Everyone knows the importance of good footwear when hiking any sort of distance. But neglecting the socks you wear underneath could be a big mistake. In some ways, they are more important than your boots or shoes. A good pair will help support your feet, stop them from getting chaffed and keep them at the right temperature. They will help prevent that most dreaded of walker’s complaints – blisters. In fact, wearing the wrong pair of socks will cause them.
When selecting hiking socks, we’re looking for comfort, for them to be made of a material that will ‘wick’ away sweat from your foot and a design that will see you safely through many a hike. Generally, hiking socks come in three thicknesses, light, medium or heavy. Heavyweight socks are best for winter hikes over challenging ground, whereas light are good for shorter summer walks and medium are somewhere in between both seasonally and in terms of distance. It’s worth remembering that you don’t need to be climbing the Matterhorn to benefit from a good quality pair of hiking socks either. Any long walk or time spent on your feet will be more comfortable and less likely to end in blisters and regret with a pair of these socks on.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock
Soft on your feet, tough on blisters
Made in the USA from 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex, Darn Tough socks live up to their name. With fine gauge knitting, seamless construction and a good fit thanks to elastic, plus dense cushioning, they will see you through many a trail. Your feet will stay fresh too thanks to the fast action wicking that repels odor-causing bacteria.
MIRMARU Men's 5 Pairs Multi Performance Outdoor Sports Hiking Trekking Crew Socks
Multipurpose but always comfortable
These versatile socks are good for any outdoor adventures. Made of 55% combed cotton, 40% polyester, 2% Spandex, they will keep your foot warm, dry and well supported with elastic support in the arches and Achilles and extra cushion finish on the heel and toe.
DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks
The socks endure not the foot odor
Merino wool has long been prized by hikers for its sweat-wicking ability, as well as natural warming and cooling properties that work across the seasons. These unisex socks also have anti-blister cushioning and ergonomic design that makes for a comfortable hiking experience, mile after mile.
Smartwool unisex Phd¿ Outdoor Light Crew
Hotfoot it to these wool pioneers
The smart wool in question is merino, know for its moisture-regulating and thermoregulating properties, mixed here with 41% nylon and 3% elastane for increased durability and a performance fit. A virtually seamless toe, cushioned bottom and body-mapped mesh zone all help the comfort factor. The ultralight weight makes these great summer socks for anyone on their feet in the heat.
Wigwam Hiking Outdoor F6077 Sock
Stay dry and comfy without wool
These wool-free socks have an Ultimax moisture control system to keep your feet dry and comfortable with a cushioned foot and seamless toe. Made in the US from 41% polypropylene, 34% X2O Acrylic, 23% stretch nylon, 1% stretch polyester, 1% Spandex, Wigwam work with domestic yarn suppliers to get the highest quality materials possible.
Bottom line
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Good hiking socks are essential for anyone who walks any sort of distance, be it a trek in the wilderness or a long stroll around town. These simple items will make more of a difference to your feet’s comfort levels than even your footwear and help prevent blisters, cracked heels and chaffing. Not to mention excessive foot odor from having sweaty feet. So it’s important to buy the best hiking socks which are designed to cushion and support your foot and are made from a material that wicks away moisture and stays warm in winter and cool in summer. For all these reasons, we recommend the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock. Its composition has a good balance of natural merino wool with nylon and elastane for the ultimate sweat-controlling, heat-balanced and downright comfy socks that are, well, darn tough too.
For a less expensive pick, the Wigwam Hiking Outdoor F6077 Sock is great value for money if you don’t mind that it’s wool-free. These are also very durable, comfortable socks that won’t let you down over hundreds of miles of hiking.
