Best Wool Socks for Hiking (Plus 2 Alternatives to Wool)

Wool socks might not be the first thing you think of when you go hiking. But if you are serious about getting some good hikes in, these socks will help you out. They’re like a personal tour guide for comfort, as they don’t perspire, so your feet will stay dry and free of blisters caused by heat while you roam in the woods. Whether you’re running or walking in nature, you deserve a good quality pair of socks, not those cheap, run-of-the-mill ones, that keep you comfortable all day long.

Here are the best pairs of wool socks for hiking: COZIA Merino Wool Socks, Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks, Enerwear Women’s Merino Wool Crew Socks, and B&P’s Unisex Wool Socks.

Check them out on Amazon through the links listed below. Interested in getting some inside scoop before proceeding with your purchase? Then continue reading!

If you are an avid hiker, you should always keep a good pair of socks handy. One of the most sensitive parts of your body is your feet, and when walking long distances, they get the worst beating. This is why you need to invest in a comfortable pair of hiking socks that wick away moisture and provide the right padding.

I’ve found that wool is a much better fabric for me when I’m out doing something in the cold or if I’m doing something strenuous.You see, the thing about merino wool is that it provides excellent insulation, absorbing moisture but allowing sweat to evaporate. Socks made from wool are odor-resistant, so you end up with less foot stink! On the other hand, cotton, acrylic, and polyester socks don’t offer adequate insulation from cold air.

Have you experienced sore feet, freezing toes, or wet feet? These are three of your worst enemies, specifically when you’re on a ten-mile hike. How do the wool socks listed in this article solve the problem? By providing ample breathability, warmth and cushioning, they prevent the dreaded sore foot syndrome.

In case you’re not a fan of wool, I’ve also included two non-wool socks that can take your hiking adventure to the next level. Let’s get started!

Best Wool Socks for Hiking

Nothing influences your outdoor experience like the quality of your socks. Wearing thin socks while hiking, traveling, bicycling, swimming, downhill skiing, or snowboarding can be an absolute nightmare.

I love nightmares, but only in movies. In real life, I wear cotton socks while riding to the hiking location in my car, then change into my faithful Merino wool socks before donning my hiking boots.

COZIA Merino Wool Socks For Men & Women

The COZIA Merino Wool Socks are one of my top choices for hiking socks.

MCOZIA Merino Wool Socks (Unisex)

Each day is an exciting new journey full of opportunities to discover parts of the world you’ve never seen, meet fascinating new people, and, yes, try on a great pair of socks.

These socks will give you the freedom to explore a lot more and never worry about getting tired too soon. Made with the finest fabric, they will help your feet smell fresher and stay drier.

These are just a few of their awe-inspiring features!

80% Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, and 1% Spandex
Comfortable for your feet
Natural temperature regulation and eye-catchy engineered design
All-day long thermal socks
Available in variable sizes
Perfect for hiking
100% satisfaction guarantee

Check out the following websites for the best deals on these socks:

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock

If you are tired of your worn-out socks, try the Darn Tough Mirco Crew Hiker socks! These socks are made from fine Merino wool and knit to give a tighter weave that inhibits bacterial growth. In fact, the thickness of the material provides a comfortable cushion for your feet when performing intense activities at high altitudes. It also has a sweat-wicking property to ensure air circulation as you are hiking along an arduous trail.

DARN TOUGH Men’s Merino Wool Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks:

Produced in the United States under strict quality control, they are the strongest, most durable socks you can buy today. It’s no surprise that the manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee!

All-day and all-weather comfort
Thermoregulating
Naturally antimicrobial
Merino wool
Outstanding durability
Fast action moisture wicking

For the best prices and selections, you can trust these websites:

Enerwear 4Pack Women’s Merino Wool Crew Sock

The Enerwear Merino Wool Crew Sock is a perfect gift for the hiker girl who like to travel light but be comfortable.

EnerWear Women’s Merino Wool Outdoor Hiking Crew Sock

Whether you’re hiking in the forest, camping in the wild or crossing the white peak, these socks can take it all.

Each pack contains four pairs of beautiful socks and is sold at a reasonable price everywhere you can find it online.

86% Merino Wool, 10% Polyester, 3% Nylon, 1% Spandex
Ideal for outdoor activities including walk and hiking
Moisture-wicking, odor-fighting comfort

Check out these retailers for the best prices and selections:

Use the Smart Wool Sock Finder to find the right type of socks for every occasion. Simply click this link to take their quiz and find out which socks you’re supposed to be wearing at every moment in time, starting from now.

Buttons & Pleats Wool Socks (For Men & Women)

The B&P Unisex Merino Wool Socks are warm, comfortable, and durable. From winter camping to cycling, these socks will keep your feet cozy and protected..

Buttons & Pleats Wool Socks for Men & Women

So go ahead, run that half-marathon or hike up the tallest mountain. Available in vibrant and diverse colors, these socks can withstand any kind of escapade you take them on! When you first slip your feet inside, you’ll notice the socks’ high quality construction.

80% merino wool, 15% Polyester, 4% nylon and 1% Spandex
Strong and durable fibres
Itch-free comfort
Breathable and odor-free

Check these retailers for the best price and selection:

Best Alternative To Wool Hiking Socks

We’ve talked about wool socks, but there are also some fantastic cotton socks that can be worn when you’re hiking. They work as well as a good quality pair of wool socks.

Why settle for anything less than the best when there are several wool-free socks out there? I’m here to make sure you get your money’s worth by curating the top non-wool socks you might consider

MIRMARU Men’s Performance Outdoor Socks

Made from non-wool moisture wicking materials, the MIRMARU Moisture Wicking Outdoor sock is accented with extra cushioning on the bottom, which makes your feet feel cushy and comfortable.

Men’s Multi Performance Outdoor Sports Hiking Trekking Crew Socks:

You will love your MIRMARU socks! And if for any reason you’re not satisfied, contact the company within 30 days of the purchase and they will provide a full refund.

Warm and comfortable
Breathable and moisture wicking
Reinforced with high-density fibers, cotton and coolmax
Extra cushion without wearing out too fast.

Check the following retailers to compare price and selection:

MIRMARU Women’s Hiking Socks

The MIRMARU Moisture Wicking Outdoor Socks are a perfect alternative to wool socks. Although it is not made with wool, it has the same qualities and can keep your feet warm in the winter months.

Compare Price for Women’s Hiking Socks:

Who doesn’t love a good deal? When you buy from MIRMARU, you’re getting high-quality socks at an unbeatable price. Plus, the warranty they offer is one of the best I’ve ever seen.

Comfortable fabric
88% Cotton, 7% Rubber, 5% Polyester
Breathable and moisture wicking
Supporting elastic
Machine washable & machine dry! (can’t say that about wool)

Check the following retailers to compare price and selection:

How to Choose Perfect Hiking Socks

When choosing hiking socks, there are three main things to consider:

The sock’s height
The sock’s fit
The amount of support and cushioning
The type of fabric

Let’s briefly examine each of these options in detail.

Sock’s Height

One of the factors that you must consider when choosing hiking socks is the height of the socks. This is important because if your socks are shorter than your hiking boots, the interior of the boots will rub against your skin and cause blisters or other abrasions.

The height of your socks should correspond with the height of your boots. For example, if you are wearing leather hiking boots that go up past your calf, then you would need knee-high socks. However, if you are wearing lighter hiking shoes, then ankle-high socks may be more appropriate.

Ideally, hiking socks should come up to your mid-calf. Socks of this length are referred to as “crew socks.”

Sock’s Fit

If your toes touch the front section of your sock and your heel rests on the heel portion of the sock, then you’ve found a perfect fit. Overall, the sock will be snug but not too tight on your feet.

Some socks have extra arch support. If you need it, these are good. But there are also many different options for obtaining the arch support you require, including slipping orthotics into your shoes.

Sock Cushioning

Cushioning reduces the shock that your feet feel when you walk on different surfaces like concrete, grass, and carpet. Cushioning can relieve foot pain and improve foot comfort, which is why it’s an important element of your socks. There are four types of cushioning a sock can have, depending on the brand.

They are: no cushioning, light cushioning, medium cushioning, and heavy cushioning.

It’s a good idea to choose your socks based on the season and your personal preferences. When you’re out and about in hot weather, your feet will be fine in socks with no cushioning. But in the winter, if you’re walking through snow or battling the elements, you should wear heavily cushioned socks.

Fabric Type

Hiking socks are made from a combination of fabrics in order to create a sock that is both comfortable and supportive. All these materials have their place in creating a good hiking sock, so don’t be fooled into thinking that a sock is only made from one source.

Wool is used to make the socks more breathable and moisture resistant, while polyester prolongs durability. Nylon adds strength and elasticity, silk helps to prevent bacteria growth, and spandex gives the foot some flexibility while wicking away moisture.

Merino wool is the most important of these because it absorbs moisture from your feet and keeps them warm.

Final Words

Wool socks are best suited for hiking because they keep our feet warm on cold winter days when we all love to get cozy.

But when you’re out there on the trail, the only thing worse than being out in the snow is being out in the snow without wool socks. Save yourself time and discover the perfect pair of socks through our direct links to Amazon.