The Best Hiking Socks

Buying Guide

Socks play an important role in your comfort throughout the day. The right cushioning supports your foot while elastic in all the proper places ensures your socks stay in place. But if you’re going for a hike, socks take on even greater importance.

Why do you need a good pair of hiking socks? Over the miles you’ll be trekking, blisters and abrasions can provide a point of pressure and pain that will slow you down as you grow more uncomfortable.  The right socks will help keep your shoes from rubbing against your skin and keep your feet warm and protected while you walk

But moisture can be a big problem, too. As you walk, sweat can build up between your socks and foot, leading to an environment that allows bacteria to grow. The socks you choose should be made from moisture-wicking material to keep your feet dry no matter what your activity.

Many hikers prefer Merino wool as the main material in hiking socks, as this material is anti-microbial, quick-drying and soft. Polyester and cotton provide a lightweight build, but you’ll need to make sure they have the padding necessary to keep your feet well-supported. Nylon is also a preferred fabric because of its durability and quick-drying properties. If you are sensitive to these materials, bamboo makes a good alternative fabric for the perfect hiking socks. You may wish to look for a blend with Spandex, which provides stretch and helps socks hold their shape.

• There are four heights for hiking socks: no-show, which provide only enough coverage for low-profile footwear such as trail-running shoes; ankle, which is best for lower-cut shoes; crew socks, which fall above your ankle bone; and knee-high, which are best if you’re wearing boots.
• When choosing socks, consider your footwear. Tall boots require tall socks. Roomy shoes may allow you to add cushioning or layers for extra warmth. Tighter shoes can require a lighter-weight style. Socks will also come in sizes that correspond to your shoe size, but you’ll want to know the size of your actual foot if you prefer to buy slightly larger shoes.
• Most socks come in multi-pair sets. If a variety of colors is important to you, you can find assortments that will let you shake things up.
• Having your socks slip downward throughout the day can be annoying whether you’re hiking or not. When you’re on a trail, though, it can slow you down and lead to an uncomfortable experience. Look for socks with an elasticized band, or ones which use compression to hold the socks in place.
• Socks can also slide around inside your shoe while you’re wearing them. This can put the extra cushioning where you don’t need it, like on the side of your foot instead of the bottom. Some hiking socks are designed to prevent this movement,  so your socks stay firmly in place the entire time you’re wearing them. Look for a Y-shaped, constructed heel.