Top-Performing Hiking Socks to Avoid Foot Chafe

Behind the Boots: The Sweatiest Hike in America is upon us, where ambitious hikers ascend Mount Washington, one of New England's tallest peaks. To conquer this grueling climb, it's essential to equip yourself with the best hiking socks to prevent dreaded blisters that can turn even the most ardent hiker into a limping, whimpering mess.

Without much ado, let's hike straight to the top five hiking socks you should consider. Don't be a noob and choose the wrong socks — your precious toes will thank you!

Fox River Hike Trail Town Lightweight Crew - Editor's Choice

Get ready to strive for mastery in hiking comfort and blister prevention with these Trail Town crew socks by Fox River. These badass socks are brimming with essential features such as a URfit® System for custom arch support, a comfortable memory-knit construction, a reinforced heel and toe box, and a flat comfort toe seam. Slip into a pair, and you'll ascend mountains like a mountain goat.

Fox River has been tracing its hiking roots back to 1900 like a faithful companion. Their dedication to sustainability is also worth mentioning since they run their manufacturing plant on 100% renewable energy. Now, that's a company you can rally behind!

Specifications:

28% Merino wool, 37% Nylon, 28% Acrylic, 5% Polyester, 2% Spandex
URfit® System for custom arch support
Reinforced toe and heel for added durability
Cushioned sole and toe for comfort
Wick Dry™ technology keeps your feet dry

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Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion - The Stalwart Contender

Next up in our pack is Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks, which leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of hiking superiority. From their outstanding durability, guaranteed by their unmatched lifetime warranty against wear and tear, to their premium Merino wool blend that guarantees moisture management and anti-microbial properties, these socks will ensure your hooves stay dry and callous-free through any treacherous terrain.

This Vermont-based company has become a mainstay in the hiking community with their unbeatable standards of quality. If you're looking for a sock that will stand by your side through countless hikes, look no further.

Specifications:

61% Merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% Lycra
Lifetime guarantee
Medium Cushioning
Ring Toe Construction
Made in USA

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Women's Buy Now

REI Co-op Hiking Crew - The People's Champion

Hiking with REI's Hiking Crew socks is like levitating effortlessly through the wilderness with a breeze at your back. The socks' Merino wool-dominant blend ensures temperature regulation, antimicrobial properties, and moisture resistance for a comfy, carefree adventure. REI hiking socks boast an array of beneficial features, such as seamless toe, stretch arch band, reinforced heel, toe, footbed, and Achilles for ultimate durability and support.

REI offers an amazing return policy and a one-year warranty, making them an ideal buddy for anyone on a mission for the perfect hiking socks.

Specifications:

79% RWS-certified merino wool, 20% nylon, 1% Lycra
Nylon, Merino wool, and spandex blend for temperature regulation, moisture wicking, and antimicrobial properties
Cushioned sole and toe for comfort
Reinforced heel, toe, footbeds, and Achilles for durability
Medium Cushioning for year-round use

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Flite XT Trail Five by Swiftwick - The Tech Sophisticate

Get ready to be wowed by the Slite XT Trail Five socks by Swiftwick, which are fitted with an impressive arsenal of state-of-the-art technology. These socks are equipped with Ankle Lock Technology to support your ankles over uneven terrain, ensuring your feet remain comfy and secure every step of the way. Plus, the Grip Dry fiber in the heel and forefoot will keep your socks locked in place for blister-free adventures, while the blend of nylon, Merino wool, and Olefin will keep your feet dry and cool.

With awards from big outdoor brands like Runner's World, Men's Health, and Outside Magazine, you know these socks mean business. So gather ’round, hiking enthusiasts, and prepare to be dazzled by this performance marvel!

Specifications:

38% Nylon / 24% Merino Wool / 22% Olefin / 13% Polyester / 3% Spandex
Cushion Level: Medium
Compression Level: Moderate
Made in USA

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Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks - The Striding Superstar

Prepare for a masterclass in hiking comfort with Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew socks. The seamless toes and 4-degree elite fit system make it effortless to slide these socks onto your feet, while the Indestructawool™ technology ensures durability like never before. Imbued with advanced sweat-management and breathability properties, these socks will keep your feet cozy, cool, and blister-free even during the sweatiest of treks.

Smartwool is a hiking sock powerhouse with a steadfast dedication to using climate-positive Merino wool that supports sustainable practices. Help Mother Earth stabilize the climate while being the coolest hiker on the scene with these kick-ass socks!

Specifications:

56% ZQ-certified Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 31% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane
Light Cushioning
Antimicrobial properties
Virtually seamless toe for enhanced comfort
Fit system for a perfect fit

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Follow Your Hiking Bliss with Comfort and Confidence

When you set out to explore the wonders of nature, the only companions you truly need are the right gear, your trusty trekking poles, and an indomitable spirit. Equipping yourself with these top-notch hiking socks will empower you to face the challenges of the wild without breaking a sweat - or a blister. Happy hiking, you intrepid explorer, you!

Mount Washington Climb | Sweatiest Hike in America

Additional Enrichment Information:
Wrightsock Four Seasons CoolRx™ Ultra-Moisture Wicking Double Layer Liner Socks are designed for maximum comfort and moisture wicking. These anatomically correct socks are ideal for reducing friction and blisters, mimicking the fit of your feet to optimize performance. Read more about the Wrightsock Four Seasons CoolRx™ Ultra-Moisture Wicking Double Liner Socks here.
Farm to Feet believes in creating quality American-made socks with attention to manufacturing and sourcing details. Each pair of their socks complements the journey of the sheep's wool all the way to your feet. Learn more about Farm to Feet's commitment to their craft here.
Injinji Spectrum Trail Midweight Socks boost your hiking performance by providing seamless toes and a comfortable fit. These socks minimize hotspots and friction, making blister prevention effortless. Scroll through Injinji at your own pace here.
Balega Silver Performance Mesh Hidden Comfort Energizing Socks feature moisture-wicking Drynamix fibers, made from recycled water bottles, along with moisture-wicking Sole-Comfort™ technology and 5-Zone Decollete architecture, providing arch support and a seamless toe panel. Dive deeper into Balega's offerings for your feet here.

The Fox River Hike Trail Town Lightweight Crew socks, the Editor's Choice for this list, come with a URfit® System for custom arch support and a reinforced heel and toe box, ensuring durability on rugged trails.
The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks, a stalwart contender, boast outstanding durability due to their lifetime warranty against wear and tear and premium Merino wool blend for moisture management.
The REI Co-op Hiking Crew socks are an excellent choice foryear-round hiking with their seamless toe, stretch arch band, and reinforcements for durability and support.
The Flite XT Trail Five socks by Swiftwick, the tech-savvy option, provide Ankle Lock Technology for added support and Grip Dry fibers for a snug fit, preventing blisters on treacherous terrain.