The Best Hiking Socks from Wirecutter

Any seasoned hiker will tell you that a good pair of hiking socks is a must-have on the trail. But despite their simple appearance, hiking socks can be a complicated purchase. That’s why we spent 25 hours researching 65 sock options. Then we took to the trails of Vancouver, British Columbia, hiking for more than 75 hours, 160 miles, and 350,000 steps in 18 pairs of socks. Eventually we determined that the women’s and men’s Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion socks are the best hiking socks for most people. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, these wool socks offer the ideal mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning.

See the full guide from Ebony Roberts on Wirecutter's website here.

LAST UPDATED

January 6, 2025

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Wirecutter Staff

Staff

Staff picks for Wirecutter.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

The Sawyer Mini can filter up to 100,000 gallons—yep, you read that right—and fits in the palm of your hand.

Mary Hunt
Writer

Media Mentions

A favorite of ultralight hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is the gold standard in water filters for anyone concerned about weight and universal compatibility.

Scott Gilbertson
Senior Writer and Reviewer

Media Mentions

This popular repellent from Sawyer has 20% Picaridin, which protects against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.

Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor