. We tested the top models from Darn Tough, Smartwool, Farm to Feet, REI Co-op, Swiftwick, Injinji, Point6, Wrightsock, Stox Energy Socks, Sockwell, Icebreaker, and Balega to find comfortable, sweat-free, blister-free options.
We know that some people will want to know the best merino wool hiking sock, so we have a pick for that. But we also have a top synthetic model, too. We have the best moderate compression socks for hiking as well as medical-grade hiking compression socks. Whether you need a lightweight hiking sock for moving fast in hot weather, or you need a heavier sock for winter hiking, we have ideas for those, too. No matter what the conditions bring, we’ve got you covered with our updated list of the best hiking socks for men, women, and all genders.
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HIKING SOCKS COMPARISON TABLE
women’s
| HIKING SOCK | TREELINE AWARD | YARN | CUSHION | HEIGHT OPTIONS | SHOE SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darn Tough Hiker Cushion | Best Overall Read why |
59% merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% Lycra spandex | Medium | ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew, boot | 4.5 - 11.5 |
| Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Print Crew | Best Ultralight Read why |
52% merino wool/37% recycled nylon/6% nylon/3% elastane/2% polyester | Ultralight | Crew | 4 - 12.5 |
| Injinji Midweight Trail (unisex) | Best for Preventing Toe Blisters Read why |
58% nylon / 39% COOLMAX EcoMade polyester / 3% Lycra spandex | Medium | ¼ crew, crew | 5 - 12 |
| Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Cushion | Best Non-wool Read why |
39% Nylon 34% Coolmax Polyester 19% Acrylic 5% Polyester 3% Lycra Spandex | Medium | ¾ crew, men's boot | 4.5 - 11.5 |
| Farm to Feet Damascus Light Targeted Cushion | Best Lightweight Read why |
51% US Merino Wool, 46 % US Nylon, 3% US LYCRA® Spandex | Targeted light | No show, ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew | 4 - 12.5 |
| REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew (Unisex) | Best Budget Read why |
79% RWS merino wool, 20% nylon, 1% Lycra spandex | Light | ¼ crew, crew | 4 - 12.5 |
| Sockwell Circulator | Best for Moderate Compression Read why |
32% merino wool, 31% bamboo rayon, 32% stretch nylon, 5% spandex | Ultralight | Knee | 4 - 11 |
| STOX Merino Hiking Socks | Best Medical Grade Compression Socks for Hiking Read why |
54% Polyamide, 37% Merino wool, 9% Elastane | Light | Knee | W1, W2, W3 |
| Wrightsock Double Layer Silver Escape Crew (unisex) | Best Double Layer Hiking Socks Read why |
Inner: 65% Dri-WRIGHT ll polyester/26% nylon/5% silver/4%Lycra spandex; outer: 68% Dri-WRIGHT ll polyester/24% nylon/8% Lycra spandex | Light | ¼ crew, crew | 4 - 11 |
Men's
| HIKING SOCK | TREELINE AWARD | YARN | CUSHION | HEIGHT OPTIONS | SHOE SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darn Tough Hiker Cushion | Best Overall Read why |
61% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex | Medium | ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew, boot | 5.5 - 17 |
| Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Print Crew | Best Ultralight Read why |
49% merino wool/45% nylon/4% elastane/2% polyester | Ultralight | Crew | 3 - 14.5 |
| Injinji Midweight Trail | Best for Preventing Toe Blisters Read why |
58% nylon / 39% COOLMAX EcoMade polyester / 3% Lycra spandex | Medium | ¼ crew, crew | 5 - 13 |
| Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Cushion | Best Non-wool Read why |
55% Coolmax Polyester 37% Nylon 5% Acrylic 3% Lycra Spandex | Medium | ¾ crew, men's boot | 8 - 16.5 |
| Farm to Feet Damascus Light Targeted Cushion | Best Lightweight Read why |
51% US Merino Wool, 46 % US Nylon, 3% US LYCRA® Spandex | Targeted light | No show, ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew | 6 - 14.5 |
| REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew (unisex) | Best Budget Read why |
79% RWS merino wool, 20% nylon, 1% Lycra spandex | Light | ¼ crew, crew | 5.5 - 14 |
| Sockwell Circulator | Best for Moderate Compression Read why |
32% merino wool, 31% bamboo rayon, 32% stretch nylon, 5% spandex | Ultralight | Knee | 7 - 16 |
| STOX Merino Hiking Socks | Best Medical Grade Compression Socks for Hiking Read why |
52% Polyamide, 38% Merino wool, 10% Elastane | Light | Knee | M1, M2, M3 |
| Wrightsock Double Layer Silver Escape Crew (unisex) | Best Double Layer Hiking Socks Read why |
Inner: 65% Dri-WRIGHT ll polyester/26% nylon/5% silver/4%Lycra spandex; outer: 68% Dri-WRIGHT ll polyester/24% nylon/8% Lycra spandex | Light | ¼ crew, crew | 5 - 14 |
For more hiking recommendations, see our most popular Hiking Gear stories:
A sock tester wearing Darn Tough socks and La Sportiva shoes.
THE BEST HIKING SOCKS
Best Hiking socks OVerall: DARN TOUGH HIKER MICRO CREW CUSHION
Yarn (women’s): 59% merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% Lycra spandex
Yarn (men’s): 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% Lycra spandex
Cushion: Medium
Length Options: no show, ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew
Sizing: Women’s S-L (US 4.5-11.5) and Men’s S-XXL (US 5.5-17)
Warranty: Lifetime
What we liked: tight weave perfect fit, comfort, durability, lifetime warranty, perfect amount of stretch, retain shape at end of day
What we didn’t like: not as soft (but it isn’t itchy)
We found consensus among experts and everyday users: Darn Tough makes the best socks. For hiking, the best of the best is the merino wool sock Darn Tough Hiker Cushion. It hits that Goldilocks sweet spot of cushioning: they aren’t so thin that you’ll put holes in them in a week, but they’re also not so thick that you’ll need to buy shoes or boots a half size larger. This model is the most popular on Darn Tough’s website, and it’s an REI and Amazon top seller. Best yet, it comes with a Lifetime Guarantee considered the most generous in the entire outdoor industry.
DARN TOUGH HIKER MICRO CREW CUSHION
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
The Darn Tough Hiker Cushion 1/4 crew socks near Kearsarge Pass, Sierra Nevada, CA. Photo by Naomi Hudetz.
FIT, STRETCH, AND COMFORT
What we like about the Hiker Midweight merino sock is that they have the perfect amount of stretch. I purchased these socks and have hiked thousands of miles in this model. Whether in the hot desert, snow-covered mountains, or on long walks around the city, they’ve never slipped, sagged, or bunched up. At the end of a long day of hiking, they never feel loose or stretched out.
The 2% spandex—not too much or too little—makes the socks fit so well that they feel as if they were custom-made for my feet. And most impressively—they keep that perfect amount of stretch even after years of use.
WEAVE AND BREATHABILITY
Another thing I like about the Darn Tough Hiker is that the fabric is tightly woven to give support and staying power, but they aren’t so tightly woven that they don’t breathe well. My feet definitely sweat while hiking in temperatures over 80F, but they never feel sweaty when I’m hiking in the Hiker Midweight. This is a testament to the great wicking power of Darn Tough’s yarn and just the right weave.
MOISTURE-WICKING
The Darn Tough Hiker Midweight manages moisture incredibly well, which is important because moisture is a major contributor to blisters. I’ve never gotten a blister while wearing Darn Tough socks. This is in contrast to other merino wool socks I’ve purchased and hiked in, like the Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew—where my feet felt hot and moist and ultimately formed blisters.
THERMOREGULATION
The Darn Tough Hiker Midweight socks also stand out for their thermo-regulating capabilities. I’ve taken these socks on 1,600 miles of challenging conditions through the Canadian Rockies with temps in the upper 30s, heavy rain, and river fords. My feet stayed warm even while wet. While putting those wet socks back on in the morning was not a pleasant task (and wouldn’t be for any sock), once the heat from my feet warmed the socks back up, they felt fine. On the other hand, I’ve also hiked 1,600 miles through the Arizona desert on the Arizona Trail in the Hiker Midweights and never felt like my feet were too hot. These socks are almost like magic.
DURABILITY AND WARRANTY
All these features are fantastic enough, but what has kept me coming back to the Darn Tough Hiker Midweight is the durability. While we also like the women’s and men’s Darn Tough Light Hiker, the midweight is the more tough sock. You can read our review of the Light Hiker below.
I can easily get 600 miles out of a pair of midweights before I start to see signs of wear. They easily outlast most pairs of shoes.
When I do get a hole, it’s usually in the bottom—the heel is reinforced, so I’ve never gotten a hole in the heel. But I can send them back to Darn Tough under their incredible warranty program. Once they receive the socks I’ve returned, they send me a code to use on their website to buy a replacement pair—any size, color, or style that I want. It’s almost too simple.
The Darn Tough Hiker Light Cushion on top of Glen Pass (12,000’) in the Sierra on the Pacific Crest/John Muir Trail. Photo by Liz Thomas
SUSTAINABILITY
Darn Tough’s merino wool supply is now 100% RWS-certified. The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is an emerging new standard that establishes best practices for animal welfare, land management, and worker welfare. It’s similar to the more well-known outdoor certification of the Responsible Down Standard. Its goal is to bring sustainability and human and animal welfare into all levels of the supply chain, from the farmers to the trader to the yarn spinner to the fabric manufacturer and sewers.
MULTI-PACKS
Another benefit of the Micro Crew is that, unlike most high-end socks, they are available in multi-packs. There’s a men’s and women’s 2-pack, as well as a women’s patterns 3-pack.
OTHER HEIGHTS AND FABRIC
While we think the merino version is the best, wool—or even a wool blend—isn’t for everyone. Darn Tough makes this model in Coolmax, and it’s the winner of our Best Non-Wool Sock (below).
The Hiker Cushion is also available in no-show, quarter, and boot length. So even if the micro-crew isn't your favorite height, you can get all the benefits at a height that works for your ankles and calves.
POTENTIAL FLAWS
We really struggle to find something we don’t like about this sock. It’s one of our favorite pieces of gear we’ve tested of any category, not just hiking socks. For our Favorite Gear of the PCT article, multiple writers pitched Darn Tough socks and drew straws for who got to write about them.
Those with larger ankles "(sometimes called “cankles,” where your calf connects to your ankles) report that the crew length doesn't work for them. If that’s you, we recommend the No Show length of these socks. And of course, if blisters between your toes bother you, we’d direct you towards the Injinji (below). For everyone else, the Darn Tough Hiker Cushion is the best hiking sock out there.
The Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Print Crew (shown in the Adventure Print here) is the most reliable lightweight sock we found. Photo by Brian Davidson.
THE BEST ULTRALIGHT HIKING SOCKS: SMARTWOOL Athlete Edition Run PRint Crew
Yarn (women's): 52% merino wool/37% recycled nylon/6% nylon/3% elastane/2% polyester
Yarn (men's): 49% merino wool/45% nylon/4% elastane/2% polyester
Cushion: Ultralight
Length Options: Crew
Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women’s 4-12.5 and US men’s 3-14.5)
Warranty: 2 years
What we liked: thin, ultralight, fun designs, great for multi-sport (like cycling)
What we didn’t like: durability, not available in shorter lengths
If you’re looking for a durable-yet-lightweight merino wool hiking sock that doesn’t come with a lot of bulkiness, the Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Print Crew sock line is for you. Smartwool uses its patent-pending Indestructawool technology that they use for what they call “their toughest socks yet.” For a sock this thin and ultralight, we have yet to see a sock that is as durable as the Smartwool Athlete Edition Run. After 450 miles of backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail, these still kept going. We can’t help but agree with that assessment, which makes the Athlete Edition Run Print Crew our best ultralight sock.
SMARTWOOL ATHLETE EDITION RUN PRINT CREW SOCKS
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
The women’s Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Print Crew are a thin sock that can take a lot of abuse.
WHEN TO USE ULTRALIGHT SOCKS
In our experience, ultralight socks are best for hot, desert conditions where your feet may swell. As feet expand, you’re left with less room in your shoes—and more places where your feet rub against the shoe or themselves, creating more opportunities for blisters to develop. Ultralight socks decrease this chance because they leave more room for your feet to expand and won’t create friction. They’re also a good option if your shoes or boots just don’t have a lot of extra room for full cushion (or even light cushion) socks.
FIT AND COMFORT
We found that the Athlete Edition Run Print has a snug-but-not-too-snug fit through the arch of the foot. They never slipped or bunched during our hike. Smartwool also makes this merino sock with a women’s specific fit, meaning it’s narrower through the back of the heel and Achilles. This is similar to the quality and tailored fit we’d expect given the brand’s experience in apparel.
MATERIALS AND DURABILITY
The Smartwool Athlete Edition uses the Indestructawool yarn in the heel and ball of the foot, which experience the highest amount of wear. The toe area uses Smartwool’s Shred Shield™ anti-wear technology, developed in conjunction with an ultrarunner who ran over 1,000 miles in the same pair of socks.
VENTILATION
The top and sides feature lightweight mesh in ventilation zones that keep your feet cool and dry and keep the sock weight down. The result is an incredibly lightweight sock that feels breathable and stays durable.
DURABILITY AND TESTING NOTES
We tested this hiking sock over 450 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail and can confirm—these are the most durable ultralight socks we’ve found. We didn’t use gaiters with these socks either and imagine we’d get even more miles in without any issue.
We’ve gotten holes in our old ultralight favorites, the Darn Tough ultralight socks (men's and women's), after 300 miles. Those socks are winners in our Best Running Socks guide. We thought that was pretty good, but were impressed that the Athlete Edition can get us through even more miles. Smartwool socks also come with a 2-year warranty. Long after thru-hiking season was over, we finally did get a hole in the Smartwool Athlete edition, on a day hike with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain over 30 miles.
PRINTED DESIGNS
Another benefit of the Athlete Edition Line is the new printed designs, including Trail Magic by artist Jaime Molina as well as a Run Pride series. They’re also available in more traditional colors if that is your preferred style.
We love when brands work with artists as it supports their work and allows brands to highlight (and pay!) people who are doing good in the outdoor community.
Our only issue with the printed designs is that they’re each listed separately on the website so there’s no easy way to see all the styles available side-by-side.
CUSHIONING
As you’d expect, lightweight socks have less cushioning than other socks. We recommend them for day hikes and fast and light adventures in addition to hot desert hiking. For backpacking or day hikes on rocky ground, you might want something with a little more cushioning.
Curious about outdoor footwear? See our most popular Footwear stories:
THE BEST HIKING SOCKS FOR PREVENTING BLISTERS BETWEEN YOUR TOES: Injinji Trail Midweight
Yarn: 58% nylon / 39% COOLMAX EcoMade polyester / 3% Lycra spandex
Cushion: Medium
Length options: ¼ crew, crew
Sizing: Unisex S-XL
Warranty: 60 days
What we liked: prevented blisters when no other sock could, variety of heights
What we didn’t like: durability, time to put on and take off
Injinji dominates the anatomical toe sock market. The most popular model we’ve found is the Injinji Trail Midweight —and we think it’s the best toe sock for hiking.
Toe socks are known for their blister prevention, as each toe is separated so there is no skin-to-skin friction. Toes can also splay naturally in toe socks, which helps provide stability while hiking. The Injinjis also have great arch support, which also helps keep the socks in place.
The Trail Midweight is made with Coolmax EcoSpun polyester, which is a recycled material spun for durability and temperature control. The Coolmax replaces the 43% NuWool that was in the previous version of this sock, increasing durability (but without quite as much odor-control). They also recently released a merino wool version that we tested.
INJINJI TRAIL MIDWEIGHT
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
The Injinji toe socks on Treeline Review writer Ebony Roberts on hike in Squamish, BC. Photo by Steve Redmond.
UPDATES
The Trail Midweight Crew and updated it to be more durable—which was one of the flaws (see below) we found in our original testing of the Outdoor Midweight Crew Original (which is still available). This version we tested is top-rated at REI and is one of their best selling socks.
TESTING NOTES AND BLISTER-PREVENTION
We purchased and tested 2 pairs of the Injinji for 1,500 miles on the Appalachian Trail. We found that Injinji socks really do help prevent blisters, especially between the toes. This can be especially beneficial in moist and wet climates, where blisters can form easily between two rubbing toes.
IDEAL FOR WIDE FEET
People with wide feet also often battle with blisters because the toe boxes on their shoes are too tight. If you have wide feet, you’ll likely appreciate the extra protection offered by toe socks.
Our writer Amanda Jameson, who hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail in Injinji socks, reports: “I have paddletoe—toes on both of my feet overlap one another—which causes awful blisters with lots of walking. With my Injinjis, I've had a total of two blisters in 3500 miles, and both were from improperly tied or too-large shoes.”
Another one of our writers, Tiffany Searsdodd, also swears by Injinjis saying, “I started getting blisters in between my toes 100 miles into my PCT thru-hike. Once I started wearing Injinjis, the blisters between my toes disappeared. Ten years later they are still my go-to hiking socks, even if it's just a day hike of a few miles.”
HEIGHTS, THICKNESS, MATERIALS
Another aspect that Searsdodd likes about Injinjis is the variety of heights, thickness, and materials. “There's a sock here for just about everyone.” Lastly, she notes that Injinis are fun to wear: “I especially love creeping people out by pretending my feet are hands...”
The Injini Trail Midweight is also available in crew height. The brand also has versions a Spectrum Trail Midweight using called Spectrum, a COOLMAX ECoMade synthetic version for folks who don't want a wool sock.
Treeline Review writer Ebony Roberts takes the Injinji on a hike in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Ebony is wearing our hiking shoes winner, the Salomon GTX. Photo by Steve Redmond.
DURABILITY
Injinjis do have some downsides, though. The first is durability. Jameson found she had to change out her Injinjis every 300-400 miles for holes—usually in the heel or ball of the foot. We’ve had better luck with the newest iteration, but still don’t expect to get nearly as many miles out of these socks as other socks.
TIME TO PUT ON
Another drawback is that several testers found that toe socks take considerably more time to put on and take off. This fact alone eliminates toe socks for some people. Many hikers like to take off their shoes and socks during breaks to allow feet, shoes, and socks to air out and dry. The added time required for toe socks could act as a hindrance to this process.
VOLUME
Some hikers complain that our preferred model, the Injinji Midweight Crew, takes up too much space inside of a hiking shoe or boot. This is something you definitely want to test out before you hit the trail. Injinji does offer a thinner liner sock, which could be a good option if volume is a concern for you—but know that a thinner sock is usually less durable. The liner crew sock is also top-rated at REI. They also recently released a merino wool liner that we tested, but it lacked durability.
WARRANTY
Injinji offers a 60-day warranty for their socks, which is a lot shorter than other sock brands. Our testers have gotten their fair share of holes in Injinjis, especially when hiking in moist or gritty climates. But if you’re a fan of toe socks and know you get between-the-toe blisters, Injinji has the most comfortable and durable toe sock out there.
THE BEST NON-WOOL HIKING SOCKS: DARN TOUGH COOLMAX HIKER MICRO CREW MIDWEIGHT
Yarn (women's): 39% Nylon 34% Coolmax Polyester 19% Acrylic 5% Polyester 3% Lycra Spandex
Yarn (men's): 55% Coolmax Polyester 37% Nylon 5% Acrylic 3% Lycra Spandex
Cushion: Medium
Length Options: ¾ crew only (women’s); ¾ crew and boot (men’s)
Sizing: Women’s S-L (US 4.5-11.5) and Men’s S-XXL (US 5.5-17)
Warranty: Lifetime
What we like: snug and comfortable fit, softness, lifetime warranty, similar feel, fit, and comfort as the wool version of this sock
What we don’t like: not available in shorter heights, not available in many colors
Not everyone wants or likes a merino wool hiking sock. Luckily, Darn Tough, maker of our Overall Best Sock winner, makes a fully synthetic version of their Hiker Midweight sock—the Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock. The non-wool version of Darn Tough’s Hiker Midweight is made with Coolmax polyester—a hydrophobic fiber that is both moisture-wicking and breathable when woven into a sock. Hydrophobic fibers absorb little water and dry relatively quickly, which are both ideal qualities in sock yarn. The Coolmax fiber cross-section isn’t round, which increases surface area and produces the wicking effect through capillary action (much like a paintbrush draws up paint).
DARN TOUGH COOLMAX HIKER MICRO CREW MIDWEIGHT
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas wearing the Darn Tough Coolmax socks on a backpacking trip on San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California. These socks are experts at thermoregulation, especially for a synthetic sock.
CUSHION AND FIT
The Coolmax Hiker Midweight socks share many of the same great qualities as the merino Hiker Midweight socks. They have just the right amount of cushion in the right places. The medium-weight cushioning never feels bulky or awkward. This is actually impressive because many models of thicker synthetic socks can feel like they have too much volume. It's easier to find synthetic socks that are thin. A cushioned synthetic sock is much more of a feat.
The fit is perfectly snug around the foot which helps prevent blisters.
WARRANTY
Like the merino wool version, the Coolmax socks are backed by Darn Tough’s Lifetime Warranty, meaning that Darn Tough will replace them free of charge.
The women’s Darn Tough Coolmax is an excellent alternative to the Darn Tough Micro Cushion if you are vegan or avoiding wool with similar fit, comfort, and feel as a wool sock. Photo by Brian Davidson
THERMOREGULATION
The Coolmax Hikers also have exceptional thermoregulation capabilities. They’re equally great from the heat of the desert to cool days.
ODOR
One potential downside with these or any fully synthetic socks is the stink factor. There’s no way around it: synthetic fibers retain more odors than merino wool. So if you plan on using these socks for multiple days between washings (backpacking or thru-hiking), be forewarned: you may not like what you smell when you take your socks off at the end of the day.
The REI Co-op Lightweight Merino Crew socks on a hike up Strawberry Peak with Black Girls Trekkin’. Photo by Liz Thomas
THE BEST BUDGET HIKING SOCKS: REI CO-OP MERINO WOOL LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING CREW SOCKS
Yarn: 79% Responsible Wool Standard merino wool / 20% nylon / 1% Lycra spandex
Cushion: Light
Length options: ¼ crew, crew
Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women’s 4-12.5 and US men’s 5.5-14)
Warranty: 1 year
What we like: Responsible wool, odor control, cushioning, durability, value for the price
What we don’t like: too much stretch, limited color options
If the prices on some of these socks have given you sticker shock, we have a great budget option for you: the REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew socks. They check all the major boxes: high merino wool content, light-to-medium cushioning, reinforced heel, and seamless toe and arch support. They also have good moisture-wicking capabilities with quick-drying yarn.
REI CO-OP MERINO WOOL LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING CREW
CREW
¼ CREW
COLORS
New for this year, REI introduced several color options. REI has had some version of the merino wool lightweight hiking socks for at least a decade–always in gray. We're thrilled to see new color options.
IMPROVED FIT
The newest version of the REI Co-op Lightweight Hiking socks is a better fit. It's been reinforced at the heels, toes, and foot beds as well as the Achilles arch area–all places where we see socks are most likely to fail. Additionally, there's a stretch arch band to provide effective support, which helps with issues we've run into in the past related to sag in these socks.
DURABILITY
Despite the great value for the price and the quality materials of the REI Co-op Merino Wool socks, there are some drawbacks to the REI Lightweight Merino Crew. The first is durability. User reviews and our own experience show that these socks just don’t last as long as our top picks.
We purchased a pair for a thru-hike of the PCT and found that we got holes in the heels and bottom much more quickly than with other socks we tested, like the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight. This was especially true when we’re using the REIs in wet conditions.
FIT AND STRETCH
At 1% Lycra vs. other socks 2%, we’ve found the REI Lightweights lose their stretchiness too quickly in our experience. This can lead to bunching, sagging, and blisters.
WARRANTY
While REI has been famous for its impressive 1-year warranty, in the world of performance socks, that isn't much. Darn Tough and Farm to Feet have set the bar high, and REI’s 1-year warranty doesn’t even come close. Even Smartwool and Icebreaker have a 2-year warranty. We feel that the unconditional warranty from Darn Tough and Farm to Feet justifies paying the extra premium by itself—and that’s before you get into the extra features and quality.
While we consider our other picks an investment worth making, if you’re looking to get out on the trails and not spend as much money, the REI Lightweight Merino Crew is the sock for you.
Treeline editor Liz Thomas doing some sock-yoga on a fall Colorado day. Photo by Brian Davidson
THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SOCKS: FARM TO FEET DAMASCUS LIGHT
Yarn: 51% merino wool, 46% nylon, 3% spandex (varies by sock length)
Cushion: Targeted light
Length Options: no show, ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew
Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women’s 4-12.5 and US men’s 6-14.5)
Warranty: Lifetime
What we like: targeted cushioning, lightweight, variety of heights, lifetime warranty, uses wool from local farms
What we didn’t like: fit is not as refined
Our pick for the best lightweight hiking socks comes from the USA-made and USA-sourced sock company, Farm to Feet. We found the unisex Farm to Feet Damascus Light to be exceptional at moisture-wicking and breathability. Named after the famous Virginian trail town along the Appalachian Trail, this merino wool hiking sock is designed with the long haul in mind– for hikers who want to balance weight and durability.
FARM TO FEET DAMASCUS LIGHT
TARGETED CUSHIONING AND FIT
Farm to Feet keeps the weight down on the Damascus Light by using targeted cushioning: squish where you need it, and none where you don’t. We’ve found this provides a much better fit than is offered by many of the other socks we tested, especially when wearing low-volume (i.e., not a lot of extra room) shoes and boots. The targeted cushioning is full-density, meaning that your feet won’t overheat due to extra cushion you don’t need.
COMPRESSION
We like that these socks have compression through the arch, which provides a nice, snug fit. In our hundreds of miles of testing on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, they never bunched or sagged. The yarn on the Damascus is tightly woven, which helps keep the grit that leads to blisters out of the socks and away from your feet.
HEIGHTS
Another advantage is the Damascus Lights are available in a variety of heights—including a low cut. This can further help save you weight.
VALUE PACK
Farm to Feet offers the Damascus Light in the Trailblazer Bundle 4-pack of socks. High quality hiking socks are rarely available in bundles that help save you money, which is a shame, since many backpackers and thru-hikers know they will need more than one pair of socks.
FIT
While we’re impressed with the durability of the Damascus Lights, the fit isn’t quite as refined as it is on the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight. However, because they weigh less per sock, we think they’re the best lightweight hiking sock.
SUSTAINABILITY AND WARRANTY
Farm to Feet and Darn Tough have a lot of similarities as companies, but one difference is that Farm To Feet is not only made in the USA but also uses 100% USA-sourced materials.
Farm To Feet has a lifetime guarantee on all of their socks—but it seems a little trickier to navigate than Darn Tough's. They’ll send you a replacement pair or a refund, but you need to keep your proof of purchase. That’s easy to do when you purchase online, but trickier when you’ve purchased from a store in the middle of a thru-hike. One nice thing is that all returned socks are recycled.
Best Hiking Socks With Moderate Compression: Sockwell Circulator Graduated
Yarn: 32% merino wool, 31% bamboo rayon, 32% stretch nylon, 5% spandex
Cushion: Ultralight
Length options: Knee
Sizing: Women’s S/M and M/L; men’s M/L, L/XL, XXL
What we liked: comfortable compression, versatility, all day comfort
What we didn’t like: rayon retains water so takes longer to dry out
We think the Sockwell Circulator Graduated is the best compression sock for everyday hiking. Moderately rated at 15-20 mmHg, most people will find this level of compression comfortable and effective for a wide range of activities, versatile enough to double for air travel and recovery from other sports. Because they’re not overly tight, they can be worn all day and they’re a great choice for hiking before and after pregnancy.
SOCKWELL CIRCULATOR GRADUATED
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
Together, the women’s and men’s versions of the Circulator have more than 5,000 customer reviews on Amazon with a 4.7-star rating, and this graduated compression Sockwell sock is consistently among the top sellers at popular online retailers like REI. American-made with American wool-based yarns, the Circulator is one-third merino wool, one-third rayon from bamboo, one-third nylon, and spandex, and comes in tons of fun, colorful patterns.
Sockwell has done a nice job of balancing comfort and performance features. The Circulator has everything we look for in a good pair of socks — arch support, a healthy dose of cushion, the right amount of elastic, and seams that don’t rub. All-in-all, the Circulator is a great moderate compression sock, and a suitable choice for someone who wants a sock they can feel good hiking in, but will use in other areas of life as well.
Best Medical Grade Compression Socks for Hiking: stox merino hiking socks
Yarn (women's): 54% Polyamide, 37% Merino wool, 9% Elastane
Yarn (men's): 52% Polyamide, 38% Merino wool, 10% Elastane
Cushion: Light
Length options: Knee
Sizing: Women’s S-L, men’s S-L
Warranty: None
What we like: comfortable, moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating, medical grade, padded toe, reinforced heel, arch support
What we didn’t like: price
We chose the STOX Merino Hiking Compression socks as the best medical-grade compression socks for hiking because they’re comfortable, moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating, and developed with those working in the medical field to ensure optimal performance.
The compression rating on the STOX Merino Hiking sock is 23-32mmHg (Class 2), which we thought sounded like an awful lot, but we were pleasantly surprised when we first put them on. We expected serious compression, but our Treeline Review writer Ebony Roberts reported that this level of compression was incredibly comfortable and not at all “too much” for a first-time compression sock wearer.
stox merino hiking socks
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
Treeline Review writer Ebony Roberts hiking in the Stox Energy Outdoor socks, compression socks for hiking, near Squamish, BC, Canada. Photo by Steve Redmond.
STOX Merino Hiking socks are 51% polyamide (nylon), 39% merino wool and 10% elastane. They’re knit using a circular-knitting technique on advanced medical machines to achieve accurate graduated compression.
Their textile engineers work with a team of medical experts (STOX’s medical board is made up of a vascular surgeon and the head of medical affairs at a professional soccer club) to create socks with top-of-the-line performance.
They feature a padded toe and cushioned reinforced heel that extends higher up the Achilles which is great for hiking-boot wearers; flat seams don’t rub inside footwear; the material feels good next-to-skin; and the arch support is comfortable without being too tight.
STOX costs nearly twice as much as our everyday pick, the Sockwell Circulator, but if you’re looking for seriously impressive construction and tighter compression, we think the STOX Merino Hiking sock is your best bet.
For fast hikers and those trekking in hot summer temperatures, or who like to wear a low profile trail runner or lightweight hiking shoe, the STOX Sport sock (men’s and women’s) is lightweight and technical but has the same grade of compression.
They’re a synthetic blend — 53% polyamide (nylon), 33% polypropylene (a type of performance fabric), and 14% elastane — and were noticeably thinner when worn next to the Outdoor sock. The toe and heel are padded, but the heel isn’t as reinforced as the Outdoor version. There’s banding around the ankle and mid-section of the foot that hugs the foot comfortably. If you plan to really work up a sweat on the trail, the Sport is a worthy consideration.
Best Double-Layer Hiking Socks: WRIGHTSOCK SILVER ESCAPE CREW
Inner Yarn: 65% Dri-WRIGHT ll polyester/26% nylon/5% silver/4%Lycra spandex; outer: 68% Dri-WRIGHT ll polyester/24% nylon/8% Lycra spandex
Outer Yarn: 68% Dri-WRIGHT ll polyester, 24% nylon, 8% Lycra spandex
Cushion: Light
Length options: ¼ crew, crew
Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women’s 4-12 and US men’s 5-14)
Warranty: Lifetime
Wrightsock is known for its double-layer construction—it’s like a liner sock and outer sock in one—and its no-blister guarantee. The double-layer construction on the Double Layer Silver Escape Crew can be tricky to get on your foot correctly. Because there are two layers, you have to pay special attention to ensure there aren’t any folds or bumps in the inner layer. And once you’re hiking, the inner layer can and does move to where it shouldn’t be. I’ve also found that over time, the two layers become separated to the point where the socks are sloppy and unusable. They’ve added 5% silver to the yarn to inhibit bacteria growth and keep odors down. We’ve found this moderately effective.
Despite the no-blister guarantee, I’ve purchased and hiked thousands of miles in Wrightsocks and, unfortunately, I’ve got plenty of blisters in them. If you experience blisters, you can send them back with the original sales receipt and proof of purchase for your money back.
Still, we know hikers who will only hike in Wrightsocks. They claim that they never get blisters wearing Wrightsocks, and the Wrightsocks keep their feet noticeably cooler than any other sock they’ve tried. If you suffer from hot feet and can’t find a solution, the Wrightsocks may be the sock for you.
WRIGHTSOCK DOUBLE LAYER SILVER ESCAPE CREW HIKING SOCKS
The Darn Tough Light Hiker is a less cushioned version of our overall winner that’s a good bet for folks who don’t like the extra volume of highly cushioned socks.
OTHER GREAT HIKING SOCKS
During our research, we developed basic criteria to measure the hundreds of socks out there. These were other socks we researched and tested that were promising, but ultimately didn’t make our winners list. Still, if you find these socks, we think they’re worth your consideration.
DARN TOUGH LIGHT HIKER
Yarn: 54% nylon, 43% merino, 3% Lycra
Cushion: Light
Length options: No show, Micro crew, Quarter, Crew
Sizing: Women’s S-L (US 4.5-11.5) and Men’s S-XXL (US 5.5-17)
The light cushion version of our overall winner, the Darn Tough Light Hiker is a much-beloved sock. The Light Hiker has many features we liked in its medium-cushioned sibling but was less durable. We also think most hikers—regardless of how rocky their trail is or how heavy their pack is—benefit from the extra cushion in the midweight Darn Tough that we recommend. Still, the Light Hiker is a great sock, and hikers in warmer climates or with lighter pack weights may prefer it, especially the ¼ height version.
DARN TOUGH LIGHT HIKER
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
ICEBREAKER HIKE+ LIGHT CREW
Yarn (women's): 51% nylon, 47% merino wool, 2% Lycra
Yarn (men's): 61% merino wool, 37% nylon, 2% Lycra
Cushion: Light
Length options: ¼ crew, crew
Sizing: Women’s S-L (US 5.5-11); Men’s S-XL (US 7-14.5)
Warranty: Lifetime
I’ve purchased and hiked thousands of miles in several different pairs of Icebreaker socks. My favorite was the Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew, which is one of the highest-ranking Icebreaker socks on the market.
However, lack of durability came up in multiple reviews, which lines up with our experience as well. Wirecutter says the Hike+ “showed signs of wear more quickly than the other models we tested.” For us, that just won’t cut it. However, Icebreaker does offer a lifetime warranty, much like Darn Tough and Farm to Feet, our two winners. If you can find these on sale, they may be worth it.
ICEBREAKER HIKE+ LIGHT CREW HIKING SOCKS
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
Yarn: 88% DRYNAMIX recycled polyester 8% nylon 4% elastane
Cushion: Medium
Length options: No show, quarter, crew
Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women’s 6-15.5 and US men’s 4.5-14)
Warranty: One year for manufacturer defects
The Balega Enduro socks are incredibly comfortable socks with a lot of cushion. These socks just feel good against your feet. However, we noticed that the Enduros felt a little slick on the bottom in our trail runners. We prefer a little more grippiness in our socks. We think these are better as a running sock rather than a hiking sock. We hope Balega will come out with a similar version as a hiking or backpacking sock.
BALEGA ENDURO SOCKS
Yarn: 92% nylon, 8% Spandex
Cushion: Light
Length options: No show, quarter crew, mini crew
Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women’s 4-13 and US men’s 6-13)
Warranty: Lifetime
Another fully synthetic option, the Feetures Elite Light Quarter Cushion socks tick a lot of the boxes: they’re anatomical (meaning designated left and right socks), they have targeted compression, and they don’t have a toe seam. However, while they’re marketed as moisture-wicking, I found they actually made my feet sweaty. Also, the fabric felt a little too slick in my trail runners. Overall, I found the Darn Tough Coolmax socks to be the better synthetic option.
FEETURES ELITE LIGHT CUSHION SOCKS
Yarn: 65% Merino Wool, 33% Nylon, 2% Spandex (varies depending on sock length)
Cushion: Medium
Length options: No show, mini crew, quarter crew, crew, boot, mid-calf, knee
Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women’s 5-15 and US men’s 3-15)
Warranty: Unclear
With a yarn similar to the Darn Tough Hiker, the Swiftwick Pursuit Four socks hit that sweet spot of medium cushioning and breathability. They have a little bit of compression around the heel and arch of the foot which makes for a nice, comfortable fit. However, the latest version replaced olefin fibers with nylon, and we’re not convinced that’s a good thing. We also prefer the gender-specific sizing of Darn Tough socks over the unisex sizing of the Swiftwick. Right now, the options are fairly limited in patterns and colors but we hope that more will become available.
SWIFTWICK PURSUIT FOUR HIKING SOCKS
Yarn: 33% polyester/33% merino wool/31% nylon/3% elastane
Cushion: Medium
Length options: Crew
Sizing: Unisex S-L (US women’s 5-14 and US men’s 3-13)
Warranty: Lifetime (for Infiknit™ products only)
Stance is a relative newcomer to the sock market. The Stance Divide ST sock was liked by both Switchback Travel and Clever Hiker, so we thought we’d check them out.
We liked the anatomical fit and targeted arch support. Our biggest complaint? We found their sizing is too broad. For example, the large fits men’s sizes 9 through 13, an astonishing five shoe sizes. This means a sloppy fit on the smaller end of the scale and socks that are stretched too thin on the larger end of the scale. For that reason alone, we don’t recommend them.
STANCE FEEL 360 SOCK
Montbell Merino Wool Travel Sock
Yarn: 49% Wool, 21% Polyester, 18% Nylon, 12% Polyurethane
Cushion: None
Length options: Crew
Sizing: men's 4-12, women's 5-11
Warranty: Lifetime
We were intrigued by the affordable Montbell Merino Wool Travel sock. It uses core-spun technology for extra durability–the only Montbell sock that has this feature. The Core-spun technology uses a polyester core-in-sheath technology. It also uses Wickron, found in all Montbell socks, to increase quick dry and moisture wicking.
We chose to test these socks because they are the thinnest and lightest Montbell makes, even though they are marketed for travel. Ultimately, we found they didn't provide the support and structure we like in a hiking sock. Next time, we'll test one of their more supportive options that have more Lycra or elastic to maintain a held-in feel and prevent slippage while hiking.
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
To find the best hiking socks, we tested dozens of pairs of socks from the desert to the forest to the beach to the mountains.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE HIKING SOCKS FOR YOU
We can’t emphasize this enough—fit matters! A poor-fitting hiking sock can turn your perfectly fitting shoes or boots into a nightmare. Take the time to find the best socks for your needs. You won’t regret it.
HIKING SOCK SIZING
Every manufacturer has its own hiking sock sizing; some are unisex and others are gender-distinct. All manufacturers we tested use the small / medium / large sizing bands, with some going up to XXL. The sizing bands are based on shoe sizes, but the sizes within each band vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer. The narrower the bands, the better the fit will be. For example, men’s Smartwool sizing bands cover 3 ½ shoe sizes in each sock size (e.g., men’s 9-11.5), while Darn Tough sizing covers 2 ½ to 3 shoe sizes (e.g., women’s 10-11.5) in each sock size. Look for no more than 3 ½ shoe sizes in each sock size.
If you’re on the cusp between sizes, like me, I’d highly recommend trying on both sizes. I’ve hiked in both medium and large Darn Tough socks, and I’ve found that the mediums are too tight around my toes. I like my toes to have as much room as possible, so I go with the larger size to accommodate them. That said, my experience may be different from yours. Our editor Liz Thomas has the same size feet as me but prefers the mediums over the larges as she feels the large takes up too much volume in her shoes and finds loose fabric to feel sloppy. As with all socks decisions, go with what feels right for your feet.
We’re partial to the Treeline design on the Darn Tough Light Hiker socks. They are our favorite!
SOCK PATTERNS AND DESIGNS
We’re not gonna lie. We like fun patterns and designs in our socks (and we’re kind of partial to Darn Tough’s design—the Treeline Micro Crew Cushion, which we gift to new writers during the holiday season). Manufacturers have gotten the message and most brands offer a wide range of colors and patterns.
RESPONSIBLE WOOL STANDARD
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary certification that means manufacturers are following strict guidelines to protect both the sheep and the land they graze on. The focus of the certification is on progressive and sustainable farming practices. If this is important to you, all Darn Tough socks are RWS certified, as are the REI Merino Wool Lightweight socks.
MEN’S VS WOMEN’S HIKING SOCKS
All of our top picks, with the exception of the REI Lightweight Merino, come in men’s and women’s versions. But no matter how you identify, fitting to your body is the most important thing. We know plenty of women hikers who wear men’s socks and/or trail runners because they just fit better. Similarly, men with narrow or low-volume feet may find a better fit in a women’s sock. Finding the right fit for you is what’s important, not what’s on the label. Better fitting socks mean they will last longer, feel more comfortable, and better reduce the chance of moisture or blisters. To see more details about the differences between men’s and women’s socks, jump to the What Are the Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Socks? section.
HIKING SOCK LENGTH
Hiking sock length is an important thing to consider when buying a sock. We get into details of lengths below as well as present questions you can ask yourself that will help guide you to the correct length.
HIKING SOCK CUSHION
Hiking sock cushion is another important thing to consider. See the detailed discussion of cushion below as well as questions you can ask yourself to help you find the right hiking sock cushion for your needs.
The Smartwool PhD Outdoor sock is one of the shortest socks we considered. Photo by Brian Davidson.
At crew height, the Farm to Feet was one of the longest socks we considered. However, the height provides extra warmth and leg protection, especially in the winter. Photo by Brian Davidson.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING SOCK LENGTH
Most of our hiking sock picks come in different heights. The options, from shortest to longest, are listed below. To choose the right length of hiking sock, see our How to Choose the Right Length of Hiking Sock section.
A muddy sock tester wearing the Darn Tough Hiker no-show socks and Saucony shoes.
Sock Lengths
NO-SHOW
No-show socks are below the ankle. We don’t recommend this length for hiking socks because we tend to get more rocks and debris in our shoes when we wear no-show socks. In addition, the back of your heel that is not covered by the sock is more likely to blister.
QUARTER CREW
A quarter crew sock, or ankle sock, just covers the ankle.
MICRO CREW
Micro crew socks, or ¾ crew socks, sit about 2” above the ankle.
CREW (BELOW MID-CALF)
Crew socks sit about an inch below-mid-calf.
BOOT (SLIGHTLY BELOW MID-CALF)
Boot socks are just slightly below mid-calf. If you have large calves, these can sometimes be too constricting.
MID-CALF
Mid-calf socks hit right at mid-calf and are about an inch above boot socks.
KNEE
Knee socks come all the way up to the knee.
The Darn Tough Light hiker sock on a hike at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California. This sock is great for day hiking and shorter hikes.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LENGTH OF HIKING SOCK
To choose the proper sock length for you, ask yourself the following questions:
WHAT FOOTWEAR ARE YOU WEARING?
In general, you want your socks to be at least as high as the footwear you’re wearing. For example, we wouldn’t recommend a no-show sock with a full hiking boot. That’s a recipe for blisters, bunching, and a bad hiking day. But socks that are higher than your footwear are completely fine—some people just prefer crew socks over ankle socks.
WHAT ARE THE TRAIL CONDITIONS?
If you’re usually hiking on well-maintained trails, then lower socks will work fine. But if you plan on doing any off-trail bushwhacking then we’d recommend crew sock height at a minimum to help protect your legs from pokes and scratches.
ARE YOU WEARING GAITERS?
We’ve found that no-show socks + trail runners - gaiters = lots of debris in our shoes. The no-show height almost seems to collect dirt and rocks. So, if you’re a die-hard no-show sock fan, we’d highly recommend investing in a set of lightweight gaiters (which cover your ankle and the top of your shoe to keep out dust, dirt, and rocks).
DO YOU LIKE COMPRESSION?
Some hikers prefer to hike in a dedicated compression sock or use a compression sock for recovery. None of the socks we chose are labeled as dedicated compression socks. However, if you find benefits to some compression, a boot-length or even knee-length option may be preferable for you. Additionally, most compression socks are higher length and can sometimes provide warmth and protection from wind and snow during early Spring and Late Fall Shoulder Season hiking.
LIGHTWEIGHT GAITERS
ALTRA GAITERS
ULTRA GAM ANKLE GAITERS
Thinner socks work with light weight shoes for running and shorter dayhikes, like this classic hike on the Continental Divide Trail at Herman Gulch in Colorado. They also work for thru-hikes and backpacking trips, but may need to be replaced more often than thicker cushioned socks. Photo by Samantha Aroo.
What to Know about HIKING SOCK CUSHION
Many of our picks also come in different weights. The spectrum runs from ultralight to heavy (although some manufacturers have even more refined categories). Keep in mind that in general, more cushion means more insulation. Heavy cushioning is often found in winter hiking socks. To choose which cushion hiking sock is best for you, see our How to Choose Your Sock Cushioning section.
ULTRALIGHT CUSHIONING
Ultralight socks usually have no cushion—they use thin fabric throughout the sock. These socks work best in hot desert conditions because they are extremely breathable. They also work well when you need a low-volume sock.
LIGHT CUSHIONING
Light socks have minimal cushion, usually only in targeted critical zones like the heel and ball of the foot. They are meant for moisture management—breathability and wickability—so they work well for warm weather. The Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Print Crew and the Darn Tough Light Hiker is an example of a light cushioned sock we like.
MEDIUM CUSHIONING
Medium-weight socks have thicker material and more substantial cushioning that you can see and feel. The cushion provides more comfort for long days on the trail. Medium cushioning socks work well for moderate to cold conditions.
HEAVY CUSHIONING
Heavyweight socks have full, thick cushioning and thick fabric throughout the sock. These are best for extremely cold conditions and mountaineering.
None of our picks are heavy full cushion socks. Why? A thick sock, while it might last forever, is overkill for most 3-season hiking and backpacking. Your feet will likely be too warm, they’ll sweat—and that’s a recipe for discomfort and blisters.
HOW TO CHOOSE SOCK CUSHIONING: SHOULD I GET LIGHTWEIGHT OR MID-WEIGHT SOCKS?
You may enjoy having thicker socks on wet trips or socks where mud may be rubbing against the fabric. We experienced both those conditions on the Great Divide Trail in the Canadian Rockies. Photo by Liz Thomas.
Deciding between lightweight cushioned or mid-weight cushioned socks? Ask yourself these questions:
WHAT’S THE CLIMATE?
If you’re going to be hiking in hot weather, we recommend a lightweight sock. Extra cushioning means extra insulation and lightweight socks will be more breathable to help keep your feet cooler. They also have less volume which helps prevent blisters because feet tend to swell while hiking in the heat. For warm to cold weather, we’d recommend either lightweight or midweight socks.
HOW DO MY SHOES OR BOOTS FIT?
If you don’t have a lot of extra space in your shoes or boots, you might need to go with lightweight socks. Overcrowding your footwear leads to hot spots, which in turn leads to blisters. A lack of air circulation will lead to sweaty feet, which also leads to blisters. However, if your shoes or boots have some extra space, the midweight sock will help fill out the extra space properly.
DO MY SHOES OR BOOTS HAVE MIDSOLES?
Footwear that is not midsole cushioned may demand highly cushioned socks or insoles for comfort (think board-lasted Italian leather boots or fancy dress shoes). If your trail runners or hiking boots have a good midsole, you’ll need less cushion.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN’S AND WOMEN’S HIKING SOCKS?
FIT
Men’s and women’s Darn Tough Hikers (women’s in the back is in quarter crew and men’s in the front is in crew length). Photo by Liz Thomas
Generally, there are anatomical differences between men’s and women’s feet, which is why we have men’s and women’s shoes. Women's socks have a slimmer heel profile and a narrower fit through the foot than men's socks. Also, the calf opening is larger in men's socks to accommodate men’s (generally) larger calves.
But no matter how you identify, fit to your body is the most important thing. Don’t worry about the gender labels and do what works best for you.
SOCK HEIGHT
The height of the sock is lower for women’s socks than men’s, especially in the crew version. This is because men are (generally) taller than women.
YARN
You may have noticed that some women’s socks have slightly different fabric content than men’s. For example, in our top pick, the Darn Tough Hiker Midweight, the women’s has 59% merino wool, 39% nylon, and 2% Lycra Spandex. The men’s version of the same sock has 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% Lycra Spandex.
We asked Darn Tough about why the men’s and women’s versions are different. They said it primarily comes down to the “small difference in design for men's versus women's sizing.”
We also noticed that the Coolmax Hiker Cushion socks have even larger differences in yarn composition. For example, the women’s has 58% Coolmax while the men’s only has 34% Coolmax. Darn Tough responded, “The composition in all synthetic Coolmax socks can vary a bit more and is different depending on yarn colors, etc. We don’t actually use the same exact yarns for each. We mix in non-Coolmax polyesters/acrylics mostly for color matching, etc. but the function is the same.”
The Swiftwick Pursuit Four Quarter Crew on a hike in the Columbia River Gorge, Washington. Photo by Naomi Hudetz.
Common Questions about Hiking Socks
Here are some common questions readers also ask while choosing the right socks for them. While each person’s needs are different, asking these questions found below will help you find the perfect match.
CAN I HIKE IN COTTON SOCKS?
Short answer: we know it’s tempting, but don’t do it. Cotton may be soft, but it is one of the worst fabrics for hiking and backpacking clothing—including socks. Cotton soaks up water (which is why cotton towels are so great) and takes forever to dry. That’s exactly what you don’t want in a hiking sock or even walking socks. Moreover, we’ve found that durability is not the strong suit of a cotton sock. Stick with wool or synthetic material. This REI guide explains why cotton isn’t a great fabric to wear outdoors.
SHOULD I WEAR A SOCK LINER WITH MY HIKING BOOTS?
Wearing a sock liner used to be popular with hikers and backpackers to keep feet dry and reduce friction. However, most high-quality walking socks made today have superior moisture-wicking properties such that a sock liner isn’t necessary (and may even be counterproductive). But if you’re used to wearing a liner sock with your heavy boots, you should continue with what works for you.
The Balega Endura are soft and have a lot of cushion. Photo by Naomi Hudetz
DO I NEED WATERPROOF SOCKS?
Waterproof socks are generally used in very specific situations, such as:
Sustained sections of snow-covered trail (e.g., the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado in the spring).
Hiking up canyon creeks (e.g., sections of the Hayduke Trail)
Many folks will use a waterproof sock with their hiking socks as a Do-It-Yourself winter hiking sock while snowshoeing or hiking snowy trails that require ice traction.
However, for normal hiking conditions, we generally don’t recommend them. As your feet sweat during the day, waterproof socks may end up trapping moisture inside the sock, which can be a recipe for chafing and blisters. If you expect cooler conditions, one alternative may be to opt for a ski sock.
How do I take care of my feet while hiking or backpacking?
We’re so glad you asked! We’re such believers in taking care of your feet that we have an entire article devoted to it!
Should I get wool or synthetic hiking socks?
Asking whether wool yarn or synthetic yarn is better is a little like asking which is better: a down or synthetic jacket?
We generally find wool socks stay warm when wet and generally keeps its shape better than synthetic socks.
Wool may be more sustainable, as synthetic materials often come from petroleum. However, the most sustainable decision is to get the best sock for you and wear it as long as you can. The best sock for you is the one that feels comfortable and works with your feet.
Should I also get special insoles for my hiking shoes?
Great question! We have an entire article dedicated to the benefits of wearing insoles with your hiking footwear.
Testing out several socks side-by-side on a 800-mile thru-hike of the Great Divide Trail in the Canadian Rockies. Photo by Liz Thomas
buying advice
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the hiking sock choices, you’re not alone. Not only are there a plethora of hiking sock manufacturers out there, but the choices within each manufacturer are staggering. All of the socks reviewed here meet a basic criteria to ensure a baseline level of quality. Aside from this, we considered other factors such as materials, durability, wickability, odor control, and warranty to choose our winners in each category as well as our honorable mentions.
Here’s how we approached it:
HIKING SOCK MATERIALS / YARN
The most important criterion for quality hiking socks is the fabric or yarn that the sock is made of. We eliminated all socks with cotton in them (see Can I hike in cotton socks?) and only considered socks made with merino wool fibers or synthetic material.
Merino Wool
Experts agree: the best material for hiking socks is merino wool. Why, you ask?
Merino helps regulate your body temperature. When it’s cold outside, it traps the warm air from your feet and provides insulation. When it’s warm, merino transports sweat away from your skin.
Merino transports moisture away as a vapor, rather than a liquid. Synthetic wicking fabrics transport moisture as a liquid, so merino wool effectively skips the step of waiting for the sweat to turn from a vapor to a liquid. This helps keep your feet dryer and helps keep away the stench.
It’s natural and sustainable. One Merino sheep can produce 4 to 5 pounds of wool per year!
It’s more affordable and widely available than other wools like alpaca.
Merino socks need to be washed less and are more durable than cotton or synthetic socks, reducing environmental impact.
And while all this might seem too good to be true, there are plenty of scientific studies to back it all up.
However, it’s important to note that not all merino is created equal—and higher merino content doesn’t necessarily mean a better sock. For example, Darn Tough uses merino wool fibers that aren’t blended with nylon or polyester. Rather, they reinforce the sock with nylon and lycra for fit and durability. Another great example? Smartwool has spent two years developing its Indestructawool technology. They claim it makes their “toughest socks yet" and can be found in most of the new models of Smartwool hiking socks.
Farm to Feet socks use USA wool in their USA-made socks. Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas on a day hike in Colorado. Photo by Brian Davidson
NYLON
Nylon is a very strong synthetic fiber that adds durability to a fabric weave and reduces drying time. It’s usually blended with other fibers.
POLYESTER OR COOLMAX
Polyester is also a synthetic fiber. It’s hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t absorb much fluid and dries relatively quickly. Coolmax is the brand name of a specific polyester fabric that makes it easier for your feet to thermoregulate.
SPANDEX, LYCRA, OR ELASTANE
Spandex is an elastic fiber that can stretch up to 5 times its length (think spandex bike shorts). Most hiking socks contain a small amount of spandex. This helps the sock keep its shape and helps stop it from bunching up or falling down.
DURABILITY
Hiking socks need to be durable. They take a lot of abuse over the course of a single day (not to mention the months spent on a thru-hike). Rocks, dirt, grit, dust, sweat, rain, mud, snow—it’s astonishing that any sock can withstand these conditions. But all of our picks have the track record to prove it.
Durability also means that the socks come out of the washer still looking—and, importantly, fitting—like new. Socks that lose their ability to fit snugly are useless (they’ll start to rub and cause blisters) and will quickly end up at the bottom of your sock drawer.
The Point 6 socks developed holes in less than 200 miles on our Pacific Crest Trail hike. Here, our tester shows them off at a trailhead near Whitewater, CA. Photo by Liz Thomas
WICKABILITY / BREATHABILITY
Good hiking socks should be breathable and help to regulate the temperature of your foot. Your feet should stay cool in the heat and warm in the cold. A quality hiking sock should be moisture wicking, meaning it pulls moisture away from the surface of the skin on your foot to prevent blisters. (Plus, no one wants to hike with sweaty feet.) All of the socks we tested were highly rated in both of these categories.
ODOR CONTROL
Wool has long been known to control odors incredibly well, and wool socks are no exception. On multi-day backpacking trips, this means your socks won’t likely smell until day four or so—though your mileage may vary. (Pun very much intended.) See our Best Sports Detergent guide for tough sports wash that may be able to help.
WARRANTY
A lifetime sock warranty is an amazing thing, and our own experience proves this isn’t a gimmick. While every product has a reasonable life expectancy, we like knowing that a product will be replaced if it doesn’t live up to expectations. While we didn’t make this a requirement for all of our picks, we certainly considered it as a very important part of the overall picture.
Let your feet air during breaks, like this snack break on top of Mt. Whitney. Photo by Liz Thomas.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HIKING SOCKS
In general, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to give your socks their longest life. However, we’ve found that we get the most life out of our socks if we wash them in cold water inside out and line dry them.
You’ll extend the life of your socks if you air dry, so avoid using the dryer if at all possible. In addition, don’t use fabric softener on your socks, as it can affect their breathability and moisture wickability.
We also highly recommend pre-washing your socks before putting them in with the rest of your laundry, especially after an extended backpacking trip or during a thru-hike. Rinse them in the sink or bathtub until the water is relatively clear, then add them to the laundry. The rest of your clothes (and your socks!) will thank you.
Is persistent stink the issue with your hiking socks? We delve into solutions for lingering odor in our guide to The Best Sports Detergent.
AUTHOR’S EXPERTISE / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
I’ve logged a few thousand miles during my thru-hiking career—all of them while wearing socks. Some of my favorite long-distance hikes (ok, they’re all my favorite) include the Triple Crown (Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail), Pacific Northwest Trail, Great Divide Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Arizona Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Idaho Centennial Trail, Blue Mountains Trail, among others.
On my first thru-hike, I didn’t pay as much attention to socks as I should have—and I paid the price. I got blisters everywhere—between my toes, on my lower ankle, at the bottom base of my toes. I even had a blister under a callus!
As a result, I’ve become mildly obsessed, searching for the perfect pair of socks ever since. Our overall winner, the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight, is the closest thing I’ve found.
All of our opinions and recommendations are based on personal purchases of the models that made our shortlist and our own experience hiking thousands of miles with the models we describe. We don’t accept native advertising or sponsored content.
You can see all of Naomi’s Treeline Review stories on her author page.
