9 Best Hiking Socks

We tested the best hiking socks on the market today according to comfort, breathability, and durability. Read on to see how they performed, which is best for you, and get some valuable buying advice.

Best Hiking Socks

The best hiking socks are:

• Best Overall Hiking Sock: DARN TOUGH Hiker Quarter Midweight Hiking Sock
• Most Comfortable and Breathable Hiking Sock: DARN TOUGH Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock
• Most Durable & Lightweight Hiking Socks: FARM TO FEET Damascus Light Targeted Cushion
• Best Toe Socks: INJINJI Outdoor Midweight Mini-Crew Wool
• Warmest Hiking Sock: WIGWAM Merino Wool Comfort Hiker
• Best Warm Weather Hiking Sock: SWIFTWICK Pursuit Hike Six Lightweight

The product comparison table below is sortable. Click the arrow in the heading cell to sort the models by preferred spec.

Best Overall Hiking Sock

Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight Hiking Sock

Price: $20

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Pros

✅ Comfortable

✅ Tough

✅ Lightweight

Cons

❌ Ankle length offers less protection than crew length

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 2.3 oz
• Thickness: Medium
• Weight of sock: Midweight
• Material: Nylon, Merino Wool, Spandex
• Cushioning: Medium

The Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Midweight Hiking Sock is our pick for the best overall hiking sock. This will come as no surprise to experienced thru-hikers, many of who have raved about this sock. For us, the Quarter Hiker is about as close to a perfect sock for thru-hikes, where you encounter all types of weather and trail conditions.

We found they perform equally well in warm, dry conditions and wet, cold conditions. We love the comfort of these medium-cushioned socks. And the durability is incredible, thanks to the tightly knit wool. And the lifetime guarantee means you can exchange them for a fresh pair if they ever wear out. Really the only drawback for us is that tight-knit wool can feel rough at first, but it will soften up after a few washes.

Most Comfortable and Breathable Hiking Sock

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock

Price: $23

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Pros

✅ Durable

✅ Comfortable

✅ Breathable

✅ Lightweight

Cons

❌ High-density knitting requires brief breaking in

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 2.4 oz
• Thickness: Medium
• Weight of sock: Midweight
• Material: Nylon, Merino Wool, Spandex
• Cushioning: Light

For thru-hikers, Darn Tough is one of the most beloved sock companies, and with good reason. Their socks feature superior craftsmanship using sustainably-sourced materials. The Micro Crew sock rises just above the top of a standard hiking boot. It was built with thru-hikers in mind and features a mid-level cushion, high-density knitting, and seamless stitching.

We found the micro crew sock to be one of the most durable socks on our list and also one of the most breathable. For this reason, we vote the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock as the most comfortable and breathable hiking sock on our list. The only real downside to this (and other Darn Tough socks) is that the tight wool weave can feel rough initially, but after a few washes, it softens up.

Most Durable & Lightweight Hiking Socks

Farm to Feet Damascus Light Targeted Cushion

Price: $24

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Pros

✅ Durable

✅ Lightweight

✅ Breathable

Cons

❌ Average comfort

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 2.26 oz
• Thickness: Thin
• Weight of sock: Lightweight
• Material: Nylon, Wool, Spandex
• Cushioning: Light

Farm to Feet is an environmentally friendly company that prides itself on having all its materials 100% sourced in the USA. We love these hiker socks for their mix of superior durability while still being lightweight. Despite the ¾ crew length size, these are the second lightest pair of wool hiking socks we reviewed.

We found the cushioning placement and stitching reinforcement were in high foot strike areas, adding additional durability. Comfort-wise, we found these in the middle of the pack to the other models we reviewed. If you’re looking for a lightweight yet durable hiking sock, this is our top pick.

Fun Fact: The Damascus sock is named after one of the most hiker-friendly towns along the Appalachian Trail.

Best Warm Weather Hiking Sock

Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six Lightweight

Price: $23.99

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Pros

✅ Lightweight

✅ Comfy

✅ Breathable

Cons

❌ Average durability

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 2.89 oz
• Thickness: Light
• Weight of sock: Lightweight
• Material: Nylon, Merino Wool, Spandex, Olefin
• Cushioning: Light

Swiftwick is an American-based company making sustainably-made performance socks for adventurers. The Pursuit Hike Six Lightweight is our pick for the best warm-weather hiking sock. The Pursuit Hike Six Light Cushion hiking sock is built to keep feet dry.

We found it to have great breathability and moisture-wicking properties thanks to Swiftwick’s signature Olefin fiber. With 63% merino wool content, this hiker sock is one of the more comfortable socks we reviewed. The light cushioning and thinner overall sock make this less durable than other models we tested, but it still should last many miles. With seamless toe construction and a light underfoot cushion, we think these socks are ideal for short trips such as day hikes and overnight backpacking trips.

Best Toe Socks

Injinji Outdoor Midweight Mini-Crew Wool

Price: $21

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Pros

✅ Comfy

✅ Inexpensive

✅ Lightweight

Cons

❌ Not as durable

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 2.1 oz
• Thickness: Medium
• Weight of sock: Midweight
• Material: Nylon, Merino Wool, Spandex
• Cushioning: Medium

Injinji Outdoor is a toe sock company known for its patented five-toe sock design. We love that these socks are inexpensive, lightweight, and some of the comfiest socks we reviewed. The five-toe design helps eliminate the risks of blisters due to the prevention of toes rubbing on one another.

We also love these socks as good sleeping socks, with each toe covered to keep your feet warm all night. We found the durability to be the lowest compared to the other models we reviewed. They are built with Injinji’s proprietary merino wool blend, which regulates the temperature of feet and wicks away moisture giving them average breathability. The toe sock design isn’t for everyone, but if it’s yours, this is our pick for the best toe sock.

Warmest Hiking Sock

Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker

Price: $19

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Pros

✅ Comfy

✅ Inexpensive

✅ Warm

Cons

❌ Heavy

❌ Less breathable

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 3.84 oz
• Thickness: Medium
• Weight of sock: Midweight
• Material: Nylon, Merino Wool, Spandex, Polyester
• Cushioning: Full

The Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker is the only full cushion sock on our list. This not only makes this sock super comfy it also makes it the warmest sock we reviewed. And with Wigwam based out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, it’s no surprise they know how to make a warm sock. At $19 a pair, they are the most affordable pair of socks for hiking on our list.

Thanks to the thick fabric and cushion, they are the heaviest socks we reviewed and one of the least breathable. But if you need a hiking sock for cold conditions, the Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker is our pick for the warmest overall hiking sock.

The Other Noteworthy Models

FITS Socks LIGHT HIKER CREW

Price: $22.99

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Pros

✅ Inexpensive

✅ Comfy

Cons

❌ Average durability and breathability

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 3.2 oz
• Thickness: Light
• Weight of sock: Lightweight
• Material: Nylon, Merino Wool, Spandex, Polyester
• Cushioning: Light

If you’re looking for a good all-around sock for hiking, the Fits Light Hiker Crew delivers. We found that the Light Hikers neatly hugged the contours of our feet without bunching thanks to its sculpted shape, deep heel pockets, and a roomy yet snug toe box. For added comfort, Fits has designed the Light Hikers with added cushioning to follow the arch of your foot.

They are the heaviest lightweight sock we reviewed, thanks to the full crew length. We like that this longer length gives it a bit of extra coverage, though. For lightweight socks, they run warm and are best for fall and winter hiking.

POINT6 37.5 LIGHT CREW

Price: $25.95

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Pros

✅ Breathable

✅ Lightweight

Cons

❌ Less comfortable and durable than other options

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 2.75 oz
• Thickness: Light
• Weight of sock: Lightweight
• Material: Nylon, Wool, Elastic
• Cushioning: Light

The 37.5 Light Crew socks by Point6 feature Point6's 37.5 technology, which is a fiber that uses body heat (human infrared) to evaporate moisture before it turns into sweat, effectively keeping your feet dry and cool during effort. We think this, combined with the outstanding properties of merino wool, make these lightweight hiker socks a prime choice for long-distance hikes in hot and warm weather.

We also like that it keeps the socks nice and breathable too. The downsides are they're the most expensive socks on our list, and the light cushion gives them less comfort than other options we reviewed. Durability is also lower than more robust socks. However, if these were ever to show signs of weakness, you'll be able to get them replaced thanks to the lifetime warranty that all Point6 socks are sold with.

Smartwool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew

Price: $25

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Pros

✅ Durable

Cons

❌ Less comfortable

❌ Less breathable

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 3 oz
• Thickness: Medium
• Weight of sock: Midweight
• Material: Nylon, Merino Wool, Elastane
• Cushioning: Medium

The PhD Outdoor Medium Crew socks are versatile midweight socks that can be used in warm and cold conditions. We wouldn’t recommend these in hot conditions as the medium thickness and cushion don't allow these socks to breathe, as well as other models we reviewed.

They run in the middle of the pack in weight and price compared to other socks we tested. The standout feature to us is the durability of these socks. They can last a long time, ideal for long hikers in moderate to cool climates.

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing

Comfort

How comfortable a hiking sock comes down to fit, cushioning, thickness, and material. We’ll cover these factors in more detail below. In brief, the most comfortable socks for hiking have a lightweight or medium cushion, fit snugly and don’t slip, and have a mix of wool and synthetic fabrics to allow for stretching with your foot as you hike.

The most comfortable hiking socks:

• DARN TOUGH Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock
• DARN TOUGH Hiker Quarter Midweight Hiking Sock
• INJINJI Outdoor Midweight Mini-Crew Wool
• WIGWAM Merino Wool Comfort Hiker

Durability

Hiking socks for thru-hikers need to be able to go the distance. How tightly knit the hiking socks are and their fiber strength makes a big impact on how long a sock will last. Look for hiking socks that use high-quality merino wool blended with synthetics for the best durability.

Hiker-specific factors that affect durability are hiking gait, foot strike hardness, and how frequently the socks are washed. It’s better not to wash your hiking socks every time you wear them, as this will break down the composition of the fabric faster).

The most durable hiking socks:

• FARM TO FEET Damascus Light Targeted Cushion
• DARN TOUGH Hiker Quarter Midweight Hiking Sock
• DARN TOUGH Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock
• SMARTWOOL PhD Outdoor Medium Crew

Breathability

Your socks need to be breathable and wick moisture away from your feet to keep them dry, especially on a hot day. Dry feet equal fewer blisters and fewer hot spots. Thinner socks tend to be the most breathable, but thickness isn’t the only factor to consider.

The material also plays a part. Wool hiking socks that use merino wool dry quickly and are super breathable.

The most breathable hiking socks:

• DARN TOUGH Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock
• FARM TO FEET Damascus Light Targeted Cushion
• POINT6 37.5 Light Crew

Other Things to Consider

Price

Price is always a factor when we talk gear, but with hiking socks, the range of prices is relatively small. From the highest to lowest cost socks we reviewed, there is only a $7 difference. The blend of materials and how engineered a sock is will affect the final price. Taller socks use more material and tend to be a few dollars more than shorter socks.

Weight

Socks for thru-hiking are all relatively lightweight, with only an ounce or two separating the models on our list. When evaluating weight, look at sock thickness and sock height makes the most difference to the total weight of a sock.

Damscacus Lightweight socks by Farm to Feet

Thickness

Hiking socks fall into four categories: Ultralight, Lightweight, Midweight, and Thick/Heavy. To determine which kind you need for your hike, you’ll first need to determine where you’re going, how far you’re going, and how long you plan to take to get there.

ULTRALIGHT: Ultralight socks are best suited for short hikes or trail runs, either in hot or warm weather. They’re thin, breathable, and come in a range of sizes, from no-shows to crews. They’re the fastest-drying option for hiking socks and are typically made of polyester blends, nylon, and spandex.

Ultralights can be worn alone or underneath thicker socks as liners, as they have minimal padding but are excellent at keeping moisture away. These are the perfect socks for a day hike in summer, but for a longer or colder trek, you’d want to opt for a thicker sock option.

LIGHTWEIGHT: Lightweight socks are a step up in thickness compared to Ultralights. They’re ideal for longer day hikes and overnight backpacking trips during warmer weather and range in lengths from ankle to crew.

The cushioning on the lightweight sock is strategically placed on the heel and balls of the feet for added comfort. Most lightweight socks are made from polyester/wool blends, nylon, and spandex, and like the ultralight sock, they will dry fast if they get wet.

Although a lightweight sock would be a great option for a longer hike or shorter backpacking trip during the warmer months, you’d likely want to move up to a midweight sock for any longer or colder adventure.

MIDWEIGHT: Midweight socks are ideal for colder climates, higher mileage hikes, or longer backpacking trips. Compared to the lightweight sock, a midweight sock will feel much thicker, focusing on extra padding in the toes, heel, and balls of the feet.

You can find midweight socks available in crew, quarter, and knee-length heights. A Midweight sock is usually composed of merino wool and polyester blend.

If going on a long backpacking trip, a good tip to save on space and weight may be to bring a pair of midweight socks to wear over the top of your ultralight socks. By doing this, your ultralight socks will soak up any excess moisture, and you can easily wash and dry them overnight while keeping your midweight socks dry and ready to be reused. It would be harder to wash and dry a midweight sock overnight, as its thickness causes it to dry slower.

THICK: Thick socks are as heavy and durable as you can get for hiking socks. This is the level of hiking sock that’s worn when mountaineering, hiking through tough terrain or heading out on a multi-day backpacking trip in colder temps.

Thick socks are designed to keep your feet warm and extremely well-padded. They typically come in quarter- to knee-length height and are composed of merino wool or blend. Although these socks will keep your toes toasty and protected in colder climates, you wouldn’t want to wear them in warmer temps due to their thickness.

The Light Hiker lightweight socks by FITS.

Material

The type of socks you should hike in are socks with a blend of fabrics that have specific features that focus on breathability, flexibility, moisture-wicking factors, and odor-resistant technology.

Avoid cotton; instead, aim for fabrics such as Merino Wool, Nylon, Spandex, or even Polyester blends. Below is a run-through of the benefits you'll get from common hiking sock materials:

MERINO WOOL: Wool is the best-of-the-best in hiking sock material. It regulates your body temperature, has micro-bacterial features that help keep the stink away, and is also quick-drying and comfortable.

POLYESTER: Most hiking socks will blend wool and polyester. Polyester is beneficial because it insulates, dries quickly, and is a champ when it comes to wicking away moisture.

NYLON: Nylon is another quick-drying option that adds flexibility and durability.

SPANDEX: What would a hiking sock be if it wasn’t flexible? This elastic material provides flexibility so that your hiking sock can form your foot, hold its shape, and move with ease.

SILK: Some hiking socks may include traces of silk because of the material’s durability and smoothness.

Height

Hiking socks come in four main heights. To determine what height may be best for you, we’ve provided a detailed look into the benefits of each below.

NO-SHOW: No-show socks are the shortest hiking sock option. They’re ideal for trail runners or easy hikes and should be worn with low-cut footwear like running shoes or light hiking boots. These socks do not provide any ankle protection.

ANKLE: A little higher than a no-show sock, the ankle sock does cover your ankle bone offering more protection. This height sock would be ideal for a mid-level day hike or if you have hiking boots that sit at or below your ankle bone. The added length will help to protect your ankle and avoid rubbing.

CREW: The most popular hiking sock height, a crew level sock cuts off a few inches above the ankle bone, providing protection against boot abrasion. You can also wear this sock with ankle shoes if you like, as the extra height can protect against bugs, mud, and other outdoor elements.

KNEE-HIGH: Knee-high socks are typically used for mountaineering, as their extra height is beneficial in providing warmth. The added length and thickness also protect against any rubbing that can occur on your calves or shins with high-rising mountaineer boots.

Four main heights of hiking socks.

Cushioning

For the overall comfort and well-being of your foot, the level of cushioning you choose for your hiking sock is an important factor. There are four main levels to choose from:

NO CUSHIONING: Designed with hot weather hikes or trail runs in mind, this is the thinnest, least-cushioned hiking sock option. Most would consider this a “liner” sock, and it does well at keeping your feet cool and properly ventilated.

LIGHT CUSHIONING: Another great option for a warmer day, this level of cushioning will provide added protection with little added bulk. The extra padding lies in the heels and balls of the feet.

MEDIUM CUSHIONING: Medium cushioning provides heavier padding in the heels, balls of the feet, and toes resulting in an overall thicker sock construction. This would be a good choice for longer hikes, backpacking trips, or when heading out into colder weather.

HEAVY CUSHIONING: The thickest and warmest option, heavy cushioning socks are ideal for longer trips into cold weather and tough terrain. This sock is most popular among mountaineers.

Warmth

Hiker socks should also keep your feet warm, especially when wet. Wool does the best job retaining warmth when wet. Sock thickness also plays a big part in warmth, with thicker socks being the warmest.

Hiking socks don't have to look boring, as illustrated here by Point6.

Warranty

How great would it be to buy a pair of hiking socks and know that no matter what you drag them through, they’re warranted for life? Lucky for all of us, some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. No questions asked!

Although hiking socks aren’t guaranteed a set number of miles or years, they’re specially designed to last through tough conditions. In our list of “Best Hiking Socks” provided above, we’ve included a few of these companies with lifetime warranties.

Toe Separation

If you're prone to blisters or sweaty feet, you may want to look into toe-separating socks. Socks like the Injinji Outdoor Original Weight Micro NuWool are a good choice, as this sock specializes in keeping your toes separated, eliminating friction and abrasion of any skin-to-skin contact.

The Outdoor Original Weight Micro NuWool socks by Injinji.

Dries Quickly

When hitting the trails, it’s inevitable that at some point or another, you will come into contact with water. Whether it starts down-pouring during your hike or you stumble your way into a stream, having a pair of socks that will dry fast is important for avoiding blisters.

Ultralight and lightweight socks are known for their quick-drying capabilities. Merino wool and polyester, which are both common materials used in thicker hiking socks, are also known to wick away moisture and dry more quickly than other fabrics.