#10 Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters 2023
You need the right socks if you want to enjoy the great outdoors. Even though stinky, sweaty feet are annoying and can ruin your fun, the real trouble starts when you get painful blisters on your feet. This article has compiled a list of the best hiking socks to prevent blisters. These are some of the best you can buy.
👤 Written by: | A. K. Sari |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 41 views |
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Hikers need a good pair of hiking socks to keep their feet from getting blisters. The foot is the most important part of the body because it helps us walk. So it makes sense that we would want hiking socks to keep our feet from getting hurt or feeling bad.
If you’ve ever had a hot spot or blister after a long day of hiking, you know how important good socks are. With the right hiking socks, your feet won’t get blisters and will feel clean and comfortable. That’s why we made a listed product of the best hiking socks to prevent blisters with an excellent rating on the market. So, Let’s discuss the best hiking socks to prevent blisters below!
Table of contents
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1.Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks: Best Wicks Well and Dries Well
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2.Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock: Best Mid-level Cushion Underfoot
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3.Dickies Wool Blend Boot Crew Socks: Best Wool-blend Thermal Construction
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4.Wrightsock CoolMesh II Quarter Socks: Best Lightweight Quarter Socks
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5.Swiftwick PURSUIT FOUR Durable Crew: Best Performance-focused Sock
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6.Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew: Best Moisture Management
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7.Icebreaker Merino Mens Hike+ Light Crew Sock: Best Odor Resistant
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8.Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Ankle: Best Breathable Socks
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9.REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Ultralight Hiking Socks : Best Synthetic Material
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10.REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks : Best Wool Performance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
Do blister socks work?
There is evidence that anti-blister socks help keep blisters from happening. Anti-blister guarantees ensure you won’t pay for socks that don’t keep your feet from getting blisters. But sometimes blisters have nothing to do with your socks and can be fixed in other ways. But one way to protect your feet is to wear the best hiking socks to avoid blisters.
How to choose the great style of best hiking socks to prevent blisters?
Before you buy hiking socks, you need to know what style you want. The most important types for hiking are no-show, 1/4 sock (just above the ankle), shorty, micro crew, mid-calf, and over the calf. When you hike with trail runners, you will like to wear socks that don’t show or quarter socks. You will like to wear crew or mid-calf hiking boots when you go hiking. It depends on your want. You’ll always be ready by buying a few pairs of different styles.
What material should I consider when choosing the best hiking socks to prevent blisters?
You should pay attention to what was used to make your hiking socks. Merino wool is used in many of the socks on this list. Merino wool is one of the best things you can use to make shoes out of. It is a very soft fabric that is used in many hiking items. That’s because it keeps you warm for how light it is. It can keep you warm when you need it to and cool and dry when you sweat. You can also find Nylon, Spandex, and Polyester in this post.
Is it better to wear thin or thick socks to prevent blisters?
Thinner socks dry faster than thicker ones. They also keep you dry and comfortable by pulling moisture away from your skin. This makes it less likely that your feet will get blisters. If you wear thick socks and have tight spots in your shoes, you may have health problems because blood can’t flow.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Injinji
Liner Crew Toesocks | #1 | Amazon Injinji.com eBay |
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Darn Tough
Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock | #2 | Amazon Darntough.com eBay |
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Dickies
Wool Blend Boot Crew Socks | #3 | Amazon Dickies.com eBay |
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Wrightsock
CoolMesh II Quarter Socks | #4 | Amazon Wrightsock.com eBay |
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Swiftwick
PURSUIT FOUR Durable Crew | #5 | Amazon Swiftwick.com eBay |
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Smartwool
Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew | #6 | Amazon Smartwool.com eBay |
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Icebreaker Merino
Mens Hike+ Light Crew Sock | #7 | Amazon Icebreaker.com eBay |
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Smartwool
Run Targeted Cushion Ankle | #8 | Amazon Smartwool.com eBay |
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REI Co-op
COOLMAX EcoMade Ultralight Hiking Socks | #9 | Amazon Rei.com eBay |
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REI Co-op
Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks | #10 | Amazon Rei.com eBay |
10 List of Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks
Best Wicks Well and Dries Well
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Once you get used to toe socks, you might not want to return. Injinji socks are comfortable, fit well, and can be worn numerous ways. You can put these clever socks inside any other pair of hiking socks you have for extra protection on the trail. They fit close to your feet and toes and wick away moisture to keep your feet and toes dry and comfortable. They dry quickly at the end of the day so you can use them again the next morning.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Wicks well and dries well
Comfortable
AffordableCons (reasons to avoid)
Run slightly smallWhat other experts liked
This pair of socks is so soft. So soft. Even though they don't feel as thick as wool socks, they are made to keep your feet cool and dry.What other experts didn't like
My Darn Tough and SmartWool wool socks dried faster than the TRAIL 2.0 Midweight Micro. Toes, not the foot, took longer to dry. Especially if my socks were soaked from rain, not perspiration. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock
Best Mid-level Cushion Underfoot
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Darn Tough Micro Hiker is a great hiking sock because it has a tight, durable weave and is made of a good mix of materials. It also fits perfectly. Their Micro Hiker has a nice cushion in the middle that doesn’t feel too soft but is still comfortable. Because the socks are a mix of wool and synthetic fibers, they can keep your feet warm or cool. These blister hiking socks are some of the most expensive, but they are durable and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Mid-level cushion underfoot
Lifetime Warranty
Durable
Moisture ManagementCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
Even though they've been washed many times, they still feel soft and don't pill. The heel and toe box aren't flattened out like I see on a lot of other cushioned socks.What other experts didn't like
Don't buy these socks because they will look SO OLD after just one wash. What a shame that it cost so much. Disappointing. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Dickies Wool Blend Boot Crew Socks
Best Wool-blend Thermal Construction
1 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The price is hard to beat when you get socks that fit this well and have the heel and toe areas reinforced to make them last longer. This fabric’s moisture-wicking fibers keep your feet warm and dry. Also, the heavy cushioning all over the foot and leg comes from the high-bulk acrylic fibers. It has a heel and toe that go back and forth to make it fit and feel better. Dickies Wool Blend Boot Crew Socks also have a full cushion and a heel and toe that are reinforced for more comfort.
Pros (reasons to buy)
2-pack
Heavyweight
Wool-blend thermal construction
Moisture-wicking fabric
Full cushioningCons (reasons to avoid)
It easily bunches off at the bottomWhat other experts liked
They are good. They are warm, but not too warm. Easy to put on and made well. I think they're good.What other experts didn't like
The elastic is too tight for my skinny legs, and even after months of use, fuzz is still coming off the inside. When I take them off, it looks like I'm still wearing socks. Suck. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Wrightsock CoolMesh II Quarter Socks
Best Lightweight Quarter Socks
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:If you want a very light hiking sock, the WrightSock CoolMesh II is a great choice. These ultralight synthetic socks work better than most in warm weather and handle moisture better than most. These blister hiking socks have an innovative two-layer design with an inner and an outer layer that can be seen. In addition to being made uniquely, they are also very comfortable and fit well. It makes a remarkable ultralight sock for minimalist hikers or trail runners.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Very Comfortable
Super LightweightCons (reasons to avoid)
Durability
Lacks CushionWhat other experts liked
The Coolmesh II socks were comfy, particularly given the price. Coolmesh II prioritizes breathability and moisture wicking above cushioning and fit.What other experts didn't like
The size was smaller than expected. The weave was thinner than expected. The weave is thinner than on earlier Wright socks. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Swiftwick PURSUIT FOUR Durable Crew
Best Performance-focused Sock
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Swiftwick knows how to make socks that work well and have great tech. These socks have excellent quality and seem to have a knack for creating designs that work well. Because of their compression, cushioning, and active panels, keep your feet at a good temperature. They feel too tight for everyday use, but this is a good design choice when you need performance. Pursuit Four is between an ankle sock and a crew sock, and its height is excellent for protecting the ankle.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Performance-Focused Sock
Wonderful Fit
Breathable
Decent Cushion
Moisture ManagementCons (reasons to avoid)
Skews Towards Performance Over Casual UseWhat other experts liked
I possess multiple Swiftwick Sox. These socks are perfect for cooler weather since they protect my ankles. Comfortable.What other experts didn't like
Tight. I'm a size big and have 10.5-inch feet. Large sizes cut circulation and cause ankle pressure marks. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew
Best Moisture Management
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Smartwool blister hiking socks have been a favorite sock brand among hikers for a long time. The Performance Hike is probably their most popular pair of hiking socks, which work out great. The socks have been very durable. The design of the sock is impressive, and it fits our feet perfectly, so it doesn’t bunch up or slip. Extra padding in the toes and heels is noticeable and makes the socks last longer. The socks feel like they are between light and medium weight.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Moisture Management
Comfort
Colorway & Patterns
Odor Resistant
Excellent Fit
BreathableCons (reasons to avoid)
Lacks Lifetime WarrantyWhat other experts liked
They fit well, don't bunch up or move around, and keep my feet warm without making them feel stifled and hot. They are worth it.What other experts didn't like
This sock isn't as well-fitted as a run sock and isn't thick enough for winter. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Icebreaker Merino Mens Hike+ Light Crew Sock
Best Odor Resistant
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Icebreaker Merino lightweight wool Hike+ Light hiking socks are very soft. It’s a great all-purpose sock that feels good and works well in various temperatures. The design is good, and it fits snugly around the middle of the foot and the ankle. The comfort of the fabric is great because it is soft and doesn’t itch. It also does a great job of keeping odors away and moisture out. The Hike+ Light is an excellent low-cut hiking sock that helps keep blisters from happening.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Comfort
Odor Resistant
Excellent Fit
BreathableCons (reasons to avoid)
ExpensiveWhat other experts liked
Even though they are winter socks, they breathe well and are very comfortable. I like the new colors as well. It was well worth the money.What other experts didn't like
The first time they were worn, one of the socks had a big hole in the back. I wouldn't buy this style again because of problems with the quality. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Ankle
Best Breathable Socks
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Run Targeted socks from Smartwool are an excellent choice for hot days. It’s a light, breathable sock that keeps trail runners’ and hikers’ feet dry. The wool blend in the socks has more nylon, making the socks thinner while still making them strong. The fit is comfortable and snug without slipping or bunching, which is important if you plan to run for a long time. These blister hiking socks use its Indestructawool in high-wear areas to make the fabric last longer.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Super Lightweight
Comfortable
Breathable
Excellent Trail Running SockCons (reasons to avoid)
Durability
PaddingWhat other experts liked
The front of these socks has extra padding, right where I need it. I now have four pairs, and if I need more, I will buy more.What other experts didn't like
Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Low Ankle Socks pill. I've just started using a dryer. I'm astonished at how soon the forefoot and heel of the socks pilled - Have a problem
with this product?#9REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Ultralight Hiking Socks
Best Synthetic Material
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:REI Co-op makes a great synthetic hiking sock that won’t break the bank. Synthetic socks work very well in warm climates and are very good at keeping moisture away. The hiking socks work well in warm weather and have a light level of cushioning and support. Even though it is light, it is nice to have support in a light sock. Coolmax polyester is good for the environment because it is made from scraps of textiles. The fabric is soft and nice to the touch.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Affordable
Unisex
Synthetic material
Moisture managementCons (reasons to avoid)
Synthetic Holds On To SmellWhat other experts liked
Very good for hiking when it's hot out! I wore these with a dry suit when I went packrafting, and I was pretty warm.What other experts didn't like
They can't stay in place. I was trying to be aware of the environment, but my socks taught me a lesson. - Have a problem
with this product?#10REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
Best Wool Performance
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:These blister hiking socks are sure to have a wool hiking sock that won’t break the bank. These hiking socks do an excellent job for a sock that costs a small fraction of what other socks do. The wool fabric keeps you warm and is comfortable. The socks are called “lightweight” by REI Co-op, but they are more like “mid-weight.” Compared to the lighter wool socks that cost more, these feel old. It’s a classic hiking sock made of thick fabric with extra support in the heel and toes.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Wool Performance
Wonderful Value
CushionCons (reasons to avoid)
Dated Design
Meh ColorsWhat other experts liked
Great socks for weight. Not too warm, but not too light either.What other experts didn't like
I used the size chart to order these socks, and the heel pad is about halfway up the back of my calf. Even drying them on high on purpose didn't help.
Conclusion: Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters
Great hiking socks are often mostly made of merino wool, which is excellent at wicking away moisture and keeping your feet at the right temperature in most weather. Or a blend of wool and synthetics, which works well in warmer climates and can keep your feet from getting smelly. These materials are used to make some of the products we’ve suggested. So you don’t have to worry about getting blisters if you follow our suggestions for the best hiking socks to prevent blisters.