Finding the right hiking socks. It’s a tricky business.
But it is absolutely CRITICAL for hikers.
Our feet do so much for us – it’s best not to repay them with ripped toenails, blisters and cut-up heels! Speaking as someone who has limped her way through the last few miles of multiple trails, good hiking socks are a worth-while investment. Probably the most worthwhile investment a hiker can make.
But which brand to buy? If you’re like me, and hate scrolling through a thousand reviews, this is the place for you! I’ve collected 8 favorite brands of hiking socks from 7 REAL female hikers. Because, let’s be honest, getting advice from actual people (not advertisers or people looking to make a buck) is the only way to go.
WARNING: Once your feet touch the soft, cushy, cloud-like goodness of well-made hiking socks, you can never go back….
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1. Darn Tough
Darn Tough are one of my favorite hiking socks. They keep my feet from rubbing and getting blisters. They are super comfortable. Also, they are made in my home state of Vermont. Their socks last and they have a great warranty in case they don’t fit right. I have several pair in different lengths. Great product!
Amelia S.
Another vote for Darn Tough. The most comfortable socks I’ve ever owned. They keep your feet dry and warm and are so good you can wear them for several days and your feet still feel fresh. I also like wearing them for everyday use in the winter – so comfy!
Corey L. – You can follow her adventures @corey_yoga
2. REI Brand (Merino Wool Hiking Socks)
REI Merino Wool hiking socks or Smartwool socks. My kids (ages 10 – 17) always ask for REI wool socks for Christmas each year due to how well they wear!!”
Kristine T.
3. Smartwool
I never really thought the type of sock I wore was important until I hiked in these… omg, game changer!”
J.D. – You can follow her #VanLife adventures @vanage_13
I haven’t tested a bunch, but Smartwool socks are so good! After years of use, they’re still so soft and they last forever! They dry quickly, too!
Sonia M. – You can follow all of her adventures (including caving!) @thebeijingwei
4. Balega Ultra Light
Balega Ultra Light. I hike in trail runners and just hike right through creeks. They don’t hold a lot of water, dry fast and I can hike many many many miles and I don’t blister.
Libby Z.
5. Fitssock Hiking Socks
They really do “fit” better than an average sock – they fit more like a glove, with contours. Also, extra padding is used on toe and heel areas where the sock normally wears out first. And they make nice, thick winter options!
Kori G. – You can follow her adorable #OutdoorDog, Kaytu, @thepenandpaw
6. People Socks
As a budget backpacker, these were a life-saver for me! Way cheaper than most brands and I haven’t had a hiking blister since buying them. They are definitely thicker socks, but they’re 71% merino wool and the remaining materials are polyester, nylon and spandex (all good for hiking). We’re going on our 3rd year as “sole-mates” and they’ve held up better than any other sock I’ve owned!
Kristin Q. – You can follow her… well, here on the website. Or on Instagram @recklessroaming
7. CloudLine
These are the latest addition to my hiking collection, and I LOVE them. They are stylish, lightweight, and I haven’t had any blisters with them – even when wearing with my heavier hiking boots. FYI these are the socks featured in the photo above 🙂
Kristin Q. – @recklessroaming
8. Alpaca Hiking Socks
Never going back.
Starry M.
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