Wearing the right footwear is the key to success in every outdoor adventure, but it’s especially important for hiking and backpacking. Our feet are the workhorses that carry the load and take the biggest beating on rough, uneven terrain. Treating our feet right is a tried and true rule to live by in the backcountry.
It’s normal to experience some foot aches and pains, overheating, hot spots and blisters after long days of hiking, but we’ve found that quality socks make a big difference in how long we can keep our feet comfortable and in good shape on trail. That’s why we rigorously tested over 50 pairs of socks in real world scenarios all over the world, pushing their limits from dusty desert routes to muddy, misty, high alpine trails. We’re confident this guide offers the best socks out there for your next hike.
If your old kicks are starting to wear a little thin, we’ve extensively covered all things footwear from the best hiking boots for women and men to our favorite picks for hiking shoes (women’s / men’s), trail runners (women’s / men’s), and camp shoes.
Quick Picks for Hiking Socks
Check out this quick list of the best hiking socks if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.
Best overall for quality, comfort & durability: Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Men’s ($24) / Women’s ($24)
Breathable wool socks with a performance fit: Smartwool Performance Hike Light Men’s ($24) / Women’s ($24)
Best budget no-show socks: Balega Hidden Comfort Unisex ($16)
Best value warm wool socks: REI Merino Hiking Crew Unisex ($18)
Best toe socks: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini Crews Men’s / Women’s ($16)
Technical socks for hiking & trail running: Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Unisex ($27)
Best socks for aerobic activity in warm conditions: Feetures Elite Light Cushion Quarter Socks Unisex ($18)
Double-layer socks for blister prevention: WrightSock Coolmesh II Socks Unisex ($15)
What’s new
Our team has been walking, running, and hiking in both new and redesigned socks. We’ve compared them against our top choices, and our list has seen some big changes:
- The durable, comfortable, and top-quality Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew (men’s / women’s) leads the list as an excellent option for daily use on trail.
- Smartwool’s Performance Hike Light (men’s / women’s) are at the top of the list thanks to an ergonomic design, tight fit, and plenty of padding for logging big-mile days.
- With a cushy tabs at the ankle, Balega’s Hidden Comfort Socks are cozy, simple, no-show hiking socks at a stellar price.
- One of the best budget pairs we’ve reviewed, the WrightSock Coolmesh II are a stellar value for a slipper-like feel that helps prevent blisters.
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew
Best overall hiking socks
Price: $24
Fabric: 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex
Height: Crew
Cushioning: Light
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Durable
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
- Comfortable
- Don’t slide down
Cons
- Expensive
- Warmer/less breathable than some
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Men’s / Women’s are comfortable, versatile, and built to last. They’re woven very tightly, which gives them outstanding durability and makes them comfortable from the first try.
The Light Hikers are warmer and thicker than minimalist socks, but they’re still impressively breathable. We’ve found that the wool-synthetic blend makes them adaptable in warm or cool conditions, which makes them versatile and easy to love in all trail conditions. Darn Tough socks are expensive but well worth the money since they last forever and are backed up by an amazing unconditional lifetime guarantee.
If you’re looking for even more cushioning and warmth, Darn Tough’s Hiker Micro Crew (men’s & women’s) and Hiker Boot Socks (men’s & women’s) are also excellent.
Smartwool Performance Hike Light
Breathable wool socks with a performance fit
Price: $24
Fabric: 56% merino wool, 41% nylon, 3% elastane
Height: Crew
Cushioning: Light
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
- Don't slide down
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as stretchy as some
Smartwool’s Performance Hike Light Men’s / Women’s are some of the best all-around socks for hiking. They’re well-designed with a snug, anatomical fit and padding only where you need it for excellent breathability. Though past versions of the Performance Hike have lacked durability, the 3rd generation Performance Hike socks have tougher wool in the heel and toe which substantially extends their lifespan (and Smartwool will replace them if you send them in within 2 years of the purchase date). We recommend Performance Hike socks to those who prefer a sock that’s a bit lighter and more breathable than Darn Tough’s, even if they won’t last quite as long.
Balega Hidden Comfort
Best budget no-show socks
Price: $16
Fabric: 100% polyester
Height: No Show
Cushioning: Medium
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Don't slide down
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
Cons
- Not as durable as some
- Ankle tabs aren't for everyone
Balega’s Hidden Comfort Socks are simple, lightly padded, and comfortable with cushy tabs at the ankle that effectively keep them from sliding down. We love how well these socks breathe, keeping our feel cool and dry even on strenuous summer hikes. They are a great alternative for hikers who find wool socks too hot on long hikes. The Hidden Comforts are an excellent, affordable choice for those looking for comfy low-cut socks for everyday use. Balega also offers their popular Ultralight No Show Socks (excellent ultralight feel, but lack long-term durability), Blister Resist No Show Socks (made with mohair fibers that resist friction), and Silver No Show Socks (great compression and antibacterial properties). If you’re looking for a quarter-length hiking sock, we also really love the Balega Enduro Quarter Socks.
Farm to Feet Damascus
Best durable socks designed for long backpacking trips
Price: $22
Fabric: 51% merino wool, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex
Height: Quarter
Cushioning: Light
Pros
- Durable
- Lifetime warranty
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
- Comfortable
- Don't slide down
Cons
- Expensive
- Tight fit
The Farm to Feet Damascus socks are made with 100% American materials and construction. Created with long-distance hikers in mind, these socks are built tough and will last for hundreds of miles. Besides that, they’re guaranteed for life! Slight compression and unique targeted cushioning in the heel and toe as well as on top of the instep help prevent pain from shoelace pressure, which is especially nice for long, steep descents. We recommend the Damascus socks for rugged hikes and backpacking trips in trail runners or boots when minimalist socks aren’t quite enough.
REI Merino Hiking Crew
Best value warm wool socks
Price: $18
Fabric: 79% merino wool, 20% nylon, 1% Lycra spandex
Height: Crew
Cushioning: Light
Pros
- Good value
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
Cons
- A bit too warm for summer conditions
- Can slide down with some footwear
The REI Merino Hiking Crew Socks are an excellent value since they’re made with premium quality wool, but they cost less than those from other top brands. They have a great balance of warmth and breathability, which makes them great for long days on the trail or for wearing as sleep socks on camping and backpacking trips. If you’re looking for a comfortable hiking sock with the performance of merino wool without breaking the bank, you can’t go wrong with these, and they’re easy to find at an REI because they’re available year-round. That said, for warm weather and summer adventures, we recommend REI’s Lightweight Flash Crew Socks.
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini Crew
Best toe socks
Price: $16
Fabric: 58% nylon, 39% CoolMax polyester, 3% Lycra spandex
Height: Mini-crew
Cushioning: Medium
Pros
- Helps prevent toe blisters
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Durable materials
Cons
- Hold odor more than others
- Takes a little longer to put on/take off
- Lack long-term durability
- Toe socks take getting used to
Injinji’s Trail Midweight Mini Crews Men’s / Women’s are some of the most popular toe socks on the market because they’re affordable, comfortable, highly breathable, and excellent for reducing friction between the toes. Since each toe is wrapped in wicking fabric, we find that they do a very good job of keeping our feet dry on the trail and dramatically reducing the chance of hot spots, pain, and blisters. Toe socks may feel a little strange at first, but we think they’re worth getting used to if you frequently struggle with toe pain from rubbing or excess moisture.
Swiftwick Flite XT Trail
Technical socks for hiking & trail running
Price: $27
Fabric: 38% nylon, 24% merino wool, 22% olefin, 13% polyester, 3% spandex
Height: Crew
Cushioning: Medium
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Odor-resistant
- Don't slide down
Cons
- Expensive
- Run a little big
Swiftwick’s Flite XT Trail are some of the first socks we search for in the drawer for fast-moving adventures. They give medium compression for tendon support, and they’re hardly noticeable because they’re so comfy. They’re the perfect weight for nearly all weather conditions, and the combo of merino wool and synthetic fibers give a great balance of thermoregulation and durability. The sole also has fibers that help grip the inside of your shoe to reduce slippage. The Flite XTs are a little more expensive than others, and they tend to run a bit big in our experience – but they’re solid performers for hiking and trail running, and we expect them to last for a long time.
Feetures Elite
Best socks for aerobic activity in warm conditions
Price: $18
Fabric: 92% nylon and 8% spandex
Height: Quarter
Cushioning: Light
Pros
- Affordable
- Lifetime warranty
- Comfortable
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Don't slide down
- Smooth-feeling fabric
Cons
- Hold odor more than others
- Lack long-term durability
Feetures is a brand that’s better-known in the running community, but we love their socks for hiking also. Feetures’ Elite Light Cushion Quarter Socks are thin, stretchy, and fit snugly with substantial compression in all the right places, so the socks stay smooth and wrinkle-free during aerobic activity, and offer cushioning and durability where the foot naturally creases and bends. The Elite socks stand out best in warm conditions when wicking and ventilation are critical.
WrightSock Coolmesh II
Double-layer socks for blister prevention
Price: $15
Fabric: 70% Dri-Wright II polyester, 26% nylon, 4% lycra
Height: Quarter
Cushioning: Light
Pros
- Helps prevent blisters
- Affordable
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Very comfortable
- Lifetime warranty
- Don't slide down
Cons
- Lack long-term durability
- Hold odor more than others
WrightSock Coolmesh II Socks are extremely comfortable and feel like slippers on your feet. They’re thin and minimal, and the double-layer system makes them excellent for preventing blisters. The downside is that they’re built with thin materials and they wear down fairly quickly in the heel and toe, although for only $15 a pair, this is one of the most affordable options on our list. We wish the outer layer of the Coolmesh II was a bit tougher, but for those with blister-prone feet, pick up a few pairs and plan on replacing them as needed.
What’s Most Important to You in a Hiking Sock?
FABRIC
Socks made with polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics are breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, so they’re great for hiking. They also tend to be a bit more durable than natural fibers, though they can pill and hold onto odors more.
Wool is a natural fiber that’s excellent for managing moisture, evaporating odors, and keeping you warm when wet. Quality merino wool is soft and comfortable and works exceptionally well when blended with synthetic fibers.
Cotton collects and holds moisture, which can lead to blisters (check out our How to Prevent and Treat Blisters post for more info). We don’t recommend socks with any cotton content for hiking, but they’re inexpensive and comfortable for everyday use.
Best synthetic socks
Best wool socks
CUSHIONING
Cushioning affects durability, comfort, and warmth. Ultralight cushion socks and liners are best for running or hiking in low cut shoes. We typically prefer them because they dry quickly and breathe well, but they’re not as durable as other socks. Some people use liners under other socks to help prevent blisters.
Socks with light cushioning are relatively thin and have a good balance of breathability, moisture-wicking, comfort, and durability.
Medium cushion socks are good for hiking in average to cold weather. They provide a moderate amount of cushion in the heel and ball of the foot to protect your feet from impact.
Socks with heavy cushioning are the thickest and warmest. Many hikers find them too bulky and hot for backpacking, but they’re great for warmth in camp, winter hiking, and mountaineering in boots.
Best ultralight socks
Best lightly cushioned socks
- Darn Tough Light Hiker Men’s / Women’s
- Smartwool Performance Hike Light Men’s / Women’s
- Farm to Feet Damascus (Unisex)
- REI Merino Hiking Crew (Unisex)
Best medium cushioned socks
Best heavily cushioned socks
HEIGHT
Sock height comes down to personal preference. No-show and quarter socks come to the ankle and are most compatible with trail runners or low-cut hiking shoes. They’re stylish when wearing shorts and offer the best airflow. But, they leave your ankle exposed to heel clipping, can easily collect debris, and they often need to be pulled up periodically.
Crew socks come up to about mid-calf and work well with almost all footwear, including boots. They tend to stay up and keep debris out better, as well as offer some protection to your ankles. Consider that crew socks will feel warmer and are easier to overheat in, and you may get a cool sock tan if you wear them all summer.
All of the socks on this list come in a variety of heights, and we outline our favorites from each category below.
Best no-show socks
- Balega Hidden Comfort (Unisex)
Best ankle/mini-crew/quarter socks
- Darn Tough Light Hiker Men’s / Women’s
- Smartwool Performance Hike Light Men’s / Women’s
- Farm to Feet Damascus (Unisex)
- REI Merino Hiking Crew (Unisex)
Best crew socks
REI Merino Hiking Crew – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge (CleverHiker.com)
Critical Sock Considerations
SUPPORT
Strategically-placed bands of compression around the calf, ankle, or arch of the foot help socks lock in place and keeps them from twisting and bunching. Compression also provides support to the muscles and ligaments to alleviate and even prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis, which can make hiking extremely painful. If you have an existing condition, a good pair of socks can work just as well as an Ace wrap or sports tape.
FIT
Your socks should fit just right. Not too tight, but not too loose. We recommend trying at least a few sizes of new socks whenever possible to account for differences in stitching, stretch, and sizing that may vary from brand to brand.
SIZING
Light compression and a snug fit aid in your socks ability to effectively wick moisture, breathe, and stay wrinkle-free. Conversely, socks that are too tight can restrict blood flow and limit your toes’ range of movement. While this mostly comes down to personal preference, we recommend choosing socks that fit a bit tighter than a bit too big to prevent hotspots or blisters.
WASHING AND DRYING
Socks with high merino wool content are likely to shrink if you put them in the dryer on high heat. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying your socks to maintain their cushion and avoid miniaturizing them. We recommend washing wool products inside-out on a cool or lukewarm washing machine setting with gentle detergent, then air drying them on a clothesline or flat surface. If you’re in a hurry, the next best thing is to tumble dry your wool socks on low. If you treat them well, your wool hiking socks should last for a long time.
HOW TO AVOID LOSING SOCKS
It’s a huge bummer to have a pile of single expensive hiking socks, but we all know how easy it is to lose track of them. Consider using an inexpensive small mesh laundry bag as your sock-specific hamper and just toss the laundry bag into the wash when it’s full. Soapy water will get through the bag and the socks will get clean, but they won’t go missing.
Honorable Mentions
The following socks didn’t make our final list, but they’ve got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, maybe one of these socks will be the right fit for you.
Comfortable, affordable, and lightweight wool socks good for thermoregulation.
Affordable wool socks that wick sweat and feel great for everyday use.
