Top 11 Best Sock Brands On The Market For Hikers
When it comes to hiking, your choice of socks can be just as important as your choice of boots. The right pair of socks can mean the difference between an enjoyable day on the trail and a painful one filled with blisters, discomfort, or soggy feet. Quality hiking socks provide the cushioning, moisture-wicking, and temperature regulation needed to keep your feet comfortable and supported through every step of your adventure.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 11 best sock brands on the market for hikers, focusing on companies that deliver exceptional performance, durability, and comfort. Whether you’re tackling long-distance trails, exploring wet and cold environments, or enjoying quick day hikes, these brands offer socks designed to meet the demands of any terrain or climate. Read on to discover the best hiking socks that will keep your feet dry, blister-free, and ready to conquer the great outdoors!
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Darn Tough
Perhaps, the best way to start describing the groundbreaking products made by this sock company is to say that they guarantee their socks for life. They encourage any Darn Tough customer to fill out an online form, send them any broken socks, and get a new pair in the mail regardless of how long they had them; no receipt or reason is needed.
Beyond the fact they are guaranteed for life, they are also knit for perfection from merino wool that can withstand encounters with harsh terrains, flames, and time. Moreover, Darn Tough socks became the first option for the US Military forces due to their strength and endurance. Today, Darn Tough is still family-owned, although it has grown exponentially to employ over 200 people.
Notable Socks: Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
These fast-drying, performance-fit, fine-gauge knitting socks are the best choice for those looking for a fit that never rests, ultra-durability, and ultimate comfort.
Smartwool
Smartwool is a brand deeply connected with protecting the environment as well as making some of the best socks in the market. To begin with, they are in a ten-year plan to achieve zero emissions for 2030 and have an ongoing recycling program to reduce their impact on the environment. For every person who loves the outdoors, keeping it as beautiful, lush, and diverse is as important as it is for Smartwool.
Their eco-friendly products became well-known in the hiking world because they utilize the highest-grade merino wool in the market and continuous innovation to deliver perfect-fitting, highly durable, visually appealing socks that can last for a lifetime. If you are aiming for the best, Smartwool needs to be on your list.
Notable Socks: Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks
Featuring a light cushion throughout the bottom of the foot, these socks are proudly made in the USA. They are made from top-notch merino wool and last a lifetime, thanks to the Indestructawool technology.
WrightSock
Wrightsock is a brand that sets itself apart from the competition due to its exclusive anti-blister technology. In 1988, Joey, the son of Jerry Wrightenberry, a second-generation hosiery manufacturer, was suffering from blisters that affected his performance. But, as it is often said, the need is the mother of invention. Thus, to save his son’s athletic career, Jerry set on a mission to create socks that could prevent blisters on even the toughest of training.
Out of love, high hopes, and thin air, a new kind of sock was born. This soon became a true worldwide revolution. The rest, as they say, is history.
Notable Socks: Ultra Thin Crew Socks
These single-layer socks provide a second-skin feel and flawless performance regardless of weather or terrain.
Balega
Balega’s history starts in South Africa, where both Tanya and Bert were born and first began running and hiking. In the early 2000s, they flew to the United States to find funding and a new market with their prototypes.
Fast forward to the present, Balega socks are recognized as some of the best in the world because they are made with performance in mind. They provide the perfect fit, have no seams to help prevent blisters, offer a deep heel pocket for increased comfort, and ventilation panels to keep feet dry even in extreme situations. If you are after the best pair of socks money can buy, you have to try Balega out.
Notable Socks: Blister Resist Crew
These are some of the best anti-blister socks. They feature Balega’s own Drynamix technology to keep feet dry, warm, and comfortable for even the longest of adventures.
SockWell
SockWell’s seamless creations are true technology wonders in every sense. To begin with, they make cashmere-like softness a natural asset while adding to every piece a twist to address a particular need. Secondly, they are an eco-conscious organization with a solid commitment to reducing emissions. Finally, they offer some of the best socks in the market in a beautiful colour palette.
Their compression socks are a true enhancement to anything you’ve worn in the past. Not to mention, when combined with hiking features, these socks can make your socks the perfect companion for any terrain you’re about to face.
Notable Socks: Ascend Quarter II Hiking Socks Class 1
The socks are made of high-quality materials and feature Class-1 compression for optimal blood circulation and seamless construction, making them an excellent choice for any terrain.
Farm To Feet
Describing Farm To Feet products is to define a journey. The company made a decision upon its conception to source every material from the USA. This allowed superior control over the supply chain, ensuring that every sock leaving the factory was ready to bring comfort and warmth to the wearer regardless of the weather or terrain.
Coupled with the quality of the materials Farm To Feet socks are made with, the technology applied to every line makes them the perfect ally to face the challenges of the great outdoors. This ideal blend of quality raw materials and groundbreaking technology granted the brand nonstop growth and a reputation for being the best choice between your feet and your shoes.
Notable Socks: Denali
Featuring 22-micron US merino wool and designed with the help of the Alaska Mountaineering School, there are no challenges too hard for this part of socks.
REI Co-op
What we know today as one of the most important outdoor and mountaineering brands in the world started out as a cooperative to help fellow mountain-goers in times when resources were scarce. Although the company grew beyond the founders’ wildest dreams, the spirit that fuels every move is still the same: create the best gear that can help mountain-goers conquer their goals.
Socks are no stranger to that philosophy. You can expect great quality products designed by experts that can address specific needs and can withstand all your adventures. If you are out shopping for socks, REI is a must-check before buying.
Notable Socks: Merino Wool Lightweight Stripe Crew Socks
The Merino Wood Lightweight Stripe Crew Socks feature a stretch arch band that provides the support you need when hitting the road, while the seamless toes section helps prevent chafing.
Icebreaker
It is safe to say that Icebreaker was one of the first to bring merino wool to the bigger picture in hiking. Back in the mid-90s, synthetics ruled the world of garments, and most brands were using chemicals unrestrictedly to manufacture their products.
Icebreaker is a pioneer in searching for a material that could replace synthetics, uses limited chemicals, and has an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio. Started by a 24-year-old dreamer named Jeremy Moon, Icebreaker not only makes quality gear but also prides itself on making sustainable, eco-friendly clothing for fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Notable Socks: Merino Lifestyle Light Crew Socks
With reinforced heels and toes, these breathable socks feature the same luxurious merino blend that made Icebreaker famous.
Stance
In the short time since its foundation, Stance managed to change people’s views on basic items such as socks. Moreover, they convinced not only the elite of the athletic community but also the summit of cultural icons that they should wear socks as a dressing item rather than as a necessity.
In this endeavour, they created some of the most original, best-performing, and beautiful-looking socks that can keep you dry, warm, and going for the longest time. If you want to find out if the hype is real, we suggest trying on a pair of Stance socks!
Notable Socks: Complex Camo Crew Socks
Next-level protection from odour, moisture, wear and tear, and some cushioning for optimal performance and comfort make these the go-to socks for athletes and rockstars around the world.
Injinji
The most recognizable invention by Injinji is, to this day, the toe sock. This five-toe sleeve, anti-friction, seamless line of socks provided a completely different experience for some of the highest-performing athletes in the world. Soon after, the comfort and reliability of the brand cascaded into casual wearers. Nowadays, it’s easy to spot people from all backgrounds proudly wearing their Injinji socks anywhere.
Furthermore, their success paved the path for further innovation. The fabrics, manufacturing techniques, and distribution methods make this one of the fastest-growing, most successful sock companies in the world. If you haven’t already, slip your feet inside and find out why everyone loves them.
Notable Socks: Women’s Liner + Hiker Crew
The same technology but with a woman-specific anatomic shape, these socks are ready to face any challenge at your feet.
Wigwam
The story of Wigwam is what makes their core philosophy and success remarkably strong. Wigwam constantly innovated to stay afloat during turbulent times. Thus pushing the boundaries to create groundbreaking designs that have allowed them to continue to be a top contender today.
This company is a synonym for fashion, endurance, style, cutting-edge fabric technology, and performance. Plus, they have been perfecting their techniques for well over a century; isn’t it about time you give them a chance?
Notable Socks: Axiom Mid Crew
These socks are ultra-lightweight and warm enough to protect your feet from cold weather and blisters. These socks are the quintessential pair to hit the road.
