How to Choose the Best Socks for Trail Running & Hiking

The importance of selecting the right socks for comfort and performance on the trail when hiking or running cannot be understated. It is the difference maker between stopping your multi-day trek early due to blisters or completing your longest and fastest trail run with ease. 

Check out our foolproof guide to finding the best trail running socks for a quick and easy jog, or the best hiking socks for a multi-day trip through the Alps. 

How to Choose Hiking or Trail Running Socks

There are a few key criteria to keep in mind if you are in the market for the best trail running socks or best hiking socks for your upcoming trip. 

Material

Selecting the right material can be the difference maker between cold feet and sweaty, hot feet during a long trail run or multi-day backpacking adventure. 

Wool

Wool is oftentimes the best choice for hikers who are venturing out in wet weather or need a material that regulates temperature in varying conditions. For long-term backpacking trips, extensive trekking adventures, and multi-day trips, wool provides the most hygienic and temperature-regulating benefits. 

Synthetic blends

Synthetic blends, including spandex and polyester, are often the top choice for moisture-wicking properties, quick-drying characteristics, and preventing bunching during multi-hour days. 

Our socks use i-Wick fabric to wick moisture away and keep the wearer’s feet cool and dry.

Cushioning Level

Cushioning is one of the most important aspects of trail running or hiking socks, as it dictates the thickness of the sock and the warmth they will provide your feet. Cushioning varies based on trail conditions, distance being covered, and personal preference.

No cushioning

Some low-key trail socks provide no cushioning, which are typically the best option for hot or humid weather to stay cool and enhance breathability. Sometimes, hikers enjoy wearing no-cushioned socks underneath of padded socks to add more warmth and prevent blisters while breaking in new shoes. 

Lightweight cushioning

Lightweight cushioning uses moisture-wicking material and provides comfort and support in specific areas. Our socks utilize zone-specific compression to provide extra comfort in high-wear areas, like the ball of the foot and teh heel to prevent excess rubbing. 

Medium cushioning 

Medium-cushioned socks provide extra padding in the heel and ball of the foot for longer hiking days in unstable conditions, such as on rocky terrain or varied paths. Our medium socks have reinforced high-wear zones for extra durability and warmth in cold weather. 

Heavy cushioning 

The last type of sock cushioning involves heavy padding for longer trips, extremely cold weather, tough terrain, and extensive backpacking trips. 

Fit

The significance of a proper fit prevents blisters and ensures comfort during a variety of trips. 

• Design — Our socks offer an anatomical design that enhances fit and reduces the risk of blisters during long days. 
• Choosing the Right Size — Use our sock size chart to find the ideal sock size for your based on your typical shoe size. 
• Select the Right Fit — Make sure you find trail running socks or hiking socks that have a secure fit, without being too compressive or overly tight, especially in the toe area. The liner should match-up with the top of your toes and the heel cup. 

Height/Length 

Trail running and hiking socks come in different lengths and heights based on your trail needs. If you are tackling trails that feature ample rocks, bushes, trees, and brambles, higher socks could be better to keep debris and dirt out of your shoes. However, if you are going on a short trail run, lower socks can be best for preventing overheating and sweaty feet. 

No-show socks

No-show socks have very little protection and rarely show above the hiking boots or trail running shoes. These are usually a good option for very warm or humid days on clear trails, such as on exposed paths without bushes, trees, or sharp rocks/pebbles. Wearing no-show socks with low-cut shoes are typically the only option to avoid blisters and hot spots. 

Ankle socks

Ankle socks strike a balance between coverage and breathability, making them a versatile option for trail running and light hiking. They provide more protection than no-show socks, covering the ankle bone and offering a bit more cushioning without the bulk of crew or knee-high socks. 

Crew socks

Crew socks are the standard height of socks for hiking boots, but can sometimes be overkill for trail running shoes on warmer days. This type of sock is most compatible with high-cuff boots for longer hiking days on intense terrain. 

Quarter socks

Quarter socks are a common height for trail running, as they are a little bit more flexible and cooler than crew socks. Quarter socks are good for mid-cut shoes or low-profile hiking boots during moderate hikes or warm days. 

Knee-high 

Knee-high socks are typically too warm and restrictive for trail running, but are often the gold standard socks for trekking or mountaineering paths. The coverage is good for helping retain heat during cold conditions and compressing muscles for quicker recovery. 

Hit the Trails With Feetures 

Feeling antsy? It’s time to get on the trail! Hit your PB on your trail run or head off on a multi-day backpacking trip with peace of mind after purchasing some of our Feetures socks.