Having the right equipment and clothing is paramount when heading out on a hike, even when it comes to something as seemingly simple as a pair of the best walking socks. After all, we take the time to find the best walking boots, so we should also care how our choice of socks will impact their comfort and performance.
The best hiking socks are designed to be lightweight, breathable, and most importantly, prevent blisters. Put another way, they offer you protection that you would not otherwise get from a more standard trainer sock.
We’ve put a number of leading walking sock brands to the test, to give you an idea of what good-quality hiking socks are available for a range of climates, walk-lengths and conditions.
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If you are considering upgrading your hiking kit, take a look at our review guides of the best walking trousers and best walking shoes.
Find out:
Edited 25/10/2024 to update product availability
Best walking socks for 2024 - tried and tested
Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock
Best lightweight walking sock
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- Fabric: 54% Nylon 43% Merino Wool 3% Lycra Spandex
- Sock type: Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock
- RRP: £27.00
A popular choice for hikers, and renowned for its durable designs, Vermont-based Darn Tough offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee with its socks.
The Micro Crew sock on test here feels notably lightweight, almost as if you’re wearing a regular sock, but with the benefit of underfoot cushioning. Expensive, yes, but there are plenty of welcomed technical features, including seamless toes to prevent bunching, and odour-resistant properties.
Plus, if you’re looking for a more exciting design to add to your walking sock collection, Darn Tough’s colourful and eye-catching walking socks are well worth a browse — a nice gift choice too. We opted for a quirky design featuring a woodland bear, and they've become a firm favourite with our reviewer.
Pros: Lightweight, high-quality feel, fun designs, breathable
Cons: Expensive
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SmartWool Hike Classic 2nd Cut Crew Socks
Best for sustainability
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- Fabric: 33% Merino Wool, 33% Other fibre, 9% Nylon, 24% Recycled Nylon, 1% Elastane
- Sock type: Medium thickness
- RRP: £22.99
SmartWool hiking socks, thanks to their durability and notably soft, towel texture, have been a top choice with our reviewer over the years. On test is the brand’s Smartwool Second Cut Hike Sock — a full-cushioned, medium thickness hiking sock.
While some hiking socks often become more restrictive due to constant washing, or a tight double-layering system perhaps, the Hike Classic has a stretchy and roomy feel. This makes the design effortless to put on (great for multi-day hikes when you’re getting dressed in your tent) and comfortable to wear. Although, we noticed the fabric felt itchier than the other socks on test.
The crew socks are an ideal length for a classic walking boot (tested with Scarpa Women’s Terra Gore-Tex Boots), and you can easily roll down the cuff if you prefer a more relaxed fit on warmer days.
SmartWool’s sustainable approach to sock making is another plus. This particular design is part of the brand’s 2nd Cut Project which means your new socks have been made partly from pre-loved, donated socks.
Pros: Plenty of cushioning around the toe area, comfortable fit, good eco-credentials
Cons: Fabric can feel itchy
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Jeep Luxury Terrain Hiking Socks
Best for value
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- Fabric: 73% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 2% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
- Sock type: Heavyweight
- RRP: £9.99
Jeep's Luxury Terrain Hiking Socks are described as a heavyweight knit, but we didn’t feel they were overly chunky. We appreciated the softness of the cotton-rich design and underfoot padding so you're covered for comfort and warmth.
We found they washed well so we've got high hopes for durability. The only drawback we noticed is the cuff, as we felt it was quite a tight fit. This won't be a problem however for those who prefer an especially secure feel.
We'd say the unfussy, almost rustic aesthetic gives them a traditional, rather than luxury, feel but we were impressed with the value for money.
Pros: Excellent value, soft cotton-rich design, comfortable
Cons: Cuff is quite tight around leg, not the most technical
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Finisterre High Tide Pattern Socks
Best for casual rambles
- Fabric: 36% Recycled Cotton, 34% Recycled Polyester, 27% Polyamide, 3% Other Fibres
- RRP: £15.00
If you're looking for a more casual walking sock for more relaxed hikes and day walks, we recommend Finisterre's High Tide Pattern Sock.
On review, we found the durable material washes well, and the cuff offers a pleasingly secure fit. The thin design is sure to come in handy in the summer months when you're out for a ramble in your walking boots. Plus, as usually the case with Finisterre, expect an outdoorsy, on-trend aesthetic.
Pros: Made from recycled materials, wash well, good-looking design for casual wear
Cons: Not the most technical of designs, thinner than more traditional walking socks
- Check availability at Finisterre
Jeep Bamboo Boot Socks
Best for comfort and softness
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- Fabric 78% Viscose from Bamboo
- Sock type Medium thickness
- RRP £9.99
Bamboo fibre is renowned for its softness, breathability and natural heat regulation, making it a comfortable material choice for walking socks.
Jeep's Bamboo Boot Socks are described as medium thickness, but we'd say they're best suited to cooler climes. The material feels lovely and soft against skin, and the thick padding on the soles is a welcomed addition — ideal for long hikes.
Pros: Great value, soft materials, thick cushioning
Cons: Too warm for summer hikes
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1000 Miles Fusion Double Layer Anklet Sock
Best for trail running
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- Fabric: 98% nylon, 2% Lycra (outer layer), Tactel (inner layer)
- Sock type: Double layer anklet sock
- RRP: £14.00
If you’re a keen walking shoe wearer in the summer, you may prefer a shorter hiking sock. 1000 Mile’s Fusion Double Layer Anklet Sock is a lot shorter than your classic crew cut, but still long enough to come up over a boot, just.
There’s a double layer construction to help prevent blisters, and when you first put the socks on, it feels like you’re wearing a sock within a sock. We were instantly impressed with the socks’ silky feel against skin, and they kept our feet particularly warm on test.
As a running sock design, expect a smooth fit and athletic look. The socks are covered by the brand’s Blister Free Guarantee. We felt some friction with our walking boots around the ankle area on test, however we felt no rubbing at all with running shoes, so we'd recommend these socks for trainer and walking shoe wear.
Pros: comfortable cuff (not too tight), silky soft feel, short athletic fit
Cons: noticed fabric pilling post wash
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How we tested
Here at BBC Countryfile Magazine, to put our walking socks to the test, we laced up our boots and took the following into consideration:
Comfort: do the walking socks feel comfortable against skin, and are they free of irritation, itching and tightness?
Heat regulation: depending on their seasonal suitability, are the socks breathable in warm climes, and warm in more wintry conditions?
Fabric/material: are the socks made of high-quality, sustainable and durable materials?
Technical features: is there sufficient cushioning around the toe, heel and ankle area. Are there any standout technical features?
Value for money: are there enough technical features to justify a hefty price tag? Are multi-pack options available?
Also consider…
Not found what you're looking for in our reviewed section? As well as our tested walking socks above, we've put together a list of other buying options below for you to consider.
1000 Miles Wool Fusion Socks
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- Fabric: Merino wool mix and Tactel
- Sock type: double layer construction
- RRP: £18.00
Constructed to be blister-free, 1000 Mile's socks are double layered to stop friction between the foot and shoe. Made from 40% Merino wool, extra padding is also provided on comfort zones around the Archilles tendon, heel, toe and ball of the foot.
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Bridgedale Coolmax Liner Socks
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- Fabric: 57% Coolmax®/Polyester and Nylon blend
- Sock type: Liner/base layer
- RRP: £22.00
Ideal for use all year round, the Coolmax liner socks from Bridgedale can be worn on their own for summer hikes or as a base layer under thicker socks.
There are flat toe seams to reduce irritation and blisters as you move and the Y-heel cup should keep the socks in place inside your shoes. As an added benefit, the Lycra properties help the socks return to their original shape and size after you wash them.
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National Trust Hiking Socks
- Fabric Merino wool blend
- RRP £12.00
Made from Merino wool, these hiking socks are designed to be breathable for the best possible comfort. This is combined with a heavy full cushion sole.
- Check availability at National Trust
Bridgedale Heavyweight Merino Performance Socks
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- Fabric Merino wool blend
- Sock type: Heavyweight socks for winter expeditions
- RRP £29.00
Those venturing out into colder climates may benefit from a pair of Bridgedale's heavyweight Merino performance socks. The blend is tough, dense and wool-rich and there is cushioning throughout the sock.
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SealSkinz All Weather Socks
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- Fabric: Merino wool interior
- Sock type: Waterproof sock
- RRP: £35.00
SealSkinz's socks promise to be 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable so you can use them throughout the UK's changeable weather seasons. The brand tests each pair by hand to make sure it lives up to its high standards.
These ones are made from Merino wool with a hydrophilic waterproof membrane to provide moisture control. Plus, there is additional padding to support the foot. Thanks to the four-way stretch and anti-blister properties, they should be flexible and comfortable to wear throughout the day.
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Smartwool Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew Socks
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- Fabric 69% Wool, 30% Nylon and 1% Elastane
- Sock type Heavyweight cushioning for mountaineering, ice climbing and long-distance trekking
- RRP £26.99
A popular choice for hikers of all abilities, SmartWool offers a wide range of socks to suit all seasons. The
Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew Sock is one of the brand's thickest and warmest designs, so if you're heading out in cooler climes, for long periods, the heavyweight cushioning is sure to come in handy.
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Quechua SH500 Warm Hiking Socks
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- Fabric: Wool blend
- Sock type: Medium thickness
- RRP: £12.99
Designed for especially cold weather, you can keep your feet dry and warm while hiking in the snow with these Merino wool hiking socks, featuring knitted vents for breathability and moisture management. You shouldn’t have to worry about abrasion either, thanks to the Polyamide fabric reinforcement at the heel.
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Jack Wolfskin Hiking Pro Classic Cut Socks
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- Fabric: 42% Polyester, 40% Polyamide, 14% Polypropylene and 4% Elastane
- RRP: £15.00
A cheaper option than some on this list, the classic cut sock is designed to be paired with a lightweight, mid-cut hiking boot. Best suited for day hikes, there is additional padding around the Achilles tendon, ankle, instep, toes and high stress zones on the sole of the foot.
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For more of our walking kit reviews, discover the best hiking backpacks.
How to choose the best walking socks
The best hiking socks should be breathable, comfortable and provide warmth if needed. This makes choosing the right material essential.
For example, wool is often found in thermal walking socks because it is good at insulation. Merino wool, which is extra fine, is a particularly good material for walking socks because of how well it manages moisture and sweat. In addition, many find it less itchy than traditional wool.
Synthetic materials such as those from Smartwool and Coolmax are also common. These man-made materials are designed to improve on the weaknesses of the more traditional materials like cotton and wool.
Man-made materials are typically more durable and can have additional features such as waterproofing.
What are the best walking socks to prevent blisters?
Choosing the correct material is key when it comes to preventing blisters, too. Materials such as cotton can often retain heat and do not deal with moisture well. Damp socks, from rain or sweat, can cause chafing, which can lead to blisters.
Another option is double-layer socks. The two layers of material reduce friction to prevent blisters from forming.
Finally the length of the sock should be a consideration. To fit well, the sock should finish a little higher than your walking boot or shoe. This will minimise the chance of the footwear rubbing and keep the sock from slipping down.
For more hiking essentials, check out our roundup of the best waterproof jackets, tried and tested by our team.
