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What are the best winter hiking socks?
Quality socks that are made for hiking and long walks can allow you to enjoy winter to the fullest. Cold feet can quickly ruin a hike, so don’t let it happen to you. Proper winter hiking gear is all you mostly need to be able to feel pleasant even in the harshest weather of the year. Below is a list of some of the best socks for hiking in winter.
All of them are warm, durable and extra comfortable in winter boots.
Table of Contents
Best Winter Hiking Socks
Are there any good lightweight hiking socks for winter?
There are. Winter hiking socks come in various thicknesses. There are thinner and thicker winter socks out there. However, the warmest winter socks will always be on the thicker side because they need to be breathable too. To do that they need to have some fluffiness to them.
Best Hiking Socks for Men
Men’s winter socks for your next trip to a snowy mountain peak.
1. DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Socks (click for more details)
Durable short crew hiking socks for men.
Overall, the best winter hiking socks, our favorite.
Great price for three pairs. Targeted cushioning and padding reduce the risk of blisters, aches and aid. Reinforced design reduces slipping and bunching, as well as makes them more durable. Ventilation mesh lanes are great for airflow optimization and odor prevention. While Merino wool that they are made of allows them to adjust to different temperatures and seasons.
According to the manufacturer, this wool is sourced in an animal friendly way.
MATERIAL: 40% Merino wool blend
BEST FOR: Winter hikes, traveling or everyday wear
Read more: Best Hiking Socks for Summer, Best Bamboo Socks for Hiking and Everyday
2. Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Socks (click for more details)
Full cushion wool hiking socks with lifetime guarantee.
The cushion is installed throughout the entire sock for maximum comfort. These heavy winter socks are mid calf high. Undetectable seams give them an invisible feel. Made out of Merino wool fiber, these socks can be worn in any weather — they dry fast and quickly wicks away any moisture. The price performance ratio is really good, considering that these socks come with a life long guarantee.
The producer follows the Responsible Wool Standard that protects animal welfare and stands for sustainable farming.
MATERIAL: Merino Wool, Nylon, Spandex
BEST FOR: Hiking, climbing, camping
3. MIRMARU Men’s Hiking Moisture Wicking Socks (click for more details)
Backpacking socks with extra support for Achilles, shin and arch.
These socks are twice as thick as regular ones and offer cushion for the shin and special support for Achilles and arch. They are also made to snug your leg and won’t slip off. All that makes them suitable for heavy winter boots. Additionally, they are breathable and moisture wicking which prevent sweat and odor.
Great price for a pack of five pairs.
Pay attention that these socks are made of cotton, not wool.
MATERIAL: Cotton, Coolmax, Polyurethane
BEST FOR: Hiking, skiing, trail running, winter cycling
Best Hiking Socks for Women
Women’s winter socks for your next Northern lights expedition.
4. EnerWear Women’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks (click for more details)
Full cushion socks for hiking in winter.
Overall the best hiking socks for women, our favorite.
These socks are entirely cushioned for extra comfort. There is a reinforced heel and toe. Breathable mesh supports insteps and the sole has special moisture management properties. These socks are specially designed not to slip off when walking long distances in winter boots.
Machine wash and tumble dry on low is allowed.
However, washing by hand ensures longevity.
MATERIAL: 42% Wool, 34% Acrylic, 20% Polyester, 3% Nylon, 1% Spandex
BEST FOR: Hiking, mountaineering, skiing, long time outdoor work
5. Darn Tough Hiker Women’s Micro Crew Socks (click for more details)
Women’s Merino hiking socks with a lifetime guarantee.
Performance fit installed around the calf assures no slipping off and no blisters. Mid level density cushion under the foot gives pleasant comfort. Undetectable seam finish makes them extra smooth. They are micro crew high and therefore rise below mid-calf. Made of a mix of Merino wool, nylon and spandex, these socks are super durable.
These socks are on the pricier side, but with lifetime guarantee they will last you long.
MATERIAL: 59% Merino Wool, 39% Nylon, 2% Lycra Spandex
BEST FOR: Hiking, orienteering, mountaineering
6. Tom & Mary Women’s Double Cushioned Socks (click for more details)
Women’s hiking socks with a full double cushion.
Although there is a double cushion throughout the entire sock, they are neither too thick, nor too thin. Mesh infused moisture wicking technology is used for better breathability. Their stay-up compression prevents them from slipping off. These socks are half calf high. And they are machine washable for your convenience.
Great deal for a pack of socks with different color combinations.
Note that they are made out of cotton, not wool.
MATERIAL: 84% Combed Cotton, 14% Polyester, 2% Elastane
BEST FOR: Running, jogging, skiing
How to Find the Best Winter Hiking Socks For Yourself?
How to find the best socks for warmth that suits your needs?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.
1. Warmth
It’s the most important quality to look for in winter hiking socks.
Most of warmest socks for hiking will have some percentage of wool fiber in them. There is no other material that performs so well in different seasons. Additionally, look for thick hiking socks because the extra cushioning and padding not only make the leg feel comfortable in heavy winter boots but also adds warmth. There are also some knit techniques that make the fabric thicker and therefore warmer too.
Layering can be applied not only to the tops and bottoms (men’s Merino wool base layer pants, women’s Merino wool base layer bottoms), but socks too. And there are people who prefer cotton instead of wool all year round. Check out base layer socks if your winter hiking socks are not warm enough.
2. Height
Keep in mind your winter boot height when choosing the socks.
Even the most comfortable boots can leave bruises if the socks are too short. Most often winter socks for hiking have micro crew height for ankle boots and mid calf height for taller boots. And, of course, you can wear taller socks for shorter boots if you want. The higher the boot the more stable they fit on your feet. They are also warmer and they are more comfortable in heavy snow than shorter boots. However, shorter boots have a lighter feel and therefore are more mobile to move around.
To decide on the height, consider the winter conditions you will be in.
3. Material
What material are warm winter socks made of?
Natural and synthetic fiber blends are very popular because they provide the best qualities from the both. Wool is breathable, anti-odor and suitable for different temperatures. Whereas, synthetic materials are more durable, resist pilling and have even smarter moisture wicking and quick drying properties.
If you prefer vegan hiking socks, your best choice will be cotton and synthetic fiber blends. If so, it may be a good idea to add an extra layer of socks because cotton usually isn’t as warm as wool.
Breathability is another important quality to have in winter hiking socks. These socks should not only be extra warm and comfortable, but also keep the moisture away by allowing some air circulation.
4. Functional Design
This is why special socks made for hiking are much better than regular socks.
Padding at the sole and special arch bands create the support that makes your feet less tired on a long, multi-day hike. Padding for the shine is another feature for comfort to have when wearing heavy winter boots. Reinforced heel and toe area is what makes one hiking socks last longer than others. Invisible seams are also great to have to reduce any unnecessary friction that can lead to blisters on a longer walk.
High quality hiking socks are more expensive than regular socks, but you get so much more in return. And they last longer too.
What is your experience with hiking socks? How many pairs do you usually pack with yourself? What’s the best winter hiking socks you have tried so far?
Featured photo by Pixabay from Pexels
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