
Sporting the proper footwear is vital to success in all outside adventures, however it’s particularly necessary for mountaineering and backpacking. As hikers, our toes are the workhorses that carry the load and take essentially the most beating on the path. Our expertise has taught us that now we have to deal with our toes proper to maintain them in peak situation so we are able to see and do extra comfortably.
It’s regular to expertise some foot aches and pains, overheating, and scorching spots/blisters after lengthy days of mountaineering, however we’ve discovered that sporting high quality socks (together with good footwear/boots) makes an enormous distinction in how lengthy we are able to maintain our toes comfy and in good condition on path.

Fast Suggestions
Take a look at this fast listing of the very best mountaineering socks if you happen to’re in a rush, or proceed scrolling to see our full listing of favorites with in-depth critiques.
- Finest general for high quality, consolation & sturdiness: Darn Robust Mild Hiker Micro Crew Males’s / Ladies’s
- Breathable wool socks with a efficiency match: Smartwool Efficiency Hike Mild Males’s / Ladies’s
- Finest finances no-show socks: Balega Hidden Consolation Unisex
- Finest worth heat wool socks: REI Merino Mountain climbing Crew Unisex
- Finest toe socks: Injinji Path Midweight Mini Crew Males’s / Ladies’s
Mountain climbing Sock Comparability Desk
WhaT’s Most Essential to You in a Mountain climbing Sock?
FABRIC:
Socks made with polyester, nylon, and different artificial materials are breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, so that they’re nice for mountaineering. In addition they are usually a bit extra sturdy than pure fibers, although they’ll tablet and maintain onto odors extra.
Wool is a pure fiber that’s glorious for managing moisture, evaporating odors, and protecting you heat when moist. High quality merino wool is mushy and comfy and works exceptionally nicely when blended with artificial fibers.
Cotton collects and holds moisture, which might result in blisters (try our Methods to Stop and Deal with Blisters submit for more information). We don’t suggest socks with any cotton content material for mountaineering, however they’re cheap and comfy for on a regular basis use.

CUSHIONING:
Cushioning impacts sturdiness, consolation, and heat. Ultralight cushion socks and liners are finest for operating or mountaineering in low lower footwear. We sometimes desire them as a result of they dry shortly and breathe nicely, however they’re not as sturdy as different socks. Some folks use liners beneath different socks to assist forestall blisters.
Socks with gentle cushioning are comparatively skinny and have stability of breathability, moisture-wicking, consolation, and sturdiness.
Medium cushion socks are good for mountaineering in common to chilly climate. They supply a reasonable quantity of cushion within the heel and ball of the foot to guard your toes from impression.
Socks with heavy cushioning are the thickest and warmest. Many hikers discover them too cumbersome and scorching for backpacking, however they’re nice for heat in camp, winter mountaineering, and mountaineering in boots.

HEIGHT:
Sock top comes down to non-public desire. No-show and quarter socks come to the ankle and are most suitable with path runners or low-cut mountaineering footwear. They’re fashionable when sporting shorts and supply the very best airflow. However they depart your ankle uncovered to heel clipping, can gather particles, and will have to be pulled up periodically.
Crew socks come as much as about mid-calf and work nicely with virtually all footwear, together with boots. They have an inclination to remain up and maintain particles out higher, in addition to supply some safety to your ankles. Crew socks are somewhat simpler to overheat in although, and chances are you’ll get a sock tan if you happen to put on all of them summer season.
The entire socks on this listing are available a wide range of heights, however we’ll define our favorites from every class beneath.
- Finest no-show socks: Balega Hidden Consolation (Unisex)
- Finest ankle/mini-crew/quarter socks: Farm to Ft Damascus (Unisex), Injinji Path Midweight Mini Crew (Males’s) (Ladies’s), Feetures Elite (Unisex), WrightSock Coolmesh II (Unisex)
- Finest crew socks: Darn Robust Mild Hiker (Males’s) (Ladies’s), Smartwool Efficiency Hike Mild (Males’s) (Ladies’s), REI Merino Mountain climbing Crew (Unisex), Swiftwick Flite XT Path (Unisex)

Finest Mountain climbing socks of 2023

Darn Robust Mild Hiker Micro Crew
Finest general mountaineering socks for high quality, consolation & sturdiness
Worth: $24
Cloth: 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex
Top: Crew
Cushioning: Mild
Professionals
- Lifetime guarantee
- Sturdy
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
- Comfy
- Don’t slide down
Cons
- Costly
- Hotter/much less breathable than some
Darn Robust Mild Hiker Micro Crew Males’s / Ladies’s are comfy, versatile, and constructed to final. They’re woven very tightly, which provides them excellent sturdiness.
The Mild Hikers are hotter and thicker than minimalist socks, however they’re nonetheless fairly breathable and the wool-synthetic mix makes them adaptable in heat or cool situations. Darn Robust socks are costly however nicely definitely worth the cash since they final endlessly and are backed up by a tremendous unconditional lifetime assure.
For those who’re on the lookout for extra cushioning and heat, Darn Robust’s Hiker Micro Crew (males’s & ladies’s) and Hiker Boot Socks (males’s & ladies’s) are additionally glorious.

Smartwool Efficiency Hike Mild
Breathable wool socks with a efficiency match
Worth: $24
Cloth: 56% merino wool, 41% nylon, 3% elastane
Top: Crew
Cushioning: Mild
Professionals
- Comfy
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
- Do not slide down
Smartwool’s Efficiency Hike Mild Males’s / Ladies’s are a number of the finest all-around socks for mountaineering. They’re well-designed with a cosy, anatomical match and padding solely the place you want it for glorious breathability. Although previous variations of the Efficiency Hike have lacked sturdiness, the third era Efficiency Hike socks have more durable wool within the heel and toe which considerably extends their lifespan (and Smartwool will substitute them if you happen to ship them in inside 2 years of the acquisition date). We suggest Efficiency Hike socks to those that desire a sock that’s a bit lighter and extra breathable than Darn Robust’s, even when they received’t final fairly as lengthy.

Farm to Ft Damascus
Finest sturdy socks designed for lengthy backpacking journeys
Worth: $22
Cloth: 51% merino wool, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex
Top: Quarter
Cushioning: Mild
Professionals
- Sturdy
- Lifetime guarantee
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
- Comfy
- Do not slide down
The Farm to Ft Damascus socks are made with 100% American supplies and development. Created with long-distance hikers in thoughts, these socks are constructed powerful and can final for a whole lot of miles. In addition to that, they’re assured for all times! Slight compression and distinctive focused cushioning within the heel and toe in addition to on high of the instep assist forestall ache from shoelace stress, which is very good for lengthy, steep descents. We suggest the Damascus socks for rugged hikes and backpacking journeys in path runners or boots when minimalist socks aren’t fairly sufficient.

Balega Hidden Consolation
Finest finances no-show socks
Worth: $16
Cloth: 100% polyester
Top: No Present
Cushioning: Medium
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- Comfy
- Do not slide down
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
Cons
- Hotter/much less breathable than some
- Maintain odor greater than others
- Not as sturdy as some
Balega’s Hidden Consolation Socks are easy, evenly padded, and comfy with soft tabs on the ankle that successfully maintain them from sliding down. The plush padding throughout the whole sole makes them a bit hotter and fewer breathable underfoot than some. That mentioned, the Hidden Comforts are a superb, inexpensive alternative for these on the lookout for cozy low-cut socks for on a regular basis use. Balega additionally provides their widespread Ultralight No Present Socks (glorious ultralight really feel, however lack long-term sturdiness), Blister Resist No Present Socks (made with mohair fibers that resist friction), and Silver No Present Socks (nice compression and antibacterial properties). For those who’re on the lookout for a quarter-length mountaineering sock, we additionally actually love the Balega Enduro Quarter Socks.

REI Merino Mountain climbing Crew
Finest worth heat wool socks
Worth: $18
Cloth: 79% merino wool, 20% nylon, 1% Lycra spandex
Top: Crew
Cushioning: Mild
Professionals
- Good worth
- Comfy
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
Cons
- A bit too heat for summer season situations
- Can slide down with some footwear
The REI Merino Mountain climbing Crew Socks are a superb worth since they’re made with premium high quality wool, however they value lower than these from different high manufacturers. They’ve a terrific stability of heat and breathability, which makes them nice for lengthy days on the path or for sporting as sleep socks on tenting and backpacking journeys. For those who’re on the lookout for a snug mountaineering sock with the efficiency of merino wool with out breaking the financial institution, you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with these. For summer season, we suggest REI’s Light-weight Flash Crew Socks.

Injinji Path Midweight Mini Crew
Finest toe socks
Worth: $16
Cloth: 58% nylon, 39% CoolMax polyester, 3% Lycra spandex
Top: Mini-crew
Cushioning: Medium
Professionals
- Helps forestall toe blisters
- Reasonably priced
- Comfy
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Maintain odor greater than others
- Takes somewhat longer to placed on/take off
- Lack long-term sturdiness
Injinji’s Path Midweight Mini Crews Males’s / Ladies’s are a number of the hottest toe socks available on the market as a result of they’re inexpensive, comfy, extremely breathable, and glorious for decreasing friction between the toes. Since every toe is wrapped in wicking cloth, we discover that they do an excellent job of protecting our toes dry on the path too. Toe socks could really feel somewhat unusual at first, however we predict they’re price getting used to if you happen to steadily battle with toe blisters.

Swiftwick Flite XT Path
Technical socks for mountaineering & path operating
Worth: $27
Cloth: 38% nylon, 24% merino wool, 22% olefin, 13% polyester, 3% spandex
Top: Crew
Cushioning: Medium
Professionals
- Comfy
- Sturdy
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Odor-resistant
- Do not slide down
Swiftwick’s Flite XT Path are a number of the first socks we seek for within the drawer for fast-moving adventures. They provide medium compression for tendon help, they usually’re hardly noticeable as a result of they’re so cozy. They’re the right weight for practically all climate situations, and the combo of merino wool and artificial fibers give a terrific stability of thermoregulation and sturdiness. The only additionally has fibers that assist grip the within of your shoe to cut back slippage. The Flite XTs are somewhat costlier than others, however they’re stable performers for mountaineering and path operating, and we count on them to final for a very long time.

Feetures Elite
Finest socks for cardio exercise in heat situations
Worth: $18
Cloth: 92% nylon and eight% spandex
Top: Quarter
Cushioning: Mild
Professionals
- Reasonably priced
- Lifetime guarantee
- Comfy
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Do not slide down
Cons
- Maintain odor greater than others
- Lack long-term sturdiness
Feetures is a model that’s better-known within the operating group, however we love their socks for mountaineering too. Feetures’ Elite Mild Cushion Quarter Socks are skinny, stretchy, and match snugly with compression in all the proper locations so the socks keep easy and wrinkle-free throughout cardio exercise. The Elite socks stand out finest in heat situations when wicking and air flow are essential.

WrightSock Coolmesh II
Double-layer socks for blister prevention
Worth: $15
Cloth: 70% Dri-Wright II polyester, 26% nylon, 4% lycra
Top: Quarter
Cushioning: Mild
Professionals
- Helps forestall blisters
- Reasonably priced
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Very comfy
- Lifetime guarantee
- Do not slide down
Cons
- Lack long-term sturdiness
- Maintain odor greater than others
WrightSock Coolmesh II Socks are extraordinarily comfy and really feel like slippers in your toes. They’re skinny and minimal, and the double-layer system makes them glorious for stopping blisters. The draw back is that they’re constructed with skinny supplies they usually put on down pretty shortly within the heel and toe. We want the outer layer of the Coolmesh II was a bit more durable, however for these with blister-prone toes, they could nonetheless be nicely price it.
Honorable Mentions
The next socks didn’t make our ultimate listing, however they’ve acquired quite a lot of good issues going for them. You by no means know, perhaps one in all these socks would be the proper match for you.

- Point6 37.5: fully-cushioned wool socks that combat odor and don’t slide down
- Icebreaker Hike+:light-weight wool socks which are good for thermoregulation
- Woolly Outside Air: inexpensive wool socks which are nice for on a regular basis use
Essential Sock Concerns
SUPPORT
Strategically-placed bands of compression across the calf, ankle, or arch of the foot assist socks keep in place and retains them from twisting and bunching. Compression additionally gives help to the muscular tissues and ligaments to forestall situations like plantar fasciitis, which might make mountaineering extraordinarily painful. If in case you have an present situation, pair of socks can work simply in addition to an Ace wrap or sports activities tape.
FIT
Your socks ought to match good. Not too tight, however not too free.
SIZING
Mild compression and a cosy match help in your socks means to successfully wick moisture, breathe, and keep wrinkle-free, however socks which are too tight can limit blood stream and restrict your toes vary of motion.

WASHING AND DRYING
Beware that socks with excessive merino wool content material are prone to shrink if you happen to put them within the dryer on excessive warmth. For finest outcomes, observe the producer’s directions for laundry and drying your socks to take care of their cushion and keep away from miniaturizing them. We suggest washing wool merchandise inside-out on a cool or lukewarm washer setting with mild detergent, then air drying them on a clothesline or flat floor. For those who’re in a rush, the subsequent neatest thing is to tumble dry your wool socks on low. For those who deal with them nicely, your wool mountaineering socks ought to final for a very long time.
HOW TO AVOID LOSING SOCKS
It’s an enormous bummer to have a pile of single costly mountaineering socks, however everyone knows how simple it’s to lose monitor of them. We suggest utilizing a small mesh laundry bag as your sock-specific hamper and simply toss the laundry bag into the wash when it’s full. Soapy water will get by means of the bag and the socks will get clear, however they received’t go lacking.

Extra Data
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Thanks for studying and pleased trails!