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?
Selected.
-
Most affordable hiking socksREI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
$undefined$18.95REI
Learn more
-
Editor’s pickDarn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
$undefined$25.00darn tough
Learn more
-
Best quarter sockBombas Merino Wool Blend Hiking Quarter Socks
$undefined$26.00Bombas
Learn more
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related
4 signs you re wearing the wrong socks when you re running
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.
Fabric:59% merino wool/39% nylon/2% Lycra spandex |Compression:light |Sock height:crew |Sock cushioning:medium |Moisture-wicking:yes
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Hiking Quarter Socks
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Hiking Quarter Socks
- Arch support
- Fun colors
- Minimal cushioning
For a more minimalist hiking sock, Bombas merino wool blend quarter socks are suitable for day hikes or trail runs. While they don t come up as high on the ankle as crew socks suited for full hiking boots, these socks have zoned arch support and ankle compression.
Fabric:63% merino wool/34% nylon/3% elastane|Compression:medium |Sock height:quarter |Sock cushioning:light |Moisture-wicking:yes
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
Sonaike often recommends Smartwool socks to her patients since they have a variety of cushioning options to suit individual preferences. Their ultra-cushioned classic edition is a sockstalwart for a reason you won t want to take them off post-hike. Full cushioning runs through the foot and ankle to add extra warmth and help prevent chafing on the trail. They also make excellent home socks for drafty winter days.
Fabric:56% merino wool, 11% nylon, 31% recycled nylon, 2% elastane |Compression:medium |Sock height:crew |Sock cushioning:plush |Moisture-wicking:yes
Related
Good socks can make a huge difference when you work out, and these are worth the price
How to shop for hiking socks
Whether you re gearing up for a multiday trek or day hike near your home, the best hiking socks share commonalities in fabric and sock height. Here s what the experts recommend as well as their advice for factoring in your personal preferences for warmth, comfort, and cushioning.
Fabric
For hiking socks, merino wool was the hands down winner. It s so much better than cotton, says Sonaike. Unlike moisture-wicking merino, cotton absorbs moisture, increasing the chances you ll get soggy, cold feet mid-hike therefore promoting the growth of bacteria and fungus, she says.
Wool also provides superior temperature regulation, says Grant, which is particularly useful for hikes that may take you through different temperature zones. I always say if you re going to be in a snowy, icy area, wear wool and if you re going to be in a hotter, humid, wet marshy area, wear wool, she says.
When you re looking for a hiking sock, it should be the first or second fabric listed, which shows you it is the highest percentage of the fabric blend, says Sonaike.
Cushioning
Cushioning is often a matter of personal preference, but Parthasarathy advises gravitating toward medium to full cushioning for longer distance hikes. You have to tailor it to your needs, but for longer hikes, more cushioning is helpful, she says.
Thickness
Aside from providing comfort, thicker, more cushioned socks can also help provide stability, particularly for those with narrow calves. If there s too much space between your calf and your hiking boot where you can fit your finger inside, you definitely want a thicker sock, says Sonaike. It s going to give you stability so that your ankle s not moving around and you can t roll your ankle within your hiking shoe.
Compression
Compression isn t as important in a hiking sock as it is in a running sock, says Sonaike but light compression can help give you more stability on rocky terrain. Light compression around the ankle can support and stabilize your tendons and ligaments, she says, but you don t want the compression level to be too high. Medical-grade compression that stops at the ankle (as opposed to extending just below the knee like many medical-grade support stockings) can cause uncomfortable swelling above the sock band. Those levels of compression are better over your calf or right below your knee where your veins are going to be able to pump the fluid back that you re accumulating, says Sonaike. She recommends looking for hiking socks with light compression that come above the ankle to decrease your risk of ankle sprains and strains when you are out there.
When to replace your hiking socks
Durability for hiking socks can vary greatly. Unlike running shoes, there s no widely agreed upon number of miles or months after which you should replace them, says Grant. It really is looking at the actual wear of the sock more than anything.
Replace your socks if you notice any of the following:
- Thinning of the material, particularly on the bottom
- Holes
- Socks no longer retain their shape
- Blisters
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
Macaela MacKenzie is a journalist and former Glamour editor who s covered fitness and wellness for over a decade. For this article, MacKenzie spoke to three doctors and drew on her personal experience as an avid hiker with perpetually cold toes.
Catch up on Select s in-depth coverage ofpersonal finance,tech and tools,wellnessand more, and follow us onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokto stay up to date.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!