Hiking, whether over short distances or long, is a healthy way of exploring the great outdoors. Unfortunately, long spells of walking can take their toll on your feet. One simple but effective way of making sure your feet stay in tip-top condition is by buying a good pair of hiking socks.
This small bit of clothing can make all the difference. They can help to prevent blisters and keep sweaty feet fresh, even after days of walking. We've compiled exactly what you should look out for when buying this fundamental bit of hiking kit, and sussed out the best options for both men and women available from Amazon, eBay and John Lewis.
Quick List - Top Hiking Socks
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
Socks may seem basic, and even insignificant, but when it comes to hiking they really do make a difference. It is important that you get a pair (or two) that fit properly and support your feet. A bad experience with ill-fitting and uncomfortable socks is enough to put you off hiking for life, so avoid this and invest in the right ones. Here's how.
Merino wool is an extremely popular choice of material when it comes to hiking socks. Whilst it's rare that it will make up the whole composition (it will normally be combined with synthetic materials such as nylon and elastane), a high percentage of merino wool will make for a high quality sock.
The fact that it is a natural fibre means that not only does it keep your feet warm in cold conditions, but it also lets them breathe, avoiding the discomfort of overly-sweaty feet. What's more, it's incredibly durable so will outlast numerous wears and washes without showing any signs of wear-and-tear.
For a cheaper alternative or if you aren't keen on wool, you could consider cotton, which is also comfortable and breathable, or solely synthetic socks. However, neither are as insulating as merino wool, nor as as long-lasting.
This broad size range also means that most socks are suitable for both men and women. Occasionally, however, socks are designed specifically for women's feet.
This is because women's feet are normally narrower – and just generally smaller – and these socks take that into account. If you are a woman and you know you have smaller feet and calves, it is worth looking for these specialised socks as they're less likely to fall down.
The vast majority of hiking socks come up just above your ankle on your leg. This means they should come above the top of your hiking boots, keeping your ankles warm and protected. This height will also help to keep them in place and stop them falling down.
A few options out there come higher up the leg, although these are rare. These are a good option for when it is really cold and you want extra protection on your calves.
After a long walk, particular at hotter times of the year, it is likely that your socks will need a good wash. The quickest and easiest way of doing this is throwing them in the washing machine.
However, due to the inclusion of wool, not all hiking socks are suitable for a machine wash – or if they are, they might have to be washed at a lower temperature – so it is worth double-checking before you do this. You do not want to end up with tiny, shrunken socks!
When you're out in the elements, hiking socks are bound to see a bit of dirt and mud. It is for this reason that they tend to come in more neutral colours, colours that won't seem hugely dirty if they get a bit stained over time.
Most muck should come out in the wash if you do end up going for a pale or brightly-coloured sock, but just in case some doesn't, muted colours are a good way forward.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Danish Endurance Premium Hiking Socks |2 Pairs | ![]() | A Quality Pair of Socks That Will Suit Everyone | |
2 | SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks | ![]() | A Silky-Soft Sock That Will Fit Perfectly | |
3 | SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Women's Crew Socks | ![]() | A Light Sock for Summer Walks | |
4 | 1000 Mile Men's Walking Socks | ![]() | Cushioning Is Prioritised With This Sock | |
5 | Regatta Men's Two Layer Blister Protection Socks | ![]() | Fight Blisters With This Double-Layer Sock | |
6 | Darn Tough Vermont Men's Cushion Hiking Socks | ![]() | For Comfy Walking All Year-Round | |
7 | Bridgedale Merinofusion Summit Women's Sock | ![]() | If It's Cold Outside, You'll Want These Socks | |
8 | Storm Bloc Ladies Warm Long Knee Hiking Socks | ![]() | Extra-Cosy Knee-High Socks Offering Lots of Support | |
9 | Yuedge Breathable Cushion Anti Blister Crew Socks |3 Pairs | ![]() | Get a Few Reliable Pairs of Socks in One Purchase | |
10 | Kooogear Women's Hiking Socks |Pack of 3 | ![]() | Good-Value Socks for Casual Hikers |
Managing to have a decent amount of merino wool whilst being incredibly good value, these socks are a real winner. You get two pairs for the price some hiking brands charge for one, and all without compromising any of the quality.
The choice of black as the colour, although maybe not the most interesting or eye-catching, is good when hiking through muddy puddles. Sizes range from 3 to 12, so both men and women with almost any foot size can enjoy these socks.
These socks might be light and thin, but that doesn't mean they don't offer support where they need to. The seamless toe design means your toes won't rub in what can often be a bit of a problem area for blisters.
The merino wool has been reinforced to be extra strong, so you won't find you have holes in your socks after only a few uses. They are lighter than some other pairs, too, so if you find your feet get warm whilst hiking, look no further than these socks.
These socks are a perfect example of when socks specially designed for women will probably fit them better. They are designed with a narrower heel and to be tighter round the calves, an area that might be too loose when wearing men's socks.
These socks have plenty of merino wool, but to keep them lighter and less bulky for warmer walks they also include nylon. This makes them a perfect choice if you like to hike during the summer or on holiday. They are highly durable and will last, walk after walk after walk.
Padding is used economically across this sock to provide support where it is needed, in areas such as the ball of your foot and your heel. In addition to padding, it also has bracing, namely around the arches, which will help your feet keep going when you're relying on them.
This sock is made from an extremely high percentage of merino wool, which means you can use this mid-weight sock throughout the year. The soft wool combined with the cushioning will make you feel like you're walking on air.
Having a double layer isn't a particularly common hiking sock design, but this doesn't mean it can't be a clever and cosy choice. The two layers serve two important purposes. Firstly, they are excellent at keeping your feet warm, trapping air between the layers and insulating them.
The second advantage is the anti-blister properties. The outer layer grips the shoe whilst the inner is free to move with your foot. This means that any friction that might be happening stays within the sock and doesn't impact your feet.
These socks are described as 'mid-weight', which makes them extremely versatile, allowing you to use them throughout the year. With 66% merino wool, they'll keep your feet warm when they need to be warm. They also feature a seamless toe and cushioning on the leg and sole for comfort.
As the brand name suggests, these socks are made to last many an adventure, and even come with a lifetime guarantee – if they wear out or get a hole, you can send off for a replacement pair! However, they are on the pricey side because of this, so you'll want to make sure you order the right pair.
Heavy-duty and made for winter weather, these are the socks you're going to want on your feet if the temperature starts dipping. They are much thicker than your average hiking socks, keeping even your toes warm. In spite of this warmth, they still let your feet breathe, so you don't have to worry about sweaty feet.
Being so thick means they are not as versatile as a mid-weight sock which you can use in many different conditions. It is worth bearing in mind that you might struggle to fit a thick sock and your foot into your hiking boots.
The main purpose of knee-high socks is to keep you warm, something that these socks – with their high amount of wool – will easily do. If your socks come high enough up your legs, it also means they won't fall down.
As with all specifically-warm winter socks, you might find there aren't many occasions when it is actually cold enough to need something so cosy. They also only come in one size for women, which limits who will be able to use them.
These socks are incredibly good value when you consider that you get three pairs at this price. The fabric is breathable and will wick any extra moisture away. Elastic bands are used at the top of the sock and around the arch to keep these socks in place, no matter how fast you're moving.
Merino wool is not a component of these socks, which will make them less durable and less warm. You'll probably notice the lack of any sort of wool during hikes in the winter months when your feet are a bit on the cold side.
If you are new to hiking or don't plan on spending hours and hours walking, these socks are a good way to go. They are a cheap option and come in packs of three, so you'll be set. They also offer arch support, which will help to keep your feet in place.
To make them come in at the cheap price they do, these socks don't include any merino wool. They are designed for women and only come in one size, which even women with larger feet, let alone men, will struggle to fit into. The bright colours, although pretty, might not last very long through rugged terrain.
Get your hikes off to a great start with more of our gear recommendations. From the best protective jackets to comfortable trousers that withstand the elements and the miles, you'll be the envy of your fellow ramblers!
Worrying about blisters and discomfort in your feet whilst walking no longer has to be a reason for not getting out into the fresh air and taking in the sights and sounds that hikes can offer. With the right pair of hiking socks, you'll be unstoppable.
Author: Emma Cramp
No. 1: Danish Endurance|Premium Hiking Socks |2 Pairs
No. 2: SmartWool |PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks
No. 3: SmartWool|PhD Outdoor Light Women's Crew Socks
No. 4: 1000 Mile|Men's Walking Socks
No. 5: Regatta|Men's Two Layer Blister Protection Socks
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games