Some hikes are hot and sweaty, others are wet and muddy, and some are just leisurely strolls in the woods. Whether you prefer strenuous uphill treks or mellow hikes with your kiddos, the right gear will help you make the most of your experience.
One of the most unexpected and, dare we say, affordable pieces of gear you need for hiking is a quality pair of socks. It may sound ridiculous at first, but the socks you choose can make or break your hiking experience. That's why we at Feetures set out to help you locate the best hiking socks for your next adventure.
- Trail Max Cushion Mini Crew
- Trail Max Cushion Quarter
- Merino 10 Max Cushion Crew
- Merino 10 Max Cushion Mini Crew
- Merino 10 Ultra Light Mini Crew
- Merino 10 Max Cushion Quarter
- Elite Ultra Light Mini Crew
- Graduated Compression Light Cushion Knee High
- High Performance Max Cushion No Show Tab
- Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab
- Elite Light Cushion Quarter
- Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew
The 12 Best Hiking Socks for 2023
Feetures hiking socks are as good as they get. We offer a huge selection of socks in different heights, materials, and styles, so you can always find a pair that works best for your hiking style and the places you like to go, whether it's the peaks of Nepal or your local neighborhood walking trail.
Here's our list of the 12 best socks for hiking in the remainder of 2023.
Trail Max Cushion Mini Crew
The Trail Max Mini Crew is a favorite hiking sock in our Feetures selection. It's designed to take you to summit after summit in comfort and style. Style comes from the good-looking cut and our selection of funky or chic colors. You choose the style that suits your personality.
The mini crew height protects your ankles from debris without slipping down. It also features an anatomical design for a custom-like fit, targeted compression, and maximum cushioning for impact protection.
Trail Max Cushion Quarter
The Trail Max Cushion Quarter is similar to the Trail Max Cushion Mini Crew, with a shortened ankle height. The sock height you like is mostly based on preference, so this is a Feetures hiking sock for those who prefer a little less height.
It also offers our Feetures targeted compression, an anatomical construction, and a fit designed to reduce the chance of blisters. Max cushioning helps with impact protection, and the quarter-height sits just above the ankles, keeping them safe from cuts and scrapes. The Trail Max Cushion Quarter is a good choice for hikers, trail runners, and other outdoor lovers who like a little less leg height without sacrificing protection and comfort.
Merino 10 Max Cushion Crew
The best merino wool socks are always made by Feetures. Our Merino 10 Max Cushion Crew is the ultimate Merino wool sock for hiking, with an anatomical design for each foot (left and right) and compression where you want and need it most.
The true standout feature in this sock is the blend of Tencel® and Merino wool fibers that create one of the most advanced Merino socks on the market. Hikers enjoy insulation in wet or dry conditions, ensuring your feet stay warm in cool temperatures. These socks also feature a reinforced toe and heel for comfort and protection from harsh trail impacts, like stepping on sharp rocks or sticks.
Hikers who like to bundle up and venture out in cold or wet weather will appreciate the technologies of the Merino 10 Max Cushion Crew.
Merino 10 Max Cushion Mini Crew
The Merino 10 Max Cushion Mini Crew offers all the features of the Merino 10 Max Cushion Crew with a cut that goes above the ankle to the lower calf. This means even more warmth and protection from the elements and debris you often find on the trail.
Avid hikers and trail runners love that this sock was recently redesigned with reinforced toe and heel areas for more impact protection and comfort. Long days on the trail are no match for the Merino 10 Max Cushion Crew.
Merino 10 Ultra Light Mini Crew
We love the Merino 10 Mini Crew so much that we made it in an ultra-light version too. This trail-ready sock from Feetures is great for all-weather hikes and runs. It's not as thick or cushioned as the Max Cushion Mini Crew, making it more comfortable for hotter weather.
The Merino 10 Ultra Light Mini Crew features the same Merino wool and Tencel® fibers but with a super lightweight construction that leaves more space in the shoe. Hikers who find thick socks uncomfortable in their hiking shoes or boots will appreciate this ultra-light sock.
Merino 10 Max Cushion Quarter
Merino wool is one of our favorite sock materials at Feetures, and that's because it's insulating, comfortable, stretchy, durable, and dry. The Merino 10 Max Cushion Quarter has an anatomical design for each foot and targeted compression for support and comfort no matter where your hike takes you.
The quarter height covers the ankle for warmth and protection from debris, while the max cushioning eases pain from impacts. The Merino 10 Max Cushion Quarter's custom-like fit means you won't have to cut your hike short due to slipping, rubbing, or blisters.
Elite Ultra Light Mini Crew
Hikers who like to head out to the trails in warmer weather want a sock with a lighter and cooler feel than Merino wool. Enter the Elite Ultra Light Mini Crew. This ultra-light sock offers a cool, breathable, and lightweight feel thanks to thin cushioning and Feetures' moisture-wicking iWick fabric.
Like other Feetures hiking socks, the Elite Ultra Light Mini Crew is also made with an anatomical design and targeted compression for a supportive, ultra-comfortable fit.
Graduated Compression Light Cushion Knee High
Graduated compression socks are especially helpful for hikers, especially those who like to go the distance. This pair offers 15 to 20 mmHg of compression that starts at the ankle and slowly lessens as it reaches the knee. They increase blood flow for a more comfortable fit, superior performance, and faster recoveries.
The light cushioning in this sock creates an extremely comfortable in-shoe fit with impact protection along the bottom of the foot. Moisture-wicking iWick fibers make it an ideal compression sock for hiking in hot weather, as it keeps feet cool and dry.
Anyone who wants to speed up their recovery, feel less muscle fatigue on the trail, and improve circulation, while hiking will benefit from these Graduated Compression Light Cushion Knee High socks.
High Performance Max Cushion No Show Tab
At the opposite end of the spectrum is the high performance max cushion no show tab sock. This sock is a favorite among hikers who like short socks that sit just below the ankle. This makes them versatile for multiple types of events and outdoor activities, from hiking and walking to playing golf, tennis, and more.
Our high performance max cushion no show tab socks feature our breathable, moisture-wicking iWick fabric, high-density cushioning for protection, and mesh for added ventilation. These socks are ready to hit the trails at high speeds and keep you comfortable while doing it.
Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab
Our Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab socks are similar to the High Performance Max Cushion No Show Tabs. However, the material is a unique yarn made from recycled plastic. They're now more comfortable and environmentally friendly than ever.
Additional features include an anatomical design, targeted compression, and Feetures' The Perfect Toe®, which means no blisters from uncomfortable seams. Maximum cushioning, comfort, and fit are what make this one of the best socks for hiking this year.
Elite Light Cushion Quarter
A classic sock at Feetures, it's impossible to go wrong with the Elite Light Cushion Quarter. The 2-inch quarter length protects ankles from dirt, mud, rocks, and other trail debris, while high-density cushioning keeps heels and toes safe from harsh impacts.
Our Elite Light Cushion Quarter socks feel like they were made for your feet with a custom-like fit that keeps rubbing, blisters, and any discomfort at bay. These socks will remain comfortable and protect your feet from the first trail marker to the last.
Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew
Another favorite in the Feetures lineup is the Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew. The 5-inch height stretches above the ankle to the bottom of the calf, protecting ankles and feet from scratches or trail debris.
Like most other Feetures hiking socks, they offer targeted compression and an anatomical design for ultimate support and comfort. Our proprietary iWick fabric offers breathability and durability, so your feet stay cool and comfortable no matter how many times you hit the trail.
The light cushioning used for the Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew is dense, offering impact protection without adding weight or bulk. Hikers swear by this sock for its unrivaled fit, breathable material, and variety of fun colors to show off on the trail.
Finding the Best Hiking Socks for You
Hiking socks are more important to overall hiking comfort than most people think. Choose a pair that's too bulky, and you'll be battling bulges and blisters all day long. However, a pair that doesn't offer enough compression or cushioning for your support needs can cut your journey short, too.
The right hiking sock varies from person to person. You may prefer merino wool because your feet get chilly in cool temperatures, while another hiker likes our iWick fabric for their often-overheating, sweaty feet. Some hikers like the added protection of a higher sock, while others find no-shows and lower cuts more comfortable.
Generally, more cushioning is ideal for cooler temperatures and extremely rugged terrain. However, a thinner material may be more comfortable on a shorter journey or a humid summer day. We always suggest looking for socks with an anatomical design, targeted compression, and zero toe seams that can cause discomfort.
Feetures socks offer all of the above and more. They're made from the highest quality materials to remain comfortable, durable, and supportive hike after hike. Shop our entire selection of hiking socks for men and hiking socks for women now to find a good fit for your next adventure.
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