Top 10 Hiking Socks I’ve Tested and Reviewed

If I could afford only one pair of hiking socks, I'd pick the Darn Tough Light Hiker Microcrew Lightweight hiking sock. Lightweight and durable, this sock has a lock-down fit, stands up to my hardcore hiking, and regulates the temperature and moisture around my feet well with its merino wool blend. I wear this sock year-round, but it's especially good in warmer weather. Plus, Darn Tough socks are as durable as they come with an absurd lifetime guarantee. From my mid-week fitness hikes to the Tour du Mont Blanc, this sock's been my go-to for several years now.  I'm currently on my third pair. 

Blend: 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% Lycra

Lifetime Warranty

Noticeably softer than Darn Tough, the Farm to Feet Damascus Light hiking sock is another standout. This is a silky smooth hiking sock that's tricked out with sneaky tech, including ventilation channels and targeted cushioning in just the right places. This was the best new (to me) hiking sock that I tested and reviewed last year. The 3/4 crew with targeted cushion is my favorite from the brand's American Trail series. 

Blend: 52% nylon, 44% wool, 4% Lycra 

Satisfaction Guarantee

The FITS Light Hiker Crew is my hiking sock of choice when I'm focused on comfort. This one's softAF since it has more merino wool and finer guage merino wool than most hiking socks. Plus—as its name suggests—FITS socks have fabulous fits. The Light Hiker Crew hugs my feet with a deep heel pocket and tapered ankle that follows the calf's natural shape. The down-side of this sock's higher merino wool content is that it wears out a little faster. But while it lasts (and it does last fairly long), it's as cozy as a hiking sock can be. I should know: I've personally hiked 1000+ miles in the FITS Light Hiker Crew.

Blend: 65% merino wool, 27% nylon, 6% polyester, 2% Lycra

2-year Warranty

When I'm hiking in cooler weather or want a beefier hiking sock for backpacking, I switch from the lightweights above to the Darn Tough Hiker Boot Cushion Sock. Medium weight with medium cushion—or full cushion (see mens, womens)—this heavier hiking sock is warmer and softer than most Darn Tough hiking socks, thanks to its higher merino wool content. I like that combination when I'm trudging through snow or carrying a heavier backpack through gnarly terrain that beats up my feet.

Blend: 64% merino wool, 33% nylon, 3% Lycra

Lifetime Warranty 

If you have wide feet, Wide Open may be the best hiking socks for you. Sharing the same parent company as Darn Tough, Wide Open is a new brand that's specifically made for wide feet or wide calves. As I've tested heaps of hiking socks this year, the Multi Stripe Cushioned Micro Crew has climbed into my top 5. It's a lightweight hiking sock with plenty of stretch—a fit that accommodates both my wide feet and my skinny calves. I chose these hiking socks to hike Colorado's Maroon Bells and liked how they hugged the contours of my feet without squeezing them. I also like these for summer since their lightweight build wears cooler and dries quicker for me than some other lightweight hiking socks.

Blend: 56% merino wool, 40% nylon, 4% Lycra

Lifetime Guarantee

This low-cut sock with the long-ass name has earned its spot as my summer staple when I ditch my hiking boots for hiking shoes or trail running shoes. The ankle-length version of the Damascus Light (#2 on my list) shortens things up while making sure my shoes don't rub against my ankle bones. Like the crew-cut, it's also ultrasoft with ventilation and strategic padding for comfort. Personally, this is my favorite 1/4-length summer hiking sock. But it's also a solid pick for Gen Z— who evidently prefer ankle socks to crew socks.

Blend: 51% merino wool, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra

Satisfaction Guarantee

Ibex may not be as big as Smartwool or icebreaker, but it's also been making merino wool hiking socks for a long time. The Nomad Herringbone Crew Sock is more of hybrid trail to town sock than a true hiking sock. However, I like it for two reaons. One, it's thinner and wears cooler than most of my hiking socks—a big deal since I regularly hike in 90-degree temps. Two, its merino wool blend and Herringbone work well for traveling. On my recent vacations, I've worn mine everywhere from Machu Picchu to Michelin star restaurants. This is my go-to hiking sock for active travel.

Blend: 49% Nylon, 45% Merino Wool, 6% Lycra

Limited 1-year Warranty

I've worn Smartwool hiking socks longer than any other brand, and the Hike Light Cushion Crew is my favorite Smartwool hiking sock. It has a higher percentage of premium merino wool, which makes it softer (and a little less durable) than most hiking socks I've tested and reviewed. Go ahead, call me a sock slut, but I mostly save these socks for sleeping on backpacking trips. That is, I'll wear another pair during the day to keep the Smartwool Hike Crew clean and dry to use as my night-time camp sock and sleep sock. That being said, I've also hiked thousands of miles in them and can vouch for their on-trail performance.

Blend: 57% merino wool, 40% nylon, 3% elastane

2-Year Warranty

Yes, it's a technically running sock—not a hiking sock. And its name is a mouthful. But I like to wear the Darn Tough Run No Show Tab Cushioned Ultra-Lightweight Running Rock when I'm hiking in trail running shoes on groomed trails. The tab and heel pocket hold them in place, and Darn Tough's durable blend of merino wool and nylon means these will last, even though they're ultra-lightweight. A little bit of cushion softens my steps without absorbing too much sweat underfoot. This is my minimalist hiking sock for summer.

Blend: 48% Merino Wool, 48% Nylon, 4% Lycra Spandex

Lifetime Warranty

For a little more coverage than a no-show sock, I like the PAKA Trail Ankle Sock. Its height hits just right for my trail running shoes with tabs in the front and back to protect against uncomfortable rubs against the heel tab and tongue. Plus, these puppies feature an alpaca blend. Alpaca fibers are similar to merino wool—naturally resisting odor, wicking moisture, and regulating the microclimate inside my shoes—while feeling softer and drying faster. These super-thin socks keep my hiking feet cooler while hugging them tight with a no-slip fit. When I'm hiking fast on hot days in the high desert, you'll find these lowcut socks just peaking out from my trail running shoes. 

Blend: 55% recycled nylon, 34% alpaca, 7% tencel, 4% spandex

Lifetime Guarantee