7 Greatest Mountain climbing Socks of 2025
It solely takes one out of doors jaunt in crappy footwear to know that the perfect mountain climbing socks are definitely worth the funding. They have an inclination to value somewhat extra per pair than, say, a price pack of standard athletic socks—however they’ll save your ft from fatigue, blisters, sizzling spots, and extra sweat. They’re designed to carry up after a lot of miles and even keep contemporary when you go a couple of days with out entry to a dryer. Oh, and the perfect pairs of the bunch are additionally plain outdated cozy (and cute, in a gorpcore form of manner).
If you happen to’re gearing up for an out of doors journey or simply want some new items to put on in your native trails, you’ve come to the correct (camp) website. We talked to consultants and SELF staffers, then seemed via previous SELF Outside Award winners to seek out nice mountain climbing socks so as to add to your rotation.
Our high picks
- Greatest General: Smartwool Hike Crew Socks, $25
- Greatest for Chilly Climate: Darn Powerful Hiker Boot Midweight Mountain climbing Sock, $28
- Greatest for Cushioning: Hikerkind Path Sock 01, $24
- Greatest for Sweaty Ft: Farm to Ft Fashionable Socks, $24
- Greatest for Path Operating: Swiftwick Flite XT Path Quarter Crew, $24
- Cutest: Darn Powerful Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks, $24
- Greatest for Blister Prevention: Injinji Outside Midweight Crew Wool, $23
On this article
Store the perfect mountain climbing socks
Deal with your toes in your subsequent trek.
Greatest General: Smartwool Hike Crew Socks
If you happen to’ve ever shopped for mountain climbing socks, you’ve most likely scrolled via dozens of Smartwool kinds. Effectively, there’s a cause they’re in all places: They’re sturdy, moisture-wicking, and very snug.
“My Smartwool socks have stood the take a look at of time (and sweat),” one SELF staffer says. “The sunshine cushioning is essential, particularly when you’re breaking in a brand new pair of mountain climbing sneakers. I even put on these off-trail with Birkenstocks—they’re useful and cute.” They’ve worn their Smartwool light-weight mountain climbing socks via each summer time and winter with zero complaints, noting that the socks’ mesh zones assist hold air flowing with out letting the chilliness in.
For extra focused cushioning (and a few retro-chic-outdoorsperson vibes), contemplate Smartwool’s iconic Traditional Hike line. My boyfriend has had the identical three or 4 pairs for years, and so they barely present indicators of damage.
Sizes: S (US 4-6.5) to XL (US 13-15.5) | Supplies: Merino wool, nylon, recycled nylon, elastane
Greatest for Chilly Climate: Darn Powerful Hiker Boot Midweight Mountain climbing Sock
Darn Powerful
Hiker Boot Midweight Mountain climbing Sock
The precise pair of Darn Powerful socks I get away each winter have sadly been discontinued (which I’d say is a testomony to their sturdiness). That stated, this midweight pair is the following smartest thing to my outdated reliables. They’re thick however not cumbersome, and have a good quantity of stretch. The boot size of the sock’s shaft provides somewhat further protection that is useful in low temps.
Made with thru-hikers and backpackers in thoughts, these socks have been designed for long-distance consolation. They’ve bolstered cushioning alongside the Achilles tendon and ankle, plus a {smooth}, seamless toe.
Sizes: S (US 4.5-7) to L (10-11.5) | Supplies: Merino wool, nylon, Lycra spandex
Greatest for Cushioning: Hikerkind Path Sock 01
I by no means thought a pair of mountain climbing socks may make me really feel like I’m strolling on clouds—till I obtained the Path Socks from Hikerkind. Their cushioning runs the size of their footbeds, which feels plush on lengthy days however doesn’t add a ton of undesirable heat. That’s doubtless as a result of socks’ excessive Merino wool content material (90%). My ft really feel cozy and comfortable, however by no means swampy, because of the wool’s pure temperature-regulating properties.
Bonus: I genuinely suppose these are a few of the cutest socks I personal, mountain climbing or in any other case. Their thick cuff, basic olive inexperienced shade, and delicate piping alongside the shaft makes me excited to indicate them off.
Sizes: One dimension (US 7 to 10) | Supplies: Merino wool, polyamide
Greatest for Sweaty Ft: Farm to Ft Fashionable Socks
If you happen to take care of significantly sweaty ft, one SELF staffer recommends her Farm to Ft socks. “They’re tremendous heat and don’t scent after hikes, because of the sweat-wicking wool, and so they have nice cushioning across the heels and toes to guard your ft when shifting up and downhill,” she says. “And the way cute is the forest scene for a mountain climbing sock?!”
A sock that wicks moisture, resists stink, and appears good whereas doing it? We’ll take one pair for on daily basis of the week.
Sizes: S (US 4-6.5) to XL (US 12-14.5) | Supplies: Nylon, Merino wool, Lycra spandex
Greatest for Path Operating: Swiftwick Flite XT Path Quarter Crew
Swiftwick
Flite XT Path Quarter Crew
Outside Award–profitable model Swiftwick made its Flite XT wool mix path socks to go the space (with out slipping down or bunching up alongside the way in which). It’s further protecting across the ankle and heel to forestall put on or blisters—even while you’re selecting up the tempo.
That’s what makes this such an important sock for hikers typically, however path runners particularly. From ankle to toe, the Flite XTs enable you to really feel secure and locked-in. Once you’re tackling difficult terrain at pace, that sense of safety (and luxury) is essential.
Sizes: US 4.5-7 to 11-13 | Supplies: Nylon, Merino wool, Olefin (an artificial materials that’s thought of particularly sustainable), polyester, spandex
Cutest: Darn Powerful Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks
Darn Powerful
Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks
You don’t want to have handsome gear to have an important day exterior—however, in case your socks occur to characteristic a candy pair of bunnies or a intelligent racoon, you simply may hit the path with somewhat extra pep in your step. That’s one of many causes we love Darn Powerful’s Critter Membership Socks (and why they’d make a nice reward for the hiker in your life). However that’s removed from their solely promoting level.
Along with their cute, cuddly designs, these socks have an ultra-smooth, smooth really feel and all of the sweat- and stink-managing properties of Merino wool. Their “micro crew” size is shorter than a regular crew sock—they need to simply attain above the highest of your boot.
Sizes: S (US 4.5-7) to L (US 10-11.5) | Supplies: Nylon, Merino wool, Lycra spandex
Greatest for Blister Prevention: Injinji Outside Midweight Crew Wool
Injinji
Outside Midweight Crew Wool
Winding up with a blister between your toes is so annoying that you just may surprise in case your hike has been cursed. Sidestep that difficulty with a very good pair of toe socks, just like the Outside Midweight Crew from expert-approved model Injinji. They hold your toes from rubbing in opposition to one another and higher handle sweat that swimming pools between your tootsies, stopping blisters earlier than they’ll crop up.
For additional blister safety, be sure your socks match snugly (however not too tight!) and don’t have seams that rub in opposition to your ft, Maggie Peikon, supervisor of communications on the American Mountain climbing Society, tells SELF. She additionally likes double-layer socks: “That further layer helps scale back the friction between your foot and your boot, which provides an additional stage of safety in opposition to blisters.” We advocate this pair from Wrightsock.
Sizes: S (US 6.5-8.5) to XL (US 13.5+) | Supplies: Merino wool, nylon, Lycra
What must you search for when selecting mountain climbing socks?
Whereas some hikers decide their cushioning stage based mostly on how they like their socks to really feel, Peikon says you must also contemplate the climate forecast. Much less cushioned socks are higher for decent climate, whereas mid- and heavyweight pairs will present insulation in opposition to the chilly.
Peikon says it’s additionally good to take your hike’s size under consideration. A light-weight sock will really feel nice on day hikes, however will most likely be missing on longer efforts. If you happen to’re taking up an extended or extra intense route, go for medium cushion socks. “The additional padding can present a level of shock absorption with every step when you’re carrying a loaded pack,” she explains.
Thick, closely cushioned socks are additionally nice for prolonged durations exterior. Simply remember that their chunky design can have an effect on how your mountain climbing boot suits. “It may be sensible to check them out on a brief stroll, somewhat than heading straight out for a protracted day on the path,” Peikon says.
Once more, this can be a matter of non-public choice. However when you’re unsure which sock peak is best for you, consider it as a type of safety in opposition to the weather.
No-show socks will hold you cool, however gained’t hold your ankles protected from scrapes or bugs. Crew socks (the “go-to for many hikers,” as Peikon places it) are nice for average safety and work properly with mid- and high-cut boots. They’re lengthy sufficient to cowl your ankles and forestall slipping, however not so excessive that they make you overheat. Boot- and calf-length socks present most heat and protection.
Peikon says mountain climbing socks must be made with sweat and moisture administration in thoughts. Wool and artificial materials like nylon are as much as the duty. Stretchy supplies like spandex, Lycra, and elastane are additionally useful to have, in small quantities. They’ll improve the sock’s match and assist it transfer along with your foot and ankle.
Additionally within the identify of holding your ft dry, Peikon recommends avoiding cotton socks as a result of they’re extra prone to retain (somewhat than shed) extra moisture. And that may ship your hike down will shortly: Moist socks “present an ideal atmosphere for blisters to type,” Peikon says.
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