The 12 Best Men’s Hiking Socks
Gearing up to go off-road and off-trail demands the best, well, gear that you’ve got. And the best gear often includes the small details, from your essential everyday carry to your sturdy boots and tough outerwear, right on down to your hiking socks. Yep, that’s right — specific hiking socks can go a long way toward keeping you comfortable, mobile and ready for anything.
Our picks for the best men’s hiking socks feature specialty fabrics, excellent construction, durability in spades and remarkable toughness. Your regular athletic socks just won’t cut it, nor will your standard dress socks or even a regular everyday pair. The great news, standout hiking socks have become a focus for a good deal many brands, both big and small. You’re assured plenty of versatility and even a few style points along the way, too. Are you ready to get off the beaten path? Not without these hiking socks, you aren’t.
Bombas Hiking Socks
Bombas donates a pair of socks for every pair purchased, and it’s certainly likely that you’re going to want to buy multiple pairs of these standout, stylish hiking socks. Available in classic colors like a simple Black iteration with marled texture, these premium socks feature unique air venting and Invisitoe for an ideal fit. The Honeycomb arch support system is also unique, while a Y-stitched heel helps ensure all-day durability. Plus, they don’t look half-bad when worn with leather hiking boots a bit more casually. – Buy It
Darn Tough Coolmax Cushion Hiker Boot Socks
Darn Tough stakes its claim to gear that’s, well, just about as tough as it gets. That’s the case with its Coolmax Cushion Hiker Boot Socks, featuring the ability to dry rapidly and wick sweat at the same time. That means these socks are ready for when it’s slightly warmer out, yet still just as ready to pull double-duty when cold weather is in the air. The performance fit boasts the ability to stay up during even the longest of hikes, while it’s mighty tough — pun intended — to find a pair of socks made in America, much less Vermont. – Buy It
Smartwool Striped Hike Socks
It’s hard to overstate just how much SmartWool owns its reputation as a purveyor of products made with excellent fabric quality. Made with merino wool, nylon and elastane, these socks come with handy design features like an elasticized arch brace and a flat knit toe seam. Both of those touches ensure a quality fit and that crucial bit of comfort that you need on the trail. The stripes add a bit of visual interest, while medium cushioning provides stability without the bulk of some hiking socks. – Buy It
Richer Poorer Baldwin Hiking Socks
What’s the coolest part about the Baldwin Socks from Richer Poorer? Is it the neat design near the calf? Is it the agreeable price? Is it the Outdoor Midweight fabric that the brand’s perfected over time? We’re just not sure. Richer Poorer does great basics, and the Baldwin Socks are the latest to join that line. The Merino wool provides moisture wicking and odor resistance, with a super-soft feel and antimicrobial functionality. Grab a Richer Poorer Pocket tee and your favorite work shirt, then get ready to hike for hours on end. – Buy It
Stance Troops Hike Socks
Want hiking socks that have a bit more of a retro look and feel? The Stance Troops Hike Socks provide that, thanks to the striking pattern and design. Stance says these socks are 65 percent more durable than anything in the market, and we’re inclined to believe them, what with the use of a fusion blend of natural wool, plus performance mesh for breathability. A reinforced toe and heel adds to the right kind of durability, too. Again, they’ll stand out with ease from other hiking socks on the market — what’s not to like? – Buy It
Farm To Feet Damascus Hiking Socks
Farm to Feet doesn’t just shill out any old socks — the brand’s Damascus Hiking Socks in particular are more than worthy of inclusion on our list of the best men’s hiking socks, no questions asked. They use 100 percent U.S.-grown merino wool from sheep raised on American farms by American farmers — quite the tall order, if you ask us. Other touches like ventilation channels offer air flow, while a neutral color provides easy-to-wear potential alongside other hiking gear. – Buy It
SealSkinz Hiking Mid Socks
When exactly are socks worth $50? Well, when they’re the Sealskinz Hiking Mid Socks. It’s exceedingly rare to find socks that are waterproof and windproof, yet breathable. As the brand says, they offer the “perfect balance of warmth and breathability,” complete with a unique lining made of Merino wool. The hand-linked toe seam prevents rubbing, and the range of smart, sharp color options ensures you’ll never be without a pair to rock with your most essential hiking gear. – Buy It
Injinji Outdoor Midweight Crew Nuwool Socks
It’s not every day you find a pair of socks like the Midweight Crew NuWool Socks from Injinji. They’re made with unique NuWool merino wool fiber, for starters, and they’re also designed to minimize blisters and provide excellent stability. Those are two qualities you’ll definitely appreciate during and after (especially after) a long day on the trail. Total Foot Utilization technology provides the chance to, as the brand notes, engage your whole foot in athletic activity — these are more than ready for your next hike. – Buy It
Icebreaker Men’s Hike+ Light Crew Socks
In the best hiking socks, every detail is considered. That means small touches like fit and fabric don’t go unnoticed — take the Icebreaker Men’s Hike+ Light Crew. The brand calls its fit both “precise” and “anatomical,” perfectly geared toward getting you up and down the mountain in style. Available for a shade above $20, these socks come in versatile, no-frills colors for the ultimate in dependable, trail-ready style and performance. All you need now are some sturdy hiking pants, a weather-ready jacket and retro-inspired hikers. – Buy It
Bridgedale Merino Summit Hiking Socks
Don’t start to get the wrong idea here — not all hiking socks are made of the scratchy material you used to pull on as a kid. The Bridgedale Merino Summit Hiking Socks in particular prove this point quite nicely — made with both merino and a technically savvy Endurofil synthetic fiber for the right blend of comfort and performance, they also feature Lycra for stretch and a padded foot to absorb impact from tough terrain. That’s definitely the full package, if you ask us. – Buy It
Columbia Performance Heavyweight Hiking Socks
Columbia definitely doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to its Performance Heavyweight Socks — these socks are beastly, performance-ready and more than dependable when it comes time to step out on the trail. Available for under $20 in a simple shade of black, these socks feature critical reinforcement in all the right areas, including Heel Power cushioning and a Shield Block ankle for extra toughness. The full terry leg also adds a touch of needed comfort and dependability, all the better for long hiking sessions. – Buy It
Fits Performance Trail Quarter Socks
Great hiking socks come in all shapes and sizes — including a trail quarter size as made by FITS Performance. The Dynamic Toe Cup, as the brand says, conforms to the shape of your feet, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable fit no matter how long you hike. They also feature a lightweight design, despite all the performance packed in. The unique Full Contact cuff also helps these socks stay in place all day long — what’s not to love about all of these helpful features, right? – Buy It
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