#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
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📋 List: 10 items
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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!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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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.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Liner Crew Toesocks Injinji
Injinji
Liner Crew Toesocks
#1 Amazon Injinji.com eBay
Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock Darn Tough
Darn Tough
Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock
#2 Amazon Darntough.com eBay
Wool Blend Boot Crew Socks Dickies
Dickies
Wool Blend Boot Crew Socks
#3 Amazon Dickies.com eBay
CoolMesh II Quarter Socks Wrightsock
Wrightsock
CoolMesh II Quarter Socks
#4 Amazon Wrightsock.com eBay
PURSUIT FOUR Durable Crew Swiftwick
Swiftwick
PURSUIT FOUR Durable Crew
#5 Amazon Swiftwick.com eBay
Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew Smartwool
Smartwool
Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew
#6 Amazon Smartwool.com eBay
Mens Hike+ Light Crew Sock Icebreaker Merino
Icebreaker Merino
Mens Hike+ Light Crew Sock
#7 Amazon Icebreaker.com eBay
Run Targeted Cushion Ankle Smartwool
Smartwool
Run Targeted Cushion Ankle
#8 Amazon Smartwool.com eBay
COOLMAX EcoMade Ultralight Hiking Socks  REI Co-op
REI Co-op
COOLMAX EcoMade Ultralight Hiking Socks
#9 Amazon Rei.com eBay
Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks  REI Co-op
REI Co-op
Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
#10 Amazon Rei.com eBay

10 List of Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters

  • Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks
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    with this product?
    #1

    Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks

    Best Wicks Well and Dries Well

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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
    Affordable

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Run slightly small

    What 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.
    Limit Less Hiker

    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.
    The Trek
  • Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock
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    #2

    Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock

    Best Mid-level Cushion Underfoot

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 Management

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Expensive

    What 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.
    Outdoor Guru

    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.
    Travis Gerald Kelley
  • Dickies Wool Blend Boot Crew Socks
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    #3

    Dickies Wool Blend Boot Crew Socks

    Best Wool-blend Thermal Construction

    1  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 cushioning

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    It easily bunches off at the bottom

    What 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.
    Matty Z

    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.
  • Wrightsock CoolMesh II Quarter Socks
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    with this product?
    #4

    Wrightsock CoolMesh II Quarter Socks

    Best Lightweight Quarter Socks

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 Lightweight

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Durability
    Lacks Cushion

    What 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.
  • Swiftwick PURSUIT FOUR Durable Crew
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    with this product?
    #5

    Swiftwick PURSUIT FOUR Durable Crew

    Best Performance-focused Sock

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 Management

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Skews Towards Performance Over Casual Use

    What other experts liked

    I possess multiple Swiftwick Sox. These socks are perfect for cooler weather since they protect my ankles. Comfortable.
    Lori Rosenthal

    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.
    drdirk
  • Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew
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    #6

    Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew

    Best Moisture Management

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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
    Breathable

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Lacks Lifetime Warranty

    What 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.
    Gear Junkie
  • Icebreaker Merino Mens Hike+ Light Crew Sock
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    with this product?
    #7

    Icebreaker Merino Mens Hike+ Light Crew Sock

    Best Odor Resistant

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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
    Breathable

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Expensive

    What 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.
    Los Conejos

    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.
  • Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Ankle
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    with this product?
    #8

    Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Ankle

    Best Breathable Socks

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 Sock

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Durability
    Padding

    What 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
    Trail and Travel Gear
  • REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Ultralight Hiking Socks
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    with this product?
    #9

    REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Ultralight Hiking Socks

    Best Synthetic Material

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 management

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Synthetic Holds On To Smell

    What 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.
    unclebetsy

    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.
  • REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
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    with this product?
    #10

    REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks

    Best Wool Performance

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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
    Cushion

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Dated Design
    Meh Colors

    What 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.
    JudeAZ

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.

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