10 Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters on the Trail
A great pair of hiking socks to prevent blisters is a crucial gear for hikers. No part of the body is more important than the foot that carries us along the trail. It’s only natural that we want a pair of hiking socks to help prevent any injuries or discomfort to our feet.
Anyone who has experienced a hot spot or blister after a long day of hiking can attest to the power of good socks. The right pair of hiking socks prevent blisters and keep your feet feeling fresh. With a vast market, we dig into our favorite socks to tackle the trail. Let’s dig into the best hiking socks!
Best Hiking Socks To Prevent Blisters
Darn Tough Micro Hiker
Price: $24 | Fabric: Merino Wool/ Nylon/Lycra® | Cut: Crew & No Show
Pros
- Mid Level Cushion Underfoot
- Lifetime Warranty
- Durable
- Moisture Management
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Price
- Warm
The Darn Tough Micro Hiker is a standout hiking sock thanks to a tight, durable weave, quality material blend, and perfect fit. We have the best hiking socks in a drawer, which we find ourselves reaching for most frequently. Their Micro Hiker offers a nice mid cushion underfoot that feels comfortable but isn’t too much.
If you love heavily cushioned socks underneath your foot, these aren’t it, but the construction does make for a more durable sock. A wool synthetic blend allows the socks to warm and cool temperatures well. In testing, they’ve handled a variety of climates amicably.
Fit is great, and we’ve experienced no slipping or bunching. Darn Tough socks are some of the most expensive but have a lifetime warranty and exceptional durability. The price is far from cost-prohibitive, and your feet’ health is worth the investment.
Darn Tough Micro Hiker Socks
Smartwool Run Targeted Socks
Price: $18 | Fabric: Wool/Nylon/Elastane | Cut: No Show, Crew, Mid Crew
Pros
- Super Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Excellent Trail Running Sock
Cons
- Durability
- Padding
Smartwool’s Run Targeted socks are an excellent option for hot weather days. It’s a light, breathable sock that ensures dry feet for trail runners or hot-weather hikers. The wool blend in the socks utilizes more nylon, allowing for a thinner yet still durable sock. As a result, the Run Targeted manages moisture exceptionally.
Fit is comfortable and snug without slipping or bunching, which is essential if you have plans for long runs. Smartwool uses its Indestructawool in critical wear areas for increased longevity. However, in our testing, no lightweight sock will last forever.
It’s great that as a lightweight running sock, it is available in a crew and mid-crew version for added protection from dirt or bugs. The “Targeted” version provides targeted panels of light cushion in the heel and toe box, an excellent defense against blisters.
Smartwool Run Targeted
Smartwool Performance Hike
Price: $23 | Fabric: Merino Wool/ Nylon/Elastane/Polyester | Cut: Crew
Pros
- Moisture Management
- Comfort
- Colorway & Patterns
- Odor Resistant
- Excellent Fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Lacks Lifetime Warranty
Smartwool has long been a favorite sock maker for hikers. Over the years, they’ve proven reliable and keep feet blister-free. The Performance Hike is likely their best-selling hiking socks, proving to be a wonderfully reliable pair.
Durability in the sock has been excellent, and we find ourselves more likely to lose the pair than wear a hole in them. The sock’s design is impressive, and the fit is perfect around our feet with no bunching or slipping. The additional padding in the toes and heels is notable, which increases the socks’ durability. The weight of the socks feels between a lightweight and midweight sock.
Smartwool Performance Hike Socks
REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade
Price: $14 | Fabric: Polyester/Nylon/Spandex | Cut: Low, Quarter, Crew
Pros
- Affordable
- Unisex
- Synthetic Material
- Moisture Management
Cons
- Synthetic Holds On To Smell
For budget-friendly hiking socks, REI Co-op makes a great synthetic sock. Synthetic socks offer excellent performance in warm weather climates and exceptionally handle moisture. In addition to their performance in warm weather, the hiking socks offer lightweight cushioning and support. It may be light, but having some support in a lightweight sock is nice.
The Coolmax polyester gets some sustainable credit as it recycles textile scraps to form a new material. Against the skin, the fabric feels soft and comfortable. The design is excellent, with no uncomfortable seams and slight compression. Compression and fit keep the socks from bunching or slipping.
Synthetic socks are more affordable, but they do come with some downsides. Polyester stretches out faster than wool, which will cause longevity issues. We also find synthetic materials tend to smell more than merino wool. If you’re after a long-lasting hiking sock, opting for the merino option is better. However, for casual use and light hikes, it’s tough to deny the value of these socks.
REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade
Swiftwick PURSUIT Four
Price: $20 | Fabric: Merino Wool/ Nylon/Spandex | Cut: Crew, 3/4 Crew
Pros
- Performance-Focused Sock
- Wonderful Fit
- Breathable
- Decent Cushion
- Moisture Management
Cons
- Skews Towards Performance Over Casual Use
Swiftwick has a knack for socks with excellent performance and tech. The Pursuit Seven is their wool-blend hiking sock with anatomical first and strategic cushioning. Quality is impressive, and Swiftwick socks have an apparent knack for design performance. The Pursuit line is a perfect choice if I’m after a more robust long-distance trail running sock.
Thanks to their compression, cushion, and active panels for reliable temperature management. They skew a little too far towards performance for casual use. They feel too tight for everyday use, but it’s a welcome design feature when we need performance. Pursuit Four is between an ankle and crew sock with an excellent height for ankle protection.
Swiftwick describes the socks as a medium cushion but much lighter than other sock brands. The lightweight cushion shouldn’t surprise you as it plays well with the socks’ streamlined design. We love the price of a decent compression sock at around $20.
Swiftwick Pursuit Four
Icebreaker Hike+Light Crew Socks
Price: $22 | Fabric: Merino Wool/ Nylon/Lycra | Cut: Crew, Ankle
Pros
- Comfort
- Odor Resistant
- Excellent Fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
We love the quality of Icebreaker products, thanks in part to their excellent merino wool. Their Hike+ Light lightweight wool hiking socks are ultra-soft. It’s an ideal all-around sock that feels comfortable and handles a variety of temperatures well.
The design has an anatomical fit that feels secure around the midfoot and ankle. Fabric comfort is excellent as it is soft and not itchy. It also does a fantastic job at odor resistance and moisture management. Icebreaker also deserves credit for doing all of this with a sustainable approach. The production uses renewable or recycled sources for the fabric.
The Hike+ Light makes for a tremendous low-profile hiking sock to help prevent blisters. Support and cushion are medium to light with enough to remain comfortable. They aren’t our favorites as the fit is not quite as comfortable as similar socks from Darn Tough or Smartwool.
Icebreaker Hike+Light Crew Socks
Farm to Feet Damascus Socks
Price: $22 | Fabric: Nylon/ Wool/Lycra | Cut: Crew, Ankle
Pros
- Excellent Quality
- Performance
- U.S.A. Made
- Excellent Panel Design
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
Farm To Feet’s Damascus hiking sock delivers excellent performance for long-distance and thru-hikers. It is due to a performance design and extraordinary breathability and cushioning. They utilize an anatomical design, cushioning, and panels to reduce the chance of hotspots and blisters. Construction is seamless, and the fabric handles moisture with ease.
The fabric relies on nylon as the primary material for superior moisture management. While a blend of wool in the fabric makes the socks comfortable and helps fight bacteria. However, the reliance on nylon does mean the fabric will stretch out over time. Not that the socks feel anything, but they are super high quality.
Most notable are the thick panels over the forefoot that help reduce friction between the boot and foot bones. That anatomical design we mentioned earlier also feels well-suited to keep you comfortable for long days on the trail. We also love the fantastic lifetime warranty and the fact that Farm To Feet produces all its products in the U.S.A.
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-cushion
Price: $27 | Fabric: Wool/Nylon/Lycra | Cut: Crew
Pros
- Excellent Quality
- Performance
- U.S.A. Made
- Excellent Panel Design
- Warmth
Cons
- Expensive
For most hikes, we prefer a lightweight to medium cushion sock, as thick socks are far too warm. However, a full cushion sock that provides some warmth for winter, fall, and mountaineering objectives is necessary. For a thru-hiker, we’d recommend these socks with a lightweight pair to deal with weather fluctuations.
The Full Cushion resembles the Micro Hiker above, with a beautiful wool blend and tough weave. Thanks to the full cushion, the comfort of these hiking socks is notable. It’s excellent for long objectives in cool weather or on your feet all day. A synthetic wool blend allows the socks to manage temperature reasonably well. It’s only in warm weather with thick boots that they become restrictive.
Fit is great, and we’ve experienced no slipping or bunching. Darn Tough socks are some of the most expensive but have a lifetime warranty and exceptional durability. The price is high with these full cushion socks, but your feet will thank you if you require a full cushion sock.
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion
REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew
Price: $16 | Fabric: Wool/Nylon/Lycra | Cut: Crew
Pros
- Wool Performance
- Wonderful Value
- Cushion
Cons
- Dated Design
- Meh Colors
Leave it to REI Co-op to deliver an affordable wool hiking sock. We love the brand for its value and reliable products. These hiking socks offer outstanding performance for a sock that is a fraction of the price of many competitors.
The wool fabric offers good thermoregulation and comfort. REI Co-op bills the socks as lightweight, but they are closer to a mid-weight. Compared to the more expensive lightweight wool socks, these feel dated. It’s a classic hiking sock with thick material and reinforcement in the heel and toes.
Color options leave much to be desired as they only come in the classic mute options. Darn Tough and Smartwool both offer more personality in their hiking socks. The dated design still provides plenty of performance. It just lags behind the newer models these days.
Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew
WrightSock CoolMesh II Quarter Socks
Price: $15 | Fabric: Polyester/Nylon/Lycra | Cut: Crew
Pros
- Very Comfortable
- Super Lightweight
Cons
- Durability
- Lacks Cushion
The CoolMesh II from WrightSock is a superb option after an ultralight hiking sock. The company is best known for its excellent running socks. These ultralight synthetic socks offer superior performance in warm weather climates and exceptionally handle moisture.
The Cool Mesh II offers hikers an innovative two-layer construction with a noticeable inner and outer layer. It allows the inner layer to move independently from the external and reduces the possibility of blisters or hotspots. WrightSock even offers a “blister-free guarantee” on the socks but no warranty on construction.
In addition to their innovative design, they are incredibly comfortable and offer an excellent fit. It makes for an awesome ultralight sock for minimalist hikers or trail runners. However, it does come with a few negatives, such as a lack of cushion and some durability issues. The dual-layer construction is fantastic, but it makes for a sock that will fail.
WRIGHTSOCK CoolMesh II Socks
Why You Need Proper Hiking Socks
Good hiking socks that prevent blisters while hiking are key to having a good day on the trail. I’ve hiked in cheap $2 socks before, and although they get the job done, they are nowhere near comfortable, durable, or provide the support I need to get me up and down mountains.
Hiking socks from the top sock manufacturers are ready for the trail. They are paying attention specifically to things like slipping, bunching, blisters, breathability, and durability. These are things generic socks manufacturers fail to consider when designing hiking socks. You don’t need $30 socks when going to the grocery store.
Components of Good Hiking Socks
Style
Determining what style of hiking socks you want is vital before you buy. The main types you’ll want to consider hiking are no-show, 1/4 sock (just above the ankle), shorty, micro crew, mid-calf, and over the calf) I like wearing no-show socks or quarter socks when hiking with trail runners. When hiking with hiking boots, I prefer crew or mid calves. Getting a few pairs in different styles ensures you are always prepared.
Comfort
These are your feet we are talking about here, so comfort is vital. You’ll want to make sure you find a sock that is 100% comfortable for the entire day, even if that means spending more. Good hiking socks cost more than cheap generic socks from the grocery store. Invest in your feet. Look for socks with cushioning in the sole and heel.
Weather
Buying the right hiking socks for the weather you will be in is critical. If you plan on mostly hiking in the winter and shoulder season, you’ll want to ensure you have warm hiking socks. In the summer, you can relax on the warm front and will want to focus on hiking breathable socks.
Material
Lastly, you’ll want to focus on the material that went into making your hiking socks. Many hiking socks on this list use merino wool. Merino wool is one of the best materials you can put on your feet. It’s an ultra-soft fabric found in many hiking products. That’s because it provides a lot of warmth relative to its weight. It keeps you well-insulated when needed but also keeps you cool and dry when sweating.
Other materials in this post are Nylon, Spandex, and Polyester.
