These Comfy Wool Socks Will Perfectly Cushion Your Feet on Your Next Hike
These Comfy Wool Socks Will Perfectly Cushion Your Feet on Your Next Hike
We updated this article in June 2022 to ensure all products and styles selected by the Good Housekeeping Insitute Textiles Lab were in stock and correctly priced.
Whether you want some fresh air or to break a sweat, hiking is an excellent way to connect with nature and get some peace, quiet and solitude. But without the right hiking socks, it likely won’t be a fun experience, since you’ll be more prone to blisters. Hiking socks all have added cushioning on the bottom, so they will feel different than traditional socks inside hiking boots. They're also designed to help ease the repeated impact from trekking over rough, uneven terrain.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates socks of all kinds, including running socks, wool socks, no-show socks and warm socks. We assess fabric strength, moisture-wicking capabilities, washability and more. We also test athletic apparel such as workout leggings, walking shoes and sports bras, so we know what makes a product great for exercise.
Our top picks:
The following picks are from brands with previous top performance, new pairs with useful features or styles that have rave online reviews. You can find more tips on how to choose the perfect hiking socks at the end of this article, but first, here are the best hiking socks of 2022 for when you hit the trails:
1) Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion
Darn Tough
amazon.com
$26.95
Darn Tough socks have a cult following for a reason. These socks are made from mostly Merino wool with some added nylon and spandex for stretch. Entirely seamless, these socks stay secure on your ankle without bunching or creating blisters, according to reviewers. Plus, the wool material wicks away moisture while also keeping your toes warm in colder climates. These socks are medium thickness, making them ideal year-round. Darn Tough also offers a lifetime guarantee, meaning that, within reason, you can ship any worn-out pair back to them for a new one at no extra cost.
? Height: Crew/Mid-calf
? Materials: 66% Merino Wool, 32% Nylon, 2% Spandex
? Cushioning: Heavy
? Thickness: Medium
2) Dritech Advanced Moisture Wicking Crew Sock (6- or 12- Pack)
Dickies
amazon.com
$15.99
Available in either a 6- or 12-pack, these socks start at just $2 a pair! These lightweight hiking socks are made from mostly polyester with spandex for stretch. There's added cushioning throughout the entire footbed and compression on the arches for support. Reviewers love that these helped keep their feet dry, but some noted that are tight on the ankles.
? Height: Crew
? Materials: 96% Polyester, 2% Nylon, 2% Spandex
? Cushioning: Light
? Thickness: Light
3) Performance Merino Hiking Socks
Bombas
bombas.com
$24.00
Wool is the ultimate hiking sock material for being moisture-wicking and insulating. Bombas hiking socks are made from Merino wool with a bit of added nylon and spandex for stretch. As featured on Shark Tank, Bombas socks provide thick cushioning with a seamless toe. This pair also features open venting on top for increased airflow and compression on the arches. We love that Bombas donates a pair of socks to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased.
? Height: Crew
? Materials: 63% Merino Wool, 35% Nylon, 2% Spandex
? Cushioning: Medium
? Thickness: Medium
4) Merino Wool Light Hiking Socks (3-Pack)
Danish Endurance
amazon.com
$29.95
Great for warmer treks or sweaty feet, these hiking socks from Danish Endurance are an excellent choice for anyone looking for extra breathability without sacrificing warmth. “I love that they’re thin and the material is so comfortable,” says Olivia Lipski, Media & Tech Reviews Analyst and avid hiker. Plus, they're made with a blend of Merino wool, nylon, acrylic and elastane for a balance of comfort, stretch and durability. They feature light cushioning on the heel, toe and inner arch of the foot.
? Height: Micro Crew or Quarter
? Materials: 30% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 33% Acrylic, 1% Elastane
? Cushioning: Light
? Thickness: Light
5) Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
Smartwool
amazon.com
$23.00
Avoid sweaty feet on summer hikes with ultralight hiking socks. Smartwool hiking socks are made from mostly Merino wool with a bit of added nylon, polyester and elastane for stretch. They have mesh ventilation zones throughout to allow air in (and moisture out). Because they're lightweight with less cushioning, they're ideal for other athletic activities like trail running, biking or skiing.
? Height: Crew
? Materials: 56% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 31% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane
? Cushioning: Light
? Thickness: Ultralight
6) Merino Hike+ Heavy Crew Socks
Icebreaker
icebreaker.com
$26.00
For colder hikes, you need a thicker, warmer sock that will provide insulation while cushioning your feet as you walk over tougher terrain like snow and ice. These hiking socks from Icebreaker are thick throughout with added cushioning on the bottom. They're made from Merino wool for insulation and moisture-wicking capabilities. There's a bit of added nylon and elastane for stretch. One reviewer loves that they're "incredibly warm but not too bulky."
? Height: Crew
? Materials: 65% Merino Wool, 33% Nylon, 2% Spandex
? Cushioning: Heavy
? Thickness: Medium/Heavy
7) Merino Wool Trail Socks (4-Pack)
Kirkland Signature
amazon.com
$45.00
Available in a pack of four in a variety of shades and patterns, the Kirkland Signature hiking socks are medium thickness, making them ideal for fall hikes. They're made from Merino wool with added polyester and spandex for stretch. There's extra padding by the toes and heels to avoid blisters. Reviewers love the soft feel, but some note that the color of the socks is a bit different in person compared to the online images.
? Height: Crew
? Materials: 76%-84% Merino Wool, 12-18% Polyester, 2-4% Nylon, 2% Spandex
? Cushioning: Medium
? Thickness: Light/Medium
8) Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks
Balega
amazon.com
$18.00
Staying hidden in hiking shoes, Balega’s no-show running socks are a great option for lighter treks. Made with a stretchy, synthetic polyester-nylon blend, these socks have added cushioning on the ball of the foot and heel. Plus, the mesh panels on the top and sides add breathability and the heel tab keeps these socks from slipping down. Note that these socks are best for hiking shoes and not boots that cover the ankle.
? Height: No-show
? Materials: 84% Drynamix Polyester, 11% Nylon, 3% Neofil, 2% Elastane
? Cushioning: Medium
? Thickness: Light
9) Premium Compression Socks
MudGear
amazon.com
$39.99
If you struggle with swollen feet after a long hike, consider trying a pair of compression socks for your next trek to improve blood flow and limit swelling. This knee-high option from MudGear is an online favorite with over 1,500 reviews and an average of 4.6 stars. Reviewers love these socks for spartan races, long climbs and hikes and rave about how they've reduced cramping and don't slide down their legs regardless of activity. Plus, the ventilated mesh and cushioned heel are a great bonus for optimal breathability and comfort.
? Height: Knee-length
? Materials: 63% Nylon, 28% Polyester, 9% Spandex
? Cushioning: Light/Medium
? Thickness: Light
10) Liner Crew NuWool Socks
Injinji
amazon.com
$13.00
If you’ve been struggling with blisters, consider trying a pair of sock liners under your normal hiking socks. Sock liners help prevent blister formation by reducing chafing in places like the toes or heels, areas in direct contact with your hiking shoes or hiking boots. These ones from Injinji are not only thin and breathable but also feature a unique toe sock design to help minimize friction between the toes. In addition, they’ll help keep your feet stay dry and comfortable with moisture-wicking abilities and stretch from the blend of wool, acrylic, nylon and elastane.
? Height: Crew
? Materials: 41% NuWool?, 41% Acrylic, 15% Nylon, 3% Spandex
? Cushioning: None
? Thickness: Ultralight
We reviewed and found the comfiest hiking socks for men and women for the summer, winter or fall to keep your feet sweat-free and prevent blisters on the trails.