It solely takes one outside jaunt in crappy footwear to know that one of the best mountain climbing socks are definitely worth the funding. They have an inclination to price somewhat extra per pair than, say, a price pack of standard athletic socks—however they’ll save your toes from fatigue, blisters, sizzling spots, and extra sweat. They’re designed to carry up after a number of miles and even keep contemporary in the event you go just a few days with out entry to a dryer. Oh, and one of the best pairs of the bunch are additionally plain previous 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 precise (camp) web site. We talked to specialists and SELF staffers, then appeared by way of 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 Robust Hiker Boot Midweight Mountaineering Sock, $28
- Greatest for Cushioning: Hikerkind Path Sock 01, $24
- Greatest for Sweaty Toes: Farm to Toes Fashionable Socks, $24
- Greatest for Path Operating: Swiftwick Flite XT Path Quarter Crew, $24
- Cutest: Darn Robust Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks, $24
- Greatest for Blister Prevention: Injinji Outside Midweight Crew Wool, $23
On this article
Store one of the best 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 in all probability scrolled by way of dozens of Smartwool kinds. Properly, there’s a motive they’re in every single place: 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 vital, particularly in the event you’re breaking in a brand new pair of mountain climbing footwear. I even put on these off-trail with Birkenstocks—they’re useful and cute.” They’ve worn their Smartwool light-weight mountain climbing socks by way of each summer season and winter with zero complaints, noting that the socks’ mesh zones assist preserve air flowing with out letting the coolness in.
For extra focused cushioning (and a few retro-chic-outdoorsperson vibes), take into account 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 Robust Hiker Boot Midweight Mountaineering Sock
Darn Robust
Hiker Boot Midweight Mountaineering Sock
The precise pair of Darn Robust socks I escape each winter have sadly been discontinued (which I’d say is a testomony to their sturdiness). That stated, this midweight pair is the subsequent neatest thing to my previous reliables. They’re thick however not cumbersome, and have an honest quantity of stretch. The boot size of the sock’s shaft provides somewhat additional protection that turns out to be useful in low temps.
Made with thru-hikers and backpackers in thoughts, these socks had 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 might make me really feel like I’m strolling on clouds—till I acquired 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 toes really feel cozy and comfortable, however by no means swampy, because of the wool’s pure temperature-regulating properties.
Bonus: I genuinely assume these are among the cutest socks I personal, mountain climbing or in any other case. Their thick cuff, basic olive inexperienced coloration, and refined piping alongside the shaft makes me excited to indicate them off.
Sizes: One measurement (US 7–10) | Supplies: Merino wool, polyamide
Greatest for Sweaty Toes: Farm to Toes Fashionable Socks
If you happen to take care of severely sweaty toes, one SELF staffer recommends her Farm to Toes 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 toes 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 additional protecting across the ankle and heel to forestall put on or blisters—even if you’re choosing up the tempo.
That’s what makes this such an amazing sock for hikers typically, however path runners particularly. From ankle to toe, the Flite XTs enable you really feel secure and locked-in. If you’re tackling difficult terrain at velocity, that sense of safety (and luxury) is vital.
Sizes: US 4.5–7 to 11–13 | Supplies: Nylon, Merino wool, Olefin (an artificial materials that’s thought-about particularly sustainable), polyester, spandex
Cutest: Darn Robust Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks
Darn Robust
Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks
You don’t want to have handsome gear to have an amazing day exterior—however, in case your socks occur to function a candy pair of bunnies or a intelligent racoon, you simply would possibly hit the path with somewhat extra pep in your step. That’s one of many causes we love Darn Robust’s Critter Membership Socks (and why they’d make an amazing present 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, delicate really feel and all of the sweat- and stink-managing properties of Merino wool. Their “micro crew” size is shorter than an ordinary 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 simply would possibly marvel in case your hike has been cursed. Sidestep that problem with a great pair of toe socks, just like the Outside Midweight Crew from expert-approved model Injinji. They preserve your toes from rubbing towards one another and higher handle sweat that swimming pools between your tootsies, stopping blisters earlier than they’ll crop up.
For additional blister safety, ensure that your socks match snugly (however not too tight!) and don’t have seams that rub towards your toes, Maggie Peikon, supervisor of communications on the American Mountaineering Society, tells SELF. She additionally likes double-layer socks: “That additional layer helps cut back the friction between your foot and your boot, which provides an additional degree of safety towards 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 choose their cushioning degree based mostly on how they like their socks to really feel, Peikon says you also needs to take into account the climate forecast. Much less cushioned socks are higher for warm climate, whereas mid- and heavyweight pairs will present insulation towards the chilly.
Peikon says it’s additionally good to take your hike’s size into consideration. A light-weight sock will really feel nice on day hikes, however will in all probability be missing on longer efforts. If you happen to’re taking over 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 intervals exterior. Simply needless to say their chunky design can have an effect on how your mountain climbing boot suits. “It is likely to be sensible to check them out on a brief stroll, reasonably than heading straight out for a protracted day on the path,” Peikon says.
Once more, it is a matter of private choice. However in the event you’re undecided which sock top is best for you, consider it as a type of safety towards the weather.
No-show socks will preserve you cool, however gained’t preserve your ankles protected from scrapes or bugs. Crew socks (the “go-to for many hikers,” as Peikon places it) are nice for reasonable safety and work properly with mid- and high-cut boots. They’re lengthy sufficient to cowl your ankles and stop 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 conserving your toes dry, Peikon recommends avoiding cotton socks as a result of they’re extra more likely to retain (reasonably than shed) extra moisture. And that may ship your hike down will shortly: Moist socks “present an ideal setting for blisters to kind,” Peikon says.
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