Finally, compression socks in general are more popular among the ski and road cycling communities (where the tech has more of a potential impact on recovery), but some hikers find the boosts in security and added performance worth the slight cost penalty. Essentially, instead of a standard sock, Injinji uses a five-toe design that claims to reduce the possibility of blisters and hotspots. Well start off by saying that we think liner socks should be a last resort for those who suffer from blisters or uncomfortable rubbing. However, the Farm to Feet is no slouch. For more information, see our hiking sock comparison table and buying advice. Keep in mind that the Darn Tough Quarter Cushion arent true ultralight socks like the quarter-height Smartwool Run Zero Cushion above, meaning that your feet can get warm in the heat of summer and wont dry out as quickly. Womens socks often differ in color and are offered in smaller sizes in general, but otherwise sport the same overall design and fit as their mens or unisex counterparts. As we alluded to above, most people will find socks like the Darn Tough Hiker Full-Boot Cushion and Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion way too hot for most summer outings. But if the performance characteristics appeal to you, the Flite XT Trail is an undeniably quality option and one of the most intentionally built designs here.See the Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Two. But again, youd be hard-pressed to find more merino for less, making REIs Merino Wool collection an excellent value for most casual outdoor-goers. Worn under your hiking socks, liner socks bear many similarities to the models above but are thinner and generally cost around half the price. As such, we think the Smartwool is worth the extra money in most cases. Smartwool, for example, has soft and comfortable socks but weve noticed holes developing more quickly than they used to (the recent change to Indestructawool has helped). Materials: 56% merino wool, 42% nylon, 2% elastaneCushioning: HeavyWhat we like: Durable, cozy, and cheaper than the Darn Tough Hiker Full-Boot Cushion above.What we dont: Less merino than the Darn Tough and runs very hot in summer temperatures. But if you have tough feet and can avoid blisters, these socks will help keep your feet cool even during the hot summer months. As with all heavyweight socks, youll want to take your boots into consideration before buying to ensure you have enough room. Why? In fact, its one of the only non-merino socks that youll find us recommending for serious performance use. Last but not least, brands like REI aim for more value-oriented buyers, and the snugness and durability cant match Darn Tough and Smartwool. These socks are soft, wick moisture well, and offer sufficient padding for most moderate hiking and backpacking with added reinforcements in friction-prone areas like the heel, toe, and footbed. Another draw is Farm to Feets superior warranty (Smartwools is only two years), which could be a deciding factor for those who put in a lot of miles. Its true that quality hiking socks are priceythey generally run in the ballpark of $20 per pairbut all of the options below are tough enough for trail duty and made to last. Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum: some prefer the unparalleled breathability of non-waterproof footwear, while others Cozying into your sleeping bag at the end of a long day on the trail is one of the simple pleasures of backpacking. Enter Darn Toughs Quarter Cushion, which is consistently one of the most popular and top-rated designs on the PCT. Over-the-Calf Socks From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. Quarter Socks Additionally, while many medium-cushioned socks run too warm during hot summer months, the Hidden Comforts synthetic Drynamix build wicks moisture and ventilates well (it also offers enough impact resistance for high-mileage days or while backpacking). And its taken some time to get used to the feeling of having each toe separated in our hiking shoes, although the slight awkwardness did fade after a short time. For one, it is highly durable, lasting longer than pure merino. We tested the low-top shoe version through everything from early winter conditions in the Pacific A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. High-density knitting creates excellent padding and breathability for virtually any 3-season outdoor activity. By covering more of your leg, they can be a great option for hiking off-trail through high grass or brush, or in cases where you need extra warmth. For long-distance trekking, peak-bagging, and other mileage-heavy pursuits, some hikers and backpackers now turn to compression socks to improve blood flow and help with overall support. In this category, Sockwells Circulator is a great pick for those looking for a supportive, calf-hugging design that adds an extra dose of security on the trail. Materials: 32% Drynamix, 11% nylon, 3% neofil, 2% elastaneCushioning: MediumWhat we like: The most low-profile socks on our list and very comfortable.What we dont: Minimal coverage and no wool. Smartwool used to be synonymous with hiking socks, but over the past few years Darn Tough has taken the lead. In general, we strongly prefer merino wool over polyester. Another option for summer hikers is a lightweight hiking sock in a 1/4 height, which has less leg coverage and a more airy feeling but the same cushion on the foot. In the end, heres our take: If blisters and hotspots are a major issue for you, it may be worth giving the Injinji a shot. We also love the performance fit, which provides a secure, snug feel that stays in place and doesnt feel overly bulky. Stacked up against the Micro Crew above, the model here boasts thicker cushioning with more merino (66% vs. 61% for the Micro Crew), giving it a nice boost in coziness and insulation for activities like summer-time mountaineering and winter hiking and snowshoeing. The directions vary by manufacturer and some claim merino can be machine dried, but we find that this significantly shortens the lifespan. Finally, weve noticed that the socks are prone to pilling on the upper portion, and they lack the crossover appeal of many of the more modern options above. With a seamless toe area for minimizing bulk and preventing blisters, strategic padding in high-wear areas, and a snug performance fit, the Damascus is purpose-built to handle trail life. The long-time leader in this department is Darn Tough: Their lifetime, unconditional guarantee means you can get a replacement pair sent for reasons ranging from complaints about comfort to a hole developing in the heel. The downside is that ultralight socks are thin on the foot and offer significantly less padding and blister protection than lightweight and midweight socks. Keep in mind that these burly socks are overkill for three-season hiking and casual use. There also are a handful of up-and-comers like Stance that are a slight step down in overall comfort but have more attractive styling that many hikers appreciate. Smartwool still cant match Darn Tough's lifetime guarantee (although two years is pretty good), but we think the updates to the new Performance collection are positive and give them a leg up in some areas, including fit and plushness.See the Men's Performance Hike Light See the Women's Performance Hike Light. But we appreciate the less bulky feel and added durability and heartily recommend these socks to anyone who doesnt care for the higher cut but still wants the cushioning and coverage over the heel and ankle. Another concern is long-term durability, which is largely a result of the fairly minimal padding. Before going this route, its better to pick up a quality pair of moisture-wicking wool or synthetic socks (rather than cotton) and nail down a well-fitting shoe or boot. The next tier down are warranties with a set timeframe, including Smartwool (two years) and REI Co-op (one year). Slotting in just below their max-cushioned Mountaineer Classic, these burly socks are one of only two heavyweight models on our list (joining the Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion above). They just dont tend to have the same durability issues as other merino products and the warm dryer has a nice way of getting the socks back to their original shape. Unless youre specifically looking for an alternative from wool or hiking in the warmest of temperatures, we still deem merino to be superior in almost every way.See the Men's Darn Tough Coolmax See the Women's Darn Tough Coolmax. As we touched on above, merino resists odor better than polyester, and no-show socks like the Hidden Comfort are more prone to letting dirt and grime sneak in through the top. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. In the end, while we wouldnt base our final decision solely on the guarantee, its something to have in mind. You can expect to pay a bit more for dedicated compression modelsand theyre certainly not for everyonebut some may find the potential benefits worth the investment. Further, the design in general is a bit of a throwback with drab colorways and a looser (rather than performance-focused) fit. And compared to Darn Toughs Coolmax sock below, the REI generally fits a bit less snugly, especially over time (although they are the better value). Right off the bat, well note that Injinji socks are a far cry from the more traditional designs above, and the polarizing looks will be enough to deter many hikers. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Its incredible how many times weve put our hiking socks through the washer and dryer and had them come out feeling and fitting like new. And as a final solution, blister dressings like Moleskin or tape can be an effective way to treat or prevent hotspots. And well admit that we were skeptical too before trying them out, but weve come to appreciate some of the performance benefits. Compression is a bit of a buzz word among outdoor athletes these days, praised for its ability to help with muscle recovery and reduce overall fatigue. If you have a few pairs in the rotation, you can expect most hiking socks to last at least a couple of seasons if not more. For a slightly thicker alternative with more modern and fun styling, check out REIs New Route Crew Socks.See the REI Merino Wool Ultralight Crew. That said, polyester does have a couple of redeeming qualities. Smartwool recently overhauled their popular PhD collection with a number of notable tweaks to the design. But the REI Coolmax excel for casual outings and light outdoor use, which is all many hikers need. In terms of construction, theyre made from 56% merino wool (10% less than the Darn Tough) and have the same traditional look and feel as the brands popular Classic Hike Light Crew but with a noticeable boost in warmth and cushion. We've tested the full array of styles in varied conditions from the heat of Utahs Canyonlands to the snow of Washingtons North Cascades, and below are our picks for the best hiking socks of 2022. The obvious compromise is a drop in breathability, but the extra padding and insulation are great for winter outdoor activities and those who prefer maximum support and impact resistance (again, be sure to take your boot size into account, as these socks add considerable bulk). Specifically, we like the socks thick panels of padding over the forefoot, which reduce friction between your foot and boot to keep you comfortable on longer objectives. Finally, we really like the height, which lands between a quarter-length design and traditional crew-cut models (wed categorize it as close to a 3/4-length crew). All that said, if youve exhausted all other options and want to give them a try, a liner sock could be a viable way to boost padding and protection between your foot and shoe. On particularly hot summer days, you just might not want to put wool on your feet, which is understandable. With these hiking socks, you get all of the comfort, moisture-wicking ability, and odor protection of crew-height socks, but in a trimmed-down form. Hiking pants can be quite thin, so the extra cushion is helpful, and particularly if youre wearing shorts on all but the easiest of trails, crew is the way to go. If youre hiking in hot places like Utah or Arizona in lightweight hiking shoes, you may want to consider an ultralight hiking sock. Both socks run too warm for most sub-alpine summer outings, but if your itinerary includes logging considerable mileage above treeline, the Hiker Boot Full-Cushion is a proven option that should last many seasons.See the Men's Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion See the Women's Hiker Boot Full-Cushion. Materials: 61% merino wool, 37% nylon, 2% spandexCushioning: Light/mediumWhat we like: Cool, light, and very durablea great match for long distances.What we dont: The lower cut means less protection. For three-season hiking, backpacking, and casual wear, we recommend the lightweight versions, which provide solid levels of padding and insulation for temperatures from approximately 40 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Comparing the two, the Smartwool is thicker, more durable, and has a better overall fit (the REI is a little too loose for our tastes). As their name implies, over-the-calf socks rise higher than crew socks to just below the knee. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. But for those who dont mind the obvious sacrifices in protection and coverage, the Hidden Comfort is undeniably well made, good-looking, and super soft, which is a great combination for hiking (and did we mention no sock tans?). But for easy-going activities, the REI is a fine choice.See the Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion. For warm-weather hiking, trail running, and casual use with your sneakers, a minimally padded sock makes a lot of sense. Virtually all wool socks have issues with pilling, which can be lessened by line drying.