The 16 Best Hiking Socks
When it comes to hiking, having the right gear can make all the difference. One of the most overlooked yet crucial pieces of gear is a good pair of hiking socks. After testing various options for hundreds of miles over a span of 11 years, we’ve compiled a list of the top six hiking socks of 2024. These socks were rigorously tested in a variety of conditions, from scorching hot days to freezing cold nights, ensuring they meet the highest standards of comfort, durability, and performance.
Testing Overview
- Duration: Over 2 years
- Conditions: Various weather and terrain
- Brands Tested: Darn Tough, Smartwool, Ice Breaker, and more
- Total Options Tested: 16 top market options side-by-side
Top 6 on the List of 16 Hiking Socks
1. Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion (Best Overall Hiking Socks)
Pros:
- Well-fitted and sleek
- Unmatched durability with a lifetime warranty
- Excellent wicking capabilities
- Thick padding and comfort
Cons:
- Not ideal for hot weather
Specifications:
- Weight: Midweight
- Material: 66% Merino wool, 32% nylon, 2% Lycra spandex
- Length: High calf
- Drying Time: 180 minutes
The Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion stands out for its exceptional durability and comfort. With a lifetime warranty, these socks are an investment for any serious hiker. They offer excellent moisture-wicking capabilities and thick padding, although they might be too warm for hot weather hikes.
2. Danish Endurance Unisex Merino 3-Pack (Best Bulk Value)
Pros:
- Fantastic value
- Comfortable and cozy
- Great breathability
Cons:
- Fabric can bunch at toes
- So-so durability
Specifications:
- Weight: Midweight
- Material: 30% Merino wool, 36% nylon, 33% acrylic, 1% elastane
- Length: Mid-calf
- Drying Time: 140 minutes
The Danish Endurance Unisex Merino 3-Pack offers excellent value for money. These socks are comfortable and breathable, making them a solid choice for moderate hikes. However, the fabric tends to bunch at the toes, and they might not last as long as some other options.
3. Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion (Best Cold Weather Sock)
Pros:
- Max cushioning
- Plush with high wool content
- Built for freezing temperatures
Cons:
- Slow to dry
- Too warm for summer hiking
Specifications:
- Weight: Heavyweight
- Material: 74% Merino wool, 17% recycled nylon, 8% nylon, 1% elastane
- Length: Upper calf
- Drying Time: 200 minutes
For those braving the cold, the Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion is the ideal sock. With maximum cushioning and a high wool content, these socks provide unmatched warmth and comfort in freezing conditions. However, they are slow to dry and can be too warm for summer hikes.
4. Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew (Best Lightweight Hiking Sock)
Pros:
- Snug fit
- Superior breathability and wicking power
- Quick to dry
- Excellent durability
Cons:
- Not a lot of standalone warmth
Specifications:
- Weight: Lightweight
- Material: 54% nylon, 43% Merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex
- Length: Lower calf
- Drying Time: 100 minutes
The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew offers a snug fit and superior breathability, making it the best choice for lightweight hiking socks. These socks dry quickly and are highly durable, though they may not provide sufficient warmth on their own in colder conditions.
5. Injinji Liner Crew (Best Liner)
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Hugs foot and toes
- Warm for a thin sock
Cons:
- No cushion
- Less durable
Specifications:
- Weight: Lightweight
- Material: 75% Coolmax EcoMade polyester, 21% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex
- Length: Mid-calf
- Drying Time: 60 minutes
The Injinji Liner Crew is an excellent liner sock that fits well and is quite affordable. It offers surprising warmth for its thinness but lacks cushioning and durability. It’s a great choice for those looking for an additional layer under their primary hiking socks.
6. Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Pro (Best Synthetic Design)
Pros:
- Ample cushion
- Soft and breathable
- Quick to dry
Cons:
- Less snug fit
- Wicking ability drops in cold weather
Specifications:
- Weight: Midweight
- Material: 40% Olefin, 36% X2O acrylic, 20% stretch nylon, 4% spandex
- Length: Lower calf
- Drying Time: 160 minutes
The Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Pro offers a comfortable synthetic option with ample cushioning and quick-drying capabilities. However, the fit is less snug, and its wicking ability decreases in colder weather.
Compare all 16 pairs of hiking socks
Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion
Overall score: 78
Best Overall Hiking Socks
Editors’ Choice Award
Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion
Overall score: 75
Best Cold Weather Sock
Top Pick Award
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew
Overall score: 74
Best Lightweight Hiking Sock
Top Pick Award
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew
Overall score: 74
OrrinSports Toe Socks Liner
Overall score: 72
Injinji Liner Crew
Overall score: 70
Best Liner
Top Pick Award
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion
Overall score: 70
Danish Endurance Unisex Merino 3-Pack
Overall score: 69
Best Bulk Value
Best Buy Award
Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew
Overall score: 65
Wigwam Hiking Outdoor F6077
Overall score: 64
Best Synthetic Design
Top Pick Award
Smartwool Performance Light Hike Cushion
Overall score: 61
Alvada Thermal Warm Crew 3-Pack
Overall score: 55
innotree 3 Pack
Overall score: 45
Balega Blister Resist Crew
Overall score: 44
Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew
Overall score: 43
APRIME Eco-Cafe Crew
Overall score: 40
Conclusion:
Choosing the right hiking socks depends on your specific needs and the conditions you’ll be hiking in. Whether you need the durability and comfort of the Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion, the value of the Danish Endurance Merino 3-Pack, or the warmth of the Smartwool Classic Mountaineer, there’s a perfect sock on this list for every hiker. Make sure to consider factors like weight, material, and drying time to find the best fit for your adventures. Happy hiking!
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