10 Greatest Mountaineering Socks of 2023

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Men’s / Women’s are comfortable, versatile, and built to last. They’re woven very tightly, which gives them outstanding durability.

The Light Hikers are warmer and thicker than minimalist socks, but they’re still quite breathable and the wool-synthetic blend makes them adaptable in warm or cool conditions. Darn Tough socks are expensive but well worth the money since they last forever and are backed up by an amazing unconditional lifetime guarantee.

If you’re looking for more cushioning and warmth, Darn Tough’s Hiker Micro Crew (men’s & women’s) and Hiker Boot Socks (men’s & women’s) are also excellent.

Smartwool’s Performance Hike Light Men’s / Women’s are some of the best all-around socks for hiking. They’re well-designed with a snug, anatomical fit and padding only where you need it for excellent breathability. Though past versions of the Performance Hike have lacked durability, the 3rd generation Performance Hike socks have tougher wool in the heel and toe which substantially extends their lifespan (and Smartwool will replace them if you send them in within 2 years of the purchase date). We recommend Performance Hike socks to those who prefer a sock that’s a bit lighter and more breathable than Darn Tough’s, even if they won’t last quite as long.

The Farm to Feet Damascus socks are made with 100% American materials and construction. Created with long-distance hikers in mind, these socks are built tough and will last for hundreds of miles. Besides that, they’re guaranteed for life! Slight compression and unique targeted cushioning in the heel and toe as well as on top of the instep help prevent pain from shoelace pressure, which is especially nice for long, steep descents. We recommend the Damascus socks for rugged hikes and backpacking trips in trail runners or boots when minimalist socks aren’t quite enough.

Balega’s Hidden Comfort Socks are simple, lightly padded, and comfortable with cushy tabs at the ankle that effectively keep them from sliding down. The plush padding across the entire sole makes them a bit warmer and less breathable underfoot than some. That said, the Hidden Comforts are an excellent, affordable choice for those looking for comfy low-cut socks for everyday use. Balega also offers their popular Ultralight No Show Socks (excellent ultralight feel, but lack long-term durability), Blister Resist No Show Socks (made with mohair fibers that resist friction), and Silver No Show Socks (great compression and antibacterial properties). If you’re looking for a quarter-length hiking sock, we also really love the Balega Enduro Quarter Socks.

The REI Merino Hiking Crew Socks are an excellent value since they’re made with premium quality wool, but they cost less than those from other top brands. They have a great balance of warmth and breathability, which makes them great for long days on the trail or for wearing as sleep socks on camping and backpacking trips. If you’re looking for a comfortable hiking sock with the performance of merino wool without breaking the bank, you can’t go wrong with these. For summer, we recommend REI’s Lightweight Flash Crew Socks.

Injinji’s Trail Midweight Mini Crews Men’s / Women’s are some of the most popular toe socks on the market because they’re affordable, comfortable, highly breathable, and excellent for reducing friction between the toes. Since each toe is wrapped in wicking fabric, we find that they do a very good job of keeping our feet dry on the trail too. Toe socks may feel a little strange at first, but we think they’re worth getting used to if you frequently struggle with toe blisters.

Swiftwick’s Flite XT Trail are some of the first socks we search for in the drawer for fast-moving adventures. They give medium compression for tendon support, and they’re hardly noticeable because they’re so comfy. They’re the perfect weight for nearly all weather conditions, and the combo of merino wool and synthetic fibers give a great balance of thermoregulation and durability. The sole also has fibers that help grip the inside of your shoe to reduce slippage. The Flite XTs are a little more expensive than others, but they’re solid performers for hiking and trail running, and we expect them to last for a long time.

Feetures is a brand that’s better-known in the running community, but we love their socks for hiking too. Feetures’ Elite Light Cushion Quarter Socks are thin, stretchy, and fit snugly with compression in all the right places so the socks stay smooth and wrinkle-free during aerobic activity. The Elite socks stand out best in warm conditions when wicking and ventilation are critical.

WrightSock Coolmesh II Socks are extremely comfortable and feel like slippers on your feet. They’re thin and minimal, and the double-layer system makes them excellent for preventing blisters. The downside is that they’re built with thin materials and they wear down fairly quickly in the heel and toe. We wish the outer layer of the Coolmesh II was a bit tougher, but for those with blister-prone feet, they might still be well worth it.