The ultimate guide to the best hiking socks

Hiking is an amazing way to see the great outdoors, but if you don’t have the right clothing and equipment it can become a slog rather than a pleasure. One of the most important things to get right is a pair of hiking boots or shoes that protect your feet, and the best hiking socks to wick moisture away. Whether it’s a quick afternoon walk in a nature reserve or a longer trek on cross-country trails, keeping your feet and toes in the best conditions is essential. If you have a pair of socks that aren’t cushioning your feet properly, then you can end up with sore blisters and chafed skin. Our hiking socks are designed for maximum comfort and remain breathable even in the hottest weather.

Why hiking socks matter

If you go hiking frequently, then it’s a good idea to invest in a quality pair of hiking socks that will provide the cushioning and durability that you need. Just like every other part of the body, when you walk your feet will sweat. Hiking socks are made to remove the excess moisture and keep your feet dry. As you walk, it’s mainly your heels and toes that make contact with the boot, and the best hiking socks will provide cushioning to those specific areas to reduce foot fatigue. Socks that have a snug fit around your foot can also help to prevent friction issues, as they won’t bunch up or rub your ankles. What’s more, as hiking socks are high performance, they can also keep your feet warm in cold seasons and cool in the summer months.

Top features to consider when choosing hiking socks

For the perfect hiking experience, you need to think about the features you need from your hiking socks. Whether you choose men’s hiking socks or women’s hiking socks, they need to be comfortable on your feet so be sure to get them in the right size. A sock that’s too big for your foot can cause bunching, but a pair that’s too tight will restrict your movement. Look for socks that cushion your feet in all the right places such as arch support or padded heels to combat foot fatigue. You’ll also be pleased you chose a breathable, lightweight sock with mesh ventilation after many miles of walking.

Material matters

We design our hiking socks with the best materials to keep you comfy and dry wherever your trail takes you. With excellent wicking technology to prevent moisture within the hiking boot, you have options like merino wool which is soft and odour-resistant. When you need more flexibility from your hiking sock, choose a blend of materials like lycra, nylon, polyester and spandex. Merino wool can weigh a little more than synthetic materials, but its ability to wick moisture is unparalleled. We don’t recommend wearing cotton socks for long hikes as it can hold onto extra moisture and doesn’t regulate temperature within the boot efficiently.

Best hiking socks for different conditions

Hiking in the UK at different times of the year means you have to change the way you approach each outing. In winter, you’ll need a warmer merino wool sock coupled with a suitable hiking jacket and waterproof boots to stay comfortable. In the summer months, opt for something breathable and a low to mid height hike crew sock. On lighter terrain in warmer months, you can couple your hiking shoe with a low cut running sock, or even a no show sock if you want maximum flexibility. The best hiking socks for each season depends on where you plan to go, but always make sure it is providing the support you need.

Smart socks technology

We aim to make every hike as enjoyable as possible, so when it comes to hiking socks you better believe we’ve researched multiple technologies to keep you dry and comfy. Moisture build up inside your hiking boot is one of the main concerns when hiking, so we have integrated Omni-Wick® and Drirelease® into many of our socks. High performance wicking combined with fibres that work to pull moisture away from the skin means every step is a pleasure in Columbia hiking socks.