There are loads of different sock choices for hikers and trail runners. I run and hike around 2000 miles a year and have done everything from crossing deserts to frozen arctic lakes and everything in between. Here are my top choices for socks for trails to keep your feet happy and blister free. I’ve made a choice for every conditions you might get, including cold, hot,comfort,blister prevention, wet and even running without shoes!

I have a more in depth blog here about preventing blisters and caring for your feet here. I’ve also got a guide to the best trail shoes here.

Best Socks on a Budget – THIRTY 48 Socks

THIRTY 48 Running socks are a great option for socks when you are on a budget. They are made of a coolmax synthetic fabric that keep your feet cool and wick sweat away from your feet quickly helping to prevent blisters. They have a comfort heel tab to avoid heels of shoes rubbing, and padded toe and heel areas for greater comfort. You can grab a 3 pack for under $25 which is superb value for money.

With Outdoor clothing and equipment I usually say that you get what you pay for with quality. There is always an exception to any rule and the THIRTY 48 Running Socks are that rare exception of a decent Summer lightweight cool running sock but with a 3 pack for less than $25.

You can read a more in depth review here.

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Best Toe Socks – Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Sock

These midweight socks are made of coolmax fibres to wick away sweat from your feet. I found that the fit was snug ( which is what you want with running socks) without being too tight. These are the more ‘all rounder’ sock for Spring and Fall.

These socks have the individuals toes on the sock to keep the skin on your toes from rubbing against each other. They also have a supporting strip round the arch of your foot to apply a very small amount of support to reduce fatigue. I also noticed that the base of the sock has an increased amount of padding as well to increase comfort. I wrote a more in depth review here.

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Best Synthetic Socks- Hilly Monoskins

These socks are hard to come by in the USA but they have been a choice of mine for over 5 years as a day to day sock when out on the trails. I also crossed the Sahara Desert in the Marathon des Sables wearing these socks.

They are fast drying, easy to care for and have a design which means they are basically seamless so you don’t get any hot spots on your feet when you wear them for a long time in one go. They get a strong recommendation in my Ultra Kit List Guide here.

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Best For Summer Heat – Darn Tough Coolmax Vertex No Show Tab Ultra-Light Sock

These socks have a roughly 50/50 mix of nylon and merino wool with a few percent more lycra for stretch and fit. They have a low cut ankle and a slightly more padded area round the underside of the foot and ankle/heel for added comfort. These are a superb choice for trail running in the Summer.

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Best Hybrid Synthetic/Merino Socks – Darn Tough

Darn Tough do a fantastic job of creating very hard wearing, seamless comfortable socks with a great contoured fit, blend of wool and synthetic materials and a lifetime guarantee. These socks are warm when they need to be, cool in the Summer and wick moisture away from your feet to help prevent blisters. They dry fast , maintain their warmth even if your feet have been immersed in a river crossing and wash up well in washing machines without bobbling or shrinking.

At their price point of around $20 these are absolutely superb all round socks for outdoor hikers and trail runners. My only gripe is the huge range of confusing names and options! If you are serious about outdoor comfort then you will not be disappointed.

PURCHASE $21

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Best Dual Layer Socks – Hilly Twin Skin Socks

Hilly Twin Skin Socks are a double layer trail sock that is designed to wick moisture quickly away from your feet and provide a friction free day on the trails.

I’ve been a fan of the Hilly brand since I was a runner in the UK. They are harder to find here in the USA but well worth the hunt. These socks are great for people that are in their feet all day and at risk from blisters because the dual layer means that moisture is wicked away quickly and there is little or no friction occurring to your feet because the two layers slide over each other slightly.

You can find out more in my in depth review here.

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Best Merino Socks – Wildly Good

Wildly Good Socks are made from lightweight Australian Merino Wool with extra heel and toe cushioning. A small friendly USA company with a 1 year guarantee and 1% donation to environmental causes. The softest socks for Hiking and Running I’ve ever reviewed.

Wildly Good sell direct and not via retail outlets which removes the middle man and means these $14 socks punch well above their price range and are comparable to socks twice the price we see in stores. They are also a USA company so you get to support a local business.

PURCHASE $14

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Best Eco Friendly Socks – Rockay Flare Socks

The Rockay Flare Running Sock is made from 100% recycled ocean waste. It features a cushioned toe and heel and breathable mesh zones on top to help keep your feet cool and moisture free. They also use polygiene anti-odor technology to prevent your feet smelling like the sea even if they are made from things from the sea.

In the Summer months I’m always looking out for a thin pair of breathable socks that keep my feet dry and cool on trails. Whats interesting about these socks is that they are made entirely from recycled materials from waste found in the ocean so you get the added benefit of having a positive impact on the environment too.

You can find out more about these in my in depth blog here.

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Best Socks for Wet and Dry Conditions – Topo Sports Socks

The Topo Designs Sports Socks are a Nylon Blend Sock in varsity inspired colors with a reinforced toe and heel for comfort. They are breathable and sweat wicking and have a comfortable elastic ankle.

At $15 you get the usual Topo Designs bomb proof build quality and a sock that’s friction free, comfortable and quick drying. I would opt for these socks on days that you’ll be crossing streams on trails a lot, doing muddy and wet obstacle course races, or when you are lounging round the house and want to make a ‘foot statement’. Either way you wont be disappointed.

PURCHASE $15

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Best Waterproof Socks – Sealskinz

When I found out about waterproof breathable socks it was like discovering witchcraft. There are a few makes out there but the best by far are the sealskinz. I opt for the military spec ones that come up to the knee so that splashing etc is less likely to get inside.

The sock is basically like a waterproof breathable jacket on the outside and a wool lined heavy duty sock on the inside. I think there is a middle thin one way moisture membrane sandwiched inbetween that allows sweat and moisture to evaporate outwards but doesn’t allow water in.

For a very cold wet hike or trail run that might last more than an hour where you know you are likely to get wet or muddy feet these socks are an absolute must. Just be aware they are only breathable up to a point so any more that about 6 hours in them and your feet will start to get clammy. When washing them you’ll need to wash them on a low temp and dry them by hanging them inside out, then the right way round. They require some care and will usually last a season before getting a bit leaky but they are well worth the effort. They are also rather thick so if you plan to use them a lot order hiking or trail shoes a half size up.

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Best Socks for Comfort – Balega Blister Resist

Balega Blister Resist Socks are made of Mohair. They are breathable, very comfortable and designed to have a seamless construction to avoid blisters. They come in three height options , No Show, Crew and Quarter.

These socks are made from  Mohair comes from goats and is considered a luxury fiber for its warmth and cool moisture wicking properties as well as how soft yet hard wearing it is. They are probably the most squishy and comfortable socks I own.

You can read my more in depth review here.

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Swiftwick Aspire Socks – Best for Compression and Support

The Swiftwick Aspire sock is stripped down to be as light as possible for maximum moisture wicking and coolness. There is less cushioning under foot that than maxus, with firmer compression round your feet for less fatigue.

They are super breathable and I think would make a great sock for long journeys on aircraft as much as they are great for trails.

Read my more in depth review on the entire Swiftwick range here.

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Barefoot FYF Socks – Best for Barefoot Running

What is the socks were so good you didn’t need shoes at all?

Its very hard to describe exactly WHAT these are. They are socks, but they are also like barefoot sneakers in a way. These toe socks are made from Dyneema which means the fabric feels like any good synthetic breathable sports sock (which it is) but the fabric is also very resistant to tears or breakage so you can feel pretty secure running or walking in these on trails (I even walked on broken glass on the beach to test them). The fabric also has a very smooth finish which means they are unlikely to give you blisters. The underside has a grippy silicon like dotted surface so they grip incredibly well too.

Although a bit fiddly to put on these socks are great for those days you are outdoors and climbing in and out of canoes or boats, having an easy walk on a trail or even a short trail run. They wash up well provided you wash them as instructed. I’ve had these a year and love them for the times you want to feel ‘free’ when outside but want a bit of added security on your feet just in case. I wrote a more in depth review of the FYF socks here.

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Injinji – Liner and Runner Socks

The new Liner + Sock from Injinji means you get this combo ‘straight out of the packet’ with two types of socks made for each other so the ankle and fit is perfect.. This combination means maximum cushioning for your feet with great wicking to keep feet dry and the double layer reduces friction which means you are less likely to get blisters. The individual toes on the ‘undersock’ also prevent the skin on your toes from rubbing together.

I recommend considering sizing a half size up on your trail shoes to accomodate the extra layer and keep in mind that in the height of Summer heat this combo may be too much and you may want to consider one of the other options in this guide. I wrote a more comprehensive guide on these socks here.

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Summary

That’s the range of all the socks I use for every possible conditions. If you liked this review you might also find my jackets guide for runners and my trail shoes for runners guide useful too.