How to Choose Hiking Socks

There is not much worse on a hike than being miles from your destination and feeling every step. To make the most of your time on the trails, it's important to invest in proper gear, and hiking socks play a crucial role in keeping your feet comfortable and protected on a hike. 

Our Hiking Experts are here to provide you with the information you need to choose your next pair of hiking socks. What are four important factors to consider when choosing hiking socks?

• Material
• Height
• Cushioning and Weight
• Fit

1. Best Hiking Sock Material

When you’re on a hike, you should be enjoying the views—not thinking about your socks. For a sock that moves with you on the trail, it needs to be comfortable, lightweight, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and durable. What material can deliver all of these features? Our Hiking Experts recommend Merino Wool.

Chicago White Sox

Merino wool is the most versatile performance fabric available and is renowned for its ability to absorb and actively release moisture. This moisture-wicking process results in a hiking sock that feels dry, resists odor, and regulates temperature for the entirety of your journey.

To gain the benefits of Merino wool, your hiking socks should be around 50% to 60% Merino wool. Additional materials like Nylon and Spandex are often included for additional durability and to help the sock keep its shape.

Avoid Cotton

When choosing socks for your next hike, there is one material you should avoid: cotton. The phrase cotton kills is frequently spoken by avid hikers—and for good reason. Cotton absorbs and holds onto moisture and does not regulate temperature or odor. This trapped moisture can lead to serious discomfort on any trail and can be dangerous in cold weather.

2. Hiking Sock Height

Hiking socks come in a variety of heights, and the height of your hiking socks should primarily depend on your hiking footwear. Our Hiking Experts recommend choosing a hiking sock that comes slightly higher than the top of your boot or shoe. You want to guarantee your skin is covered and protected from any friction that could happen between boot and skin contact. 

• Shorter socks, like ankle socks, should only be worn with trail-running shoes.
• Higher socks, including crew socks, are better suited to wear with hiking boots. 

3. Hiking Sock Cushioning & Weight

Although hiking sock cushioning and weight are different features, they are paired together to create combinations of socks that are ideal for different types of hiking.

Hiking Sock Cushioning

Cushioning is created by knitting small loops (called Terry Loops) around the sock for a variety of purposes including impact protection, shock absorption, moisture wicking, and additional warmth. There are two main types of cushioning: Cushion and full cushion. The type you choose will come down to personal preference.

• Cushion: Terry Loops are knit along areas where hikers most frequently feel friction and discomfort—the entire sole of the foot, around the toes, and behind the heel.
• Full Cushion: Terry Loops are knit through the entire sock—around the foot, up to the cuff. Although full cushion socks do offer additional warmth in the winter, they are also functional for summer hikes.

Hiking Sock Weight

Best described as the thickness of a sock, hiking socks typically come in three yarn weights: Lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight.

• Lightweight socks are a great go-to sock weight for hiking in warm and hot weather. They fit closer to the foot and are breathable to keep your feet cool. Most lightweight hiking socks are cushioned, but don’t usually come in full cushion.
• Midweight socks are a happy-medium thickness and are functional for year-round hiking. If you feel unsure about picking a sock weight, midweight will be great for most hiking adventures. Depending on your preference, you’ll find midweight socks in both cushion and full-cushion models.
• Heavyweight socks are crafted with the heaviest yarn weight for a thick sock that’s designed for cold-weather hiking. If you’re buying this sock, you’re seeking warmth which is why they typically only come in full cushion.

4. How Should Hiking Socks Fit?

Once you’ve found the perfect socks for your hiking adventure, you’ll need to make sure they fit just right. To find your best fit, it’s best to try on a pair of hiking socks before committing to them.

Well-fitted hiking socks should feel like they’re giving your foot a light hug without feeling constrictive. If hiking socks are too big, the material can bunch and lead to painful blisters.

• Note: Not all companies size their socks the same way, so be sure to check a brand’s size chart before purchasing.

Bonus Features to Note

Guaranteed to Last

Some sock brands are so confident in the durability of their Merino wool hiking socks that they offer a guarantee against normal wear and tear. Smartwool offers replacements within two years of purchase if you are unhappy with their socks for any reason. Darn Tough is so confident in the quality of their Merino wool socks that they unconditionally guarantee their socks for life.

Are Hiking Socks Specific to Gender?

There are minimal differences between men's and women’s socks. The most obvious differences come in the colors and styles available, which don’t have anything to do with the fit.

When it comes to structural differences, women’s socks are often constructed with a narrower shape, mainly in the forefoot and heel. Men’s socks tend to be wider in these areas. Knowing this, use the gender to inform your sock buying—if you have a narrower or wider foot than average, then buy the gendered sock that will fit your foot best.

By understanding how to choose the right hiking socks for your type of hiking, you’re ready to hit the trails! For any additional questions regarding hiking socks, stop by and chat with a Hiking Expert at your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN.

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