How to Keep Stance Socks From Going Hard

The Best Hiking Socks of 2021

Comfortable, Durable, Blister-free Hiking socks

With all the brands of hiking socks on the market (REI alone has 33!), you'd think it would be hard to decide on the best hiking socks. But it was actually the opposite— the consensus is pretty clear. Among professional reviewers, hundreds of user reviews, and our own extensive experience testing different socks over thousands of miles in diverse climates from the snow to rainforest to desert, Darn Tough makes the best hiking socks out there. Of Darn Tough's 105 models, the best for hiking is the women's and men's Darn Tough Hiker Midweight.

That said, there are a number of other hiking socks that perform exceptionally well in certain situations. We researched and tested 24 of the best hiking and backpacking socks over thousands of miles on trails, looking for the best mid-weight, lightweight, ultralight, budget, and cushioned hiking socks. We took the socks on everything from thousand-mile-long thru-hikes across the US and Canada to day-hiking in the Columbia Gorge to see how they perform under long and difficult conditions. Along with our favorite Darn Tough socks, we tested the top models from Smartwool, Farm to Feet, REI Co-op, Injinji, Point6, Wrightsock, Icebreaker, Balega, and Stance to find comfortable, sweat-free, blister-free options.

We know that some people will want to know the best merino wool hiking sock, so we have a pick for that. But we also have a top synthetic model, too. We have the best compression socks for hiking and the best for backpacking. Whether you need a lightweight hiking sock for moving fast in hot weather, or you need a heavier sock for winter hiking, we have ideas for those, too. No matter what the conditions bring, we've got you covered with our updated list for 2022 of the best hiking socks for men, women, and all genders.

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the best hiking socks

Darn Tough Hiker Crew Midweight

Read why→

The Best Ultralight Hiking Socks

Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light

Read why→

THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SOCKS

Farm to Feet Damascus

Read why→

THE BEST BUDGET-friendly HIKING SOCKS

REI Co-op Merino Socks

Read why→

THE BEST NON-WOOL HIKING SOCKS

Darn Tough Coolmax Socks

Read why→

THE BEST HIKING toe socks

Injinji Outdoor Midweight Nuwool

Read why→

HIKING SOCKS COMPARISON TABLE

Hiking Sock	Award	Yarn	Cushion	Length Options
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Women's Men's	Best Overall	59% merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% Lycra spandex	Medium	No show, ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Unisex	Best Ultralight	46% merino wool, 49% nylon, 4% elastane, 1% polyester	Ultralight	Crew
Farm to Feet Damascus Light Unisex	Best Lightweight	51% merino wool, 46% nylon, 3% spandex	Targeted light	No show, ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew
Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Women's Men's	Best Non-wool	39% nylon, 34% Coolmax®, 19% acrylic, 5% polyester, 3% Lycra® Spandex	Medium	¾ crew, men's boot
REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Unisex	Best Budget	79% RWS merino wool / 20% nylon / 1% Lycra spandex	Light	¼ crew, crew
Injinji Outdoor Midweight Crew NuWool Unisex	Best for Preventing Toe Blisters	43% NuWool™ 43% Acrylic, 12% Nylon 2% Lycra®	Medium	¼ crew, crew
Point6 37.5 Hiking Light Crew Unisex		55% wool, 39% nylon, 6% elastic (varies by style)	Light	¼ crew, crew
Wrightsock Escape Crew Unisex		70% polyester, 26% nylon, 4% spandex	Light	¼ crew, crew
Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew Women's Men's		51% nylon, 47% merino wool, 2% Lycra	Light	¼ crew, crew
Balega Hidden Comfort Unisex		100% Drynamix polyester	High	No show
Feetures Elite Light Quarter Cushion Unisex		94% nylon, 6% Spandex	Light	No show, quarter crew, mini crew
Swiftwick Pursuit Unisex		65% Merino Wool, 33% Nylon, 2% Spandex	Medium	No show, mini crew, quarter crew, crew, boot, mid-calf, knee
Patagonia Lightweight Merino Performance Crew Unisex		59% RWS-certified merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% LYCRA® spandex	Light	No-show, ¾ crew, crew, knee
Stance Divide ST Unisex		33% Wool, 33% polyester, 31% nylon, 3% elastane	Medium	Crew

SOURCE: Manufacturers

A sock tester wearing Darn Tough socks and La Sportiva shoes.

THE BEST HIKING SOCKS

DARN TOUGH HIKER MICRO CREW MIDWEIGHT

WOMEN'S AND MEN'S

Yarn (women's): 59% merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% Lycra spandex

Yarn (men's): 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% Lycra spandex

Cushion: Medium

Length Options: no show, ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew

Sizing: Women's S-L (US 4.5-11.5) and Men's S-XXL (US 5.5-17)

Warranty: Lifetime

The Darn Tough Hiker Light Cushion on top of Glen Pass (12,000') in the Sierra on the Pacific Crest/John Muir Trail. Photo by Liz Thomas

We found consensus among experts and everyday users: Darn Tough makes the best socks. For hiking, the best of the best is the merino wool sock Darn Tough Hiker Midweight (women's and men's). It hits that Goldilocks sweet spot of cushioning: they aren't so thin that you'll put holes in them in a week, but they're also not so thick that you'll need to buy shoes or boots a half size larger. This model is the most popular on Darn Tough's website, and it's an REI and Amazon top seller and called out in REI's Best Hiking Socks guide. Best yet, it comes with a Lifetime Guarantee considered the most generous in the entire outdoor industry.

What we like about the Hiker Midweight merino sock is that they have the perfect amount of stretch. I purchased these socks and have hiked thousands of miles in this model. Whether in the hot desert, snow-covered mountains, or on long walks around the city, they've never slipped, sagged, or bunched up. At the end of a long day of hiking, they never feel loose or stretched out. The 2% spandex—not too much or too little—makes the socks fit so well that they feel as if they were custom-made for my feet. And most impressively—they keep that perfect amount of stretch even after years of use.

Another thing I like about the Darn Tough Hiker is that the fabric is tightly woven to give support and staying power, but they aren't so tightly woven that they don't breathe well. My feet definitely sweat while hiking in temperatures over 80F, but they never feel sweaty when I'm hiking in the Hiker Midweight. This is a testament to the great wicking power of Darn Tough's yarn and just the right weave.

The Darn Tough Hiker Midweight manages moisture incredibly well, which is important because moisture is a major contributor to blisters. I've never gotten a blister while wearing Darn Tough socks. This is in contrast to other merino wool socks I've purchased and hiked in, like the Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew—where my feet felt hot and moist and ultimately formed blisters.

The Darn Tough Hiker Midweight socks also stand out for their thermo-regulating capabilities. I've taken these socks on 1,600 miles of challenging conditions through the Canadian Rockies with temps in the upper 30s, heavy rain, and river fords. My feet stayed warm even while wet. While putting those wet socks back on in the morning was not a pleasant task (and wouldn't be for any sock), once the heat from my feet warmed the socks back up, they felt fine. I've also hiked 1,600 miles through the Arizona desert on the Arizona Trail in the Hiker Midweights and never felt like my feet were too hot. These socks are almost like magic.

The Darn Tough Hiker Cushion 1/4 crew socks near Kearsarge Pass, Sierra Nevada, CA. Photo by Naomi Hudetz.

All these features are fantastic enough, but what has kept me coming back to the Darn Tough Hiker Midweight is the durability. While we also like the women's and men's Darn Tough Light Hiker, the midweight is the more tough sock. I can easily get 600 miles out of a pair of midweights before I start to see signs of wear. When I do get a hole, it's usually in the bottom—the heel is reinforced, so I've never gotten a hole in the heel. But I can send them back to Darn Tough under their incredible warranty program. Once they receive the socks I've returned, they send me a code to use on their website to buy a replacement pair—any size, color, or style that I want. It's almost too simple.

Darn Tough is committed to achieving the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) in 2021. The Responsible Wool Standard is an emerging new standard that establishes best practices for animal welfare, land management, and worker welfare. It's similar to the more well-known outdoor certification of the Responsible Down Standard. Its goal is to bring sustainability and human and animal welfare into all levels of the supply chain, from the farmers to the trader to the yarn spinner to the fabric manufacturer and sewers. This standard is still being implemented—but they need to use up their remaining non-RWS merino wool first.

Another benefit of the Micro Crew is that, unlike most high-end socks, they are available in multi-packs. There's a men's and women's 2-pack, as well as a women's patterns 3-pack,

While we think the merino version is the best, wool—or even a wool blend—isn't for everyone. Darn Tough makes this model in Coolmax, and it's the winner of our Best Non-Wool Sock.

Related: Arizona Trail Gear List

Compare Prices of Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks

men's

women's

The Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light (shown in the Adventure Print here) is the most reliable lightweight sock we found. Photo by Naomi Hudetz.

THE BEST ULTRALIGHT HIKING SOCKS:

SMARTWOOL PH.D. OUTDOOR ULTRA LIGHT

unisex

Yarn: 46% merino wool, 49% nylon, 4% elastane, 1% polyester

Cushion: Ultralight

Length Options: Crew

Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women's 4-12.5 and US men's 3-14.5)

Warranty: 2 years

If you're looking for a durable-yet-lightweight merino wool hiking sock that doesn't come with a lot of bulkiness, the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light sock line is for you. In 2016, Smartwool introduced its patent-pending Indestructawool technology that they use for what they call "their toughest socks yet." We can't help but agree with that assessment, which makes the PhD Outdoor Ultra Light our best ultralight sock.

In general, ultralight socks are best for hot, desert conditions where your feet may swell. As feet expand, you're left with less room in your shoes—and more places where your feet rub against the shoe or themselves, creating more opportunities for blisters to develop. Ultralight socks decrease this chance because they leave more room for your feet to expand and won't create friction. They're also a good option if your shoes or boots just don't have a lot of extra room for full cushion (or even light cushion) socks.

We found that the PhD Outdoor Ultra Lights have a nice, snug-but-not-too-snug fit through the arch of the foot. They never slipped or bunched during our hike. Smartwool also makes this merino sock with a women's specific fit, meaning it's narrower through the back of the heel and Achilles. This is similar to the quality and tailored fit we'd expect given the brand's experience in apparel.

The Smartwool Phd Outdoor Ultralight uses the Indestructawool yarn in the heel and ball of the foot, which experience the highest amount of wear. The toe area uses Smartwool's Shred Shield™ anti-wear technology, developed in conjunction with an ultrarunner who ran over 1,000 miles in the same pair of socks. Meanwhile, the top and sides feature lightweight mesh in ventilation zones that keep your feet cool and dry and keep the sock weight down. The result is an incredibly lightweight sock that feels breathable and stays durable.

We tested this hiking sock over 450 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail and can confirm—these are the most durable ultralight socks we've found. We didn't use gaiters with these socks either and imagine we'd get even more miles in without any issue. We've gotten holes in our old ultralight favorites, the Darn Tough ultralight socks, in around 300 miles. We were impressed that the PhD Outdoor can get us through even more miles. Smartwool socks also come with a 2-year warranty. (Note: we finally did get a hole in the Indestructawool fabric well after thru-hiking season was over, on a 10,000-foot elevation gain day hike.)

The women's Smartwool PhD Outdoor are a thin sock that can take a lot of abuse.

Another benefit of the PhD Outdoor Ultralight Line is the new printed designs, including Adventure scenes by artist Chris Bechetler, Big Games scenes, mountains, and more. They're also available in more traditional colors if that is your preferred style. Our only issue with the printed designs is that they're each listed separately on the website so there's no easy way to see all the styles available side-by-side.

As you'd expect, lightweight socks have less cushioning than other socks. We recommend them for day hikes and fast and light adventures in addition to hot desert hiking. For backpacking or day hikes on rocky ground, you might want something with a little more cushioning.

Related: PCT Gear List & Strategy

Compare Prices of Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultralight Socks

Treeline editor Liz Thomas doing some sock-yoga on a fall Colorado day. Photo by Brian Davidson

THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SOCKS:

FARM TO FEET DAMASCUS LIGHT

unisex

Yarn: 51% merino wool, 46% nylon, 3% spandex (varies by sock length)

Cushion: Targeted light

Length Options: no show, ¼ crew, ¾ crew, crew

Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women's 4-12.5 and US men's 6-14.5)

Warranty: Lifetime

Our pick for the best lightweight hiking socks comes from the USA-made and USA-sourced sock company, Farm to Feet. We found the unisex Farm to Feet Damascus Light to be exceptional at moisture-wicking and breathability. Named after the famous Virginian trail town along the Appalachian Trail, this merino wool hiking sock is designed with the long haul in mind for hikers who want to balance weight and durability.

Farm to Feet keeps the weight down on the Damascus Light by using targeted cushioning: squish where you need it, and none where you don't. We've found this provides a much better fit than is offered by many of the other socks we tested, especially when wearing low-volume (i.e., not a lot of extra room) shoes and boots. The targeted cushioning is full-density, meaning that your feet won't overheat due to extra cushion you don't need.

We like that these socks have compression through the arch, which provides a nice, snug fit. In hundreds of miles of testing on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, they never bunched or sagged. The yarn on the Damascus is tightly woven, which helps keep the grit that leads to blisters out of the socks and away from your feet.

Another advantage is the Damascus Lights are available in a variety of heights—including a low cut. This can further help save you weight.

While we're impressed with the durability of the Damascus Lights, the fit isn't quite as refined as it is on the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight. However, because they weigh less per sock, we think they're the best lightweight hiking sock.

While Farm to Feet and Darn Tough have a lot of similarities as companies, one difference is that Farm To Feet is not only made in the USA but also uses 100% USA-sourced materials. Like Darn Tough, Farm To Feet has a lifetime guarantee on all of their socks—but it seems a little trickier to navigate. They'll send you a replacement pair or a refund, but you need to keep your proof of purchase. That's easy to do when you purchase online, but trickier when you've purchased from a store in the middle of a thru-hike. Farm to Feet notes that all returned socks are recycled.

Related: Appalachian Trail Gear List & Strategy

COMPARE PRICES ON FARM TO FEET DAMASCUS HIKING SOCKS

THE BEST NON-WOOL HIKING SOCKS:

DARN TOUGH COOLMAX HIKER MICRO CREW MIDWEIGHT

WOMEN'S AND MEN'S

Yarn (women's): 39% nylon, 34% Coolmax®, 19% acrylic, 5% polyester, 3% Lycra® Spandex

Yarn (men's): 55% Coolmax®, 37% nylon, 5% acrylic, 3% Lycra® Spandex

Cushion: Medium

Length Options: ¾ crew only (women's); ¾ crew and boot (men's)

Sizing: Women's S-L (US 4.5-11.5) and Men's S-XXL (US 5.5-17)

Warranty: Lifetime

The women's Darn Tough Coolmax is an excellent alternative to the Darn Tough Micro Cushion if you are vegan or avoiding wool with similar fit, comfort, and feel as a wool sock. Photo by Brian Davidson

Not everyone wants or likes a merino wool hiking sock. Luckily, Darn Tough, maker of our Overall Best Sock winner, makes a fully synthetic version of their Hiker Midweight sock—the women's and men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock. The non-wool version of Darn Tough's Hiker Midweight is made with Coolmax polyester—a hydrophobic fiber that is both moisture-wicking and breathable when woven into a sock. Hydrophobic fibers absorb little water and dry relatively quickly, which are both ideal qualities in sock yarn. The Coolmax fiber cross-section isn't round, which increases surface area and produces the wicking effect through capillary action (much like a paintbrush draws up paint).

The Coolmax Hiker Midweight socks share many of the same great qualities as the merino Hiker Midweight socks. They have just the right amount of cushion in the right places. The medium-weight cushioning never feels bulky or awkward. The fit is perfectly snug around the foot which helps prevent blisters. And they're backed by Darn Tough's lifetime warranty, meaning that Darn Tough will replace them free of charge.

The Coolmax Hikers also have exceptional thermoregulation capabilities. They're equally great from the heat of the desert to cool days. One potential downside with these or any fully synthetic socks is the stink factor. There's no way around it: synthetic fibers retain more odors than merino wool. So if you plan on using these socks for multiple days between washings (backpacking or thru-hiking), be forewarned: you may not like what you smell when you take your socks off at the end of the day.

Compare Prices of Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Socks

women's

men's

The REI Co-op Lightweight Merino Crew socks on a hike up Strawberry Peak with Black Girls Trekkin'. Tiffany is wearing our winner for Lightweight Hiking Boots, the Hoka One One Sky Kaha . Photo by Liz Thomas

THE BEST BUDGET HIKING SOCKS:

REI CO-OP MERINO WOOL LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING CREW SOCKS

UNISEX

Yarn: 79% Responsible Wool Standard merino wool / 20% nylon / 1% Lycra spandex

Cushion: Light

Length options: ¼ crew, crew

Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women's 4-12.5 and US men's 5.5-14)

Warranty: 1 year

If the prices on some of these socks have given you sticker shock, we have a great budget option for you: the REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew socks. They check all the major boxes: high merino wool content, light-to-medium cushioning, reinforced heel, and seamless toe and arch support. They also have good moisture-wicking capabilities with quick-drying yarn.

However, there are some drawbacks to the REI Lightweight Merino Crew. The first is durability. User reviews and our own experience show that these socks just don't last as long as our top picks.

We purchased a pair for a thru-hike of the PCT and found that we got holes in the heels and bottom much more quickly than with other socks we tested, like the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight. This was especially true when we're using the REIs in wet conditions.

The second major drawback of the REI Lightweight Merino Crew socks is the Lycra content. At 1% Lycra vs. other socks 2%, we've found the REI Lightweights lose their stretchiness too quickly. This can lead to bunching, sagging, and blisters.

The final drawback of the REI Lightweight Merino Crew socks is the warranty. Darn Tough and Farm to Feet have set the bar high, and REI's 1-year warranty doesn't even come close. Even Smartwool and Icebreaker have a 2-year warranty. We feel that the unconditional warranty from Darn Tough and Farm to Feet justifies paying the extra premium by itself—and that's before you get into the extra features and quality. While we consider our other picks an investment worth making, if you're looking to get out on the trails on the cheap, the REI Lightweight Merino Crew is the sock for you.

Related: PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy

View the REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Socks

crew

¼ crew

Treeline Review writer Ebony Roberts takes the Injinji on a hike in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Ebony is wearing our hiking shoes winner, the Salomon GTX . Photo by Steve Redmond.

THE BEST HIKING SOCKS FOR PREVENTING BLISTERS BETWEEN YOUR TOES:

INJINJI 2.0 OUTDOOR MIDWEIGHT CREW NUWOOL

unisex

Yarn: 43% NuWool™ 43% Acrylic, 12% Nylon 2% Lycra®

Cushion: Medium

Length options: ¼ crew, crew

Sizing: Unisex S-XL

Warranty: 60 days

Injinji dominates the anatomical toe sock market. The most popular model we've found is the 2.0 Outdoor Midweight Crew NuWool—and we think it's the best choice if you're looking for a toe sock for hiking.

Toe socks are known for their blister prevention, as each toe is separated so there is no skin-to-skin friction. Toes can also splay naturally in toe socks, which helps provide stability while hiking. The Injinjis also have great arch support, which also helps keep the socks in place. The Outdoor Midweight Crew NuWool is made with 43% NuWool™, which is Injinji's proprietary wool that is compact spun for durability and temperature control.

Recently re-released as the 2.0 Outdoor Midweight Crew on some websites, the new version of the Midweight Crew Nuwool (sometimes called "original weight") is updated to be more durable—which was one of the flaws (see below) we found in our testing of the Outdoor Midweight Crew Original (which is still available).

We purchased and tested 2 pairs of the Injinji for 1,500 miles on the Appalachian Trail. We found that Injinji socks really do help prevent blisters, especially between the toes. This can be especially beneficial in moist and wet climates, where blisters can form easily between two rubbing toes. People with wide feet also often battle with blisters because the toe boxes on their shoes are too tight. If you have wide feet, you'll likely appreciate the extra protection offered by toe socks.

Our writer Amanda Jameson, who hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail in Injinji socks, reports: "I have paddletoe—toes on both of my feet overlap one another—which causes awful blisters with lots of walking. With my Injinjis, I've had a total of two blisters in 3500 miles, and both were from improperly tied or too-large shoes."

Another one of our writers, Tiffany Searsdodd, also swears by Injinjis saying, "I started getting blisters in between my toes 100 miles into my PCT thru-hike. Once I started wearing Injinjis, the blisters between my toes disappeared. Ten years later they are still my go-to hiking socks, even if it's just a day hike of a few miles." Another aspect that Searsdodd likes about Injinjis is the variety of heights, thickness, and materials. "There's a sock here for just about everyone." Lastly, she notes that Injinis are fun to wear: "I especially love creeping people out by pretending my feet are hands..."

The Injini toe socks on a hike in Squamish, BC. Photo by Steve Redmond.

Injinjis do have some downsides, though. The first is durability. Jameson found she had to change out her Injinjis every 300-400 miles for holes—usually in the heel or ball of the foot.

Another drawback is that several testers found that toe socks take considerably more time to put on and take off. This fact alone eliminates toe socks for some people. Many hikers like to take off their shoes and socks during breaks to allow feet, shoes, and socks to air out and dry. The added time required for toe socks could act as a hindrance to this process.

Some users complain that our preferred model, the Injinji Outdoor Midweight Crew, takes up too much space inside of a hiking shoe or boot. This is something you definitely want to test out before you hit the trail. Injinji does offer a thinner liner sock, which could be a good option if volume is a concern for you—but know that a thinner sock is usually less durable.

Injinji offers a 60-day warranty for their socks, which is a huge drawback for us. Our testers have gotten their fair share of holes in Injinjis, especially in moist or gritty climates. But if you're a fan of toe socks and know you get between-the-toe blisters, Injinji has the most comfortable and durable toe sock out there.

Compare Prices of Injinji 2.0 Outdoor Midweight Crew NuWool

CREW

MINI CREW

OTHER GREAT HIKING SOCKS

During our research, we developed basic criteria to measure the hundreds of socks out there. These were other socks we researched and tested that were promising, but ultimately didn't make our winners list. Still, if you find these socks, we think they're worth your consideration.

DARN TOUGH LIGHT HIKER

Women's and Men's

Yarn: 54% nylon, 43% merino, 3% Lycra

Cushion: Light

Length options: No show, Micro crew, Quarter, Crew

Sizing: Women's S-L (US 4.5-11.5) and Men's S-XXL (US 5.5-17)

The light cushion version of our overall winner, the Darn Tough Light Hiker (women's and men's) is a much-beloved sock. The Light Hiker has many features we liked in its medium-cushioned sibling but was less durable. We also think most hikers—regardless of how rocky their trail is or how heavy their pack is—benefit from the extra cushion in the midweight Darn Tough that we recommend. Still, the Light Hiker is a great sock, and hikers in warmer climates or with lighter pack weights may prefer it, especially the women's and men's ¼ height version.

Compare Prices of the Darn Tough Light Hiker

Women's

Men's

The Point 6 37.5 Light Crew in camp on the John Muir Trail. Photo by Liz Thomas

POINT6 37.5 HIKING LIGHT CREW

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S

Yarn: 55% wool, 39% nylon, 6% elastic (varies by style)

Cushion: Light

Length options: ¼ crew, crew

Sizing: Women's S-L (US 4-12.5); Men's M-XL (US 6-14.5)

Warranty: Lifetime

We've heard good things about Point6 socks (men's and women's) and were eager to try them. When we went to buy a pair of the 37.5 Hiking Light Crew at the gear store in Mammoth Lakes, CA, near the Pacific Crest Trail, the socks we pulled off the rack already had a hole in the seam. It was likely a manufacturing defect, but still disconcerting.

We showed the store owner the defective pair, bought a different pair, and had our writer test them on the Pacific Crest Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains as part of his thru-hike. Our tester got a hole in the bottom of the sock in ten days (and he was wearing lightweight gaiters to protect the sock from grit). Granted, the trail there is very rocky with a lot of grit, but ten days is still unacceptable for a hiking sock.

The fit of these socks is quite different than the other socks we tested. They feel a little more fluffy underfoot, but don't feel as snug. However, both of our testers remarked on how comfortable these socks were. So if comfort (and fun designs) are more important to you than durability, the USA-made Point6s are worth considering.

View the Point6 37.5 Hiking Light Crew Socks

WOMEN'S

MEN'S

WRIGHTSOCK ESCAPE CREW

Unisex

Inner Yarn: Inner: 70% polyester, 26% nylon, 4% spandex

Outer Yarn: 71% polyester, 24% nylon, 5% spandex®

Cushion: Light

Length options: ¼ crew, crew

Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women's 4-12 and US men's 5-14)

Warranty: Lifetime

Wrightsock is known for its double-layer construction—it's like a liner sock and outer sock in one—and its no-blister guarantee. The double-layer construction on the Escape Crew can be tricky to get on your foot correctly. Because there are two layers, you have to pay special attention to ensure there aren't any folds or bumps in the inner layer. And once you're hiking, the inner layer can and does move to where it shouldn't be. I've also found that over time, the two layers become separated to the point where the socks are sloppy and unusable.

Despite the no-blister guarantee, I've purchased and hiked thousands of miles in Wrightsocks and, unfortunately, I've got plenty of blisters in them. If you experience blisters, you can send it back with the original sales receipt and proof of purchase for your money back.

Still, we know hikers who will only hike in Wrightsocks. They claim that they never get blisters wearing Wrightsocks, and the Wrightsocks keep their feet noticeably cooler than any other sock they've tried. If you suffer from hot feet and can't find a solution, the Wrightsocks may be the sock for you.

View the Wrightsock Escape Crew Hiking Socks

ICEBREAKER HIKE+ LIGHT CREW

WOMEN'S AND MEN'S

Yarn: 51% nylon, 47% merino wool, 2% Lycra (varies by sock height and gender)

Cushion: Light

Length options: ¼ crew, crew

Sizing: Women's S-L (US 5.5-11); Men's S-XL (US 7-14.5)

Warranty: Lifetime

I've purchased and hiked thousands of miles in several different pairs of Icebreaker socks. My favorite was the Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew (women's and men's), which is one of the highest-ranking Icebreaker socks on the market.

However, lack of durability came up in multiple reviews, which lines up with our experience as well. Wirecutter says the Hike+ "showed signs of wear more quickly than the other models we tested." For us, that just won't cut it. However, Icebreaker does offer a lifetime warranty, much like Darn Tough and Farm to Feet, our two winners. If you can find these on sale, they may be worth it.

Related: Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide

View the Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew Hiking Socks

Women's

Men's

The Balega Endura are soft and have a lot of cushion. Photo by Naomi Hudetz

BALEGA ENDURO

unisex

Yarn: 91% Drynamix polyester, 7% polyamide, 2% elastane

Cushion: Medium

Length options: No show, quarter, crew

Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women's 6-15.5 and US men's 4.5-14)

Warranty: One year for manufacturer defects

The Balega Enduro socks are incredibly comfortable socks with a lot of cushion. These socks just feel good against your feet. However, we noticed that the Enduros felt a little slick on the bottom in our trail runners. We prefer a little more grippiness in our socks. We think these are better as a running sock rather than a hiking sock. We hope Balega will come out with a similar version as a hiking or backpacking sock.

Related: Backpacking Guide to the Prescott Circle Trail

View the Balega Enduro Socks

FEETURES ELITE LIGHT CUSHION QUARTER

Unisex

Yarn: 94% nylon, 6% Spandex

Cushion: Light

Length options: No show, quarter crew, mini crew

Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women's 4-13 and US men's 6-13)

Warranty: Lifetime

Another fully synthetic option, the Feetures Elite Light Quarter Cushion socks tick a lot of the boxes: they're anatomical (meaning designated left and right socks), they have targeted compression, and they don't have a toe seam. However, while they're marketed as moisture-wicking, I found they actually made my feet sweaty. Also, the fabric felt a little too slick in my trail runners. Overall, I found the Darn Tough Coolmax socks to be the better synthetic option.

Compare Prices of the Feetures Elite Socks

The Swiftwick Pursuit Four Quarter Crew on a hike in the Columbia River Gorge, Washington. Photo by Naomi Hudetz.

SWIFTWICK PURSUIT ULTRALIGHT

unisex

Yarn: 65% Merino Wool, 33% Nylon, 2% Spandex (varies depending on sock length)

Cushion: Medium

Length options: No show, mini crew, quarter crew, crew, boot, mid-calf, knee

Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women's 5-15 and US men's 3-15)

Warranty: Unclear

With a yarn similar to the Darn Tough Hiker, the Swiftwick Pursuit Ultralight socks hit that sweet spot of medium cushioning and breathability. They have a little bit of compression around the heel and arch of the foot which makes for a nice, comfortable fit. However, the latest version replaced olefin fibers with nylon, and we're not convinced that's a good thing. We also prefer the gender-specific sizing of Darn Tough socks over the unisex sizing of the Swiftwick. Right now, the options are fairly limited in patterns and colors but we hope that more will become available.

Compare Prices of the Swiftwick Pursuit Ultralight Hiking Socks

PATAGONIA LIGHTWEIGHT MERINO PERFORMANCE CREW

Unisex

Yarn: 59% Responsible Wool Standard-certified merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% LYCRA® spandex

Cushion: Light

Length options: no-show, ¾ crew, crew, knee

Sizing: Unisex S-XL (US women's 4-12.5 and US men's 6-14.5)

Warranty: Ironclad Guarantee

Patagonia's virgin wool is 100% Responsible Wool Certified (RWS), which is a voluntary standard that protects both the sheep and the land. So if that's important to you, the Patagonia Lightweight Merino Performance Crew Socks are your best bet. However, we've had some issues with the durability of these socks, likely because they're lightweight socks. In addition, Darn Tough is committed to achieving full RWS certification in 2021, so if you're looking for an RWS-certified product, Darn Tough should deliver soon.

View the Patagonia Lightweight Merino Socks

STANCE DIVIDE ST SOCK

unisex

Yarn: 33% Wool, 33% polyester, 31% nylon, 3% elastane

Cushion: Medium

Length options: Crew

Sizing: Unisex S-L (US women's 5-14 and US men's 3-13)

Warranty: Lifetime (for Infiknit™ products only)

Stance is a relative newcomer to the sock market. The Stance Divide ST sock was liked by both Switchback Travel and Clever Hiker, so we thought we'd check them out.

We liked the anatomical fit and targeted arch support. Our biggest complaint? We found their sizing is too broad. For example, the large fits men's sizes 9 through 13, an astonishing five shoe sizes. This means a sloppy fit on the smaller end of the scale and socks that are stretched too thin on the larger end of the scale. For that reason alone, we don't recommend them.

Related: Blue Mountains Trail Backpacking & Thru-Hiking Guide

Compare Prices of the Stance Divide ST Sock

To find the best hiking socks, we tested dozens of pairs of socks from the desert to the forest to the beach to the mountains.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE HIKING SOCKS FOR YOU

We can't emphasize this enough—fit matters! A poor-fitting hiking sock can turn your perfectly fitting shoes or boots into a nightmare. Take the time to find the best socks for your needs. You won't regret it.

HIKING SOCK SIZING

Every manufacturer has its own hiking sock sizing; some are unisex and others are gender-distinct. All manufacturers we tested use the small / medium / large sizing bands, with some going up to XXL. The sizing bands are based on shoe sizes, but the sizes within each band vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer. The narrower the bands, the better the fit will be. For example, men's Smartwool sizing bands cover 3 ½ shoe sizes in each sock size (e.g., men's 9-11.5), while Darn Tough sizing covers 2 ½ to 3 shoe sizes (e.g., women's 10-11.5) in each sock size. Look for no more than 3 ½ shoe sizes in each sock size.

If you're on the cusp between sizes, like me, I'd highly recommend trying on both sizes. I've hiked in both medium and large Darn Tough socks, and I've found that the mediums are too tight around my toes. I like my toes to have as much room as possible, so I go with the larger size to accommodate them. That said, my experience may be different from yours. Our editor Liz Thomas has the same size feet as me but prefers the mediums over the larges as she feels the large takes up too much volume in her shoes and finds loose fabric to feel sloppy. As with all socks decisions, go with what feels right for your feet.

We're partial to the Treeline design on the Darn Tough Light Hiker socks. They are our favorite!

SOCK PATTERNS AND DESIGNS

We're not gonna lie. We like fun patterns and designs in our socks (and we're kind of partial to Darn Tough's design—the Treeline Micro Crew Cushion, which we gift to new writers during the holiday season). Manufacturers have gotten the message and most brands offer a wide range of colors and patterns.

RESPONSIBLE WOOL STANDARD

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary certification that means manufacturers are following strict guidelines to protect both the sheep and the land they graze on. The focus for the certification is on progressive and sustainable farming practices. If this is important to you, the Patagonia Lightweight Merino and REI Merino Wool Lightweight are both RWS-certified. Darn Tough has committed to RWS certification but needs to run out their stock of non-RWS merino wool first. They expect that to happen in 2021.

MEN'S VS WOMEN'S HIKING SOCKS

All of our top picks, with the exception of the REI Lightweight Merino, come in men's and women's versions. But no matter how you identify, fit to your body is the most important thing. We know plenty of women hikers who wear men's socks and/or trail runners because they just fit better. Similarly, men with narrow or low-volume feet may find a better fit in a women's sock. Finding the right fit for you is what's important, not what's on the label. Better fitting socks mean they will last longer, feel more comfortable, and better reduce the chance of moisture or blisters. To see more details about the differences between men's and women's socks, jump to the What Are the Differences Between Men's and Women's Socks? section.

HIKING SOCK LENGTH

Hiking sock length is an important thing to consider when buying a sock. We get into details of lengths below as well as present questions you can ask yourself that will help guide you to the correct length.

HIKING SOCK CUSHION

Hiking sock cushion is another important thing to consider. See the detailed discussion of cushion below as well as questions you can ask yourself to help you find the right hiking sock cushion for your needs.

The Smartwool PhD Outdoor sock is one of the shortest socks we considered. Photo by Brian Davidson.

At crew height, the Farm to Feet was one of the longest socks we considered. However, the height provides extra warmth and leg protection, especially in the winter. Photo by Brian Davidson.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING SOCK LENGTH

Most of our hiking sock picks come in different heights. The options, from shortest to longest, are listed below. To choose the right length of hiking sock, see our How to Choose the Right Length of Hiking Sock section.

A muddy sock tester wearing the Darn Tough Hiker no-show socks and Saucony shoes.

Sock Lengths

NO-SHOW

No-show socks are below the ankle. We don't recommend this length for hiking socks because we tend to get more rocks and debris in our shoes when we wear no-show socks. In addition, the back of your heel that is not covered by the sock is more likely to blister.

QUARTER CREW

A quarter crew sock, or ankle sock, just covers the ankle.

MICRO CREW

Micro crew socks, or ¾ crew socks, sit about 2" above the ankle.

CREW (BELOW MID-CALF)

Crew socks sit about an inch below-mid-calf.

BOOT (SLIGHTLY BELOW MID-CALF)

Boot socks are just slightly below mid-calf. If you have large calves, these can sometimes be too constricting.

MID-CALF

Mid-calf socks hit right at mid-calf and are about an inch above boot socks.

KNEE

Knee socks come all the way up to the knee.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LENGTH OF HIKING SOCK

To choose the proper sock length for you, ask yourself the following questions:

WHAT FOOTWEAR ARE YOU WEARING?

In general, you want your socks to be at least as high as the footwear you're wearing. For example, we wouldn't recommend a no-show sock with a full hiking boot. That's a recipe for blisters, bunching, and a bad hiking day. But socks that are higher than your footwear are completely fine—some people just prefer crew socks over ankle socks.

WHAT ARE THE TRAIL CONDITIONS?

If you're usually hiking on well-maintained trails, then lower socks will work fine. But if you plan on doing any off-trail bushwhacking then we'd recommend crew sock height at a minimum to help protect your legs from pokes and scratches.

ARE YOU WEARING GAITERS?

We've found that no-show socks + trail runners - gaiters = lots of debris in our shoes. The no-show height almost seems to collect dirt and rocks. So if you're a die-hard no-show sock fan, we'd highly recommend investing in a set of lightweight gaiters (which cover your ankle and the top of your shoe to keep out dust, dirt, and rocks).

DO YOU LIKE COMPRESSION?

Some hikers prefer to hike in a dedicated compression sock or use a compression sock for recovery. None of the socks we chose are labeled as dedicated compression socks. However, if you find benefits to some compression, a boot-length or even knee-length option may be preferable for you.

Related: Early Spring and Late Fall Shoulder Season Hiking Gear

LIGHTWEIGHT GAITERS

Altra Gaiters

SEW GO OUTDOORS HIKING GAITERS

Thinner socks work with light weight shoes for running and shorter dayhikes, like this classic hike on the Continental Divide Trail at Herman Gulch in Colorado. They also work for thru-hikes and backpacking trips, but may need to be replaced more often than thicker cushioned socks. Photo by Samantha Aroo.

You may enjoy having thicker socks on wet trips or socks where mud may be rubbing against the fabric. We experienced both those conditions on the Great Divide Trail in the Canadian Rockies. Photo by Liz Thomas.

What to Know about HIKING SOCK CUSHION

Many of our picks also come in different weights. The spectrum runs from ultralight to heavy (although some manufacturers have even more refined categories). Keep in mind that in general, more cushion means more insulation. Heavy cushioning is often found in winter hiking socks. To choose which cushion hiking sock is best for you, see our How to Choose Your Sock Cushioning section.

ULTRALIGHT CUSHIONING

Ultralight socks usually have no cushion—they use thin fabric throughout the sock. These socks work best in hot desert conditions because they are extremely breathable. They also work well when you need a low-volume sock.

LIGHT CUSHIONING

Light socks have minimal cushion, usually only in targeted critical zones like the heel and ball of the foot. They are meant for moisture management—breathability and wickability—so they work well for warm weather. The Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultralight and the Darn Tough Light Hiker is an example of a light cushioned sock we like.

MEDIUM CUSHIONING

Medium-weight socks have thicker material and more substantial cushioning that you can see and feel. The cushion provides more comfort for long days on the trail. Medium cushioning socks work well for moderate to cold conditions.

HEAVY CUSHIONING

Heavyweight socks have full, thick cushioning and thick fabric throughout the sock. These are best for extremely cold conditions and mountaineering.

None of our picks are heavy full cushion socks. Why? A thick sock, while it might last forever, is overkill for most 3-season hiking and backpacking. Your feet will likely be too warm, they'll sweat—and that's a recipe for discomfort and blisters.

HOW TO CHOOSE SOCK CUSHIONING: SHOULD I GET LIGHTWEIGHT OR MID-WEIGHT SOCKS?

Deciding between lightweight cushioned or mid-weight cushioned socks? Ask yourself these questions:

WHAT'S THE CLIMATE?

If you're going to be hiking in hot weather, we recommend a lightweight sock. Extra cushioning means extra insulation and lightweight socks will be more breathable to help keep your feet cooler. They also have less volume which helps prevent blisters because feet tend to swell while hiking in the heat. For warm to cold weather, we'd recommend either lightweight or midweight socks.

HOW DO MY SHOES or BOOTS FIT?

If you don't have a lot of extra space in your shoes or boots, you might need to go with lightweight socks. Overcrowding your footwear leads to hot spots, which in turn leads to blisters. A lack of air circulation will lead to sweaty feet, which also leads to blisters. However, if your shoes or boots have some extra space, the midweight sock will help fill out the extra space properly.

DO MY SHOES OR BOOTS HAVE MIDSOLES?

Footwear that is not midsole cushioned may demand highly cushioned socks or insoles for comfort (think board-lasted Italian leather boots or fancy dress shoes). If your trail runners or hiking boots have a good midsole, you'll need less cushion.

Men's and women's Darn Tough Hikers (women's in the back is in quarter crew and men's in the front is in crew length). Photo by Liz Thomas

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S HIKING SOCKS?

FIT

Generally, there are anatomical differences between men's and women's feet, which is why we have men's and women's shoes. Women's socks have a slimmer heel profile and a narrower fit through the foot than men's socks. Also, the calf opening is larger in men's socks to accommodate men's (generally) larger calves.

But no matter how you identify, fit to your body is the most important thing. Don't worry about the gender labels and do what works best for you.

SOCK HEIGHT

The height of the sock is lower for women's socks than men's, especially in the crew version. This is because men are (generally) taller than women.

YARN

You may have noticed that some women's socks have slightly different fabric content than men's. For example, in our top pick, the Darn Tough Hiker Midweight, the women's has 59% merino wool, 39% nylon, and 2% Lycra Spandex. The men's version of the same sock has 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% Lycra Spandex.

We asked Darn Tough about why the men's and women's versions are different. They said it primarily comes down to the "small difference in design for men's versus women's sizing."

We also noticed that the Coolmax Hiker Cushion socks have even larger differences in yarn composition. For example, the women's has 58% Coolmax while the men's only has 34% Coolmax. Darn Tough responded, "The composition in all synthetic Coolmax socks can vary a bit more and is different depending on yarn colors, etc. We don't actually use the same exact yarns for each. We mix in non-Coolmax polyesters/acrylics mostly for color matching, etc. but the function is the same."

Related: Which is better: a down or synthetic jacket?

Common Questions about Hiking Socks

Here are some common questions readers also ask while choosing the right socks for them. While each person's needs are different, asking these questions found below will help you find the perfect match.

CAN I HIKE IN COTTON SOCKS?

Short answer: we know it's tempting, but don't do it. Cotton may be soft, but it is one of the worst fabrics for hiking and backpacking clothing—including socks. Cotton soaks up water (which is why cotton towels are so great) and takes forever to dry. That's exactly what you don't want in a hiking sock or even walking socks. Moreover, we've found that durability is not the strong suit of a cotton sock. Stick with wool or synthetic material. This REI guide explains why cotton isn't a great fabric to wear outdoors.

SHOULD I WEAR A SOCK LINER WITH MY HIKING BOOTS?

Wearing a sock liner used to be popular with hikers and backpackers to keep feet dry and reduce friction. However, most high-quality walking socks made today have superior moisture-wicking properties such that a sock liner isn't necessary (and may even be counterproductive). But if you're used to wearing a liner sock with your heavy boots, you should continue with what works for you.

DO I NEED WATERPROOF SOCKS?

Waterproof socks are generally used in very specific situations, such as:

• Sustained sections of snow-covered trail (e.g., the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado in the spring).

• Hiking up canyon creeks (e.g., sections of the Hayduke Trail)

Many folks will use a waterproof sock with their hiking socks as a Do-It-Yourself winter hiking sock while snowshoeing or hiking snowy trails that require ice traction.

However, for normal hiking conditions, we generally don't recommend them. As your feet sweat during the day, waterproof socks may end up trapping moisture inside the sock, which can be a recipe for chafing and blisters. If you expect cooler conditions, one alternative may be to opt for a ski sock.

Testing out several socks side-by-side on a 800-mile thru-hike of the Great Divide Trail in the Canadian Rockies. Photo by Liz Thomas

OUR CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING THE BEST SOCKS

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the hiking sock choices, you're not alone. Not only are there a plethora of hiking sock manufacturers out there, but the choices within each manufacturer are staggering. All of the socks reviewed here meet a basic criteria to ensure a baseline level of quality. Aside from this, we considered other factors such as materials, durability, wickability, odor control, and warranty to choose our winners in each category as well as our honorable mentions.

Here's how we approached it:

HIKING SOCK MATERIALS / YARN

The most important criterion for quality hiking socks is the fabric or yarn that the sock is made of. We eliminated all socks with cotton in them (see Can I hike in cotton socks?) and only considered socks made with merino wool fibers or synthetic material.

MERINO WOOL

Experts agree: the best material for hiking socks is merino wool. Why, you ask?

• Merino helps regulate your body temperature. When it's cold outside, it traps the warm air from your feet and provides insulation. When it's warm, merino transports sweat away from your skin.

• Merino transports moisture away as a vapor, rather than a liquid. Synthetic wicking fabrics transport moisture as a liquid, so merino wool effectively skips the step of waiting for the sweat to turn from a vapor to a liquid. This helps keep your feet dryer and helps keep away the stench.

• It's natural and sustainable. One Merino sheep can produce 4 to 5 pounds of wool per year!

• It's more affordable and widely available than other wools like alpaca.

• Merino socks need to be washed less and are more durable than cotton or synthetic socks, reducing environmental impact.

And while all this might seem too good to be true, there are plenty of scientific studies to back it all up.

However, it's important to note that not all merino is created equal—and higher merino content doesn't necessarily mean a better sock. For example, Darn Tough uses merino wool fibers that aren't blended with nylon or polyester. Rather, they reinforce the sock with nylon and lycra for fit and durability. Another great example? Smartwool has spent two years developing its Indestructawool technology. They claim it makes their "toughest socks yet" and can be found in most of the new models of Smartwool hiking socks.

Farm to Feet socks use USA wool in their USA-made socks. Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas on a day hike in Colorado. Photo by Brian Davidson

NYLON

Nylon is a very strong synthetic fiber that adds durability to a fabric weave and reduces drying time. It's usually blended with other fibers.

POLYESTER OR COOLMAX

Polyester is also a synthetic fiber. It's hydrophobic, meaning it doesn't absorb much fluid and dries relatively quickly. Coolmax is the brand name of a specific polyester fabric that makes it easier for your feet to thermoregulate.

SPANDEX, LYCRA, OR ELASTANE

Spandex is an elastic fiber that can stretch up to 5 times its length (think spandex bike shorts). Most hiking socks contain a small amount of spandex. This helps the sock keep its shape and helps stop it from bunching up or falling down.

DURABILITY

Hiking socks need to be durable. They take a lot of abuse over the course of a single day (not to mention the months spent on a thru-hike). Rocks, dirt, grit, dust, sweat, rain, mud, snow—it's astonishing that any sock can withstand these conditions. But all of our picks have the track record to prove it.

Durability also means that the socks come out of the washer still looking—and, importantly, fitting—like new. Socks that lose their ability to fit snugly are useless (they'll start to rub and cause blisters) and will quickly end up at the bottom of your sock drawer.

The Point 6 socks developed holes in less than 200 miles on our Pacific Crest Trail hike. Here, our tester shows them off at a trailhead near Whitewater, CA. Photo by Liz Thomas

WICKABILITY / BREATHABILITY

Good hiking socks should be breathable and help to regulate the temperature of your foot. Your feet should stay cool in the heat and warm in the cold. A quality hiking sock should be moisture wicking, meaning it pulls moisture away from the surface of the skin on your foot to prevent blisters. (Plus, no one wants to hike with sweaty feet.) All of the socks we tested were highly rated in both of these categories.

ODOR CONTROL

Wool has long been known to control odors incredibly well, and wool socks are no exception. On multi-day backpacking trips, this means your socks won't likely smell until day four or so—though your mileage may vary. (Pun very much intended.) See our Best Sports Detergent guide for tough sports wash that may be able to help.

WARRANTY

A lifetime sock warranty is an amazing thing, and our own experience proves this isn't a gimmick. While every product has a reasonable life expectancy, we like knowing that a product will be replaced if it doesn't live up to expectations. While we didn't make this a requirement for all of our picks, we certainly considered it as a very important part of the overall picture.

Let your feet air during breaks, like this snack break on top of Mt. Whitney. Photo by Liz Thomas.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HIKING SOCKS

In general, it's best to follow the manufacturer's care instructions to give your socks their longest life. However, we've found that we get the most life out of our socks if we wash them in cold water inside out and line dry them.

You'll extend the life of your socks if you air dry, so avoid using the dryer if at all possible. In addition, don't use fabric softener on your socks, as it can affect their breathability and moisture wickability.

We also highly recommend pre-washing your socks before putting them in with the rest of your laundry, especially after an extended backpacking trip or during a thru-hike. Rinse them in the sink or bathtub until the water is relatively clear, then add them to the laundry. The rest of your clothes (and your socks!) will thank you.

Related: The Best Sports Detergent

AUTHOR'S EXPERTISE / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

I've logged a few thousand miles during my thru-hiking career—all of them while wearing socks. Some of my favorite long-distance hikes (ok, they're all my favorite) include the Triple Crown (Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail), Pacific Northwest Trail, Great Divide Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Arizona Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Idaho Centennial Trail, Blue Mountains Trail, among others.

On my first thru-hike, I didn't pay as much attention to socks as I should have—and I paid the price. I got blisters everywhere—between my toes, on my lower ankle, at the bottom base of my toes. I even had a blister under a callus!

As a result, I've become mildly obsessed, searching for the perfect pair of socks ever since. Our overall winner, the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight, is the closest thing I've found.

All of our opinions and recommendations are based on personal purchases of the models that made our shortlist and our own experience hiking thousands of miles with the models we describe. We don't accept native advertising or sponsored content.

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Gear Reviews, Apparel, Apparel and Footwear, backpacking, Bicycle, Footwear, Thru-Hiking & Backpacking, Travel & Lifestyle, Hiking

May 26, 2021

backpacking, thru-hiking, hiking socks, backpacking socks, socks, wool socks, non-wool socks, synthetic socks, main, hiking, apparel, running-related, camping-related, outdoor apparel, footwear, outdoor clothing, naomi hudetz

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