Walking into the sock section of an outdoor retailer, you’re smacked in the face like a jumping salmon to a stunned bear. You might wonder how it’s possible to have all these options for hiking socks. Logistically, it can seem overwhelming but there’s a reason for it.
Socks are an immensely important part of any outside activity, whether it’s walking the dog each morning or strapping on a 45-pound backpack and heading to an alpine lake. The goal is simple: be comfortable, have no blisters, and keep your feet as cool and dry as possible.
However, the same socks aren’t useful for every occasion. You’ll want a specific type of hiking sock that will help power your way to the top. When it comes to the best hiking socks, focus in on three things: comfort, warmth, and material.
Comfort
With comfort, this is nearly all on you. 99% of socks will put some level of extra cushioning on the ball and heel of the foot. This helps to soften the blow your feet take each step of your hike. Although, they come in different thicknesses depending on your activity. If I’m going to go backpacking, I’ll likely choose a thicker sock that won’t breakdown as easily. Additionally, choosing a hiking sock that is too tight or too loose can have circulation or blister ramifications.
Warmth
As you’re looking for new outdoors socks and considering how warm it should be, key in on the thickness. As the thickness increases, so will the ability to trap and retain heat. If you only go on short day hikes in the desert, you probably will only need a light sock. Meanwhile, someone who summits peaks in the PNW should go for a thicker sock.
Material
This is the crux of your decision. What material should you get? There are three main kinds: wool, cotton, and synthetic. For outdoors adventures, you don’t want cotton. We can push that to the side.
So now we have wool and synthetic. Both have a purpose in the outdoors space.
When it comes to wool, this is the best of the best. It’s also the favorite of outdoors people. It is antimicrobial, which helps minimize odors, letting you wear them for days at a time. They’re also incredibly warm but also regulate heat well. In warmer climates, wool will wick away sweat without having the ‘wet’ feeling. However, with more quality comes a higher price. In my view, though, it’s worth it.
For synthetics, they will have some of the same effects of wool but are not from a natural source like wool. Synthetics usually show up in polyester, as well as nylon, but will usually be blended with wool to increase durability. These socks will dry faster, wick moisture away well, but likely won’t have the lifespan of the above. Due to this, it’ll be less expensive.
Length
The length of the sock also matters when you’re deciding on your pair. If you’re planning an adventure that includes some bushwhacking, a higher sock would be wise. However, if you’re simply trail running on an open path, an ankle fit should be perfect.
Top Hiking Socks of 2021
Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Alpenglow Pattern Socks
Smartwool is one of the premier wool companies in the outdoors space. Their 4-degree Elite Fit System will have your foot feeling at home. This is a perfect sock for day hiking or backpacking. Plus, with wool being odorless, you won’t need to buy too many for your trips. This is a polyester/wool blend with 66% wool and 32% Nylon.
Terramar Performance Outdoor Cool-Dry Pro Hiker Crew Socks
Fit for any season, the Terramar Performance’s wool blend will keep your feet dry as you look to conquer new trails and destinations. With the blend, these will still work well in humid conditions as they quick-dry. This means you can get back outside faster than ever before.
Smartwool PhD Pro Freeski Socks for Women
Who’s ready to hit the slopes? These are the best hiking socks for any winter activity given their wool blend build to keep your feet warm but also dry. The indestructawool and shred Shield technology adds to Smartwool’s already-great durability to make sure you’re focused on the mountain, not on your feet.
Giro HRC Team Cycling Socks
The Giro HRC will have you crushing miles and miles without thinking about your feet. This luxurious performance sock increases circulation and supports your arch. Their Meryl Skinlife fibers move moisture away from your foot, keeping it dry so you feel comfortable in your own shoes.
Smartwool PhD Ski Ultra Light Benchetler Print Socks
When did we leave style in the locker room? It’s time to bring it back to the slopes, and with the Benchetler Print sock. Their 4-degree elite fit system plus performance-oriented fit will have you looking and feeling like a pro shooting down the mountain. These have ultralight cushioning, so you will have increased control with your feet. Ideally, these are best for vacuum-tight boots.
What are you wearing? Let us know about your best pair of hiking socks!
