A damp sock or a painful blister can ruin a great hike. The first step in avoiding such catastrophes is selecting the appropriate hiking sock. According to Harry Rabinowitz, an NBC Select reporter who enjoys hiking in the fall and spring, “I can easily ruin a beautiful hike by wearing the wrong pair of socks.” Even with the proper hiking boot or rail running shoes, wearing thin work or dress socks is extremely uncomfortable because there isn’t enough padding or support to feel secure on challenging terrain. On every hike, I make sure to include a pair of athletic, cushiony socks.
In order to assist you choose the best hiking socks for your upcoming trip, we spoke with three podiatrists about the things to look for and about the socks they personally wear and suggest to their patients.
GO Ahead and SkipWhy trust NBC Select? How did we choose the finest hiking socks? The best hiking socks of 2024? How to shop for hiking socks? When to replace your hiking socks?
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Most affordable hiking socksREI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
$undefined$18.95REI
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Editor’s pickDarn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
$undefined$25.00darn tough
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Best quarter sockBombas Merino Wool Blend Hiking Quarter Socks
$undefined$26.00Bombas
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How we picked the best hiking socks
A certain degree of personal preference goes into choosing the ideal hiking sock; depending on the weather and type of trip you usually take, you could choose a lightweight, streamlined style over one with more cushioning. However, according to the experts we spoke with, the finest hiking socks share a few characteristics. Here’s something to think about:
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Fabric:
All three experts I spoke to agree that socks made from predominantly moisture-wicking merino wool are the best for hiking. Wool absorbs moisture on your feet just like cotton does, but wool has enough air and space for [the moisture] to evaporate, says
Dr. Adenike Sonaike
, DPM, a podiatrist and Medical Director with Baker Street Health in Motion, in New York and New Jersey. Wool is also the gold-standard fabric for temperature control. The beauty of wool is that in a hot climate it keeps the feet cooler, and in a cooler climate it keeps the feet warmer. It works for both ends of the spectrum, says
Dr. Lori Grant,
MD, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Orlando Health. Look for merino wool blends (typically with the addition of synthetic fibers like spandex and nylon) with over 50% merino wool.
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Quick drying:
Merino wool will naturally dry quicker than cotton socks, but if you plan to be getting your feet wet on a hike, you may want to look for a sock with additional quick-drying features like ventilation zones, says
Dr. Priya Parthasarathy
, DPM, a podiatrist with the U.S. Foot and Ankle Specialists in Maryland and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. Another pro for merino wool is that it will keep your feet warm if it gets wet, according to our experts.
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Sock height:
Length is incredibly important when it comes to hiking socks. Whether you re wearing a hiking boot or sneaker, you want to have at least a little bit of sock peeking over the top of the shoe to avoid rubbing and blisters, says Grant. Taller socks will also lower the risk of your socks sliding down and causing painful wrinkles in your arch, says Sonaike.
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Price:
As much as we love a bargain, you often get what you pay for when it comes to socks, says Grant. You don t need the most expensive brand on the market, but you are going to have to pay a little more than you are normally accustomed to paying for socks to get a better pair, she says. Our list has options that range from $19 to $26 per pair.
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The best hiking socks in 2024
REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
- Quick-drying
- Have arch support
- Unisex sizing runs large
Sonaike’s top pick and personal preference are the reasonably priced merino wool hiking socks from REI. They are 79% merino wool, lightweight, and appropriate for both warmer and colder climates. Although my family members trek in them throughout the summer, I only use them in the fall, winter, and spring. The compression band across the arch for extra support and the seamless toes to avoid blisters are popular features among long-distance hikers.
Fabric: 79 percent merino wool, 20 percent nylon, and 1 percent spandex lycra; compression: light; height of the sock: crew; cushioning: light; moisture-wicking: yes
REI Co-op Merino Wool Expedition Hiking Crew Socks
REI Co-op Merino Wool Expedition Hiking Crew Socks
- Ultra thick
- Unisex sizing
A heavier version of REI’s expert-recommended hiking sock is also available if you’re getting ready for treacherous winter paths. Even in below-freezing temperatures, reviews mention how toasty the sock is.
Fabric: 79 percent merino wool, 20 percent nylon, and 1 percent spandex lycra; compression: mild; height: crew; cushioning: heavy; moisture-wicking: yes
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
- Have arch support
- Lifetime warranty
- Come in many colors
- Runs small
- Expensive
Darn Tough’s hiking socks are cozy and well-cushioned, according to Parthasarathy. She adds that one of her patients used these socks for a multi-day hike across Europe and that they fit well and are breathable. Additionally, each pair is guaranteed for life.
59% merino wool, 39% nylon, and 2% spandex make up the fabric. It has light compression, crew height socks, medium cushioning, and moisture-wicking properties.
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Hiking Quarter Socks
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Hiking Quarter Socks
- Arch support
- Fun colors
- Minimal cushioning
Bombas merino wool mix quarter socks are a more understated option for hiking socks that are appropriate for trail runs or day walks. These socks provide zonal arch support and ankle compression, but they don’t reach as high on the ankle as crew socks made for full hiking boots.
Fabric: 63% merino wool, 34% nylon, and 3% elastane; middle compression; quarter height; light cushioning; yes, moisture wicking
Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew Socks
Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew Socks
- Ultra-thick cushioning
- Arch support
- Retro styling
- May be too bulky for some
Because Smartwool socks come in a range of cushioning options to accommodate different tastes, Sonaike frequently suggests them to her patients. For good reason, their incredibly comfy classic edition is a sockstalwart; you won’t want to take them off after your trip. To provide additional warmth and lessen chafing on the path, full cushioning is incorporated into the foot and ankle. On chilly winter days, they also make great home socks.
56% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, and 2% elastane make up the fabric. It has a mild compression, a crew height, velvety cushioning, and moisture-wicking properties.
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How to shop for hiking socks
The best hiking socks have similar materials and sock heights, whether you’re preparing for a day trip or a multi-day trek close to home. Here are the experts’ recommendations along with tips for taking your individual preferences for cushioning, warmth, and comfort into account.
Fabric
Merino wool was the clear victor for trekking socks. Sonaike claims it’s far superior to cotton. Cotton retains moisture more than moisture-wicking merino, which increases the likelihood of getting chilly, wet feet mid-hike and encourages the spread of bacteria and fungus, she explains.
According to Grant, wool also offers better temperature regulation, which is especially helpful for hikes that could cross several temperature zones. She adds, “I always advise wearing wool if you’re going to be in an area that’s going to be snowy or icy, and wool if you’re going to be in a hotter, humid, wet marshy area.”
According to Sonaike, the first or second fabric listed while searching for a hiking sock indicates that it makes up the largest amount of the fabric blend.
Cushioning
For longer hikes, Parthasarathy suggests aiming for medium to full cushioning, but this is typically a question of personal opinion. More cushioning is beneficial for longer hikes, but you have to adjust it to your needs, she explains.
Thickness
In addition to being more comfortable, thicker socks with more cushioning can also aid with stability, especially for people with narrow calves. “You definitely want a thicker sock if there’s too much room between your calf and your hiking boot where you can fit your finger inside,” Sonaike advises. You won’t be able to roll your ankle within your hiking shoe because it will provide you with stability.
Compression
According to Sonaike, modest compression can help provide you with better stability on uneven terrain, but compression isn’t as crucial in hiking socks as it is in running socks. “Your tendons and ligaments can be supported and stabilized by light compression around the ankle, but you don’t want the compression level to be too high,” she explains. Uncomfortable swelling above the sock band may result from medical-grade compression that ends at the ankle rather than just below the knee, as is the case with many medical-grade support stockings. According to Sonaike, such compression levels are ideal across your calf or just below your knee, where your veins can return the fluid you’re storing. To reduce your chance of ankle sprains and strains while hiking, she suggests searching for hiking socks that are above the ankle and have little compression.
When to replace your hiking socks
Hiking socks can vary widely in terms of durability. According to Grant, there is no commonly accepted number of miles or months after which you should replace them, unlike running shoes. More important than anything else is examining the sock’s actual wear.
If you observe any of the following, change your socks:
- Thinning of the material, particularly on the bottom
- Holes
- Socks no longer retain their shape
- Blisters
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we take precautions to guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Priya Parthasarathy
, DPM, is a podiatrist based in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and practices with the U.S. Foot and Ankle Specialists, specializing in general foot and ankle care, foot pain, and sports medicine.
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Dr. Adenike Sonaike
, DPM, is a podiatrist and Medical Director with Baker Street Health in Motion, practicing in New York and New Jersey. She specializes in general foot and ankle care, sports medicine, tendon health, and biomechanics.
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Dr. Lori Grant,
MD, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Orlando Health, who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of all foot and ankle conditions including wound care, bunions, and sports-related injuries.
Why trust NBC Select?
For more than ten years, journalist and former Glamour editor Macaela MacKenzie has written on wellness and fitness. In addition to interviewing three medical professionals for this piece, MacKenzie drew on her own experience as a passionate hiker with consistently cold toes.
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