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Hiking socks and shoes are the most important gear when it comes to hiking. Of course, you'll want to invest in proper apparel as well, but making sure your feet are comfortable, dry, and protected from the elements is imperative for a good hike. For safety and your comfort, consider one of our picks of the best hiking socks for men.
These hiking socks are sweat-wicking and overall, just have a great fit. Socks that slide off your feet are a no-go when climbing and walking through streams. Plus, if you'll be hiking through areas with lots of rocks, plants, or any sharp loose objects, you'll want to make sure you've looked through all your options. Go beyond just plain ankle socks and consider knee high hiking socks for those intense hikes where getting scratched up may be inevitable. Hey, you'll be thankful you had longer socks on when you finish the hike scratch-free, and even bug-bite free!
So why hiking socks over your tried-and-true socks you've been buying for years? Well, besides having top-quality materials to wick sweat and water, fit plays a huge role as mentioned. Lastly, you'll want something with some cushion and odor protection. A quality hiking sock will make sure your arches don't tire out so quickly, and a great hiking sock will also help control bacteria growth to prevent odor! No one likes stinky, wet feet.
Here are 5 of our favorite hiking socks that'll keep your feet comfy and dry.
1. Our Favorite Ankle Sock for Light Hikes
Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks - Smartwool, $22
Smartwool is a top-rated brand when it comes to hiking, biking, and all of your favorite outdoor fun. Smartwool uses Merino wool, a natural fiber grown by Merino sheep. It's super soft (seriously, you won't have that itchy feeling on your skin). It's thinner and softer than regular wool you may be used to. So if you're looking for a pair of soft socks to wear on everyday hikes (or light hikes), consider these cushioned ankle socks. They have ventilation to keep your feet dry and cool for several hours.
Lou wrote, "I have worn Smartwool hike lite socks for many years in all activities and just ordinary daily activities. Hiking, biking, pickleball. Light and breathable, keeps my feet dry and feeling great even after 3 hour stretches of pickleball, hours of hiking and biking. I can't imagine my feet without smartwool socks!"
2. A Toe Sock Perfect for Trail Running
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini Crew Toesock - Moosejaw, $16
These socks definitely look a little silly, but once you try them out you'll understand the hype. If you're an avid trail runner, you'll love these socks. Keep your toes from rubbing each other during your run. You'll be able to keep dirt out of your toes (and we all know tiny pebbles can get through socks sometimes as well), so you'll also be able to keep out small rocks. The socks offer arch support and moisture management to keep your feet comfy and dry, too.
Overall, they'e padded, ventilated, and keep dirt out. The perfect hiking sock.
3. Best Socks for Hiking Boots
Darn Tough Men's ABC Boot Cushion Sock - Moosejaw, $26.95
Hiking boot wearers will enjoy a nice pair of cushioned boot socks. Ditch the ankle socks if you'll be in boots! You'll want a longer sock that doesn't slip or bunch so you can enjoy your walk blister-free. These seamless socks are made with Merino wool, so they'll offer that soft next-to-skin feeling. They're naturally antimicrobial, so these socks will repel bacteria and odor. Perfect for those summer hikes!
4. Best Over-the-Calf Hiking Socks for Winter
Men's Mountaineering Over-the-Calf Heavyweight Hiking Sock - Darn Tough Vermont, $31
Over-the-calf socks are ideal for winter hikes. Especially on those trails where your legs may meet some branches or rocks that cause injury. (Ouch!) These made-in-Vermont Merino wool socks are super warm. They'll trap heat, while wicking moisture so you stay warm and dry. They have a reinforced footbed for extra comfort and a seamless toe for an undetectable feel. If you're someone who hates wearing socks and shoes you'll love these socks.
5. Best Multipack
Men's Hiker 1/4 3-Pack - Darn Tough Vermont, $60
If you hike often, it's a smart move to buy a pack of socks so you aren't doing laundry everyday. This 3-pack of 1/3 socks are great for all-season hiking. The midweight socks thermoregulate! It's very convenient. These Merino wool socks wick moisture, don't bunch, and don't slip. You'll find these super comfy with their most popular cushioning style. With a 4.9-star rating, you know these socks are basically perfect.
NEXT: 5 OF OUR FAVORITE WOMEN'S HIKING SOCKS YOU'LL USE ALL YEAR LONG
