When hiking, your most important tool is your feet. They’re your mode of transportation, your mode of travel, and if they’re not well-maintained and comfortable, hiking can quickly devolve into misery.
Blisters, hotspots, and frostbite are all legitimate concerns, hence a good pair of hiking socks is not just a luxury as it can make or break your hiking day.
Reviews of 15 Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters
Blisters after hiking can be disturbing and they will as well delay your next hiking. With this in mind, I have provided a list of the best socks you can get in 2022 that can help prevent blisters while hiking.
Let’s get this!
1. Smartwool phd Run Ultra Light Hiking Socks
Apart from being the best Hiking Socks with Low Cut, these are great for warm weather, this is why it is an excellent option for a minimalist summer sock. It features highly breathable, body-mapped mesh zones and a low profile that works well with hiking shoes or trail runners, making them ideal for high-energy activities like fast hiking and trail running.
Well, if you’re carrying heavy packs, trekking rough terrain, or hiking on multi-day trips, you’ll want a pair with more padding; just keep in mind that these socks have an ultralight cushion because this is a very thin sock.
Highlighted Features:
- Highly breathable
- Ideal for high energy activities
- Ultralight cushion
- Body mesh zones
2. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crews are comfortable, versatile, and long-lasting. They are relatively thin for good temperature regulation, but are tightly woven, giving them exceptional durability. The Light Hiker Micro Socks are thicker and warmer than minimalist socks, but they’re still quite breathable, and the wool-synthetic blend allows them to be worn in both warm and cool weather.
Darn Tough socks are pricey, hence they are the best overall hiking socks in terms of quality, comfort, and durability making them last forever and are backed by an amazing unconditional lifetime guarantee.
Highlighted Features:
- Lifetime warranty
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odour-resistant
- Comfortable
3. Arvin Goods Hemp Biofiber Performance Crew
Arvin Goods, as the new kid on the block it lacks heritage, but it does have style, breathability, and comfort. The Hemp Biofiber Performance crew combines organic cotton, polyester, and hemp to create a hard-working sock that softens with each wash. The ribbed cuff is soft to the touch and provides a secure fit.
I discovered that the sock is neither too thick nor too thin, it’s just right. Additionally, I think it is nice to let you know that is it 39% organic cotton, 25% polyester, 16% recycled cotton, 13% hemp biofiber, 6% rubber, and 1% spandex, amazing isn’t it?
Outstanding Features:
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Made with recycled cotton
- Very elastic
4. Smartwool Performance Hike
Smartwool’s Performance Hike socks are among the best all-around hiking socks. They’re well-made, with a snug, anatomical fit and padding only where it’s needed for maximum breathability.
Though previous versions of the Performance Hike socks lacked durability, the third generation Performance Hike socks have tougher wool in the heel and toe, extending their lifespan significantly and Smartwool will replace them if you send them in within 2 years of the purchase date.
I recommend Performance Hike socks to those who prefer a lighter, more breathable sock than Darn Tough since they don’t sag.
Highlighted features:
- They’re soft
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odour-resistant
5. Farm to Feet Damascus
The Farm to Feet Damascus socks are made entirely of American materials and workmanship. These socks are designed for long-distance hikers and will last for hundreds of miles. Apart from that, they are guaranteed for life! Slight compression and unique targeted cushioning in the heel and toe, as well as on the top of the instep, help prevent pain from shoelace pressure, which is especially useful on long, steep descents.
Damascus socks are ideal for rugged hikes and backpacking trips in trail runners or boots when minimalist socks are insufficient because they are my take for durable socks when it comes to long backpacking trails
Highlighted Features:
- Long-lasting
- Lifetime warranty
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Non-slip
6. Fits Light Performance Trail Quarter
You are sure to be making the right choice if you choose to go with FITS socks because each pair is incredibly made just for you; when it comes to covering ground as quickly as possible, its new Light Performance Trail sock is unrivalled.
The sock has a slightly taller hybrid cuff that’s built out just enough to protect your ankles from sticks, rocks, snow, and other debris as you make your way to your destination. These socks also fit incredibly well, they hug the foot snugly without feeling restrictive and breathe well thanks to venting on the top of the foot.
Highlighted Features:
- Hybrid
- Additional cushioning on the toe, arch, heel, and ankle cuff.
- Comfortable
- Durable
7. Balega Hidden Comfort
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks are simple, lightly padded, and comfortable, with cushy ankle tabs that keep them from sliding down. Because of the plush padding that runs across the entire sole, they are a little warmer and less breathable underfoot than some. Having said that, the Hidden relaxations are an excellent, low-cost option for those looking for comfortable low-cut socks for everyday use.
Balega also sells Ultralight No Show Socks (excellent ultralight feel, but lacks long-term durability), Blister Resist No Show Socks as it is made with friction-resistant mohair fibres, and Silver No Show Socks that have great compression and antibacterial properties.
I also recommend the Balega Enduro Quarter Socks if you’re looking for a quarter-length hiking sock and one of the cheapest ankle socks.
Highlighted Features:
- Low cost
- Comfort
- Non-slip
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
8 REI Merino Hiking Crew Socks
REI Merino Hiking Crew Socks are an excellent value because they are made of high-quality wool but are less expensive than those from other top brands. They have an excellent balance of breathability, making them ideal for long days on the trail or as sleeping socks on camping and backpacking trips.
You can’t go wrong with these if you want a relaxed hiking sock with the performance of merino wool without breaking the bank. I recommend REI’s Ultralight Hiking Socks for those who go hiking in the summer.
Highlighted Features:
- Comfortable
- warmth
- Moisture-wicking
- Does not smell.
9. Injinji Run
With good reason, Injinji’s Run socks are among the most popular toe socks on the market. They’re great for reducing friction between the toes. I discovered that because each toe is wrapped in wicking fabric, they keep your feet dry on the trail as well. Toe socks may feel strange at first, but believe me, they are worth getting used to if you frequently suffer from toe blisters.
If you want a little more warmth and cushioning and one of the best toe socks, Injinji’s Trail Midweight Mini-Crew socks are a great option.
Highlighted Features:
- Prevents toe blisters
- It is inexpensive
- Very comfortable
- Breathable
10. Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Pro Hiking Socks
These socks have excellent rapid-drying and moisture-wicking properties, as well as a sturdy construction that has kept them in my drawer for several years after other pairs purchased around the same time had worn out.
For these reasons, I believe the Wigwam Outdoor Pro outperforms every other sock on this list one way or the other. It’s not the warmest sock, but if rain is forecasted or you’re walking through wet, boggy turf, you can be sure you’ll stay as dry as possible with these on your feet.
However, because it isn’t as form-fitting as some other socks, you can pair it with a hiking liner to add extra warmth for cold weather.
Highlighted features:
- Best Hiking Socks for Wet Weather
- Very strong
- Long-lasting
- Very durable
11. Swiftwick Flite XT Trail
Swiftwick’s Flite XT Trail socks are among the first socks we look for in the drawer for fast-paced adventures. They provide medium compression for tendon support and are virtually undetectable due to their comfort.
They’re the ideal weight for almost any weather, and the combination of merino wool and synthetic fibres provides an excellent balance of thermoregulation and durability. The sole also contains fibres that help grip the inside of your shoe and prevent slippage.
The Flite xts are a little more expensive than others, but they’re good for hiking and trail running and should last a long time.
Highlighted Features:
- Best hiking & trail running technical socks
- They are non-slip
- Easy on
- Lasts very long
12. Feetures Elite
Feetures is a well-known brand in the running community, but we also enjoy their hiking socks. Features Elite Ultra Light socks are thin and stretchy, fitting snugly with compression in all the right places to keep the socks smooth and wrinkle-free during aerobic activity.
The Elite Ultra Light socks shine in hot weather when wicking and ventilation are essential.
Highlighted Features:
- Best socks for aerobic activity in warm weather
- Affordability
- Lifetime warranty
- Comfort
- They are non-slip
13. Lasso Performance Compression Socks
If you like a little compression on your hikes, try a pair of Lasso Gear’s performance socks. Lasso’s appeal extends beyond the surface; its patented compression patterns have been shown to support the ankle, foot, and arch, reduce muscle fatigue and soreness and improve muscle recovery.
Temp control polyester wicks away moisture, and smart support compression keeps you moving while hiking, biking, or doing whatever you want that day.
Highlighted Features:
- Supportive cushioning
- Highly relaxing
- Affordable
14. Wrightsock Coolmesh II
Helps prevent blisters, is inexpensive, breathable, moisture-wicking, and very comfortable, has a lifetime warranty, and does not slide down. Wrightsock Coolmesh II Socks are extremely comfortable, almost like wearing slippers on your feet. They’re thin and minimal.
Although I wish the Coolmesh II outer layer was a little tougher, for those with blister-prone feet, they might be well worth it.
Highlighted Features:
- Come with two layers for blister prevention
- Cost-effective
- Durable
- Free on feet
15. Icebreaker Merino Mountaineer Hiking Socks
Icebreaker’s mid-calf socks are designed for expeditions to the planet’s highest points, this mountaineering-ready style can take a beating and still keep your feet comfortable under a heavy pack. Unlike Darn Tough’s Hiker socks and some of the other pairs on our list, these socks prioritise warmth over all else, so they’re not ideal for summer missions.
However, the 80 per cent merino wool construction provides adequate breathability when moving quickly, and the socks remain surprisingly lightweight. The price tag won’t appeal to everyone, but if you’re looking for serious warmth, the Icebreaker Mountaineers do the job admirably.
Highlighted Features:
- Best hiking socks for cold weather
- It is thick
- Fully cushioned
- Designed to shape instep,
Conclusion
In the end, hiking socks may appear expensive at first glance, especially when compared to cotton socks, which can be far cheaper. The truth is that they cannot handle all that comes with hiking as hiking socks, like all outdoor gear, are designed to perform very specific tasks, namely: to keep your feet warm while allowing them to breathe, to prevent blisters, and, of course, to be comfortable.
Thus, I hope I have been able to lead you through making a fine purchase just as it suits your needs.
