Last updated on April 13th, 2021 at 10:31 pm
Whether the forecast calls for rain or blistering heat, great footwear can make or break your hike. We’re not talking about shoes either. Socks are an underappreciated extension of your hiking gear. If you’ve had a heel tear or waded through water in cotton, you may understand. The best socks for hiking in summer will keep you cool, dry, and ready for anything.
What Makes Socks Good for Summer Hiking?
Hiking in hot weather requires socks to be versatile and lightweight. Socks that are great for summer are:
- Breathable: In summer, it’s important to wick away moisture and regulate temperature while discouraging blisters.
- Comfortable: Socks should fit in your current shoes and have imperceptible toe seams. Additionally, socks should be designed to stay up without falling.
- Cushioned: Reinforced or padded toes and heels will protect your feet from impact during long hikes.
Our Favorite Summer Hiking Socks Are...
For trail hiking enthusiasts, we researched many styles and brands to find the best. After comparing them and selecting our favorites, we found the following deserved special mention:
While the above pairs rank in the top for their performance and quality, read more below for our other favorites that made the list.
Comparison Table of the Best Summer Hiking Socks
To better display our choice socks and to illustrate their differences, we’ve created the chart below. You can easily view more information, styles, and prices by following their links.
As you can see, all are around the same price range and only subtle differences can be detected upon first glance. However, each sock is unique, read more below to find the best fit for you.
1. Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks
If you’re looking for the best all around hiking sock, you’ve found it. The Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew features great cushioning for long hikes.
Not only that, this high quality sock offers supreme moisture wicking, a comfortable fit, and snug upper. Along with a Lifetime Guarantee from the maker, these socks can not be matched.
Reinforced Wear Zone
With mid-level cushioning throughout, this sock is lightweight and super comfortable. Whether it’s a quick hike or days on the trail, this pair will keep your feet in blissful comfort.
With reinforcements under foot, they’ll also absorb shock and rebound every step without adding bulk to your foot.
True Seamless Toe
Seams in your socks can begin wearing into your toes. No one wants to hike with sore feet, let alone blisters.
The Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew features a perfectly flat and invisible seam for comfortable hiking.
Reliable Snug Fit
With ribbed knit uppers and a special blend of materials, this sock is sturdy. Darn Tough guarantees it will stay up for the whole journey.
A good sock that doesn’t bunch or fall into your shoes can be life changing. No need to dig these out of your heel, you’ll be blister-free and ready for anything.
Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Pros and Cons
Darn Tough Micro Crew PROS
- Lifetime Guarantee
- No slipping or bunching
- Mid-level cushioning
- Comfortable
Darn Tough Micro Crew CONS
- Runs small
Who Are the Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Perfect For?
These are the perfect socks for hikers looking for a reliable and comfortable pair of hiking socks that don’t bunch. View more information, sizing, and styles here: Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks
2. Smartwool Crew Hiking Socks – Ultra Light Wool Performance Sock
At a close second, the Smartwool Ultra Light Wool Performance Sock offers supreme comfort. A tried and true name for runners and trail hikers, this brand is built for performance.
Hikers love this sock for its temperature control and perfect fit during long treks.
Wool for Extreme Comfort
Yes, wool for the summer makes sense we promise. Smartwool’s Performance Sock is made from 67% Merino wool which provides year round benefits for hikers.
Merino wool mimics elastic for a snug and formed fit every time. In addition, this material has been shown to regulate body temperature better than synthetic materials or cotton.
Moreover, it’s naturally moisture wicking and inhibits odor and bacterial growth.
Ultra Light Cushioning
Smartwool has combined their patented materials with ultra-light cushioning for a sock built to perform.
With a minimally reinforced foot bed and snug fit these also won’t add bulk inside your shoe.
This sock is offers a lighter-than-air feel while preventing blisters and hotspots.
Invisible Stitching
With flat toe seams, Smartwool has designed a sock with minimal obstruction in its forefoot. Without abrasive seams, you won’t even notice the sock is there.
Pros and Cons of the Smartwool Ultra Light Wool Crew Sock
Smartwool Ultra Light Wool PROS
- Flat toe seam
- Very breathable
- Regulates body temperature
- No sagging
Smartwool Ultra Light Wool CONS
- Logo placement on sole
- Less cushion
Who Will Love The Smartwool Performance?
The Smartwool Ultra Light Performance Sock is great for hikers looking for a slim and comfortable fit. If this seems like the sock for you, view more information, styles, and sizing here: Smartwool Ultra Light Wool Performance Sock
3. Darn Tough Coolmax Boot Full Cushion Socks
Darn Tough makes great and reliable socks. However, none have reached high accolades as the Darn Tough Coolmax Boot Full Cushion.
Hikers, backpackers, and campers love the reinforced foot and dependable quality of this sock.
Plus, Darn Tough offers unwavering support and a Lifetime Guarantee on their products. Once you try them, you may never buy another brand again.
Comfortable Ride
Hikers agree, the Coolmax Full Cushion is super comfortable for long hikes and throughout the day.
This sock has full padded cushioning around the entire lower foot and shin.
As a result, you’re guaranteed to be happy no matter where your foot lands on the trail. If you’re spending days on your feet, you’ll appreciate the added impact absorption this sock gives.
High Marks for Moisture Wicking
All socks on our list feature great breathability, but for the cushion it provides, this sock is even more impressive.
With their patented Coolmax technology, these are designed to wick moisture fast.
Hikers agree that this pair is quick drying in hot summer months, keeping feet comfortable.
Darn Tough Coolmax Boot Full Cushion Sock Pros and Cons
Darn Tough Full Cushion PROS
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Very comfortable
- No slipping or bunching
Darn Tough Full Cushion CONS
- Runs slightly small
- May be too padded for some
Who Would This Sock be Perfect For?
The Darn Tough Coolmax Boot Full Cushion sock would be great for hikers looking for thick cushioning and a higher fit on the calf. These socks are best for backpacking or for hikers spending long journeys on the trail. If these sound like the right fit for you, view more information like sizing and styles here: Darn Tough Coolmax Boot Full Cushion Sock
4. Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six LT – Hiking Socks
Another great sock for hitting trail is the Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six LT.
With its unique combination of materials, this sock offers supreme moisture wicking for unparalleled comfort and blister protection.
Special Fibers for Breathability
By utilizing a blend of Merino wool and Olefin, Swiftwick is able to offer a deluxe form of moisture management. In fact, Swiftwick claims their Pursuit Hike is the driest sock in its class.
This sock’s unique construction helps manage temperature. The special fiber blend keeps your feet cool in the summer and warm in winter.
Stays Put
With its ribbed cuff and crew height, this sock stays up. It’s so important to invest in a good pair of socks that will stay up on your leg. Not only will this keep your heels and arches blister-free, it protects the leg from trail debris.
Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six LT Pros and Cons
Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six LT PROS
- Snug fit
- Seamless toe
- Great temperature management
- Well constructed
Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six LT CONS
- Lightweight cushion may not be enough for some hikers
Who Would This Sock be Perfect For?
The Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six LT is a perfect sock for daily hikes and light backpacking. For more information, ample style options, and sizing, view more here: Swiftwick Pursuit Hike Six LT Sock
5. Swiftwick – Performance Four – Max Durability Socks
Another great hiking buddy is the Swiftwick Performance Four Max Durability. By combining unique weaving methods and quality materials, Swiftwick has made a snug hiking sock.
Hikers and runners agree, that this sock is among the best in their arsenal for treks of all durations.
Unique Design
Every point of this sock is packed with elements to keep it from slipping into your shoes.
A y-shaped heel prevents bunching and falling into your boot.
Additionally, a ridged pattern around the midfoot offers slight compression for a snug hold.
Reinforced from Heel to Toe
In spite of its light weight, Swiftwick has made sure to reinforce high abrasion points. By doing so, they’ve created a sock that lends relief during long and technical trails.
Featuring a lightweight cushion, this sock provides just the right amount of impact absorption for most hikers.
Swiftwick Performance Four Pros and Cons
Swiftwick Performance Four PROS
- Designed to stay put
- Highly breathable
- Reinforced toe and heel
Swiftwick Performance Four CONS
- Some hikers think they’re too snug
- Toe fabric may be prone to runner’s holes
Who Would This Sock be Perfect For?
The Swiftwick Performance Four would be perfect for hikers looking for a compression-like snug fit. Furthermore, if you like tight shoes for a responsive hike, these sock will provide you the fit needed for maximum control. If this sock seems like it may be the right fit, find more information, styles, and pricing here: Swiftwick Performance Four Max Durability Sock
Before Picking Your Hiking Socks
The best socks will depend on your personal preference. Hikers may choose their sock based on available room in their footwear, duration of the hike or level of foot moisture. Regardless of your hiking preferences, the best hiking socks will always:
- Feature a high level of breathability. Choose socks that are synthetic materials to wick away moisture on hot days.
- Be comfortable and snug. You’ll want a sock that stays put on your calf or ankle without falling into the back of your boot.
- Be cushioned to your liking. Socks without cushioning can slide around in your shoe or make for quite a hard impact during foot fall.
Whichever sock you choose for your summer hike, it should also have flat toes seams and be geared toward your hiking pace.
The Best Socks for a Seamless Hike
Everyone has their favorite go-to sock for hiking. If you’re looking for a great pair of socks, any of the above would be a great for summer trips. Because sock brands stick with what works for years and years, finding a great pair now, could mean a lifetime of easy purchasing.
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with socks. By purchasing a pair specifically designed for hikers, you’re setting yourself up for an easy and comfortable ride. Regardless of your choice, it should be comfortable enough to take you the distance.
Image Credit: Mitchell Friedman | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
Comments are closed.