The Best Hiking Socks for Hitting the Trails
Expert-tested pairs to keep your feet comfortable and help prevent blisters.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Hiking is an excellent way to connect with nature and get some exercise, but whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there are a few essentials that can make or break your experience. Enter: hiking socks.
Often an afterthought, the right pair can make all the difference. Hiking-specific socks are designed for comfort, featuring extra cushioning along the soles, and can help ease the repeated impact from trekking over rough, uneven terrain. While it's true that hiking socks can be more expensive than your average pair — typically costing over $20 per pair — there are more affordable options that are tough enough to withstand even the most intense hike.
In addition to testing hiking gear, the Good Housekeeping Institute has evaluated dozens of performance socks in recent years. This past year alone, we tested more than 90 different sock styles (including 20 hiking socks), both in our Lab and with hundreds of consumer testers across the nation. To compile this list of the best hiking socks, we considered factors like cushioning, fit, fabric composition, construction, abrasion resistance, shrinkage and overall comfort.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks
Pros
- Temperature-regulating merino wool
- Seamless, bunch-free design
- Unconditional lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Pricey
Designed to peek out just above the top of your favorite hiking boot, this pair from Darn Tough is one of the most popular hiking socks out there. When out on the trails, testers found that these socks helped keep their feet sweat-free in the summer and toasty-warm in colder weather, making them ideal for year-round hiking. One tester even commented: "I have hiked many hundreds of miles in Darn Toughs over the years. I have not been able to find a better sock brand. They are extremely durable, last forever and keep me blister-free."
While the cost seems high, Darn Tough's socks are "unconditionally guaranteed for life," meaning the brand will send you a new pair if you wear them out. But, based on our tests, our analysts think that's unlikely to happen for most users.
| Height | Micro-crew or 3/4 crew |
| Material | 66% merino wool, 32% nylon, 2% spandex |
| Cushioning | Medium |
| Thickness | Medium |
Danish Endurance Merino Wool Light Hiking Socks (3-Pack)
Pros
- Breathable and warm
- Moisture-wicking material
- Light cushioning
Cons
- Not for cold weather
Although we haven't formally tested these socks in our Lab, they're favorites of several GH editors for their lightweight nature (perfect for summer hikes!). Whether for warm-weather treks or sweaty feet, these socks are an excellent choice for anyone who's looking for extra breathability without sacrificing comfort. Plus, they come in a convenient pack of three.
"I love that they're thin and the material is so comfortable," says one GH analyst. Plus, they're made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, acrylic and elastane for a balance of comfort, stretch and durability. On top of that, they feature light cushioning on the heel, toe and inner arch of the foot.
| Height | Micro-crew or 3/4 crew |
| Material | 30% merino wool, 36% nylon, 33% acrylic, 1% elastane |
| Cushioning | Light |
| Thickness | Light |
Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
Pros
- Extra ventilation from mesh zones
- Thin yet supportive
- Versatile design
Cons
- Not warm enough for cold winter weather
Avoid sweaty feet out on the trails this summer with ultralight hiking socks. This pair from Smartwool stands out for having mesh ventilation zones throughout to allow air in and moisture out.
Our testers appreciated that despite the socks' lightweight nature, the soles still had enough cushioning for much-needed comfort and support. One tester even said they were "breathable, thin and yet warm enough," thanks to the temperature-regulating merino wool blend. Plus, the socks' lightweight design makes them versatile enough for other outdoor activities, such as trail running or biking.
| Height | Crew |
| Material | 56% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, 2% elastane |
| Cushioning | Light |
| Thickness | Ultralight |
Pros
- Soft merino wool
- Seamless toe to help prevent chafing
- Targeted, cushioning padding
Cons
- Testers with narrow feet noted some slippage
Wool often gets a bad rep for feeling itchy and irritating, but merino wool stands out for its undeniably soft texture and naturally temperature-regulating qualities, making it a great pick for your hiking socks. This pair is designed with comfort in mind, with features like a seamless toe, targeted padding on the sole and ventilation zones.
Testers found the socks "very comfortable and not too heavy," and praised the supportive feel, reporting no chafing or blisters during their treks. However, some testers with narrow feet noted the socks had a looser fit and slipped a bit. In Lab testing, the socks held their own, earning respectable scores in everything from shrinkage to overall durability.
RELATED: Best Wool Socks
| Height | Crew |
| Material | 58% merino wool, 40% nylon, 2% elastane |
| Cushioning | Medium |
| Thickness | Medium |
Pros
- Design minimizes chafing between toes
- Moisture-wicking material
- Thin and breathable
Cons
- Need to be worn under another pair of hiking socks
Sock liners are a great option for those who struggle with blisters. Worn underneath hiking socks, they help prevent blisters from forming by reducing the chafing that happens around the areas of your feet that regularly rub up against hiking shoes, like toes and heels.
We love these toe sock liners from Injinji not only because they're notably thin and breathable, but also because they feature a unique design that helps minimize friction between toes. Plus, the blend of polyester, nylon and lycra is stretchy and moisture-wicking, so your feet will stay as dry and comfortable as possible.
| Height | Crew |
| Material | 75% Coolmax EcoMade® polyester, 21% nylon, 3% lycra |
| Cushioning | None |
| Thickness | Ultralight |
Pros
- Polyester and nylon blend wick away sweat
- Supportive arch band
- Stay in place, according to testers
Cons
- Limited colors
If you're not a fan of wool, don't worry: These hiking socks from Merrell performed just as well as wool pairs in our tests. They use a blend of polyester and nylon to quickly wick away sweat on warm hikes. Beyond that, there’s an arch band for added support and breathable mesh zones on the sides.
Our testers unanimously praised the cushiony feel and snug fit, with one saying, "They were very comfortable and stayed in place — no 'shifting' inside my hiking shoes.” Another added, “When I took them off, my feet were completely dry. The socks absorbed all the sweat.” Some testers found the colorways a bit plain, and the socks have fewer color options compared to our other picks.
| Height | Crew |
| Material | 88% polyester, 10% nylon, 2% lycra |
| Cushioning | Medium |
| Thickness | Medium |
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Technical 3/4 Crew Socks
Pros
- Designed for performance and comfort
- High scores across the board from testers
- Made entirely in the U.S.
Cons
- Fit was too compressive around the calves, some testers said
For longer hikes or backpacking trips, you'll need socks that are built to last, and this pair from Farm to Feet is ready to tackle almost any situation. It has all the bells and whistles, from seamless toes and targeted cushioning to a compressive, snug fit. But what really impressed our testers was how the socks kept their feet cool. One tester said, "My feet seemed to regulate heat very well, even when the rest of me was a bit overheated."
Plus, the brand stands out for sourcing and producing its socks entirely in the United States, even using sheep raised on American farms for its merino wool. During testing, the only complaint was that some testers said the fit felt too tight on their calves.
| Height | Micro-crew or 3/4 crew |
| Material | 52% nylon, 44% wool, 4% spandex |
| Cushioning | Medium |
| Thickness | Medium |
Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker Socks
Pros
- Pile-lined interior for warmth
- Soft merino wool blend
- Ultra-cushioned soles
Cons
- Might be too thick for tighter fitting shoes
During chillier months, warm socks are essential, since our extremities (a.k.a. our hands and feet) are the first to feel the cold. This pair features a soft, pile-lined merino wool interior (basically an extra layer of yarn loops to trap in heat) that will help you stay cozy and warm.
Our testers loved how soft and cushioned these socks felt, noting that while they're thick, they're not bulky. "They kept my feet at a good temperature throughout my hikes," one tester said. While they weren't the most durable pair we tested in the Lab, they did wash well, with minimal shrinkage compared to similar styles.
| Height | Crew |
| Material | 62% merino wool, 34% nylon, 2% polyester, 2% spandex |
| Cushioning | Heavy |
| Thickness | Heavy |
Pros
- Heel tabs keep socks from sliding down
- Targeted compression for support
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
- Not ideal for hiking boots or shoes that cover the ankle
Ideal for lighter treks, these no-show socks will stay hidden inside your hiking shoes or trail runners with a heel tab that keeps them from slipping down — just note that they're best for low-cut shoes, not hiking boots that cover your ankles.
Made from moisture-wicking nylon and spandex for added stretch, these socks were built for performance: Each sock is anatomically contoured to the left or right foot, with targeted compression along the arches for additional support and a snug fit that testers praised. "[The socks] fit my feet perfectly — a little compression without being too snug," said one tester. The mesh panels on the top of each sock adds breathability too.
RELATED: Best No-Show Socks
| Height | Low ankle |
| Material | 96% nylon, 4% spandex |
| Cushioning | Light |
| Thickness | Light |
Pros
- Helps reduce post-hike swelling and leg cramps
- Knee-high length for maximum coverage
- Mesh components for added breathability
Cons
- Not ideal for users with larger calves
If your legs and feet are always sore and puffy after a long hike, consider buying a pair of these knee-high compression socks to help improve blood flow and limit swelling. Popular on Amazon and a top performer in our evaluations, this sock felt noticeably more breathable to seasoned compression sock users than other pairs they've tried. "I could feel a difference in comfort," said one of our testers, while others said they appreciated the cushioned soles and the fact that the socks stayed in place all day. Just take note that sizing is dependent on shoe size, rather than a calf measurement, so this pair is best suited to users with average-size calves.
| Height | Knee-high |
| Material | 63% nylon, 28% polyester, 9% spandex |
| Cushioning | Medium |
| Thickness | Light |
How we test hiking socks
A tester wears a pair of Darn Tough hiking socks on a day hike (pictured).
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly evaluates a wide variety of sock types, so you can trust we've done all the research and testing needed to find the best of the best. In the past year, our analysts and product experts have rigorously tested more than 90 different sock styles, including nearly 20 different hiking-specific options. We considered more than 18,000 data points for this roundup of the best hiking socks.
In the Lab, our analysts evaluated aspects like dimensional stability, washability, abrasion resistance, moisture-wicking and construction, using specialized laboratory equipment and industry-standard testing methodology.
Out on the trails, more than 100 consumer testers across the country wore the socks during short day hikes and long backpacking trips. Testers of different shoe sizes and experience levels then shared their feedback on how the socks performed over time, rating the cushioning, fit, temperature-regulation, overall comfort and more.
What to look for when shopping for hiking socks
Before shopping for hiking socks, you need to know which hiking shoes or boots you'll be wearing them with, since this will determine the best height for your socks. You should also have a sense of what type of climate you'll be hiking in: Cold-weather hikes require thicker, heavy-duty socks, while summer treks call for breathable, lightweight styles.
✔️ Height: Hiking socks are available in multiple heights, and the best option depends on your personal preference and the type of shoes you're wearing. Common hiking sock lengths include no-show, ankle, quarter, micro-crew, crew and knee-high. If you're wearing hiking boots, stick with micro-crew or higher, as you don’t want the tops of the boots to touch your skin (or else you run the risk of painful blisters around your calves and ankles).
✔️ Thickness: Hiking socks are available in different degrees of thickness and bottom cushioning. These are the most common thickness levels and the conditions they’re best for:
- Heavy: The warmest type of sock with the thickest cushioning. Keep in mind that heavyweight socks don’t wick moisture as well as lighter styles, so tread carefully if you have sweaty feet. Heavy socks are best for cold weather or longer treks.
- Medium: Offers mid-level cushioning with moderate breathability and moisture-wicking. Medium-weight socks are best for fall or spring weather.
- Light: A little less cushioning but more breathability and moisture-wicking benefits than medium- and heavyweight picks. Ideal for most weather conditions.
- Ultralight: With its minimal padding for easy movement, an ultralight sock is best for hot summer weather or to afford you more flexibility within your shoe.
✔️ Material: Hiking socks typically use a blend of materials, including essential synthetics and stretchy spandex. If you have sweaty feet in particular, look for hiking socks that use moisture-wicking materials like merino wool fibers, polyester or nylon. (Moisture and sweat build-up can cause your skin to soften, making it more prone to developing blisters, too.) Here are the most common hiking sock materials:
- Wool: The most popular material for hiking socks, as it's moisture-wicking and provides insulation in cooler climates. Merino wool is softer than traditional wool, so it is considered the absolute best choice for hiking socks, but it is more expensive. Just avoid 100% wool socks: They don't have the best structure and won't stay snug on your feet during a hike.
- Cotton: Although not moisture-wicking, cotton is sometimes used in hiking socks because it has a soft feel that's loved by many. We recommend avoiding 100% cotton hiking socks, though, as they'll feel very sweaty after a long hike.
- Polyester/nylon: These synthetic fibers are usually found in hiking socks as part of a fiber blend. Both are known for their moisture-wicking capabilities and are often used to create the foundational shell of the sock's body.
- Spandex: Known for its stretch, spandex helps ensure a comfortable yet secure fit on your feet.
✔️ Proper fit: Making sure your sock fits properly is the best way to avoid blisters or discomfort mid-hike. After purchasing new hiking socks, put your boots on and test the socks by walking around the house and up stairs. You want the sock to be snug on your whole foot, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. There should be no bunching inside the boot, especially by the ankle, and no seams that rub or create uncomfortable pressure points.
✔️ Easy care: After sweating on a long hike, you want to make sure your hiking socks are machine washable. Most brands recommend washing hiking socks inside out to keep them in pristine condition longer.
Is there a difference between hiking socks for men and women?
While shopping for hiking socks, you've likely noticed that certain styles are unisex while others are available in men's and women's versions. But does it really matter?
There is an anatomical difference between men's and women's feet and those variations can be important when it comes to shoes, but when it comes to socks, there's typically a bit more leeway. While some brands do design socks based on certain gender-based commonalities, including foot length, width and heel shape, the main difference often boils down to a slight variation in height (pictured) and the available color offerings. In short: There are no major deviations in performance between "men's" and "women's" hiking socks.
Overall, when shopping for socks, it's more important to check sizing charts than to rely on gender-specific fit options. Often, women with larger feet may find so-called men's hiking socks to be a better fit, while men with smaller feet might prefer women's hiking socks.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour, the associate director of the Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, wrote the original version of this article. She has overseen the GH Institute's in-Lab and consumer tests for walking shoes, compression socks and more. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience with athletic wear, as well as a hands-on background in proper garment fit and construction, thanks to her product development experience.
Grace Wu, a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, most recently updated this article. An avid hiker, she has spent the past year overseeing all of the GH Institute's sock testing, from running socks to socks for men. Grace has a Master of Engineering degree in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in fiber science from Cornell University.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
Readers Also Read
21 Hottest Trends of the 1970s Making a Comeback
The Best Labor Day Mattress Sales of 2025
The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
The Best Mattresses for Back Pain
