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Best Hiking Socks for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best hiking socks for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: March 29th, 2024

Last Updated: May 3rd, 2024

🧦When it comes to hiking, having the right socks can make a world of difference. The perfect pair will keep your feet comfortable and blister-free, no matter how rugged the trail. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. We've done the legwork for you, digging into the details and putting the best options to the test. Here are our top hiking sock recommendations for 2024, whether you're heading out for a day hike or a multi-day trek.

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Overall Best: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion

DARN TOUGH (Style 1903) Women's Hiker Hike/Trek Sock - Plum Heather, Medium

The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion earns our top spot for its exceptional blend of comfort and durability. Crafted with a dense weave of merino wool, nylon, and spandex, these socks excel at wicking moisture and resisting wear and tear, making them ideal for both long and short hikes. The manufacturer offers a lifetime guarantee, assuring you these socks will withstand countless adventures. Our research found that hikers appreciate their snug but comfortable fit, which prevents slipping and blisters even on challenging trails.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$22.50 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

Smartwool SW001573039L Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks Light Gray L

The Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks are an excellent alternative if our top pick is unavailable. These socks feature a lightweight merino wool blend that offers impressive breathability and a snug fit. They perform well in various conditions, making them suitable for year-round use. While they may not be as durable as the Darn Tough socks, they compensate with exceptional comfort and support. According to our research, many hikers favor these socks for their ability to keep feet dry and comfortable during extended hikes.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$23.95 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: REI Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks

Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks 3 pack (Light Grey, US Women 11-13 // US Men 9.5-12.5)

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the REI Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks are a fantastic choice. At around $19, these socks provide a high percentage of merino wool, delivering excellent moisture-wicking and temperature regulation properties. Although they might not be as long-lasting as premium brands, they offer great value for everyday hiking. Our research indicates that users generally find these socks comfortable and effective in preventing blisters on moderate hikes.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$33.95 at Amazon

Best for Wide Feet: Wide Open Cushioned Micro Crew Socks

For those with wide feet, the Wide Open Cushioned Micro Crew Socks offer an ideal solution with their looser, stretchier knit, providing a comfortable fit. Manufactured in the same factories as top brands, these socks offer a roomier design suitable for high-volume feet. They also feature excellent cushioning and are built to endure rigorous hiking conditions. According to user feedback, these socks are particularly beneficial for hikers who struggle to find well-fitted footwear.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$25.00 at Amazon

Best Non-Wool Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Women's Hiker Coolmax Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks (Style 1929) - Medium Light Gray

If you're allergic to wool or seek a high-performance synthetic option, the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks are perfect. Made without wool, these socks provide excellent moisture management, cushioning, and durability. They are well-suited for day hikes in various weather conditions, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable. Our research shows that many users appreciate these socks for their blend of performance features without the itchiness of wool.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$23.95 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Darn Tough Hiker Coolmax Socks? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Do Darn Tough Women's Hiker Coolmax Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks prevent blisters?

The Darn Tough Women's Hiker Coolmax Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks have a pretty good track record for comfort and preventing blisters, which makes them a go-to for many hikers. Made from a blend of synthetic fibers like Nylon, Coolmax Polyester, Acrylic, and Lycra Spandex, they’re designed to be lightweight and have a low profile, which the manufacturer claims helps keep them comfy over long hikes. One cool thing about them is that they’re entirely vegan—no wool or animal products involved. This is great for anyone who can't tolerate wool or has ethical concerns about their gear. According to our research, these socks do well in warm weather, with plenty of folks saying they keep their feet cool and dry. Even though they use synthetic materials, users say that breathability isn't an issue, which is a lifesaver on long hikes like the Camino de Santiago. The blend of materials gives them a snug fit that helps cut down on friction, a big plus for blister prevention. While they don't have the cushioning you'd get from [merino wool socks](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmerino%2Bwool%2Bsocks%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), the padding they offer is usually enough for most trail conditions. Plus, the tight weave adds durability and keeps them from slipping around—no one likes socks that end up in uncomfortable bunches. Some people did mention that the fit is quite snug, especially around the calves, which could be a bit much if you like your socks looser or have larger calves. But on the flip side, that snug fit helps keep them in place and contributes to preventing blisters. So if you’re after hiking socks that mix comfort with synthetic materials and are effective at warding off blisters, these might be worth checking out. Plus, they’re a solid pick for vegans and anyone who needs to avoid wool.

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How durable are Darn Tough Women's Hiker Coolmax Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks?

The Darn Tough Women's Hiker Coolmax Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks are known for being durable and comfy, especially for those who are allergic to wool since, well, there's no wool in them. They're made from a mix of materials like Nylon, Coolmax Polyester, Acrylic, Polyester, and Lycra Spandex. According to the manufacturer's description, this combo makes the socks breathable and supportive. Plus, they wick moisture well, keeping feet comfy in different temperatures. Our research suggests that many folks love these socks for keeping feet cool and dry, even when it's warm outside. They're also great at staying put inside shoes, which can be a challenge with other non-cotton socks. This seems to be thanks to their tight weave and the right amount of cushioning, which also helps prevent blisters on long hikes. Hikers who've done big treks like the Camino de Santiago swear by them for blister prevention. There are some things to consider, though. Some people feel that the socks can be a bit snug, especially around the legs, which might bother you if you're wearing them for long periods. Also, a few folks mentioned they feel a tad warm for summer hikes and might stretch out a bit after lots of washes. Despite these minor issues, the feedback is mostly positive. Overall, these socks seem like a solid choice if you're looking for something that lasts and feels comfortable, and the lifetime guarantee from Darn Tough doesn't hurt either. If they ever wear out, you can get a replacement, so they're pretty reliable for avid hikers needing gear they can count on.

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Are Darn Tough Women's Hiker Coolmax Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks good for hot weather?

From what we've found, the Darn Tough Women's Hiker Coolmax Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks might be a good pick for when the weather is on the warm side, but they're really at their best when it's a bit cooler. They use Coolmax Polyester, which is great at wicking moisture away. This means your feet stay dry—super important when you're hiking in warm weather. Just keep in mind, since these socks are midweight, they provide more warmth compared to lightweight ones. So, if you're going out in really hot conditions, you might want something lighter. Besides Coolmax, these socks have a blend of materials including 39% Nylon, 19% Acrylic, 5% Polyester, and 3% Lycra Spandex. This makes them durable, stretchy, and they fit well. The height is perfect too—coming just above typical hiking boots, offering a balance between coverage and breathability. A cool feature they have is this seamless design, which helps prevent blisters, super handy for long hikes. According to our research, folks who have used them on longer trips seem to love the comfort and protection the cushioning offers, even though it might feel a bit warm in high summer. In short, for moderate to cooler weather, these socks are a win. If you're venturing into the heat of midsummer, you might want to think about lighter options unless a bit of warmth isn't a big deal for you.

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Best for Cold Weather: Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion

Smartwool SW013300003L Mountaineer Classic Edition Maximum Cushion Crew Socks Charcoal L

For cold-weather hikes or mountaineering, the Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion socks are unbeatable. These socks offer substantial warmth and thick cushioning, keeping your feet cozy even in the harshest conditions. They are perfect for winter hiking and adventures in frigid climates. Our research indicates that these socks are highly recommended by users for their ability to provide comfort and prevent cold feet during long hikes in cold environments.

Lowest at Amazon

$27.00 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$25.99 at Bass Pro Shops

Best Lightweight Hiking Socks: Smartwool Run Zero Cushion

If you prefer a lightweight feel, the Smartwool Run Zero Cushion socks are an excellent choice. These socks provide superb support and comfort without added bulk, making them ideal for warm weather and longer hikes. The lightweight merino wool blend ensures great breathability and moisture management, keeping your feet cool and blister-free. Our research suggests that these socks are favored by hikers seeking a minimalistic design without sacrificing performance.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$20.00 at Amazon

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