Super deals: At least 50% off
Guide
Hiking Socks
For most hikes, you need socks with cushioning at the heel, ball and toes, a cuff that reaches above your boot, and some merino or synthetic fibre. Cotton socks soak up sweat and make blisters more likely.
Key points
- Merino or synthetic, not cotton.
- Cuff above the boot, pulled on without wrinkles.
- Try new boots on with your hiking socks.
Which type for which use?
| Use | Choose | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Low shoes, summer, short hikes | ChooseLight hiking sock | ReasonCool, thin. Little cushioning |
| Hiking boots, day and hut trips | ChooseTrekking sock | ReasonCushioned heel and ball. Warm in high summer |
| Mountain boots, winter hiking | ChooseHeavy trekking sock | ReasonWarm, lots of cushioning. Needs room in the boot |
| Long hikes, descents | ChooseCompression sock | ReasonApplies pressure to the calf. Must match your calf size |
Types compared
Light hiking sock
Thin, lightly cushioned, for low shoes.
- Advantage: Cool on warm days
- Drawback: Little cushioning on scree
Trekking sock (Medium)
Cushioned heel and ball, for hiking boots.
- Advantage: For most hikes
- Drawback: Warm in high summer
What to look for when buying
| Question | In brief | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Merino or synthetic? | In briefMerino blend | WhyMerino wool can absorb up to 35% of its weight in moisture before it feels wet, and takes longer to smell. Synthetic fibre dries faster. |
| How thick should the sock be? | In briefTo match your boot | WhyLight socks for low shoes and warm days, medium for hiking boots, thick for heavy mountain boots and cold. |
| How high should the cuff be? | In briefAbove the boot | WhyThe cuff must reach above the top of the boot, otherwise the boot rubs your ankle. |
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need to wash merino socks?
Merino wool takes longer to smell than synthetic fibre. On a hut-to-hut trip, you can air them in the evening and wear them again the next day.
Should I wear two pairs of socks?
Only as a thin liner sock under a hiking sock. Two normal socks wrinkle and make the boot too tight.
Which socks for winter?
Thick trekking socks with a high wool content. They must not make the boot tight: if your foot is squeezed, less blood flows and your toes get cold.
Do compression socks help when hiking?
They apply pressure to the calf, and some people find that comfortable on long hikes and descents.
Read more in the magazine
Merino wool: benefits and limitsMerino wool turns up in lots of outdoor clothing. We look at its properties, its strengths and its limits across different activities.
X-Bionic Anatomix socks on the trailAnatomix socks are knitted to follow the natural shape of the foot for a second-skin fit. What the EvoFit system actually does on the trail.
Hiking boot tech explainedGore-Tex or Sympatex? Vibram Megagrip or Arctic Grip? The real differences behind hiking boot technology, with practical advice for choosing yours.
Last updated: October 2026
What do you need the hiking socks for?
Day hike
For day hikes in low shoes, light hiking socks with thin cushioning at the heel and ball are enough. Some merino or synthetic fibre keeps your feet dry.
- Lightly cushioned
- Merino or synthetic
- Crew cuff
Hut trip
For hut-to-hut trips, choose medium trekking socks with some merino. Wool takes longer to smell: air them in the evening and wear them again the next day.
- Some merino
- Cushioned heel and ball
- Spare pair
Winter
For winter hikes, choose thick trekking socks with a high wool content. They must not make the boot tight, otherwise your toes get cold.
- Thickly cushioned
- Lots of wool
- Room in the boot
Kids
Buy kids' hiking socks to match their shoe size. One wrinkle under the foot is enough for a blister, and children often mention it late.
- Right size
- Cushioned heel
- Spare pair
No products match these filters.
Brands we carry
Show all brands
- Athlecia
- Barts
- Bauerfeind
- Bergans
- Berghaus
- Bridgedale
- Carhartt
- CEP
- CMP
- Craft
- Craghoppers
- Crazy
- Daehlie
- Dale of Norway
- Dare2b
- Devold of Norway
- Dynafit
- EA7
- Endura
- EVOC
- Falke
- Finkid
- Fjällräven
- Flaxta
- HAIX
- Halti
- Hanwag
- Helly Hansen
- Icebreaker
- Jack Wolfskin
- Kari Traa
- Karpos
- Klättermusen
- La Sportiva
- LEGO® kidswear
- Lenz
- Liewood
- Lowa
- Lundhags
- Löffler
- Maier Sports
- Maloja
- Martini
- Mavic
- Millet
- Mini a ture
- Minymo
- Mons Royale
- Montura
- Northwave
- Oakley
- Odlo
- Picture
- Pinewood
- Puma
- Reima
- RipCurl
- Rossignol
- Salewa
- Scott
- Shimano
- Sidas
- Slope
- SOS
- Sportful
- Spyder
- Super.Natural
- Sweet Protection
- Swix
- Tenson
- The North Face
- Therm-Ic
- Timberland
- Trespass
- Under Armour
- Uyn
- Victoria
- Viking
- Wheat
- Whistler
- X-Socks
- Zanier
No brand found
