The right pair of hiking socks can make or break your hike.
As a travel journalist with a passion for the outdoors, my job has taken me to some of the most extreme trails in the world, including the Hajar Mountains near Dubai and just outside Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. In both instances, I prioritized high-quality hiking gear, particularly footwear and socks.
“Proper gear is essential for maintaining comfort and performance—after all, cold, wet, or uncomfortable feet can quickly derail any hike because you are only focused on your painful feet,” says Chien-Hao (Lupo) Wang, a hiking guide from Taiwan with more than a decade of professional guiding experience.
Wang focuses on a balance between comfort and functionality, when stocking up on hiking socks. “Choose ones depending on different factors, such as hiking environment, temperature, shoes, backpack weight, and trail length,” he says.
The best socks for hiking
A good pair of hiking socks should keep feet comfortable, dry, and blister-free. Look for ones that are made of breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics.
“This helps regulate both your foot temperature and the surrounding moisture, which in turn helps prevent chafing while hiking and backpacking,” says Mary Beth Skylis, a freelance journalist and long-distance backpacker who has hiked the Appalachian Trail and Colorado Trail in the United States and parts of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.
Additionally, having the appropriate amount of cushioning and the right length will help keep your feet protected against the elements.
Here are a few of my favorites based on my years of hiking as well as feedback from Wang, Skylis, and other professional hikers.
Best hiking socks for men: Fits Performance Trail
Why we like it: These hiking socks have a patented design that helps prevent slipping or bunching—a much-appreciated quality that helps prevent the cumbersome task of adjusting socks mid-hike. The high-quality merino wool helps keep feet dry, while the high crew cuff fits snug around the ankle and keeps debris out.
I have wide feet and found that the free-range toe box was plenty roomy for my toes. The extra cushioning in the heel, toe, and arch were life savers on a recent hike in the Indian Himalayas, where the trail was virtually non-existent.
The tapered compression in these socks can also stimulate blood flow that can prevent cramping on longer or more strenuous hikes, according to the company.
Keep in mind: While the full contact design of these socks is great for preventing slipping and bunching, it might take some getting used to if you’re not accustomed to tight socks.
Product details: Sock thickness: Medium with cushioning in the heel, toe, and arch
Material: Merino wool, nylon, and polyester | Length: Crew