Feet in hammock wearing merino wool hiking socks

Hiking Socks

Picking the right pair of socks makes all the difference on the trail. Whether it's a multi-day backpacking trip or a short nature walk, Darn Tough has the right hiking socks for you. Our Merino Wool hiking socks are the best hiking socks to prevent blisters, wick moisture, and keep your feet comfortable on the trail.

We knit a range of lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight hike socks with light cushioning to full cushion options for everyone from the thru hiker to the day hiker to summer walks. Our lightweight hiking socks make for great summer hiking socks or padded walking socks. Perfect for all-season performance, our midweight socks leverage Merino Wool’s moisture wicking properties to keep even sweaty feet dry in warm and cold weather, making them the best backpacking socks for everything from quick overnights to long-range trekking. If you’re looking for a go-to for winter hiking sock, our heavyweight mountaineering socks will keep your toes warm in extreme cold, and also double great as comfy slippers.

Consider your footwear when choosing your hike sock height. A low cut sock, like our no show socks and ankle socks, pairs well with hiking sandals and trail runners. Micro Crew socks, our shorter take on traditional crew socks, and taller styles pair well with boots and can also provide lower-leg protection when paired with low cut shoes. 

Whatever weight, height, and design you choose, your feet will enjoy all the benefits Merino socks have to offer. We strategically add in Lycra® Spandex and Nylon for unfailing fit and unrivaled durability.

Learn more about what makes these the best socks for hiking and backpacking, whether you're wearing hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail running shoes. Shop our selection of Men's Hiking Socks, Women's Hiking Socks, and Kids' Hiking Socks.

If you'd like to shop locally, Darn Tough socks can be found at 1,500 stores across the United States, including REI Co-op, Scheels, Murdochs, Sportsman's Warehouse, LL Bean, Bass Pro, Cabelas, and more.

The Best Socks for Hiking & Backpacking

Thru-hikers have trusted these socks on the trail for years. Day trekkers and people who just like good socks for hiking can wear them too.

Explore Hike

How to Choose Hiking Socks

We guide you through how to choose the best hiking socks for your next hike, whether that’s a quick jaunt to your favorite local spot or a several-thousand-mile-long trek.

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What to Wear Hiking

We will cover what materials are best for hiking, the clothing, shoes, and accessories and what to wear by the season as you set out for your hike.

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FAQs

Hiking socks are designed to protect your feet while hiking. They’re commonly knit using Merino Wool and should be breathable and moisture wicking. Darn Tough hiking socks are all cushioned, offering enhanced comfort, durability, and the best fit in hiking footwear.

Yes, hiking socks are essential. Good hiking socks prevent blisters and provide extra cushion to help reduce foot fatigue. Darn Tough Merino Wool hiking socks are naturally breathable, moisture wicking, and thermoregulating meaning they keep your feet warm even if they get wet.

Merino Wool socks are the best for hiking. Merino’s many inherent qualities – odor resistance and moisture wicking – make it one of the most desired fabrics for hiking socks. Darn Tough Merino Wool socks are good for hikers who favor performance and active sweat management.

Darn Tough Merino Wool socks are the best to wear with hiking boots. Depending on your boot height, you may want to try our micro crew or boot height socks. And if Merino’s breathability and moisture wicking properties aren’t enough, our hiking socks are also Guaranteed for Life and stylish, too.

For hiking in the summer, we recommend wearing a lightweight Merino Wool sock that breathes well. No matter how hot it gets, Darn Tough hiking socks are proven to reduce blisters and keep feet dry while you’re sweating. Plus, we’ve got unique styles that match every summer outfit.