Hiking/Backpacking Socks

Recent Hiking/Backpacking Sock Reviews

Smartwool Men's PhD Outdoor Light Mini Socks

Smartwool makes some comfortable, cushioned, and breathable merino wool socks that people rave about, but in my opinion, may not be the best merino socks out there. Smartwool makes some comfortable, cushioned, and breathable merino wool socks that people rave about, but in my opinion, may not be the best merino socks out there. I'm evaluating these socks against five other pairs of socks that I've worn over the last few years. These socks look great and fit great—no excess, no bulging, no binding,… Full review

Feetures! Merino+ Cushion Crew Sock

A great pair of socks that are comfortable, cushioned, and breathable. Feetures makes some comfortable, cushioned, and breathable merino wool socks that have surprised me with their performance and durability. I'm evaluating these socks against five other pairs of socks that I've worn over the last few years. These socks look great and fit great—no excess, no bulging, no binding, just a great fit. The are comfortable right out of the packaging.   The socks have a decent amount of elastic and… Full review

Darn Tough Merino Micro Crew Sock Cushion

Great sock right out of the package. Wore them several times without washing and there was no stretch. I certainly recommend them and will buy more. Not much more to say about the socks than what I put in the summary. Fit was good, no chafing, second or third time I wore them was in the rain—no problems.  Full review

Woolx Fearless Socks Crew Length Full Cushion

This is an extremely tough, durable, and comfortable pair of socks! I have used these socks for three-season wear, hiking, and snowshoeing in cold and warm temperatures. I have also found them a warm sock to wear under my dry suit booties for cold water paddling. They are reasonably priced, and I am comfortable recommending them to other folks.                                                      Manufacturer's photo During my outdoor pursuits… Full review

Smartwool Hiking Ultra Light Crew

Great socks! Own several pairs of these—initially bought for hiking—pretty much wear all fall/winter. Smartwool makes a great sock. Very happy with them. Full review

Mountain Lodge Merino Wool Outdoor Sport Socks

Mountain Lodge Merino Wool Outdoor Sport Socks are a great option for day hiking and casual wear when your day includes hiking boots/shoes and casual footwear. They may also be good for those who hike with liner socks. I bought these socks on a lark to see if I could add some personality to my hiking sock collection. Don't get me wrong, function and comfort are more important than fashion on the trail. However, as a long-time lover of socks with personality, I couldn't pass these up.  Fit and Comfort… Full review

Fox River PrimaHike Socks

Warm, medium weight hiking socks with an anatomical fit. Primaloft and Merino wool for a great feel. Available in two heights. Fox River was kind enough to supply two pairs of PrimaHike socks for testing and I have been doing just that since this past fall. I have used them for hiking, mountain biking, gym workouts, and just casual use. The PrimaHiker sock is available in crew and quarter crew heights. Fabric: 41% nylon, 26% PrimaLoft@ acrylic, 26% Merino wool, 4% NanoGlide nylon, 3% Spandex Technology:… Full review

Point6 Hiking Tech Medium Crew

I find these socks more durable than Smartwools, which I have stopped purchasing because I punch/wear through the toe area in a short period of time. Although I like the similar socks from Darn Tough, including: Hike/Trek Light Cushion (1913), Nordic (1820) and X-Country (1420); I find the Point6 to be more comfortable. They are not as stiff or tight as the DT's and have just the right amount of stretch to them. The listed DT socks give very little. I find these socks comfortable, durable and easy… Full review

Dachstein 4 Ply Boiled Wool Calf Socks

The best. Hard to review, mine are finally worn out [kind of, I will explain in a minute] after a couple decades [or more] of use. I've had them so long I don't even recall when I got them. I said worn out, well not totally. The heels are totally gone and I still wear them since I never had cold heels that I can remember, only cold toes in other socks. I often read where snowshoeing was done in wool socks only, no boots. I never did it but two pairs of Dachstein socks would be what I'd recommend… Full review