Socks... boring but essential. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which to choose? Our in-depth guide does the research so you don't have to.
Founded in 2010, Stance are a relatively young company who claim to have turned hiking socks from something that had been largely taken for granted into one of the world’s most exciting accessories in just a few years. With a focus on relentless innovation, Stance socks can now be seen adorning the feet of adventurers in over 40 countries.
Stance's Feel360 technology is designed to keep you on the mountain or the trail for longer, whatever the weather. The yarns are twisted to increase resilience to wear and tear, and the socks contain reactive fibres that promote effective wicking and help regulate temperature.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - pattern
Material - 47% nylon, 26% wool, 24% polyester, 3% elastane
Danish Endurance’s mission lies in helping people take their endurance goals to the next level by giving them high quality products. These hiking socks were developed with the help of Rasmus Kragh, the first Dane to climb Mount Everest without using supplementary oxygen, so you’ll be walking in the footsteps of a legend.
Danish Endurance’s products are designed in Denmark and produced in factories in Portugal, where fair working conditions are ensured. Their wool comes from animal friendly sources.
Danish Endurance’s socks contain merino wool, so you’ll benefit from their temperature regulation and odour reducing properties.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - grey, navy, black, brown, red, green
Material - 36% nylon, 33% acrylic, 30% merino, 1% elastane
Smartwool have been developing socks since 1994, when their founders simply wanted to be able to ski for longer without getting cold tootsies. They claim to be the first company to produce performance merino wool ski socks, forever changing what outdoor enthusiasts put on their feet.
The light cushioning makes them ideal for hiking, running, cycling or skiing or on and off road. A good choice for ultra-runners and fast packers, these are great looking socks that will help you add a dash of style when out on the trail.
Height - crew
Colours available - black/multi, light grey/moonbeam
Material - 62% merino wool, 36% nylon, 2% elastane
Finisterre’s story started in 2003 from a need for warm surfing gear for hardy surfers braving the cold British coast, and they didn't want to compromise the environment. Finisterre are now a certified B-Corporation, meaning they technically do more good than harm.
These are a good multi-purpose sock for runners, hikers, cyclists and surfers.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - yellow, grey, navy, striped multi
Material - 65% yarn, 33% wool, 2% nylon/elastane
Falke is a well-established German company with a reputation for quality outdoor gear. Blending luxury with functionality, Falke are committed to sourcing the finest materials whilst respecting the ancient traditions of the people who hand-make them.
With extra-strength cushioning and merino wool mix, these socks are designed for tough mountain adventures. Left and right cushioning, along with a specially cushioned toe box, ensure a great fit with good protection against hot spots and blisters.
The triple-layered structure allows for a good regulation of temperature with effective wicking properties to help keep feet dry, warm in cold conditions and cool when it’s warm.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - nature, black mix, asphalt, marine
Material - 42% polypropylene, 25% acrylic, 20% wool, 12% polyamide, 1% elastane
Injinji are a California based company who describe themselves as innovators, adventurers and lovers of all things active. They claim that their unique design properly aligns the toes which helps promote proper balance and posture. Injinji socks may take some getting used to but we have known people who will not now use any other brand. If you’ve not worn Injinji toe socks before, fit each toe into their sleeve before pulling on the remainder of the sock. Be patient and allow your feet time to adjust.
This is a midweight sock which is designed to fit comfortably into anything - trail shoe, running shoe or boot. A specially designed arch support gives a secure and stable fit while the dual welt band holds the socks into place – nothing worse than having to keep stopping to pull socks up!
A mesh top offers breathability and helps keep your feet cool on warmer days.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - charcoal, black
Material - 43% NuWool, 43% acrylic, 12% nylon, 2% Lycra
1000 Mile have been producing performance and technical socks for over twenty years. The 1000 Mile socks are described as a ‘sock within a sock’. They are based on a double layering technique; an inner layer that wicks away moisture while moving with the foot, and an outer layer that moves with the boot. The two layers are designed to reduce the friction against the skin that causes blisters.
The merino wool outer layer and Tactel inner layer help maintain a comfortable foot temperature. Tactel is a speciality fibre that is soft, breathable and lightweight. It has good wicking properties and is quick drying.
The arch bracing gives additional support while the fully padded heel protects the Achilles Tendon – extra handy if you suffer from Achilles problems.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - charcoal, navy
Material - inner layer: 40% merino wool, 29% nylon, 23% polyester, 6% cotton, 2% Lycra. Outer layer: 100% Tactel
Darn Tough is a family owned American business that prides itself on their values, prioritising families and celebrating differences. They are committed to being equal opportunities employers, addressing social and racial injustices.
It’s the fine gauge knitting techniques that give their socks their toughness – you’ll have to try hard to wear out these bad boys.Darn Tough’s True Seamless undetectable seam fusion gives an ultra-smooth feel for ‘put them on and forget about them’ comfort
Height - medium crew
Colours available - denim, moss heather, slate, plum heather, black
Material - 59% merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% Lycra
Another one from the Bridgedale stable, the Bridgedale HIKE are designed as a lightweight sock for day walks. The sock is kept in place with an engineered women’s specific fit, and the zonal padding system gives extra cushioning for support and comfort for those long days out on the hill.
The stretched ribbed cuff provides a looser, less restricted fit around the calf whilst still keeping the socks in place, while the flat toe seam means there is no bulky stitching that could irritate the toes and cause blisters.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - grey/ raspberry, multi blue, purple
Material - 56% merino wool, 41% nylon/ polyamide, 3% Lycra/ elastase
Sealskinz have been making extreme weather gear for over 25 years. Their attention to detail, rigorous testing and use of premium materials allows adventures to happen whatever the weather. Sealskinz are the go-to socks when the weather closes in and things get epic.
Each sock is hand-tested for waterproofness; Sealskinz claim they have the highest sustained waterproof durability of any other sock out there.
The Extreme Cold Weather Sock will keep you comfy and dry in the coldest of temperatures, whilst the three-layer construction with its unique hydrophilic waterproof membrane moves moisture from the skin using osmosis techniques.
The Sealskinz feels much more like a normal sock than other waterproof socks available – traditionally they can be rather stiff, rubbery and uncomfortable.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - pattern
Material - 41% merino wool, 41% acrylic, 14% polyester, 2% elastane, 2% polyamide
Rohan was founded by a husband and wife team in Yorkshire way back in 1972. They have been creating world class hiking gear for over 45 years and pride themselves on following the five principles of effortless travel; protective, lightweight, packable, easy-care and versatile.
Rohan’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Mission is driven by their strong commitment to human rights, promotion of animal welfare and striving to always understand their environmental impact. Rohan’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Mission is driven by their strong commitment to human rights, promotion of animal welfare and striving to always understand their environmental impact.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - damson, shale blue marl, slate marl
Material - 40% polyester, 30% merino wool, 29% polyamide, 1% elastane
Storm Bloc produce a range of functional, technical low-cost socks. These are the cheapest we’ve seen that still contain wool. They're not the best hiking socks out there but a good option if funds are limited.
The Storm Blocs contain an arch support to help prevent tired feet, and the Blueguard anti-abrasion technology is knitted into high-wearing areas for better durability.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - pink, grey, blue, lilac
Material - 40% polyamide, 20% wool, 17% polyester, 10% cotton, 8% polypropylene, 3% acrylic, 1% elastane, 1% viscose
Another offering from Smartwool, this is a tougher sock for gnarlier adventures and extended treks.
Their 2 Degree fit system includes elasticated arch and ankle support to keep the socks firmly in place and the 4-degree Elite Fit system gives a performance-orientated fit with extra flex at the ankle joint.
Mesh vents give good breathability and help dispel moisture, while extra-heavy cushioning keeps feet warm when ice climbing, mountaineering or backpacking.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - alpine blue, black, deep navy, taupe, forest
Material - 68% merino wool, 30% nylon, 2% elastane
From the highly respected Falke range, these lightly padded socks are designed to be worn with walking shoes, trail shoes and sandals rather than hiking boots.
Additional silicone fibres on the inside of the socks prevent them from slipping, which can be more of a problem with low-cut socks. An extra heel bar helps reduce friction, reducing the chance of blisters.
These socks are designed for warmer, gentler hikes although the wool mix offers better warmth than other socks of this type.
Height - ankle
Colours available - beige, black, grey, light grey, blue
Material - 40% polypropylene, 35% virgin wool, 25% polyamide
The Darn Tough light hiker cushioned sock is ideal for hikers who require a little less cushioning. With half the wool weight of their cushioned socks, these offer a lighter weight performance whilst still delivering the quality you would expect from this brand. And of course, don't forget their life-time guarantee!
True Seamless construction helps reduce friction and bunching, keeping your feet blister free, while Darn Tough’s fine gauge knitting gives these socks the brand’s legendary durability and their ‘put it on, forget it’s on’ feel.
They're also naturally antimicrobial – repels bacteria and odours, great when you need to get another day or two out of them.
Height - medium crew
Colours available - denim, black, blue
Material - 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex
Craghoppers came into existence in 1965 when their two founders set out to produce gear for the harshest of outdoor adventures. They decided to test it on the ultimate expedition – an ascent of Mount Everest. As signatories to the UNFCCC Fashion for Global Climate Action, Craghoppers are committed to net zero emissions by 2050. Recycled products are used in their packaging and they are active members of the Ethical Trade Initiative.
These socks contain synthetic fibres rather than wool so would be a good choice for vegan hikers. They're ergonomically designed to deliver cushioned support to heel, toe, sole and calf for comfort, and also incorporate Craghoppers’ NosiLife anti-insect treatment – could these be the best hiking socks for Scottish hiking?
Height - medium crew
Colours available - navy, parka green, soft grey marl, soft moss
Material - 67% cotton, 19% polyester, 12% polyamide, 2% elastane
Hiking socks are that one bit of kit that’s often overlooked and taken for granted. Okay, they may not be a particularly exciting purchase when compared with other outdoor gear but you can’t just throw on any old pair. The right pair of hiking socks can keep your feet comfy and dry for hours or even days, letting you walk for miles blister free without even giving them a thought.
The wrong pair can cause hours of blistered misery and could even call a complete halt to your trip. You need to give some serious thought on the best hiking socks for your next outdoor trip. With so much choice though, how do you know which pair will be the ideal fit for your adventure?
We’ve done the work for you and shared our favourite brands plus a pick of the best hiking socks out there. So – let’s talk about socks, baby!
Some of the best hiking socks nowadays contain differing percentages of merino wool, which comes from a certain type of sheep that thrives in harsh mountain climates. Merino wool has excellent thermal regulation, wicks away water and sweat and has great anti-bacterial properties. However a high percentage of merino wool is not necessarily better; it all depends on the weave. Also some people are allergic to wool and find their skin can react badly to merino-heavy socks.
Merino wool is an animal product and as such is open to cruel practices such as mulesing (painfully removing strips of skin from around the sheep’s tail to avoid future flystrike infections). Many of the best hiking socks manufacturers pledge to ensure that their wool comes from humane sources.
Many hiking socks also contain polyester (a type of material made from plastic fibres) and nylon. Synthetic materials are very hard wearing so they help give socks their durability. They also tend to dry quicker than merino wool, although they don’t have the same antibacterial properties, so be prepared for whiffy socks if they contain more synthetics than wool.
Cotton-based socks tend to be cheaper than those made from wool and are usually comfy. However, cotton can collect and retain moisture, which can soften the skin and put you at risk of blisters. Combining cotton with synthetic materials can help wick moisture away.
Most socks contain these to provide some elasticity, which helps to keeps socks in place and not slide down into your boot, and to give a nice snug fit. They also help socks spring back into shape after washing.
Most hiking socks are boot or crew length, typically around mid-calf. This provides some protection against mud and can help stop debris getting into boots. If you are hiking in summer, using walking shoes or running in trail shoes you’d be better off with either ankle length socks, which just cover the ankle, or ‘no shows’ which end at the ankle.
For winter walking you might prefer a knee length sock which forms an extra layer of warmth for the lower legs.
As a rule of thumb, for summer walking and easier trails, you’ll need less cushioning and for tougher mountain environments and cold weather you’ll need more. It’s not always that simple though. If you’re wearing trail or walking shoes, too much cushioning could make the shoes too tight.
If you’re walking long distances with a heavy pack, you’ll appreciate some extra cushioning on your feet even if the terrain’s not particularly rugged.
Many sock manufacturers sell men and women specific socks. There’s not a great deal of difference to be honest, although women’s socks tend to be offered in different colours and are usually smaller and narrower. Don't get too hung up about this though - just choose the best hiking socks for your feet.
Most of the manufacturers listed here are committed to using sustainable products and pledge to ensure safe working practices in factories. They are also committed to being equal opportunity employers.
Okay, you could just pull any pair on and go for a hike but you won’t have a good time of it. Thin cotton socks just don’t cut it – cotton won’t wick sweat away and soaks up water like a sponge.
They’ll constantly rub against your feet and cause blisters. The best hiking socks contain materials designed to keep your feet dry and are thick enough to stop your boots from rubbing.
Some people find wearing a thinner hiking sock under a thicker one allows them move against each other rather than against the skin. Others find it makes blisters more likely so it’s down to personal preference.
Most modern hiking socks are designed to be worn without a liner sock, although the 1,000 Mile range are constructed to mimic wearing one.
It depends on how well they’re made and how often you wear them. Die hard trail addicts will blow through a pair much faster than a weekend warrior.
Smartwool reckon that their socks should last around a year if worn once a week, Bridgedale guarantee theirs for three years and Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee!
Socks don’t come cheap so if you take proper care of them you’ll get more mileage from them. Hiking socks containing wool should be washed on a gentle, cool cycle – heat can shrink wool.
Don’t use fabric softener as this can coat the fibres and destroy their wicking and heat regulating properties. Liquid soap or similar is ideal.
The best hiking socks for you are largely a matter of personal preference and what you’ll be using them for. Do your intended adventures involve plenty of rugged mountain walking or scrambling? If so, you’ll need durable, well cushioned socks like the Darn Tough Hiker Merino Crew. Expecting plenty of snow and ice? You’ll need socks that will keep your feet toasty, such as Bridgedale’s WoolFusion.
So, what's the verdict? Do you have naturally hot feet? You might find some of the warmer socks just too warm, especially in the summer months, so the best hiking socks for you might be the Bridgedale HIKE Ultralight or Darn Tough’s Light Hikers. And if you’re planning on some easier hikes and maybe mixing it up with a little cycling, you’d be better with a multi-activity pair such as Finisterre Last Long Originals.
Like boots, the best hiking socks will vary from person to person. Socks your mate swears by might leave you with a foot full of blisters. Be prepared to test different options before committing to a pair.
Inspired to take your new hiking socks on an adventure? Read our Ultimate Guide to Wild Camping.
December 5, 2023
December 5, 2023
December 5, 2023
December 5, 2023
December 5, 2023
December 5, 2023
