Last updated on April 18th, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Winter is a tranquil, picturesque, and everchanging season awaiting exploration. However, the wrong foot wear could have you paying more attention to your feet and less to nature’s beauty. While waterproof boots are a good start, a great pair of socks will keep you comfortable all day. To help, we’ve put together a list of best socks for hiking in winter.
What Makes a Great Winter Hiking Sock?
In cold and snowy weather, it is important to gear up with socks built for the task. The best socks for winter hiking will be:
- Moisture wicking: breathability is always important, socks should wick moisture to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Insulating: materials like merino wool will regulate the temperature of your feet.
- Comfortable: cushioned socks, and those that remain in place throughout your hike are recommended.
Our Favorite Winter Hiking Socks of 2022 Are...
After searching through piles of sock varieties, we’ve found several winter hiking socks that will make for happy feet.
Best overall: Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion
Second favorite: Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather
Third favorite: Smartwool Mountaineering Heavy Cushion
While any of these choices would be a great companion during long winter treks, see how we decided below.
Comparison Table of Hiking Socks for Winter
We’ve put together a chart for quick reference and to compare our favorites side by side. You can easily view more information and pricing by following their links below.
| Picture | Name / Link | Price |
|---|---|---|
 
|
Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion | $$ |
 
|
Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather | $$$ |
 
|
Smartwool Mountaineering Heavy Cushion | $$ |
 
|
Icebreaker Merino Hike Heavy Cushion | $$ |
 
|
Randy Sun Waterproof Sport | $$ |
As you can see, all of the above socks are mid calf or higher and share much in common. Read more to learn what sets them apart.
1. Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion
Our best overall is the Darn Tough Hiker Full-Cushion Sock.
Winter hikers will love these socks for day to day comfort and utility. Additionally, while keeping feet warm, they offer an incredible range of ankle motion for hiking.
High Quality Materials
Merino Wool is praised for its ability to regulate temperature and wick moisture away from the foot.
These socks are made from 61% Merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% lycra spandex making them also snug and durable, wash after wash.
Full Cushioning
For long, difficult hikes the Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion is up for the mission.
While maintaining a thin profile, they retain an incredible amount of warmth in the cold.
Durable cushioning throughout the entire foot makes these perfect for backpacking, walking, and mountaineering.
Stay Put Cuff
We should never underestimate the importance of a snug and tight sock. Darn Tough fans rave about these socks staying put on long hikes.
A sock that doesn’t slog into your heels will save you from blisters and sore feet.
Darn Tough Hiker Full-Cushion Pros and Cons
Darn Tough Hiker PROS
- Breathable warmth
- Comfortable cushioning
- Lifetime guarantee
- True invisible toe seam
- Resists falling and slouch
Darn Tough Hiker CONS
- n/a
Who is The Darn Tough Full-Cushion Perfect For?
The Darn Tough Full Cushion is an ideal sock for hikers that love freedom on the trails. While they appear slim and offer ankle mobility, they perform remarkably well on cold hikes. If this sock sounds like it’s perfect for your trek, view more specs, colors and pricing here: Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion Sock
2. Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather
The Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Mid Length Sock is a great option for day-long treks in the backcountry.
Coupled with a pair of warm boots, these awesome socks offer waterproof and reliable comfort.
Waterproof Design
Sealskinz has designed its Cold Weather sock with a durable exterior. For protection from the elements they’ve blended together polypropylene, nylon, and elastane into a waterproof outer layer.
However, this sock doesn’t need to be layered. With a woven interior of merino wool and synthetic fibers, this sock is cozy inside and out.
Sealskinz has struck a balance between wet weather utility and breathable interior comfort.
It may be on the pricier end of our list, but for long wet hiking, it could make all the difference.
Flat Toe Seam
Sealskinz has created a great winter sock with ample toe padding. While doing so, they’ve managed to keep a very flat toe seem.
Hikers are impressed with its durability and snug fit, while keeping an abrasion-free toe area.
Great Support
This sock features expert design from toe to top. With quality weaving techniques they’ve created zones of support and structure. In short, these socks keep put and stay up.
Pros and Cons of Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather
Sealskinz Cold Weather PROS
- Waterproof
- Snug fit
- Breathable
- Warm
- Flat toe seam
Sealskinz Cold Weather CONS
- Price
Who Will Love This Sock?
The Sealskinz Waterproof sock is perfect for hikers and snowshoers on backcountry trails. If this sock sounds like a great fit, view more information including styles, sizing, and pricing here: Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Mid Length Sock
3. Smartwool Mountaineering Heavy Cushion
The Smartwool Mountaineering Heavy Cushion Sock is a thick and insulated winner for long ascents and exploration.
Hikers love the comfort and cushioning these socks provide. Merino wool and unparalleled construction make these a great option for winter fun.
Thick Insulation
Constructed of thick woven 74% merino wool, nylon, and elastane these socks are tough.
No need to layer up here, the Smartwool Mountaineering sock has heavy duty construction for durability and warmth.
Superior Cushioning
Not only will thick cushion provide warmth, it provides support during all of the bumps and shock of your journey.
The Smartwool Heavy Cushion sock absorbs maximum impact during hikes.
Pros and Cons of the Smartwool Mountaineering Heavy Cushion Sock
Smartwool Heavy Cushion PROS
- Thick and warm
- Comfortable
- Moisture wicking
- Stays put
Smartwool Heavy Cushion CONS
- May limit movement
Who Will Love This Sock?
The Smartwool Heavy Cushion is great for those looking for the warmest comfort on freezing trails. It’s a fantastic option for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. If this sock seems like it may tick all the boxes, view more specs, styles, and pricing here: Smartwool Mountaineering Heavy Cushion Sock
4. Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Heavy Cushion
The Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Heavy Cushion is a fantastic sock for long winter hikes.
This pair made our list for its perfect fit, full cushioning, and high quality materials. The Icebreaker Merino Hike+ is built to perform.
Comfortably Warm
Hikers love the sleek fit and surprising amount of heat retention in this sock. With their high 63% content of merino wool, these socks are super comfortable. Many socks can have a lower percentage and thus become scratchy or pilled after one wash.
Icebreaker has created a perfect combination of stretch and full cushioning for comfortable long hikes.
Supreme Mobility
With an anatomically sculpted design, the Icebreaker Hike+ has additional support where needed.
Furthermore, this structure provides and ergonomic stride for improved ankle mobility.
As a result, feet move free and natural while maintaining their warmth and cushion.
Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Heavy Cushion Pros and Cons
Icebreaker Merino Hike+ PROS
- Very warm
- Doesn’t take up too much boot space
- Snug fit
Icebreaker Merino Hike+ CONS
- Price
Who Would This Unit be Perfect For?
The Icebreaker Merino Hike+ is the perfect for hikers exploring cold and snowy groomed trails. If this sock seems like the best sock for your hike, view more styles and pricing here: Icebreaker Merino Hike Heavy Cushion
5. Randy Sun Waterproof Sport
Another great sock for winter hiking, the Randy Sun Waterproof Sport impresses both hikers and snowshoers.
Being waterproof is just the beginning, these socks perform well on many backcountry excursions.
Waterproof Construction
Randy Sun has constructed this sock from a combination of waterproof nylon, polyester, and elastane.
While wet weather hikers have found that they still allow standing water into your boots, snow is repelled. As a result, water that creeps up the back of your ankles is no match.
Breathable Materials
Additionally, these socks are constructed of three knitted layers to provide a moisture balance. No sweaty feet here. The interior of this sock is comprised of 66% coolmax, a material that collects very little water. As a result, this fabric naturally wicks away moisture to promote dryness.
Randy Sun Waterproof Sport Pros and Cons
Randy Sun Waterproof Sport PROS
- Waterproof in snow
- Slim comfort
- Snug design
- Breathable
Randy Sun Waterproof Sport CONS
- Light cushioning
- No merino wool
Who Would These Socks be Perfect For?
Backpackers and backcountry hikers will love these socks for extended journeys. If the Randy Sun Waterproof sounds like the right fit, view more information including styles and pricing here: Randy Sun Waterproof Sport
Before Picking Your Winter Hiking Socks
- wicks away moisture to keep feet warm and dry. Choose a synthetic blend or merino wool.
- are insulating. A perfect sock for winter will be both breathable and very warm.
- are comfortable toe to heel. Socks that bunch, slip, or don’t fit in your shoes will promote blisters and sore feet.
No matter the choice, be sure to avoid cotton for hiking in winter. Cotton socks won’t dry as quickly and can wick away body temperature when wet.
Choose a Sock and Get Out There
Winter hiking can be an absolute blast. While this everchanging landscape awaits, great adventures start from the ground up with good planning. Socks are no exception. There are so many options for winter hiking to keep your feet happy and comfortable. With a great pair of winter socks, your most difficult decision will be deciding when to actually stop your hike.
Image Credit: Esmée Winnubst| (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size and cropped
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