When heading out on a hiking adventure, the right gear can make all the difference between an exhilarating trek and a gruelling trudge.
One often overlooked yet crucial component of your hiking kit is a good pair of hiking socks. These unsung heroes provide comfort, support and protection for your feet, ensuring you can tackle the trails with ease.
First and foremost, material matters. Merino wool is a top contender in the hiking sock arena. Known for its superb breathability, moisture-wicking properties and natural odour resistance, Merino wool keeps your feet dry and comfortable in various conditions.
For those seeking a blend of durability and performance, synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester are excellent choices. These materials enhance the sock's longevity and improve moisture management, ensuring your feet stay blister-free.
Joss Baldwin, of Cotswold Outdoor, says: "It's really important to take socks into account when choosing a pair of boots or shoes. Normally you’d expect to wear lighter-weight, more breathable socks with a pair of vented walking shoes. Conversely, with a pair of trekking or mountaineering boots, you will likely want the extra warmth and cushioning that a heavier-weight sock will provide. Fit should also be considered; a heavier weight sock will fill more space in your boot so could make it feel too tight if you haven’t taken it into consideration.
“For hiking boots with higher ankle support, it is advised to wear a sock that goes above your ankle to reduce any risk of rubbing. The majority of people will use a lightweight – midweight sock for hiking, perhaps a heavyweight option for longer treks."
Lastly, consider the sock height. From no-show to knee-high, the height you choose should correspond with your hiking boots and the terrain you'll be navigating. Crew length is a popular choice, offering ample coverage and protection against debris.
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Darn Tough Vermont Women's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
The performance fit that defines the Darn Tough Vermont hiking socks means no slipping, no bunching, and no blisters for peak hiking comfort.
The brand's Micro Crew has earned a hallowed place in the hearts of many a hiker who demanded more from a sock. This all-season weight, midweight design has thermoregulation to wrap feet in steady comfort when temperatures change, and Darn Tough still knits all of its socks at its VT-based Mills base.
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
Helly Hansen Unisex Hiking Quarter Socks
Up there with the most technical hiking socks, with their integrated functions and a blend of wool and synthetic fibres, these Helly Hansen Unisex Hiking Quarter Socks are impressively lightweight considering how hardy they are.
Ideal for hiking as well as camping or mountaineering, they're a durable, popular choice that ticks all the boxes for adventures on your feet.
Buy now £20.00, Helly Hansen
Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Maximum Cushion Crew Socks
These Classic Edition socks are Smartwool’s thickest and warmest offering, designed to keep your feet cosy during long-distance hikes and backpacking adventures. With full, plush cushioning, they ensure comfort even during rugged terrain.
The flat knit toe seam minimises discomfort inside your shoes while the elasticized arch brace provides a secure and lasting fit, so you can focus on the trail ahead.
Buy now £24.69, Amazon
SIMIYA Merino Wool Socks
Experience ultimate comfort and warmth on even the most intense of hikes with these SIMIYA Merino Wool Socks. Crafted from high-quality materials, including merino wool, nylon and spandex, these socks offer exceptional elasticity and softness.
These trail-ready socks are 2.0 times thicker than regular wool socks, ensuring superior thermal performance even in the coldest winter conditions. They’re machine washable and animal-friendly sourced, built to last with thermoregulating Merino wool and moisture-wicking properties.
Buy now £14.95, Amazon
Banham womens super soft bamboo mid length striped sock
Not all hiking socks come in dark, muted tones. If you're looking for something a bit jazzier, check out these Banham women's super soft bamboo mid-length striped socks.
Made from premium bamboo fibres, their natural, soft-feel fabric promises comfort throughout the day. Breathable and moisture-wicking, these socks keep your feet dry and cosy, whether you’re running errands or hiking a trail. And, these socks aren’t just about style; they’re an eco-friendly choice thanks to the sustainable fabric choice.
Buy now £19.95, SealSkinz
Bridgedale Womens Ultra Light T2 Merino Sport Low Crew Socks
A women's specific design for serious runners who like to explore the world’s trails at a faster pace, these Bridgedale Women's Ultralight T2 Merino Sport Low Sock use T2 targeted micro cushioning and merino sport fusion technology to provide resilient padding, moisture wicking, odour control and outstanding durability on the trails.
Their low height provides protection, whilst the sport fit gives supportive compression with an unrestricted toe box.
Buy now £18.00, Cotswold Outdoor
Bridgedale Womens Special Edition Merino Hiker Socks
These women’s Merino Hiker Socks from Bridgedale are a pair of comfortable and warm walking socks. They offer all the protection your feet may require on a day’s walking around the fells to hiking around forest paths. These walking socks not only provide warmth but also offer great moisture management due to the Merino Wool fabric composition. Their lycra composition in the fabric also means that they're great fitting as well as comfortable. These walking socks also feature a fully cushioned sole meaning that no matter where you may be exploring, your feet stay comfortable and firmly in place.
Buy now £13.00, Cotswold Outdoor
Mountain Warehouse IsoCool Womens Performance Socks 3-Pack
A bright and colourful addition for your next hiking adventure, these Mountain Warehouse IsoCool socks are made of polyester blend fabric with IsoCool technology - ideal for exercising and everyday wear.
The IsoCool fabric is highly breathable and wicks away perspiration from the body to keep you cool, actively wicking moisture away from your body and drying quickly. The super absorbent fibres mean the moisture is spread across the fabric, while the engineered cushioning adds impact protection, extra comfort and support.
Buy now £9.99, Mountain Warehouse
HANWAG Trek Sock
Snug-fitting and functional, these Trek Socks are the ideal base layer for your feet on extended, multi-day hikes and treks. A popular choice in a range of colours, the focus here is on creating a comfortable, snug fit for long distances in spring, summer or autumn.
They're made with extra padding at the heel, ball of the foot and instep and are especially fast drying and thermoregulating thanks to the brand's CoolMax technology.
Buy now £18.95, Alpine Trek
Merry People Quarter Socks
A rising star in the hiking world, these Merry People Quarter Socks are a little jazzier than your usual hiking outfits but come with all of the protection necessary for a comfortable adventure.
Made from a blend of Australian Merino wool and organic cotton, these socks will cushion your feet in all the right places. With moisture-wicking and odour-absorbing properties, they will keep you warm without feeling too hot or sweaty. They're cosy in the cold and cool in the heat, which makes them suitable for year-round hikes.
Buy now £14.95, Merry People
Verdict
With an unbeatable Merino wool fabric for breathability and odour resistance, a seamless construction for blister prevention and superior cushioning, the Darn Tough Vermont Women's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock is our top choice when it comes to the best hiking socks.
