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

December 3, 2023

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Wirecutter

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Wirecutter’s mission is to recommend what really matters. Each year, we independently test and review thousands of products to help you find just what you need. Our goal is to save you time and eliminate the stress of shopping, whether you’re looking for everyday gear or gifts for loved ones.

We strive to be the most trusted product recommendation service around, and we work with total editorial independence. We won’t post a recommendation unless our writers and editors have deemed something the best through rigorous reporting and testing.

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Before setting foot in the outdoors, pre-treat your clothing (boots, socks, pants, shirts, jackets, etc), tent and other gear with permethrin - but do not put it on your skin!

Outdoor Element
Contributing Writers

Media Mentions

Our current favorite is the Sawyer Squeeze, which we highly recommend grabbing for your trip.

Dave Collins
Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief

Media Mentions

[The Sawyer Squeeze] water filter system is the gold standard for many thru-hikers and backpackers across the globe.

Chris Carter
Senior Editor