It only takes one outdoor jaunt in crappy footwear to know that the best hiking socks are worth the investment. They tend to cost a little more per pair than, say, a value pack of regular athletic socks—but they can save your feet from fatigue, blisters, hot spots, and excess sweat. They’re designed to hold up after lots of miles and even stay fresh if you go a few days without access to a dryer. Oh, and the best pairs of the bunch are also plain old comfy (and cute, in a gorpcore kind of way).
If you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure or just need some new pieces to wear on your local trails, you’ve come to the right (camp) site. We talked to experts and SELF staffers, then looked through past SELF Outdoor Award winners to find great hiking socks to add to your rotation.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Smartwool Hike Crew Socks, $25
- Best for Cold Weather: Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight Hiking Sock, $28
- Best for Cushioning: Hikerkind Trail Sock 01, $24
- Best for Sweaty Feet: Farm to Feet Modern Socks, $24
- Best for Trail Running: Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Quarter Crew, $24
- Cutest: Darn Tough Critter Club Lightweight Micro Crew Socks, $24
- Best for Blister Prevention: Injinji Outdoor Midweight Crew Wool, $23
In this article
Shop the best hiking socks
Treat your toes on your next trek.
Best Overall: Smartwool Hike Crew Socks
If you’ve ever shopped for hiking socks, you’ve probably scrolled through dozens of Smartwool styles. Well, there’s a reason they’re everywhere: They’re durable, moisture-wicking, and extremely comfortable.
“My Smartwool socks have stood the test of time (and sweat),” one SELF staffer says. “The light cushioning is key, especially if you’re breaking in a new pair of hiking shoes. I even wear these off-trail with Birkenstocks—they’re functional and cute.” They’ve worn their Smartwool lightweight hiking socks through both summer and winter with zero complaints, noting that the socks’ mesh zones help keep air flowing without letting the chill in.
For more targeted cushioning (and some retro-chic-outdoorsperson vibes), consider Smartwool’s iconic Classic Hike line. My boyfriend has had the same three or four pairs for years, and they barely show signs of wear.
Sizes: S (US 4-6.5) to XL (US 13-15.5) | Materials: Merino wool, nylon, recycled nylon, elastane
Best for Cold Weather: Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight Hiking Sock
Darn Tough
Hiker Boot Midweight Hiking Sock
The exact pair of Darn Tough socks I break out every winter have sadly been discontinued (which I’d say is a testament to their durability). That said, this midweight pair is the next best thing to my old reliables. They’re thick but not bulky, and have a decent amount of stretch. The boot length of the sock’s shaft adds a little extra coverage that comes in handy in low temps.
Made with thru-hikers and backpackers in mind, these socks were designed for long-distance comfort. They have reinforced cushioning along the Achilles tendon and ankle, plus a smooth, seamless toe.
Sizes: S (US 4.5-7) to L (10-11.5) | Materials: Merino wool, nylon, Lycra spandex
Best for Cushioning: Hikerkind Trail Sock 01
I never thought a pair of hiking socks could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds—until I received the Trail Socks from Hikerkind. Their cushioning runs the length of their footbeds, which feels plush on long days but doesn’t add a ton of unwanted warmth. That’s likely due to the socks’ high Merino wool content (90%). My feet feel cozy and comfy, but never swampy, thanks to the wool’s natural temperature-regulating properties.
Bonus: I genuinely think these are some of the cutest socks I own, hiking or otherwise. Their thick cuff, classic olive green color, and subtle piping along the shaft makes me excited to show them off.
Sizes: One size (US 7 to 10) | Materials: Merino wool, polyamide
Best for Sweaty Feet: Farm to Feet Modern Socks
If you deal with seriously sweaty feet, one SELF staffer recommends her Farm to Feet socks. “They’re super warm and don’t smell after hikes, thanks to the sweat-wicking wool, and they have great cushioning around the heels and toes to protect your feet when moving up and downhill,” she says. “And how cute is the forest scene for a hiking sock?!”
A sock that wicks moisture, resists stink, and looks nice while doing it? We’ll take one pair for every day of the week.
Sizes: S (US 4-6.5) to XL (US 12-14.5) | Materials: Nylon, Merino wool, Lycra spandex
Best for Trail Running: Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Quarter Crew
Swiftwick
Flite XT Trail Quarter Crew
Outdoor Award–winning brand Swiftwick made its Flite XT wool blend trail socks to go the distance (without slipping down or bunching up along the way). It’s extra protective around the ankle and heel to prevent wear or blisters—even when you’re picking up the pace.
That’s what makes this such a great sock for hikers generally, but trail runners specifically. From ankle to toe, the Flite XTs help you feel stable and locked-in. When you’re tackling challenging terrain at speed, that sense of security (and comfort) is key.
Sizes: US 4.5-7 to 11-13 | Materials: Nylon, Merino wool, Olefin (a synthetic material that’s considered especially sustainable), polyester, spandex
Cutest: Darn Tough Critter Club Lightweight Micro Crew Socks
Darn Tough
Critter Club Lightweight Micro Crew Socks
You don’t need to have good-looking gear to have a great day outside—but, if your socks happen to feature a sweet pair of bunnies or a clever racoon, you just might hit the trail with a little more pep in your step. That’s one of the reasons we love Darn Tough’s Critter Club Socks (and why they’d make a great gift for the hiker in your life). But that’s far from their only selling point.
In addition to their cute, cuddly designs, these socks have an ultra-smooth, soft feel and all the sweat- and stink-managing properties of Merino wool. Their “micro crew” length is shorter than a standard crew sock—they should just reach above the top of your boot.
Sizes: S (US 4.5-7) to L (US 10-11.5) | Materials: Nylon, Merino wool, Lycra spandex
Best for Blister Prevention: Injinji Outdoor Midweight Crew Wool
Injinji
Outdoor Midweight Crew Wool
Winding up with a blister between your toes is so annoying that you might wonder if your hike has been cursed. Sidestep that issue with a good pair of toe socks, like the Outdoor Midweight Crew from expert-approved brand Injinji. They keep your toes from rubbing against each other and better manage sweat that pools between your tootsies, stopping blisters before they can crop up.
For further blister protection, make sure your socks fit snugly (but not too tight!) and don’t have seams that rub against your feet, Maggie Peikon, manager of communications at the American Hiking Society, tells SELF. She also likes double-layer socks: “That extra layer helps reduce the friction between your foot and your boot, which adds an extra level of protection against blisters.” We recommend this pair from Wrightsock.
Sizes: S (US 6.5-8.5) to XL (US 13.5+) | Materials: Merino wool, nylon, Lycra
What should you look for when choosing hiking socks?
While some hikers pick their cushioning level based on how they prefer their socks to feel, Peikon says you should also consider the weather forecast. Less cushioned socks are better for hot weather, while mid- and heavyweight pairs will provide insulation against the cold.
Peikon says it’s also good to take your hike’s length into account. A lightweight sock will feel great on day hikes, but will probably be lacking on longer efforts. If you’re taking on a longer or more intense route, go for medium cushion socks. “The extra padding can provide a degree of shock absorption with each step while you’re carrying a loaded pack,” she explains.
Thick, heavily cushioned socks are also great for extended periods outside. Just keep in mind that their chunky design can affect how your hiking boot fits. “It might be wise to test them out on a short stroll, rather than heading straight out for a long day on the trail,” Peikon says.
Again, this is a matter of personal preference. But if you’re not sure which sock height is right for you, think of it as a form of protection against the elements.
No-show socks will keep you cool, but won’t keep your ankles safe from scrapes or bugs. Crew socks (the “go-to for most hikers,” as Peikon puts it) are great for moderate protection and work well with mid- and high-cut boots. They’re long enough to cover your ankles and prevent slipping, but not so high that they make you overheat. Boot- and calf-length socks provide maximum warmth and coverage.
Peikon says hiking socks need to be made with sweat and moisture management in mind. Wool and synthetic fabrics like nylon are up to the task. Stretchy materials like spandex, Lycra, and elastane are also helpful to have, in small amounts. They’ll enhance the sock’s fit and help it move with your foot and ankle.
Also in the name of keeping your feet dry, Peikon recommends avoiding cotton socks because they’re more likely to retain (rather than shed) excess moisture. And that can send your hike down will quickly: Wet socks “provide a perfect environment for blisters to form,” Peikon says.
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