The Best Hiking Socks of 2024

With their anatomic (Left and Right) specific design and targeted compression, we wore these socks running, cycling, and hiking, and weren’t afraid to show them off at the brewery after. The thin material is dense, giving them a surprising amount of cushion for the weight. We also really liked the seamless design, which added comfort.

They moisture wicked well, but in less breathable shoes (think waterproof hiking boots), our feet did get a little damp. The sizing was on point, and though all feet are unique, the fit is about as comfortable as any sock we’ve owned.

We tend to go through socks pretty quickly, and after wearing these on a weekly basis for two months, they’ve yet to show any significant wear. Overall, the Feetures Elite Light Cushion is a great hybrid option for forays on and off the trail. Plus, they’re a great value. $20 for a quality crew-cut sock is tough to beat.

On warm days, the breathability of the Merino wool really shines. With lightweight hiking shoes, our feet stayed cool as we slogged uphill on an out and back. While those with sweatier feet will feel some moisture, they dry out quickly while still on the feet.

The targeted cushioning is ideally placed, and we experienced no sliding or discomfort while hiking through the root-lined and rocky trails of Appalachia. As with most Merino products, these socks are especially comfortable against the skin.

The REI Co-op Merino Flash Socks have a higher wool content in their blend than most other performance Merino socks, so they’ll keep your feet warm if you happen to wear them in colder temperatures. They might not be suitable for frigid winter days, but we’d highly recommend them for three-season use.

Personally, no-show socks aren’t our favorites. They tend to sag in the back over time, and unless we’re running on pavement, we prefer the feeling of protection over my ankles. That said, these socks performed admirably.

We wore them on several overnight trips into the mountains and found them perfect for the uphills where our feet would get hot quickly. The no-show height made them more breathable, and my lower legs felt cooler as a result.

While billed as a running sock, we’d recommend these to any no-show lovers engaged in high-output pursuits. For the ounce-counters on the trail, you’ll certainly save weight with the Balega Hidden comfort socks.

Targeted compression increases blood flow, reduces swelling, and even reduces pain from injuries like plantar fasciitis. All of these factors are beneficial for runners and high-output athletes, so if you haven’t tried compression socks before, we’d recommend giving these a try.

These socks come in a variety of fun colors, making them ideal for those who like to adventure in style. If you have a preferred hiking sock, compression socks are also excellent for post-hike recovery. As with a lot of compression-style socks, they’re not as durable as the burlier socks on this list. You’ll want to make sure the toenails are tidy before squeezing them on, as small snags tend to linger with tighter woven fabrics.

The CEP Run Compression Socks scored high marks for breathability, moisture-wicking, and comfort in technical terrain. They’re not the easiest to get on and off, but it comes with the territory if you’re focused on performance. We’d recommend these for runners, peak baggers, and just about anyone who values peak performance. In the world of compression socks, these are some of the best hiking socks you’ll find.

If you want crew-height protection on the trail but also want something lightweight, the REI COOLMAX Ultralight Tech Socks might be the ones for you. Customers love the fit and feel, and many noted how great they are at keeping your feet dry.

The only con? For some, the reinforced areas in the sock made these feel a little thicker than “ultralight.”

We loved testing these socks season-round, but they’re especially great for hiking in summer and fall. They provide enough warmth in cooler weather but great wicking properties when the temps are up. They come in the standard crew height to protect you from rocks, prickly brush, and more, for men and women.

Customers rave about these socks for their all-day comfort, durability, and fit. They aren’t the lightest in terms of weight but were more durable than most we tried day in and day out. Darn Tough also has a lifetime guarantee, so if the socks you choose aren’t just right, or if your favorite pair fails after a few months or years, the brand will replace them.

Depending on the amount of colored yarn in each style, this sock’s amount of merino wool ranges from 60% to 70%, which we noticed prioritized softness, comfort, and breathability. We also found the sizing was accurate (didn’t provide too much compression and didn’t slip on the calf).

The original light hiker socks come in four muted colors in men’s and women’s sizing, but of course, Smartwool offers lots of bright and bold patterns to choose from as well. Our editors’ favorites to rock on the trail are the Hike Light Margarita or Hike Light Striped crew socks.

The socks are mid-calf height and offer medium cushion, with a reinforced heel and toe to maximize durability. When our editors tried them on, we liked the fit, comfort, and smooth-to-the-touch feel of the seamless knit construction. (This sock is 63% wool.)

When hiking, we also noticed the ventilation “channels” knit into the upper of the sock for better breathability in hot weather. The Pursuit Seven comes in four sizes.

Swiftwick also just launched the Pursuit Hike collection for men and women, which is a similar style but a more technical, “drier” hiking sock (thanks to the addition of olefin fibers). The Pursuit Hike collection also has varying cushion options. We are still in the process of testing these new ones out.

In the warmer months, we noticed these socks got a bit hotter than our top two choices on this list.

The material breakdown of the Bison Sock ($32) from United By Blue is unusual yet effective. Yes, these socks are pricey. But the comfort and durability are worth it, especially if you have yet to find a pair of hiking socks you love.

The Bison Trail socks have a blend of nylon, spandex, and, of course, bison down. Similar to wool, bison down fiber is naturally temperature-regulating and odor-wicking, but unlike wool, it’s softer and warmer as well. (We definitely agree on the warmer part.) So these crew trail socks — with a flat toe seam and reinforced sole — are a great year-round option.

In testing, we did our best to get these socks sweaty, trudging up scree and sand with a heavy pack. WRIGHTSOCK claims the silver-lined fabric reduces the buildup of odor, so after wearing them we’d leave them to dry out in the sun. We were skeptical, but in the end they lasted a few days before we could smell even a hint of odor.

Performance-wise, we can see why these socks are a hot choice for long-distance hikers. They have the feel of a wool sock and are efficiently warm, but were far more breathable than we expected.

If you like the feel of a thicker, burlier sock and expect to test the limits of your socks’ durability and stink resistance, the Double Layer Silver Escape should be at the top of your list.

The main benefit of toe socks is blister prevention, and in testing these socks it proved to be true. Because the material prevents the toes from rubbing together, we had zero blisters after forays where we normally would have had hot spots in multiple places. Apart from that, the COOLMAX Ecomade polyester feels like a dream on your feet, and they dry extremely well.

In hot temperatures, these socks wicked moisture with the best. With the high water flows in the Sierra this spring, they got soaked when we stepped in a pool through a stream crossing, and we were amazed at how quickly we felt them drying out on their own.

The one caveat to toe socks (even the best designed), is their durability. Perhaps because the toes have more points of contact at the ends of the feet, you really have to make sure your toenails are cut. Otherwise, you may end up with a small hole forming after just a couple of months of use. That said, they’re only $12, and they’re made of recycled materials, so you can restock guilt-free.

Overall, we’d recommend the Injinji Liner Crew to anyone putting in long days who prioritizes comfort and blister prevention. They’re also incredibly light, making them an easy addition to ultralight kits.