It solely takes one outside jaunt in crappy footwear to know that the perfect mountain climbing socks are well worth the funding. They have an inclination to price slightly 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 for those who go a couple of days with out entry to a dryer. Oh, and the perfect pairs of the bunch are additionally plain outdated comfortable (and cute, in a gorpcore type of manner).
In the event you’re gearing up for an outside journey or simply want some new items to put on in your native trails, you’ve come to the best (camp) website. We talked to specialists and SELF staffers, then regarded by way of previous SELF Out of doors Award winners to search out nice mountain climbing socks so as to add to your rotation.
Our high picks
- Finest Total: Smartwool Hike Crew Socks, $25
- Finest for Chilly Climate: Darn Powerful Hiker Boot Midweight Mountain climbing Sock, $28
- Finest for Cushioning: Hikerkind Path Sock 01, $24
- Finest for Sweaty Ft: Farm to Ft Fashionable Socks, $24
- Finest for Path Working: Swiftwick Flite XT Path Quarter Crew, $24
- Cutest: Darn Powerful Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks, $24
- Finest for Blister Prevention: Injinji Out of doors Midweight Crew Wool, $23
On this article
Store the perfect mountain climbing socks
Deal with your toes in your subsequent trek.
Finest Total: Smartwool Hike Crew Socks
In the event you’ve ever shopped for mountain climbing socks, you’ve most likely scrolled by way of dozens of Smartwool types. Effectively, there’s a cause 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 for those who’re breaking in a brand new pair of mountain climbing sneakers. 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 time and winter with zero complaints, noting that the socks’ mesh zones assist preserve air flowing with out letting the chilliness in.
For extra focused cushioning (and a few retro-chic-outdoorsperson vibes), think about 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
Finest for Chilly Climate: Darn Powerful Hiker Boot Midweight Mountain climbing Sock
Darn Powerful
Hiker Boot Midweight Mountain climbing Sock
The precise pair of Darn Powerful socks I escape each winter have sadly been discontinued (which I’d say is a testomony to their sturdiness). That mentioned, this midweight pair is the subsequent neatest thing to my outdated reliables. They’re thick however not cumbersome, and have a good quantity of stretch. The boot size of the sock’s shaft provides slightly additional protection that turns out to be useful in low temps.
Made with thru-hikers and backpackers in thoughts, these socks have 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
Finest 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 obtained 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 seemingly as a result of socks’ excessive Merino wool content material (90%). My toes really feel cozy and cozy, however by no means swampy, due to 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 to 10) | Supplies: Merino wool, polyamide
Finest for Sweaty Ft: Farm to Ft Fashionable Socks
In the event you cope with critically sweaty toes, one SELF staffer recommends her Farm to Ft socks. “They’re tremendous heat and don’t scent after hikes, due to the sweat-wicking wool, and so they have nice cushioning across the heels and toes to guard your toes when transferring 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 day by day of the week.
Sizes: S (US 4-6.5) to XL (US 12-14.5) | Supplies: Nylon, Merino wool, Lycra spandex
Finest for Path Working: Swiftwick Flite XT Path Quarter Crew
Swiftwick
Flite XT Path Quarter Crew
Out of doors Award–profitable model Swiftwick made its Flite XT wool mix path socks to go the gap (with out slipping down or bunching up alongside the best way). 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 incredible sock for hikers typically, however path runners particularly. From ankle to toe, the Flite XTs allow you to really feel secure and locked-in. Whenever 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 of particularly sustainable), polyester, spandex
Cutest: Darn Powerful Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks
Darn Powerful
Critter Membership Light-weight Micro Crew Socks
You don’t want to have handsome gear to have an incredible day outdoors—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 slightly extra pep in your step. That’s one of many causes we love Darn Powerful’s Critter Membership Socks (and why they’d make a nice reward 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, tender really feel and all of the sweat- and stink-managing properties of Merino wool. Their “micro crew” size is shorter than a typical 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
Finest for Blister Prevention: Injinji Out of doors Midweight Crew Wool
Injinji
Out of doors Midweight Crew Wool
Winding up with a blister between your toes is so annoying that you simply would possibly surprise in case your hike has been cursed. Sidestep that challenge with a very good pair of toe socks, just like the Out of doors 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, be certain 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 Mountain climbing 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 stage 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 decide their cushioning stage based mostly on how they like their socks to really feel, Peikon says you must also think about the climate forecast. Much less cushioned socks are higher for decent climate, whereas mid- and heavyweight pairs will present insulation towards the chilly.
Peikon says it’s additionally good to take your hike’s size under consideration. A light-weight sock will really feel nice on day hikes, however will most likely be missing on longer efforts. In the event you’re taking up an extended or extra intense route, go for medium cushion socks. “The additional padding can present a level of shock absorption with every step whilst you’re carrying a loaded pack,” she explains.
Thick, closely cushioned socks are additionally nice for prolonged durations outdoors. Simply needless to say their chunky design can have an effect on how your mountain climbing boot suits. “It may be clever to check them out on a brief stroll, quite than heading straight out for a protracted day on the path,” Peikon says.
Once more, this can be a matter of non-public desire. However for those who’re unsure which sock peak is best for you, consider it as a type of safety towards the weather.
No-show socks will preserve you cool, however received’t preserve your ankles protected from scrapes or bugs. Crew socks (the “go-to for many hikers,” as Peikon places it) are nice for average safety and work effectively 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 title of holding your toes dry, Peikon recommends avoiding cotton socks as a result of they’re extra more likely to retain (quite than shed) extra moisture. And that may ship your hike down will rapidly: Moist socks “present an ideal setting for blisters to type,” Peikon says.
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