Travel Products Activity + Adventure Camping + Hiking The Best Hiking Socks to Stave off Blisters, Cold Feet, and More From do-it-all hiking socks to the best for blister prevention and winter treks, these are the pairs outdoor experts swear by. By Maggie Slepian Maggie Slepian Instagram Website Maggie Slepian is a full-time writer in the outdoor world with a decade of gear-testing experience Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 1, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski Hiking-specific socks are more important than you might think. They’re designed to be worn for extended periods of time without rubbing or bunching, and many of them have targeted cushioning through the sole and around the toes and heels for comfort over long miles. Some of our favorite styles are built with arch support and light compression through the cuff and are made with materials specific for high-output activity. The best hiking socks are composed of a combination of natural fibers for wicking and odor resistance as well as synthetic fibers for durability and structure. The most effective hiking socks will help keep blisters at bay, won’t sag or bunch, and are comfortable for long periods of time in everything from deep winter to humid summer hikes. The pairs we’ve recommended below have served us well over many trail miles, lasting multiple days between washes. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Darn Tough Vermont Women's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: REI Co-op Crew Socks at REI Jump to Review Best Odor Resistance: Smartwool Cushion Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best Compression: Swiftwick Aspire 12 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Blister Prevention: Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best Liner: Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Tough Cutie Crew at REI Jump to Review Best Quarter Socks: Darn Tough Vermont Hiker 1/4 Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Winter: Smartwool Crew Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Best Max Cushion: Paka Costa Socks at Pakaapparel.com Jump to Review Best Overall Darn Tough Vermont Women's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock Darn Tough View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI Why We Love It This do-it-all sock can handle multi-day wear and is as comfortable on the trail as it is in town. What to Consider These socks tend to run small. If you’re between sizes, consider sizing up. Darn Tough has made a name for itself with top-of-the-line materials and construction along with their lifetime warranty. These socks are a mid-range classic for the brand, falling right in the middle of cushioning level and made with over 50 percent of odor-resistant, thermoregulating merino that gives them an all-season applicability. Like all Darn Tough socks, they’re made in Vermont. These are tightly knit with stellar durability and minimal seam construction that avoids rubbing against your skin. These socks also have the extra support around the arch and cushioning at the heel, toe, and ankle that we love to see in our hiking socks. Even when worn on a multi-day hiking trip, the Hiker Crew Midweight stays as odor-free as just about any you’ll find on the outdoor market. All of these top-tier attributes come without excessive bulk. Find the men’s version here. Price at time of publish: $27 The Details: 59 percent merino, 39 percent nylon, 2 percent lycra | Crew | Medium cushioning Best Budget REI Co-op Merino Wool Midweight Crew Socks REI Co-op View On REI Why We Love It It’s a budget-friendly merino option that holds up to the pricier sock companies. What to Consider The toes can get stretched out over long-term use. When it comes to hiking socks, you aren’t going to get the wide range of prices like you do with larger items. But these merino hiking socks save you a few bucks compared to similar pairs, with heel and toe reinforcements and support through the Achilles for extra comfort on long days. These socks are technically medium cushion, but they fall on the plush side of the category, with slightly more padding through the footbed and around the heel than other mid-range merino socks. While there are cheaper options out there, we don’t recommend going totally budget with hiking socks, as the construction and quality materials are what will keep your feet dry from sweat, blister-free (hopefully), and last for years longer than less costly pairs or anything made with cotton. Price at time of publish: $20 The Details: 81 percent merino, 18 percent nylon, 1 percent lycra | Crew | Medium cushioning Best Odor Resistance Smartwool Men's Performance Hike Light Cushion Socks Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Academy.com Why We Love It These can be worn multiple days in a row without smelling, and they hold their shape remarkably well. What to Consider Some hikers might prefer more underfoot cushion. Socks made with a blend of natural fibers are naturally odor resistant, but these hold up to multiple days on a trail, sweaty hikes and runs, and can air dry back to pretty much their original stink-free status for longer than many others we’ve worn. They also hold their shape remarkably well thanks to two percent elastane in the body of the sock and a tightly knit cuff that doesn’t slide down but isn’t too tight to feel constricting. The Performance series was previously called PhD Outdoor and focuses on higher output activities with durability and comfort in mind. To increase the longevity, these socks are made with reinforcement fibers in places where socks are more likely to get worn out, which also helps maintain their structure. Find the women's version here. Price at time of publish: $24 The Details: 56 percent merino, 42 percent nylon, 2 percent elastane | Crew | Light cushioning The 16 Best Hiking Shoes and Boots of 2023 Best Compression Swiftwick Aspire 12 Amazon View On Amazon View On Swiftwick.com Why We Love It Light, gradient compression is supportive without feeling suffocating. What to Consider These have very minimal cushioning. Swiftwick’s Aspire socks have moderate managed compression (which means equal pressure throughout) with 20-30 mmHg in the ankle. These come in five heights, but we’ve listed the tallest model for maximum compression benefits. These socks are lightweight, durable, and comfortable for all-day wear. The full calf-length height wraps your lower legs in a breathable, smooth olefin-nylon-spandex fabric, but they have the least cushioning out of any on our list, so we’d recommend wearing shoes with increased midsole cushioning for longer hikes. Price at time of publish: $30 The Details: Nylon, spandex, olefin | Knee | Light cushioning Best for Blister Prevention Balega Blister Resist Quarter Socks REI View On Amazon View On REI View On Academy.com Why We Love It They're perfect for dynamic sports like basketball in addition to trail running and hiking. What to Consider These socks do need to be washed more often than other pairs on this list. These socks are made with 30 percent mohair, which gives them an incredibly soft next-to-skin feel. “Drynamix'' is a polyester with dedicated moisture-management properties, which also helps keep your feet as dry as possible, reducing the instances of blisters from sweaty feet or damp socks. This dedicated design to blister prevention makes these our top pick for hikers who might be prone to rubbing or sore spots, and they’re even built with a seamless toe box to eliminate the chances of toe rub against the front of the sock. Price at time of publish: $20 The Details: 32 percent nylon, 32 percent polyester, 30 percent mohair, 4 percent microfiber, 2 percent elastane | ¼ crew | Medium cushioning Best Liner Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks Moosejaw View On Amazon View On REI View On Tradeinn.com Why We Love It Toe separation can help prevent blisters between your toes. What to Consider Toe socks take some getting used to and don’t work for all feet. Toe socks aren’t for everyone, but when they work, they really work. These unique socks separate each toe into its own little sleeve (think gloves for your feet) and prevent blisters and rubbing between your toes from skin-on-skin friction. They might take some getting used to, but wearing them as a liner under another pair of light-cushion hiking socks can be a reliable strategy for maximum moisture wicking and blister prevention. These are one of the lightest Injinji models, made for wearing underneath another pair of socks. Built with specific sweat-wicking materials with Coolmax EcoMade polyester, these socks have efficient thermoregulating properties that keep your feet cool and dry. These are popular under compression socks, providing a wicking layer without bulk. Price at time of publish: $12 The Details: 75 percent polyester, 21 percent nylon, 4 percent lycra | Crew | Light cushioning The Best Hiking Gear of 2023 Best Lightweight Tough Cutie Eve Lightweight Hiker Crew Tough Cutie View On REI View On Toughcutie.com Why We Love It They’re designed and made by women in the U.S. What to Consider These only come in a women’s model, though we’re pretty sure men can wear them and be just fine. These merino and nylon blend socks have a solid combo of materials to make a wicking, comfortable pair of socks that don’t lose their structure or shape after several seasons of use. We like the varied compression throughout the sock, offering more support throughout the ankle and lower calf and arch to stay comfortable longer during long days on the trail or higher-impact movements. Like most good hiking socks, the blend of merino and nylon keeps feet cool and dry, wicking sweat and helping keep blisters at bay, and the crew height is ideal for pairing with hiking boots. Price at time of publish: $25 The Details: 45 percent merino, 51 percent nylon, 4 percent spandex | Crew | Light cushioning The 11 Best Compression Socks for Women of 2023 Best Quarter Socks Darn Tough Vermont Hiker 1/4 Socks Amazon View On Amazon View On REI Why We Love It These socks stay put with a super secure cross-woven cuff. What to Consider Like other Darn Tough models, they run small, according to some people. While most hiking socks are crew socks to help prevent debris from entering your shoes (and for some abrasion protection) some hikers prefer shorter socks, especially if they’re combining hiking and running. A quarter sock is a good blend between crew height and no-show, allowing for a short cuff — 1 to 2 inches — above the top of a low-rise hiking shoe. The Darn Tough 1/4 Socks are perfect for hikers who prefer less fabric around their ankle and are made with a higher percentage of merino for extra odor resistance without feeling too warm. These have a cross-woven cuff that helps the socks stay secure around the ankle, and like others on this list, are good for a few wears between washes. Find the women’s model here. Price at time of publish: $21 The Details: 61 percent merino, 37 percent nylon, 2 percent spandex | ¼ crew | Medium cushioning Best for Winter Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew Socks Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On REI Why We Love It Classic style and high-tech materials combine to make a terrific cold-weather sock What to Consider These socks are thick enough that your winter hiking boots might feel tight For those winter hikes where you’re stomping through snow or strapping on snowshoes, look no further than these ultra-cushioned, warm winter hiking socks. These are a classic sock in the style of retro mountaineering apparel and have a hefty weight and thick knit to stay toasty on the coldest hikes. They’re are the warmest socks in Smartwool’s lineup and have full underfoot cushioning as well as a lofted merino knit. These socks provide excellent protection from the cold when paired with insulated hiking boots, but keep in mind that they are thick enough to change the fit of tighter boots, so you might need to adjust the boot lacing or look for a slightly larger-fitting pair when you wear socks with this much extra bulk. Find the women’s socks here. Price at time of publish: $26 The Details: 74 percent merino, 25 percent nylon, 1 percent elastane | Crew | Maximum cushioning Best Max Cushion Paka Costa Socks Paka View On Pakaapparel.com Why We Love It Aside from being super soft, these stay stink-free for longer than other pairs. What to Consider We’d love to see a wider size range. These alpaca-wool blend socks are some of the softest we’ve ever worn. It’s almost surprising to remember they’re actually technical hiking socks … they feel as at home on the trail as they would in front of a cozy fire. These socks are made with the company’s Traceable Alpaca fibers, which means they know where the source materials are coming from, helping ensure humane treatment of the animals involved with the fiber sourcing. The sole of these socks has triple the amount of cushioning as standard day-to-day socks, providing ample padding for long treks on rocks or other jagged terrain. Like merino wool, alpaca fibers are also naturally odor resistant, staying soft and feeling fresh even after long days. Price at time of publish: $24 The Details: 52 percent alpaca fiber, 11 percent Tencel, 36 percent nylon, 1 percent spandex | Crew | Maximum cushioning Best for Backpacking Farm to Feet Damascus 3/4 Crew Amazon View On Amazon View On Farmtofeet.com View On Moosejaw.com Why We Love It Targeted cushioning along the tops of the feet mean long-distance comfort. What to Consider Some people might like more cushioning and arch support underfoot. Taking some of the same targeted top-of-foot cushion we often see on ski socks, Farm to Feet’s Damascus socks help alleviate pressure points from lacing and repetitive motion. Despite looking like a more burly sock, these actually have fairly light cushioning on the bottom, focusing on extra padding around the toes as well as the ribbing on the top. As the brand name implies, these socks are sourced with merino entirely from ranchers in the U.S., made with a blend of merino for warmth and wicking as well as a higher percentage of nylon for structure. We like these for backpacking trips because the higher amount of nylon holds up well after multiple days of use, but the merino helps keep them smelling decent, and the crew height keeps debris out of our shoes. Price at time of publish: $24 The Details: 52 percent nylon, 44 percent merino, 4 percent lycra | Crew | Light cushioning Best Bulk Buy Danish Endurance Merino Wool Cushioned Hiking Socks 3-Pack for Men, Women & Kids, Walking, Trekking, Work, Outdoor Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It These have a similar design to pricier pairs. What to Consider A higher percentage of acrylic means these aren’t as wicking as others. If you’re going to buy your socks in a multipack, look no further than this budget-friendly set of merino-blend hiking socks. They're made with more than 30 percent acrylic, which helps keep the cost lower than socks with a higher percentage of merino or other natural fibers. It also means these socks won’t be quite as odor resistant as pricier pairs, but they have a similar style and build as the other hiking socks on this list, with targeted cushioning to reduce fatigue over miles and seam construction to help reduce blisters and hot spots. We also like these for warm-weather hikes, with ventilation channels in key spots to help keep your feet cool. Price at time of publish: $32 The Details: 30 percent merino, 36 percent nylon, 33 percent acrylic, 1 percent elastane | Crew | Light cushioning Best for Trail Running Smartwool Women's Run Targeted Cushion Pattern Ankle Sock Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It Running-specific cushioning targets where your feet feel the most impact. What to Consider You might want a taller cuff height for bushwhacking trails. Sock height is an individual decision, but many trail runners who aren’t seeking lower-leg compression or abrasion protection prefer lower-rise socks to avoid extra material around their calves.These socks are a perfect compromise between no-show running socks and taller hiking socks, with an ankle-height cuff that keeps some trail crud out of your shoes while feeling light and airy for tougher runs. These have targeted cushioning on the ball of the foot and heel where runners are most likely to feel an impact, as well as seamless toe construction to avoid rubbing. They’re made with over 50 percent merino wool for those wicking, thermoregulating, and odor-resistant properties we love in our active socks. Find the men’s version here. Price at time of publish: $15 The Details: 54 percent merino, 43 percent nylon, 3 percent elastane | Ankle | Light cushioning The 15 Best Running Shoes for Women of 2023 Best Sweat Wicking Point6 37.5 Hiking Essential Light Crew Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It 37.5 Technology fibers paired with merino is incredible for thermoregulating. What to Consider These socks have wider toes than other models, and the material can feel bunchy. These socks are made with 37.5 Technology, which uses natural minerals in its fibers to help maintain an ideal body temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius. That tech, paired with merino’s natural wicking and thermoregulating properties make superb socks that dry quickly and keep your feet from getting clammy in the heat or chilled from sweat in the cold. These socks have a light underfoot cushion and a moderately compressive cuff that stays put during long days. They dry faster than many others on the market, but we’ve found the toe boxes to be somewhat bulky, with a wider build than necessary, especially for people with narrow feet. Price at time of publish: $25 The Details: 56 percent merino, 38 percent nylon, 6 percent elastic | Crew | Light cushioning Tips for Buying Hiking Socks Know your thickness needs Hiking socks come in a few different varieties: light cushion, moderate cushion, and heavy cushion. This impacts protection and how warm the socks feel. We love a moderate cushion for longer days or on trails that have challenging terrain. This might mean rocky, rooty, or otherwise punishing underfoot tread that adds up over the miles. Light cushion socks are great for shorter hikes or for people whose feet tend to get sweatier. We recommend these paired with shoes that have a rock plate or a more padded midsole. Maximum-cushion socks are great for winter hiking and can be worn as cozy camp socks. You typically won’t need these for spring, summer, or fall, and while they’re extra warm and protective, they can feel bulky in trail shoes. Be careful about fit “Correctly fitted socks is an underappreciated aspect of getting your hiking footwear right,” says Hailey Hosken, an avid hiker and trail runner. “When my socks are too big, they bunch at the heel and toe and my skin gets rubbed, sometimes all the way to blisters.” Socks that are too big lead to increased friction, which can lead to blisters and put an end to your day. Socks that are too tight can feel constrictive, cutting off blood circulation and causing leg cramps. Understand the materials Most hiking socks will have a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. The most common combination is merino, nylon, and elastane. The fibers are naturally odor resistant and wicking, helping keep your feet dry during sweaty hikes and also providing warmth during cold outings. The synthetic fibers help with structure and durability, and the smaller percentage of elastane helps with stretch and compression. Look for socks with these materials for the best performance and comfort on the trail, and stay away from cotton hiking socks, as they won’t wick sweat and take a much longer time to dry than merino blends. Frequently Asked Questions Are hiking socks necessary? Since hiking socks provide targeted cushioning to protect your feet along with intentional material combinations to help reduce blisters and keep your feet at an optimal temperature, it’s not a bad idea to wear a hiking-specific pair during your hikes … at least on longer outings. For shorter hikes, most athletic socks will work, just make sure they’re made with sweat-wicking materials. Hosken prefers to hike in hiking-specific socks. “My favorite are my Darn Tough socks,” she says. “I like the crew height, and they’re thick and durable without being too hot, with extra cushion where you need it most.” How do you wash hiking socks? Wash your merino-blend hiking socks like you’d wash any other garment made with natural fibers. We like to machine wash on a gentle cycle with cool water and mild detergent. Avoid hot wash cycles, as they can shrink the wool. We also avoid bleach and fabric softener, as bleach can harm the wool fibers and fabric softener can damage merino’s natural abilities to wick moisture and regulate temperature. Are thick socks better for hiking? Your choice of thickness for hiking socks depends on the weather and how long you’ll be on the trail. We like a moderate cushion for multi-day trips or even full-day hikes. This helps reduce fatigue and soreness underfoot. The thickest hiking socks are great for winter hikes but might feel like too much for warmer weather. Your best bet is a mid-range cushioning that doesn’t go overboard but helps reduce the repeated impact of long days on rocky trails. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Maggie Slepian is an avid hiker, backpacker, and trail runner with more than a decade of professional gear testing experience. She has backpacked thousands of miles, and her hiking and backpacking has taken her from winter peak bagging to coastal backpacking to extended trips in the desert and high alpine. She has two full drawers of hiking and running socks at home, and plenty of upcoming trips to continue testing them on. When researching hiking socks, we spoke with Hailey Hosken, an avid hiker and trail runner. The 12 Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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