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What are the best hiking socks for summer?
What are the best hiking socks for hot weather? Because it matters. Great hiking socks not only prevent friction between the foot and the hiking boot, but also offer ergonomic support for your feet, manage sweat and prevent odor. As a result you can walk more and do more before your feet feel tired.
Your feet deserve to be comfortable, dry and happy.
Table of Contents
Best Hiking Socks for Summer (Men & Women)
Once you try proper backpacking socks there’s no going back.
You just don’t want to wear regular socks for hiking anymore.
Are thick hiking socks better? To be clear, all hiking socks are a bit thicker than regular socks because they have reinforced panels in places where socks usually wear off. However, mostly summer socks are a little thinner than all season or winter socks.
Best Hiking Socks for Men
1. Smartwool PhD Outdoor Men’s Light Mini Socks (click for more details)
One of the very best hiking socks for summer.
Overall, the best hiking socks for men, our favorite.
These socks have a performance oriented fit with a light cushion at the bottom of the feet and a flex zone at the ankle joint. The mapped mesh panels offer extra breathability. And there are also reinforced high wear areas. The virtually seamless toe makes them blister free. Made of Merino wool blend, the socks are moisture wicking, soft and odor neutralizing.
MATERIAL: 57% Merino Wool, 40% Nylon, 3% Elastane
BEST FOR: Outdoor sports, climbing, trekking, mountaineering
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2. DARN TOUGH Men’s Hiking Socks, Merino Wool (click for more details)
4-seasons midweight Merino hiking socks.
The natural fiber makes them warm in winter and cool in summer. Merino wool also stands for fast action wicking that pulls moisture away and keeps your feet dry. There is also a mid-level density cushion under the foot. Undetectable seam fusion makes them ultra-smooth and ultra-comfortable.
At micro crew height they rise just above a standard hiking boot.
MATERIAL: 63% Merino Wool, 35% Nylon, 2% Lycra Spandex
BEST FOR: Multi-day hikes, camping, traveling
3. Merrell Men’s 3 Pack Performance Hiker Socks (click for more details)
Low cut lightweight hiking socks.
Great deal for 3 pairs of summer socks. These socks suit all the hiking needs – reinforced heel and toe for durability, elastic arch band and cushioned sole for better support. Wool makes them breathable and moisture wicking, helping you to keep your feet dry. Seamless toe closure prevents blisters.
These socks are not too warm and will make your feet feel less fatigue on a long summer hike than other, more thicker alternativse.
MATERIAL: 60% Acrylic, 25% Wool, 13% Nylon, 2% Lycra Spandex
BEST FOR: Backpacking, traveling, sports
See also our selection of the best winter hiking socks.
Best Hiking Socks for Women
4. Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks (click for more details)
Mohair wool hiking socks with high volume cushioning.
Overall, best women’s hiking socks, our favorite.
These socks are top performers for high intensity physical activities. They have wide arch bands for support, reinforced microfiber mesh ventilation panels to keep the feet dry, and extra deep heel pockets. The toes are hand linked for seamless finish that prevents blisters. Mohair and wool make them adaptable to all kinds of weather.
MATERIAL: 52% Drynamix Polyester 14% Mohair, 14% Wool, 7% Acrylic, 5% Nylon, 3% Microfibre, 3% Neofil, 2% Elastane
BEST FOR: Long hikes, trail running
5. Darn Tough Women’s Micro Crew Midweight Socks (click for more details)
No slip and no bunch hiking socks for women.
The socks have the extra support that makes them not to slip off when hiking in boots. They are micro crew height which means that they are just the right size to be worn with standard hiking boots. Mid-level density cushion under the foot and undetectable seam fusion adds to the comfort. And Merino wool makes them breathable, fast drying and adjustable to different temperatures.
The producer follows Responsible Wool Standard for reduced environmental impact.
MATERIAL: 59% Merino Wool, 39% Nylon, 2% Lycra Spandex
BEST FOR: Hiking, camping, climbing
6. innotree 5 Pack Women’s Cushioned Hiking Socks (click for more details)
Budget friendly, no blister thin hiking socks for summer.
Great deal for a pack of 5 pairs. The stay-up compressed top holds the sock on the calf and prevents slipping. As all quality hiking socks these socks have cushioning along the bottom of the foot and arch support. Speaking of the height, these lightweight socks rise up below mid-calf and suit standard hiking boots.
Moisture wicking and quick dry abilities make these socks great for outdoor sports.
MATERIAL: 50% Cotton, 45% nylon, 5% Lycra spandex
BEST FOR: Hiking, mountain biking, trail running
See also our selection of the best winter hiking socks.
Finding the Best Hiking Socks for Summer
How to find the best socks for hiking that suit your needs?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.
1. Height
Socks must fit and feel comfortable in your hiking boots.
Even the most comfortable boots can leave bruises if the socks are too short. Most often socks for hiking in summer have low cut or micro crew height. The higher the boot the more stable your feet will be which is why higher boots are better for rocky trails. Micro crew socks are high enough to give support against mid ankle and even high ankle hiking boots.
Whereas low cut socks will be better for low cut boots.
It’s also wise to choose socks with a good and not too tight grip around the ankle. To make sure that the socks will stay in place during long walks. If that is what you plan to use them for.
2. Material
What to look for in material for hot weather hiking socks?
Natural and synthetic fiber blends are perfect for hiking in hot weather. Because they provide the best qualities from both worlds. Wool is breathable, anti-odor and adjusts very well to changing temperatures. Whereas, the synthetic materials usually offer durability, resistance to pilling and smart moisture wicking and quick drying properties.
If you prefer vegan hiking socks, you may look in the direction of cotton and synthetic fibers. Usually cotton is not as warm as wool, but it shouldn’t be a problem in summer.
No matter the seasons, socks should be breathable, durable and comfortable.
3. Functional Design
This is why hiking socks are much better for hiking than regular socks.
Padding at the sole and special arch bands create the support that makes your feet less tired on a long hike. Reinforced heel and toe area is what makes hiking socks last for many seasons. Invisible seams may also sound like a tiny detail to have, but when it comes to the delicate skin on the feet every friction can lead to blisters on a longer walk. Seams that are linked so well that feel like no seams make the difference.
High quality hiking socks are more expensive than regular socks, but you also get so much more in return for your money.
4. Breathability
Steamy feet are no fun and can be dangerous too.
When the skin on the feet gets hot and moist, it not only makes them smell anti-social. It also makes them prone to rash, bruises and blisters. Additionally, a hot and moist environment makes it great for bacteria growth. Dealing with these issues on a hiking trip can turn it into a nightmare. It’s so much easier to just get yourself a pair of good, breathable socks.
Natural fiber, mesh panels for venting and special knit technology that makes the socks breathable are the best solutions for this. They keep your feet dry in all weather.
A pair of good hiking socks can serve you through the whole hiking trip without any disturbance and be washed when you get home — if you don’t have an option or if you don’t wash your clothes while traveling.
What is your experience with hiking socks? How many pairs do you usually pack with yourself? What are the best hiking socks for summer you have tried so far?
Featured photo by PNW Production from Pexels
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