What Are the Best Fitting Walking Socks

Wearing the right footwear is key to success in all outdoor adventures, but it's especially important for hiking and backpacking. As hikers, our feet are the workhorses that carry the load and take the most beating on the trail. Our experience has taught us that we have to treat our feet right to keep them in peak condition so we can see and do more comfortably.

It's normal to experience some foot aches and pains, overheating, and hot spots/blisters after long days of hiking, but we've found that wearing quality socks (along with good shoes/boots) makes a big difference in how long we can keep our feet comfortable and in good shape on trail.

The Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks have a great balance of warmth to breathability for shoulder season hiking

What's Most Important to You in a Hiking Sock?

HEIGHT - The right sock height will protect your feet from abrasion from your shoes. No show socks and quarter socks (also known as mini crew) sit low and are best worn with trail runners or low cut shoes. They're the most ultralight but sometimes slip down or collect debris. They can also leave your ankle exposed to possible heel clipping and minor cuts. Crew socks come up to about mid-calf, and tend to be a bit warmer. They also generally stay up better, keep debris out, and they offer some protection to your shins from brushy trails. Over-the-calf socks sit just below the knee, and are mostly seen in warm winter socks or compression socks that help with leg fatigue and swelling.

• Best no show socks: Darn Tough Hiker No Show Light Cushion, Feetures Elite Ultra Light No Show Tab, Balega Hidden Comfort, Darn Tough Vertex No Show Tab Ultra-Light, and Injinji Run Lightweight No Show

• Best quarter length socks: Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Technical Quarter Feetures Elite Ultra Light Quarter, and Swiftwick's PURSUIT HIKE Two Ultra Light

• Best crew length socks: Darn Tough Micro Crew Light Cushion, Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew, REI Merino Lightweight Hiking Crew, and Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew

• Best over-the-calf length socks: Darn Tough Vertex Over-the-Calf Ultra-Light

CUSHIONING - Cushioning affects durability, comfort, and warmth. Ultralight cushion socks and liners are best for running or hiking in low cut shoes. We typically prefer them because they dry quickly and breathe well, but they're not as durable as other socks. Some people use liners under other socks to help prevent blisters. Socks with light cushioning are relatively thin and have a good balance of breathability, moisture-wicking, comfort, and durability. Medium cushion socks are good for hiking in average to cold weather. They  provide a moderate amount of cushion in the heel and ball of the foot to protect your feet from impact. Socks with heavy cushioning are the thickest and warmest. Many hikers find them too bulky and hot for backpacking, but they're great for warmth in camp, winter hiking, and mountaineering in boots.

• Best ultralight socks: Feetures Elite Ultra Light Quarter, Balega Ultralight No-Show, and Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultralight Crew

• Best lightly cushioned socks: Darn Tough Micro Crew Light Cushion, Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Technical Quarter, REI Merino Lightweight Hiking Crew, and Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew

• Best medium cushion socks: Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion and Smartwool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew

• Best heavily cushioned socks: Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion and Feetures Elite Max Cushion Quarter

FABRIC - Socks made with polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics are breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, so they're great for hiking. They also tend to be a bit more durable than natural fibers, though they can pill and hold onto odors more. Wool is a natural fiber that's excellent for managing moisture, evaporating odors, and keeping you warm when wet. Quality merino wool is soft and comfortable and works exceptionally well when blended with synthetic fibers. Cotton collects and holds moisture, which can lead to blisters (check out our How to Prevent and Treat Blisters post for more info). We don't recommend socks with any cotton content for hiking, but they're inexpensive and comfortable for everyday use.

• Best synthetic socks: Feetures Elite Ultra Light Quarter and Balega Hidden Comfort

• Best wool socks: Darn Tough Micro Crew Light Cushion, Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Technical Quarter, REI Merino Lightweight Hiking Crew, and Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew

Best Hiking Socks

BEST OVERALL HIKING SOCKS FOR QUALITY, COMFORT & DURABILITY

MSRP: $21

FABRIC: 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex

HEIGHT: Crew (also available in No Show)

CUSHIONING: Light (also available in medium)

PROS: Lifetime warranty, durable, breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, comfortable, don't slide down

CONS: Expensive, warmer/less breathable than some

BOTTOM LINE: Darn Tough Micro Crew Light Cushion Socks are comfortable, versatile, and built to last. They're relatively thin for good temperature regulation, but are woven very tightly, which gives them outstanding durability. The Light Hiker Micro Socks are warmer and thicker than minimalist socks, but they're still quite breathable and the wool-synthetic blend makes them adaptable in warm or cool conditions. Darn Tough socks are expensive, but well worth the money since they last forever and are backed up by an amazing unconditional lifetime guarantee. If you're looking for more cushioning and warmth, we also like Darn Tough's popular Micro Crew Cushion and Hiker Boot Socks.

BEST DURABLE SOCKS DESIGNED FOR LONG BACKPACKING TRIPS

MSRP: $20

FABRIC: 51% merino wool, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex

HEIGHT: Quarter (also available Low, ¾ Crew, and Crew)

CUSHIONING: Light

PROS: Durable, lifetime warranty, breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, comfortable, and don't slide down

CONS: Expensive

BOTTOM LINE: The Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Technical Quarter socks are made with 100% American materials and construction. Created with long-distance hikers in mind, these socks are built tough and will last for hundreds of miles. Besides that, they're guaranteed for life! Slight compression and unique targeted cushioning in the heel and toe as well as on top of the instep help prevent pain from shoelace pressure, which is especially nice for long, steep descents. We recommend Damascus Technical socks for rugged hikes and backpacking trips in trail runners or boots (choose ¾ crew or crew height for boots) when minimalist socks aren't quite enough. They're also available in a Women's specific version.

BEST VALUE WARM WOOL HIKING SOCKS

MSRP: $16.95

FABRIC: 79% merino wool, 20% nylon, 1% Lycra spandex

HEIGHT: Crew (also available in Quarter)

CUSHIONING: Light (also available in Ultralight, Medium, and Expedition)

PROS: Good value, comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant

CONS: A bit too warm for summer conditions, can slide down with some footwear

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Merino Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks are an excellent value since they're made with premium quality wool, but they cost less than those from other top brands. They have a great balance of warmth and breathability, which makes them great for long days on the trail or for wearing as sleep socks on camping and backpacking trips. If you're looking for a comfortable hiking sock with the performance of merino wool without breaking the bank, you can't go wrong with these. For summer, we recommend REI's Ultralight Hiking Socks because they're not as warm as the Lightweights.

BEST SOCKS FOR AEROBIC ACTIVITY IN WARM CONDITIONS

MSRP: $17.95

FABRIC: 92% nylon and 8% spandex

HEIGHT: Quarter (also available No Show Tab and Mini Crew)

CUSHIONING: Ultra Light (also available in Light Cushion and Max Cushion)

PROS: Affordable, lifetime warranty, comfortable, moisture-wicking, breathable and don't slide down

CONS: Hold odor more than others, lack long-term durability

BOTTOM LINE: Feetures is a brand that's better-known in the running community, but we love their socks for hiking too. Feetures' Elite Ultra Light Quarter socks are thin, stretchy, and fit snugly with compression in all the right places so the socks stay smooth and wrinkle-free during aerobic activity. The Elite Ultra Light socks stand out best in warm conditions when wicking and ventilation are critical.

HIGHLY-BREATHABLE WOOL SOCKS WITH A PERFORMANCE FIT

MSRP: $22.95

FABRIC: 56% merino wool, 41% nylon, 3% elastane

HEIGHT: Crew (also available Micro, Mini, Mid Crew)

CUSHIONING: Light (also available ultralight and medium)

PROS: Comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and don't slide down

CONS: Expensive

BOTTOM LINE: Smartwool's PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks are some of the best all-around socks for hiking. They're well-designed with a snug, anatomical fit and padding only where you need it for excellent breathability. Though past versions of the PhD Outdoor have lacked durability, the 3rd generation PhD Outdoor socks have tougher wool in the heel and toe which substantially extends their lifespan (and Smartwool will replace them if you send them in within 2 years of the purchase date). We recommend PhD Outdoor socks to those who prefer a sock that's a bit lighter and more breathable than Darn Tough's, even if they won't last quite as long. If you're looking for something a bit heavier, you might also like Smartwool's classic Hike Medium Crew socks, which have been popular for a very long time.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY SOCKS FOR EVERYDAY COMFORT

MSRP: $13

FABRIC: 100% polyester

HEIGHT: No Show

CUSHIONING: Medium

PROS: Affordable, comfortable, don't slide down, moisture-wicking, breathable

CONS: Hotter/less breathable than some, hold odor more than others, not as durable as some

BOTTOM LINE: Balega Hidden Comfort Socks are simple, lightly padded, and comfortable with cushy tabs at the ankle that effectively keep them from sliding down much better than most ankle socks. The plush padding across the entire sole makes them a bit warmer and less breathable underfoot than some. That said, the Hidden Comforts are an excellent, affordable choice for those looking for comfy low cut socks for everyday use. Balega also offers their popular Ultralight No Show Socks (excellent ultralight feel, but lack long-term durability), Blister Resist No Show Socks (made with mohair fibers that resist friction), and Silver No Show Socks (great compression and antibacterial properties). If you're looking for a quarter length hiking sock, we also really love the Balega Enduro Quarter Socks.

SOCKS WITH TARGETED CUSHIONING & GREAT BREATHABILITY

MSRP: $14.99

FABRIC: 62% "Thor-wick cool," 21% nylon, 16% polyester, 1% elastic,

HEIGHT: Low cut (also available in no-show tab)

CUSHIONING: Light

PROS: Affordable, breathable, moisture-wicking, comfortable

CONS: Hold odor more than others, lack long-term durability

BOTTOM LINE: Thorlos XCCU Experia socks are designed to help reduce pain and pressure from diminishing fat pads that naturally cushion the bottom of the feet. With cushioning only in the places you need it and thin, stretchy material on the arch, top, and sides of the sock, the Experia's breathe well but supplement your foot's pads at the same time. The Experia do slip down on occasion with aerobic activity, but they're still really comfortable and are awesome for walks or everyday wear. Since the Experias don't contain wool, they're also good alternative for those who find wool to be itchy. For intense activities, you might also like their Outdoor Athlete Sock (which has a higher cut), or the The Outdoor Fanatic, their most technically-advanced sock.

THIN BUT DURABLE SOCKS FOR WARM CONDITIONS

MSRP: $16

FABRIC: 54% nylon 41% merino wool 5% Lycra spandex (available in a Coolmax version)

HEIGHT: No Show Tab (also available Quarter and Over-the-Calf)

CUSHIONING: Ultra Light

PROS: Affordable, durable, lifetime warranty, breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, comfortable

CONS: May slip down, lack long-term durability

BOTTOM LINE: Darn Tough's Vertex No Show Tab Ultra-Light Socks are super thin, form-fitting, wicking and breathable, but built with Darn Tough's signature high-density weave for serious durability. These socks won't get holes in them nearly as quickly as other minimalist socks, but if they do, you can count on Darn Tough's lifetime warranty. The Vertex are an excellent choice for nimble hikers wearing trail runners in warm conditions. Vertex socks are available in Men's and Women's versions. If you'll be traveling in serious summer heat, check out the Coolmax version.

LIGHTWEIGHT MINIMALIST SOCKS WITH STINK-FREE FIBERS

MSRP: $17.99

FABRIC: 55% merino wool, 23% nylon, 17% olefin, 5% spandex

HEIGHT: Quarter (also available Mini Crew and Crew)

CUSHIONING: Ultralight (also available Light, Medium, and Heavy)

PROS: Comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and don't slide down

CONS: Lack long-term durability (but great customer service)

BOTTOM LINE: Swiftwick's PURSUIT HIKE Two Ultra Light are some of the best minimalist socks we've taken on the trail. The bulk-free PURSUIT HIKE's hug the feet snugly around the instep, so they're best for those who like a little compression. The Olefin fibers make the Pursuit Hike's dry very quickly, while the wool helps keep your feet a comfortable temperature and minimize stink. We recommend these socks to hikers or trail runners traveling fast and light in moderately cool or warm conditions.

BEST ULTRALIGHT TOE SOCK FOR HIKING

MSRP: $13

FABRIC: 67% nylon, 28% CoolMax polyester, 5% Lycra spandex

HEIGHT: No Show (also available Crew)

CUSHIONING: Ultralight (also available in Medium)

PROS: Helps prevent toe blisters, affordable, comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking

CONS: Hold odor more than others, takes a little longer to put on/take off, lack long-term durability

BOTTOM LINE: Injinji's Run Lightweight socks are some of the most popular toe socks on the market, and with good reason. They're affordable, comfortable, highly-breathable, and excellent for reducing friction between the toes. Since each toe is wrapped in wicking fabric, we found that they do a very good job of keeping our feet dry on the trail too. Toe socks may feel a little strange at first, but we think they're worth getting used to if you frequently struggle with toe blisters. Injinji's Trail Midweight Mini-Crew are also a great option if you're looking for a slightly warmer and more cushioned toe sock.

DOUBLE-LAYER SOCKS FOR BLISTER PREVENTION

MSRP: $14

FABRIC: 70% Dri-Wright II polyester, 26% nylon, 4% lycra

HEIGHT: Quarter (also available Tab, and Crew)

CUSHIONING: Light

PROS: Helps prevent blisters, affordable, breathable, moisture-wicking, very comfortable, lifetime warranty, don't slide down

CONS: Lack long-term durability, hold odor more than others

BOTTOM LINE: WrightSock Coolmesh II Lo Quarter Socks are extremely comfortable and feel like slippers on your feet. They're thin and minimal, and the double-layer system makes them excellent for preventing blisters. The downside is that they're built with thin materials and they wear down fairly quickly in the heel and toe. We wish the outer layer of the Coolmesh II was a bit tougher, but for those with blister-prone feet, they might still be well worth it. WrightSock also makes a Kid's version.

Critical Hiking Sock Considerations

FIT- Your socks should fit just right. Not too tight, but not too loose.

• Support - Strategically-placed bands of compression around the calf, ankle, or arch of the foot help socks stay in place and keeps them from twisting and bunching. Compression also provides support to the muscles and ligaments to prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis, which can make hiking extremely painful. If you have an existing condition, a good pair of socks can work just as well as an Ace wrap or sports tape.

• Sizing - light compression and a snug fit aid in your socks ability to effectively wick moisture, breathe, and stay wrinkle-free, but socks that are too tight can restrict blood flow and limit your toes range of movement.

SOCK CARE - Use these tips to prolong the life of your favorite socks:

• Washing & drying - Beware that socks with high merino wool content are likely to shrink if you put them in the dryer on high heat. For best results, follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying your socks to maintain their cushion and avoid miniaturizing them. We recommend washing wool products inside-out on a cool or lukewarm washing machine setting with gentle detergent, then air drying them on a clothesline or flat surface. If you're in a hurry, the next best thing is to tumble dry your wool socks on low. If you treat them well, your wool hiking socks should last for a long time.

• How to avoid losing socks - It's a huge bummer to have a pile of single expensive hiking socks, but we all know how easy it is to lose track of them. We recommend using a small mesh laundry bag as your sock-specific hamper and just toss the laundry bag into the wash when it's full. Soapy water will get through the bag and the socks will get clean, but they won't go missing.

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that's one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

• Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

• We've logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

• We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

• We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

• We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

• We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

• We're lifelong learners and we're always open to constructive criticism. If you think we've missed a product or got something wrong, we'd love to hear your feedback.

We own and use all of the socks we recommend

MORE INFORMATION

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we'd love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

What Are the Best Fitting Walking Socks

Source: https://www.cleverhiker.com/best-hiking-socks

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