Best Hiking Socks in 2023

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Hiking can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, provided you’re equipped with the right gear. Tough, versatile socks are definitely one of the most essential things to have on hand. Every prepared hiker has a spare pair of socks in their gear. Walking with wet feet is more than uncomfortable, it can actually be risky to your health and wellbeing. From perspiration to puddles, it’s easy for moisture to get into your socks, making it all the more important to choose something that wicks it away.

With so many options, it can be tricky to identify which hiking socks are going to be comfortable and durable. To help you along, we’ve curated a list of the best hiking socks around so your next excursion can be that much better.

Time May Tell Hiking Socks

Dickies Dri-Tech Crew Socks

Mirmaru Outdoor Performance Socks

Innotree Cushioned Hiking Socks

Danish Endurance Hiking Socks

Saucony Ventilating Socks

Why you should trust us

On top of my passion for hiking, I have five years of product review experience. Using my firsthand experience paired with my academic background in sciences, I offer objective reviews of important supplies. Featured on Narcity Media, Car Bibles, and The Drive, most of my work involves outdoor gear, survival supplies, and automotive products. With a goal of offering accurate, actionable advice, I use reputable sources to inform Task and Purpose readers about products like hiking pants, hiking poles, and camping showers.

How we chose our top picks

When it comes to hiking socks, you want them to hold steadily in place, let you move freely, and not take on perspiration. By investigating the textile science of common fabrics, we found options that are built to stay dry. Looking at the design and seams, we determined how well the shortlisted socks can hold up against constant friction. Aiming for models with arch support and moisture wicking, we identified the best hiking socks for any budget. The end result is a series of comfortable, durable socks that will get you through that next hiking adventure with ease.

Types of hiking socks

While hiking socks tend to have a lot in common, there are some criteria that set specific designs apart. There tends to be two approaches to hiking socks. One leans towards support: after all, hiking as exercise is straining, so it can help to compress the vascular system in the feet and lower legs. These socks tend to have higher amounts of spandex or nylon, though as a result they may not air out as well. Conversely, the other type of hiking sock is those which focus on reinforcing the toe and heel as well as absorbing moisture. Depending on your hiking style, you’ll benefit from different features, so it’s handy to have the choice at your fingertips as you’re preparing to trek into the wilderness.

Features of hiking socks

Fabric: Naturally, the key to any piece of clothing lies in the material used to manufacture it. It is also a matter of how that material is woven. The most common materials found in these socks are cotton and polyester. Often, the two will be blended in order to balance thermal control features (the cotton) with durability (the polyester). To achieve the necessary elasticity, spandex or lycra are often included in pretty much every hiking sock. Depending on what you want out of the hiking sock, you’ll likely want to look for options that feature higher amounts of one of these fabrics.
Support: Whether it’s arch support or compression technology that helps your vascular system stay comfortable, you will want a hiking sock with good support. If you are prone to flat feet or collapsed arches, then something that offers a lot of elasticity at the center of the foot is good. Conversely, if you are focused on leg comfort, then opt for something which features a high rise and lots of calf support.

Moisture absorption: This is what keeps your feet dry despite your perspiring during the hike. This ventilation is essential to preventing irritation of the skin. Dry socks offer better grip, stop your feet from slipping, and let you hike for longer. When seeking out the best hiking socks, this is an important feature to prioritize.

Benefits of hiking socks

Choosing socks that are designed specifically for hiking is important for many reasons. For one, these socks won’t wear down as quickly; even with a set of high-quality hiking boots, you are still putting a lot of friction force on the material. Hiking socks are designed to withstand this kind of wear and tear, helping them last longer than conventional socks. Plus, since these socks are designed for strenuous activities, they also tend to work to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Tight socks keep your legs comfortable and also help to prevent issues with repetitive strain injuries. Whether you are prone to podiatric issues or not, hiking socks have a lot of advantages and long-term benefits to your health.

Hiking sock pricing

Depending on the number of hiking socks in the set and the quality of the material, prices will vary. The good news is that even higher-end socks are actually pretty affordable, especially when you factor durability into the equation. You can get a top-quality set of three for in the range of $30. If you are looking to use a smaller budget, there are some remarkably effective hiking socks that you can get for under $20. The important thing is that you have a pair of high-performance socks that keep your feet dry and comfortable during your hike, so don’t skimp on features when you’re making your assessment.