Best 10 Hiking Socks Of 2024

Protecting our feet is one of the most important things we can do if you love to go hiking or backpacking. Our feet will go through a lot of abuse since they are going to be used a lot of times especially if we are planning on hiking for a lot of miles. Getting a good pair of hiking socks can definitely help. Hiking socks can deter the appearance of blisters and deter friction as well. I have listed a few affordable and very effective hiking socks below. I hope you find at least one of them to your liking.

Best Hiking Socks – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Pair Of Hiking Socks

Types Of Outdoor Socks

Hiking Socks

Hiking socks are meant to protect and provide comfort to the feet for lots of miles. These socks are often very durable while providing blister and friction protection. These socks will often have ways to let the sweat evaporate. These are breathable and moisture wicking. Most of the time, these socks are made out of merino wool because merino wool has a lot of benefits that are very good for hiking a lot of miles.

Running Socks

These socks will often have a design that is low cut or no-shows. These socks are often not visible to the naked eye. These will protect the feet from blisters and friction as well. These socks are often very comfortable and very easy to clean. These will also have moisture wicking capabilities to let the sweat evaporate.

Sock Liners

These are meant to protect the feet from blisters and friction caused by running or walking. These are often very thin and very form fitting. This is worn first before wearing an ordinary sock. There are many different kinds of sock liners and these can be made in many different types of materials. These are often used in running and hiking.

Warm Socks

During the winter, people will often use warm socks when they are going camping or hiking. These socks provide warmth and insulation to the feet and especially to the toes. These are meant for the cold weather and definitely not meant for the summer.

Choosing The Material

Merino wool

This material is very popular and lots of hiking socks are made out of merino wool. Merino wool is a great material that can let sweat evaporate more easily. There are a lot of people who prefer merino wool because of its nature of being easy to clean. One of the best materials to have since this provides a lot of warmth as well. This is very soft and very comfortable to the feet while providing lots of protection against blisters and friction.

Elastane, Spandex, or Lycra

These materials are known for their durability as well. They have extreme resistance to stretching and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. There are a lot of socks that incorporate a little bit of these materials into the final build.

Cotton

Cotton is not a very good material for hiking socks. Cleaning this material is very straight forward and very easy. This material has a very low cost which is why a lot of socks are made out of this. A lot of people do not like that cotton will absorb the water it comes into contact with. Cotton socks are not good for hiking, sports or any strenuous activity.

Acrylic

This material is one of the best that you can get. Acrylic is very good at providing warmth and insulation. You don’t need to put a lot of effort into cleaning this material as well. This is very lightweight and can resist wear and tear very well. A very durable material that is used to create hiking socks.

Nylon

This material called nylon offers a lot of benefits. There are a lot of people who love nylon because this is very affordable. Nylon can repel water very easily without sacrificing any of its attributes. Nylon create amazing items that are very durable. This material is also very light. Nylon is often combined with other materials like wool to create the hiking sock.

Polyester

There are many amazing hiking socks that are made out of polyester. Most of the time, polyester is added or combined with a couple of other materials. A lot of people prefer this material over others because this can repel water and this is also very durable. Items that come from polyester tend to be very light and not heavy. There are a lot of hiking gear and hiking clothes made out of polyester because this material does not cost a lot of money.

Things To Consider

Moisture Wicking

One of the properties that we need to think about is moisture wicking. Sweat can get trap inside our boots or shoes. It is often the job of the socks to alleviate moisture from the feet and disperse it to the air. Athletes foot, blisters and fungal infections can happen if we do not have moisture wicking socks. Odors often happen to people who do not have good hiking socks.

Material

The material plays a role on how comfortable the item is going to be. There are lots of materials to choose from. I often pick merino wool. Merino wool has lots of properties that work well for me. It has moisture wicking, comfortable, lightweight and so on. You can pick your own material or pick the socks that you like. There are lots of materials that are great for socks.

Weight

You have to make sure that the socks are not that heavy. The more weight that you carry, the less likely you will be having fun. It is because the more weight we carry, the easier it will be for us to become tired. Each ounce of weight will take away energy from us. So every ounce of weight matters. We have to budget the amount of weight we carry while hiking.

Durability

Durability is also an important factor. The more durable the item, the better it is for us. There are lots of items that are not durable. They tend to start breaking apart after a few washes in the washing machine. It is important that you make sure that you are getting durable socks. If the item is durable, you will end up saving lots of money because you do not need to replace them for a long time.

Colors

The colors of the socks matter. Not in terms of style. There are lots of times when I lose a sock while washing them. I don’t know where they go. It is like they just vanish. The other one becomes unusable because it is of different color. It looks weird if I put on different colored socks. However, if I get socks of the same color, then it does not matter. They all become backups and partners of each other.

Best Hiking Socks

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1. Alvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Technical Specs
How Many: 3 pairs
Material: 80% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Spandex
Thickness: Medium Thickness
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: Wool hiking socks come blended with nylon to promote a comfortable, itch free experience, shaped cushioning in their foot bed to promise a more comfortable trek up the mountain

Short Review: Among the finest things that you can get hold of is this set of hiking socks. Items like this one make the outdoors a lot more fun and a lot easier. This is made out of Merino wool and the concentration is also very high which is around 80 percent. This gives it moisture wicking capabilities which lets sweat evaporate. Also the odor gets released as well so it does not accumulate inside the shoes. This is a set also which is very affordable. For the amount of merino wool you are getting with the price they are asking, this is really a big discount.

2. Kirkland Signature Men’s Outdoor Trail Sock

Technical Specs
How Many: 4 pairs
Material: Merino wool
Thickness: Lightweight
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: Cushioned throughout and reinforced from heel to toe for maximum comfort and durability, Fibers in foot bottom wick moisture and maintain cushion, vented panels in foot bottom for breathability

Short Review: This set of wool socks can be one of the very best things that you have ever ordered. This is very lightweight and very comfortable on the skin. This feels good on the feet and this can protect the feet and regulate the temperature to keep them very comfortable. This just makes the outdoors a lot easier. It is fantastic that I found this item and I really like that this works very well. Always choose the item that is developed to be pretty sturdy like this one so that it will last for a long time. Another set of socks that is also very durable and comes with a very cheap price tag.

3. Smartwool mens Hike Light Crew

Technical Specs
How Many: 1 pair
Material: 69% Merino Wool, 30% Nylon, and 1% Elastane
Thickness: Medium Thickness
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: socks are built for performance in the highest degree, mesh ventilation zones incorporated throughout for added breathability and comfortable, machine washed inside out in warm water and tumble dried on low

Short Review: I like this set of high quality socks a lot. This features an arch brace helps hold the sock in place and adds additional support, while a flat knit toe seam keeps you comfortable throughout the day. There is not a great deal to state in addition to I believe that you will be really happy if you have this item. If you are serious about hiking and would like socks that are very high quality then this is a good choice. Amazing item for the outdoors. I know a lot of people are satisfied with this item because this is very light and very compact. The positive reviews are also very high. The price tag is somewhat reasonable and the features that this item has are superb. It feels comfortable on the feet and helps prevent blisters as well.

4. PEOPLE SOCKS 71% Merino Wool Ankle Socks

Technical Specs
How Many: 4 pairs
Material: 71% Merino wool, 21% Nylon, 7% Poly,1% Spandex
Thickness: Medium Thickness
Comfortable: Yes

Short Review: This set of high quality socks is outstanding that I love making use of this. This features reinforced stitching at heel and toe and the material provides natural comfort for all seasons. I have found this item to meet my needs and have so far found no troubles with this set. The best part is that this item has lots of positive customer feedback which suggest you will be content with your purchase of this just like a great deal of men and women. It is really easy to tell that this item is extremely well made due to the fact it is really sturdy. The material feels soft and this set also comes with a very cheap price tag.

5. Darn Tough mens Hiker Merino Wool Micro Crew Socks

Technical Specs
How Many: 1 pair
Material: 63% Merino Wool 35% Nylon 2% Lycra Spandex
Thickness: Moderate Cushioning
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: Maximum comfort and protection for the day hikes or extended backpacking in warmer weather conditions, warm and extremely comfortable choice when conditions demand it, true seamless technology allows for an undetectable seam fusion for an ultra-smooth, invisible feel

Short Review: This pair of merino socks is impressive and I know you will definitely like it. This features undetectable seam fusion for an ultra-smooth and invisible feel and this pulls moisture away from skin and fast drying. I like that I can recommend items from this company because this company continue to improve their items over time. This has a large amount of characteristics that makes this high quality and I know that you will love it. Of the many items I have tried, this one is still one of the very best. Darn Tough is an amazing company that create high quality outdoor clothes such as this one. This is an amazing sock but the price is also a little bit high.

6. KAVANYISO Men’s Thermal Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Technical Specs
How Many: 4 Pairs
Material: Merino wool, nylon, spandex
Thickness: Medium Thickness
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: Merino wool hiking socks can be the perfect present for hikers, outdoor walkers, and who love outdoor adventures reinforced heel and toe to ensure maximum comfort and protection, keeping your feet enjoyably-dry, yet warm and protected from your intensive activities

Short Review: This is among the best hiking socks that I know of. Another set of merino wool socks that are very comfortable and very affordable also. This comes with thickened loops inside, these outdoor hiking socks are super breathable and moisture wicking, keeping your feet dry, warm and comfortable every day. This also features reinforcement design in the heel and toe areas, this set of thermal socks are super wear resistant or durable. This has a great deal of positive customer feedback its no wonder that I am pleased to recommend this item. There are lots of things to take into account and one of those things is the design of the item. This has a brilliant design. The combination of materials made this very comfortable on the skin and itch free. I am incredibly impressed and it is no wonder why. This is incredible.

7. DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Cushioned Hiking Socks

Technical Specs
How Many: 3 pairs
Material: Merino Wool
Thickness: Thick
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: Ventilation mesh lanes wick away sweat, increasing breathability while promoting odor control, hiking and outdoor socks make the perfect gift,  great for hiking, trekking, outdoor adventures

Short Review: I have used and evaluated this set of socks. This features thermoregulating merino wool and sweat-wicking ventilation lanes ensure that your feet stay fresh, dry and comfortable in any weather. This also provides targeted cushioning to reduce the risk of blisters and sore feet. I have tried a great deal of items and this is one of the best and that is why I know that you will love this a lot. There is not much to point out aside from this is very good and well worth it. This is a high quality item that is really resilient and the price is also very affordable. I have nothing negative to say about this item. This is wonderful. If you want an exceedingly good item that works well and has a very good price tag, then this is it.

8. Debra Weitzner Merino Wool Thermal Socks For Men and Women

Technical Specs
How Many: 3 pack
Material: 38% merino wool plus other fibers
Thickness: Medium Thickness
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: innovative thermal socks are crafted from 38% merino wool blended with a unique collection of various fibers, adjust to the external conditions, keeping you toasty warm when it’s cold out and cool when it’s hot, moisture wicking, absorbing condensation

Short Review: You will not be disappointed with this particular set of merino socks. This set is dreamily cushioned, enveloping your feet in a cloud of fluffy softness even as you trek up a mountain or hunt in rocks. This is one of the finest that is available right now and I find this item to be really amazing. The material and fibers are of a very fine texture, so these thoroughly warming socks are also deliciously lightweight. This can protect the feet and keep them comfortable and the price is also very low. This is breathable also which means it lets the sweat evaporate out of the sock. This will keep odor out as well. Items like this one make hiking a lot more fun and this is very durable also. This is a very comfortable set of socks for the outdoors. This prevents blisters, friction and hotspots from happening.

9. FUN TOES Men’s Merino Wool Socks

Technical Specs
How Many: 6 pairs
Material: Merino Wool
Thickness: Medium Thick
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: Strong enough to last through hundreds of wears, feeling warm on the coldest of days, socks are still lightweight and stretchy, soft feel that won’t leave your feet sweaty and itchy

Short Review: I am recommending this set of outdoor socks considering that I am confident you will like it. This features a reinforced toe makes our men work socks strong enough to last through hundreds of wears. This is definitely an awesome item with an even better selling price. This also comes with an arch support in the men wool socks keeps your feet comfortable all day. The company who manufactured this is awesome and I am undoubtedly impressed with their craftsmanship. This precisely what you think it will be when I purchased it which is affordable and functional. There are a lot of people that gave this a favorable review as well so a lot of people are very satisfied with this item. This is an awesome item and the selling price is awesome. This is rather well made for its price range.

10. MERIWOOL Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Technical Specs
How Many: 3 packs
Material: 75% Merino wool blend
Thickness: Medium Thick
Comfortable: Yes
Feature Summary: Feet cozy and warm in winter, these thermal boot socks won’t weigh you down or let your feet overheat, natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep you dry and comfortable, breathable fabric and absorbs moisture

Short Review: If you need something excellent then this set of hiking socks is best for you. This features natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep you dry and comfortable while active in cold weather. Also provides compression, arch support, and a reinforced heel and toe to ensure maximum comfort and protection for your feet. You will be in a position to obtain the information that you need about this item if you go through the positive consumer reviews. This is very comfortable to wear, durable also so it should lasts for a long time. The merino wool blend feels good on the skin and not itchy at all. A great set of socks for hiking.