Merino wool socks provide unrivalled comfort, odour-free performance and optimal comfort during long hikes – the ideal combination for lasting hikes.
Merino wool transports sweat away from your skin as a vapour rather than the liquid form, helping keep your feet dry by keeping away moisture-wicking fabrics like synthetic ones from drawing it into their fibres and allowing your feet to stay cool and comfortable.
Breathable
Merino socks hiking should be designed to be breathable and comfortable, keeping feet cool while keeping them dry and helping prevent blisters.
Merino wool is highly effective for crafting hiking socks, offering many advantages over synthetic options (such as nylon or polyester). Here are a few reasons to opt for it over synthetic alternatives ( such as nylon or polyester).
Breathable fabrics can move moisture away from your skin and to the outer surface of your foot, where it can evaporate quickly. At the same time, their antimicrobial properties help minimise odour and mildew accumulation after long hikes.
Merino wool hiking socks vary considerably in their breathability depending on the percentage and density of merino in their fabric and density of weave density. Our top picks feature 30 to 80% merino content in their weave; higher-grade options like Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion socks offer an optimal balance between comfort and breathability.
Breathability in socks depends not only on their materials but also on their design. A comfortable and non-bunching fit that doesn’t bunch or slip is critical for adequate ventilation; socks that fit nicely inside boots and shoes are equally important.
Smartwool’s Performance Hike Light socks offer lightweight, breathable, and durable performance, making them an excellent choice for long-distance hiking. Their lifetime guarantee covers any wear and tear that might occur.
These boots also offer an anatomical fit with padding only where necessary – an essential feature for hot-weather hikes where comfort and breathability are paramount.
Lightweight
Merino socks hiking are an excellent choice for hikers searching for lightweight socks to wick moisture away and ensure comfortable feet all day. Not only are these light, but the material also keeps your feet feeling dry.
If extra padding is needed, consider investing in Darn Tough’s Hiker Boot or Micro Crew liner socks as an affordable solution that adds cushion and protection between your foot and shoe. These liner socks typically cost less than $20 but could make an incredible difference in your hiking experience!
An effective sock will also help regulate your body temperature as you traverse different environments. For example, Merino wool socks incorporating wool and synthetic fibres have proven their worth by effectively wicking away sweat to keep feet dry.
Moisture-Resistant
Merino wool socks will keep your feet dry when hiking. Their moisture-wicking properties act like an inbuilt thermometer and keep feet at ideal temperatures, helping prevent blisters and keep feet comfortable and dry.
Wool absorbs moisture quickly while also possessing antimicrobial and odour-resistant qualities. As a result, it is an excellent choice for extended backpacking trips where keeping yourself smelling fresh is a top priority.
Wool/synthetic blend socks offer another excellent choice, which combines natural fibres such as merino wool with artificial materials like nylon, polyamide, spandex or Lycra. While these combinations are more costly than 100% Merino wool or synthetic socks, they provide all their advantages in one convenient package.
Some of the best summer hiking socks combine natural fibres like merino with synthetic materials to make them more durable, stretchy, and breathable. Popular choices are blends of 50-75% superfine merino wool with 30%-50% nylon, including spandex or elastane, for increased durability.
If you’re planning a long backpacking journey, invest in a warranty plan that provides replacement socks in case they wear out or show signs of damage. Certain brands, such as Darn Tough, offer lifetime guarantees to return them for a full refund, while others only cover specific years.
Comfortable
Merino wool hiking socks are among the most comfortable options for hikers, providing cooling and temperature regulation features by wicking away moisture and preventing sweat build-up.
Finding the appropriate pair for your foot type and intended conditions is of utmost importance; thankfully, there are numerous wonderful choices to consider.
Lightweight socks are more breathable than thicker, heavier designs, making them suitable for summer hiking or quick winter adventures. In addition, Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Print Crew and Darn Tough Light Hiker provide optimal ventilation while providing cushioned support.
Selecting socks of the proper length is also crucial; taller socks provide additional support to both feet and ankles. No-show and quarter socks reach up to the ankle, while crew socks sit mid-calf comfortably for most footwear styles (boots included).