The 7 Best Climbing Socks, Hiking Socks 2024 (Tested, Review)

Let’s be honest, there’s nothing worse than ill-fitting socks bunching up inside your climbing shoes or hiking shoes, turning a challenging climb into a torturous battle against fabric. We’ve all been there, clinging precariously to a hold, distracted by the irritating wrinkle under our toes. But what if I told you that the key to a more comfortable, secure, and ultimately more successful climb could be as simple as choosing the right pair of climbing socks?

From breathable fabrics that wick away sweat and keep your feet dry during intense sessions, to strategically placed padding that provides extra support and protection, the world of climbing socks is far more nuanced than you might think. Join us as we delve into the fascinating details of these unsung heroes of the climbing world, exploring the different types, materials, and features that can elevate your climbing performance to new heights in this guide of nationalparkshops’s team.

Should you wear socks with climbing shoes?

When deciding whether to wear socks with climbing shoes, climbers face a balance between performance and comfort. Here are the key considerations:

Pros of Going Sockless

• Enhanced Sensitivity: Climbing shoes are designed for a snug fit, allowing climbers to feel the holds better. Without socks, there’s a more direct connection between the foot and shoe, improving grip and precision on the rock.
• Tighter Fit: A sockless approach ensures that the foot is in direct contact with the shoe, minimizing slippage and maximizing control during climbs.
• Performance: Many climbers, especially experienced ones, prefer to climb without socks for optimal performance, as even thin socks can introduce an extra layer that may hinder sensitivity and grip.

Cons of Going Sockless

• Hygiene Issues: Climbing shoes can accumulate sweat and odor over time when worn without socks, leading to unpleasant smells and potential bacterial growth.
• Discomfort: For some climbers, particularly beginners or those with sensitive feet, going sockless can lead to chafing or blisters during extended climbs.
• Sweaty Feet: Without the absorbent layer of socks, moisture can build up inside the shoes, making them slippery and uncomfortable.

Pros of Wearing Socks

• Hygiene Benefits: Socks can absorb sweat and reduce odor, keeping climbing shoes fresher for longer periods.
• Comfort and Protection: Thin, moisture-wicking socks provide cushioning and reduce friction, which can help prevent blisters during long climbs.
• Breaking In New Shoes: Wearing socks can ease the break-in process for new climbing shoes by providing a bit of stretch and comfort.

Cons of Wearing Socks

• Reduced Sensitivity: The primary drawback is that socks can diminish the ability to feel the rock surface through the shoe, which is crucial for precise foot placements.
• Potential Slippage: Some climbers report that wearing socks increases the likelihood of their foot slipping inside the shoe during dynamic movements like heel hooks.

Best Overall: Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion ($27.95 on Amazon)

• Fabric type: 66% Merino Wool 32% Nylon 2% Lycra Spandex
• Care instructions: Machine Wash
• Pattern: Solid
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 3 x 5 inches; 8 ounces

The Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion socks are plush and well-padded without being excessively thick, offering great protection for your feet while hiking. They are also highly durable and capable of withstanding years of use on trails. The tall cut is designed to fit well with hiking shoes, climbing shoes and the soft materials provide exceptional comfort. Their appealing design is a bonus.

Additionally, Darn Tough offers a lifetime warranty, ensuring a smart investment. The socks come in specific sizes for men and women and fit comfortably on various foot widths. For those seeking high-quality climbing socks, this option stands out as our preferred choice for extended climbing journeys, and they can even serve as cozy sleep socks.

On the downside, the additional padding reduces breathability, and this model lacks a breathable instep compared to many lighter climbing socks. As a result, it may not be ideal for warmer weather, despite its effective moisture-wicking properties.

Best Lightweight Socks: Smartwool Run Zero Cushion Ankle Socks ($20.00 on Amazon)

• Fabric type: 46% Merino Wool/26% Nylon/25% Recycled Nylon/3% Elastane
• Care instructions: Machine Wash
• Pattern: Solid
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 2 inches; 1.5 Pounds

For hiking or climbing in warm weather, trail running, and casual wear with sneakers, a lightly padded sock is a practical choice. Among the ultralight selections, our top pick is Smartwool’s Run Zero Cushion Ankle Socks. Priced competitively at $20, this climbing sock provides an excellent snug fit, outstanding breathability, and remarkable comfort. While they won’t last indefinitely, the Run Zero Cushion is a solid choice for summer when substantial padding and thickness aren’t necessary.

What are the drawbacks of selecting an ultralight climbing sock? The materials used are much thinner than those in the Darn Tough option mentioned earlier, particularly in key areas such as the heel and toe box (though there is some reinforcement at the toes). However, if you have resilient feet and can prevent blisters, these socks will help keep your feet cool during hot summer days. Additionally, if you require extra impact protection, Smartwool offers “targeted cushion” options within the same Run series, which provide additional padding around the heel and ball of the foot.

Best Multi-Sport: Swiftwick Pursuit Quarter Crew High ($20.00 on Amazon)

• Fabric type: 63% Merino wool/35% Nylon/2% Spandex
• Care instructions: Machine Wash
• Pattern: Solid
• Best Sellers Rank: #36,544 in Sports & Outdoors

Swiftwick’s Pursuit Quarter Crew High socks, previously known as the Pursuit Four, are marketed as trail running socks but serve as a great all-purpose performance choice. They quickly impressed us during demanding outings and long mileage days: The fit is tight and feels almost like compression, they have excellent breathability even in hot summer weather, and provide just the right amount of cushioning for high-impact activities such as mountain biking, trail running, or hiking with trail runners, which often offer less protection than standard hiking footwear. Additionally, we appreciate the height, which falls between quarter-length and traditional crew-cut styles, resembling a 3/4-length crew sock.

Although Swiftwick categorizes the Pursuit Quarter Crew High as having medium cushioning, we found this climbing sock to be noticeably lighter and more breathable. However, for technical activities that demand effort from your feet, it’s hard to find a more versatile option, and the $20 price tag is appealing considering that true compression socks usually cost significantly more.

Best Socks for Blister Prevention: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks ($23.37 on Amazon)

• Fabric type: 39% Coolmax / 58% Nylon / 3% Lycra
• Care instructions: Machine Wash
• Fit type: Fitted
• Cushioning: Medium

Right from the start, it’s important to mention that Injinji socks differ significantly from the more conventional choices on this list, and their distinctive appearance may discourage many climbers. However, for those who experience blisters and friction-related problems while hiking, the five-toe design offers some real performance advantages.

While using this climbing sock, we felt no discomfort even when breaking into new shoes during demanding backpacking trips, and the separation of toes, along with a mesh knit panel at the top, kept our toes dry after extended sunny days. This design is particularly beneficial for long durations; we’ve received feedback from numerous endurance athletes who appreciate the socks’ ability to prevent blisters. Additionally, they work well with sandals featuring toe loops, which is especially useful for those who tend to feel cold but prefer extra security.

Best Lightweight: Farm To Feet Damascus Light ($18.90 – $25.00 on Amazon)

• Fabric type: 51% US Merino Wool, 46% US Nylon, 3% US LYCRA Spandex
• Care instructions: Machine Wash
• Pattern: Solid
• Cushioning: Light

Tailored for through-climbers and hikers, the Farm to Feet Damascus Light Targeted Cushion strikes a balance between breathability and cushioning for extended trail days. This climbing sock features a seamless toe area to reduce bulk and avoid blisters, targeted padding in areas prone to wear, and a snug fit designed for performance, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Additionally, all Farm to Feet socks come with a robust lifetime guarantee that competes with Darn Tough’s well-known warranty. What distinguishes Farm to Feet is that all their products are entirely sourced and manufactured in the United States, using merino wool from American-raised sheep.

Best for Sustainability: Jeep Luxury Terrain Hiking Socks ($18.99 on Amazon)

• Fabric type: 73% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 2% Polyamide, 2% Elastane
• Sock type: Heavyweight
• Package Dimensions: 9.09 x 4.49 x 3.19 inches; 9.59 ounces
• Pattern: Polka Dots

Jeep’s Luxury Terrain Hiking Socks are characterized as a heavyweight knit, but they don’t seem overly bulky to us. We liked the softness of the cotton-rich material and the cushioning underfoot, ensuring comfort and warmth.

This climbing sock washed well, which makes us optimistic about its durability. The only downside we noticed was the cuff; it felt quite snug. However, this won’t be an issue for those who like a particularly secure fit. We believe their simple, almost rustic look gives them a more traditional than luxury vibe, but we were still impressed with the value for money.

Best for Running: 1000 Miles Fusion Double Layer Anklet Sock ($18.95 on Amazon)

• Fabric type: 100% Polyamide
• Care instructions: Machine Wash
• Weave type: Plain
• Fit type: Regular

If you enjoy wearing walking shoes during the summer, you might prefer shorter climbing socks. The Fusion Double Layer Anklet Sock from 1000 Mile is significantly shorter than traditional crew socks but still rises enough to cover a boot.

It features a double-layer design to help prevent blisters, and when you first wear them, it feels like having one sock inside another. We were quickly impressed by how smooth the socks felt against our skin, and they kept our feet especially warm during testing.

As a design intended for running, these socks offer a snug fit and sporty appearance. They come with the brand’s Blister Free Guarantee. While we did experience some friction around the ankle area with our walking boots during testing, there was no rubbing at all when wearing running shoes, so we recommend these socks for use with trainers and walking shoes wear.

Top-Rated: Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks ($29.99 on Amazon)

• Fabric type: 32% Merino Wool, 31% Rayon, 32% Stretch Nylon, 5% Spandex
• Care instructions: Machine Wash
• Cushioning: Light
• Fit type: Semi-fitted

For long treks, summit pursuits, and other activities that require covering significant distances, many hikers and backpackers opt for compression socks to enhance circulation and provide additional support. The effectiveness of compression technology is still being debated, but we have observed that the tighter fit can help reduce fatigue during long hikes (it also benefits those who often have cold feet). In this segment, Sockwell’s Circulator stands out as an excellent choice for individuals seeking a supportive design that hugs the calves and offers extra security on the trail.

Priced at $30 and containing minimal merino wool in its composition, the Sockwell Circulator is somewhat expensive given its material blend. Additionally, the socks rise just below the knees, providing coverage and protection for off-trail adventures, although this style might not appeal to everyone. Generally, climbing socks are more favored by the skiing and road cycling communities (where they have a greater impact on recovery), but some hikers appreciate the added security and performance enough to justify the slight extra expense.

How to choose the best walking, climbing socks?

Ideal climbing socks must be breathable, comfortable, and capable of providing warmth when necessary, making material selection crucial.

Wool is commonly used in thermal walking socks due to its excellent insulating properties. Merino wool, known for its finer texture, is particularly suitable for walking socks because of its effective moisture and sweat management, and many people find it less irritating than regular wool.

Synthetic materials usually offer greater durability and may include extra benefits like waterproofing.

What are the best walking socks to prevent blisters?

Selecting the right material is crucial for avoiding blisters. Fabrics like cotton tend to trap heat and do not handle moisture effectively. Wet socks, whether from rain or perspiration, can lead to chafing, which may result in blisters.

Another option is to use double-layer socks. The two layers help to decrease friction and prevent the formation of blisters.

Lastly, the length of the climbing sock is an important factor. To ensure a good fit, the sock should extend slightly above your walking boot or shoe. This will reduce the likelihood of friction with the footwear and prevent the sock from sliding down.

FAQs

Can I hike in cotton socks?

It may be appealing but resist the urge. While cotton feels soft, it’s actually one of the least suitable materials for hiking and backpacking clothing, including climbing socks. Cotton absorbs moisture (which makes cotton towels effective) and dries very slowly. This characteristic is the opposite of what you need in a climbing sock or even walking socks. Additionally, we have discovered that cotton socks lack durability. Opt for wool or synthetic material.

Do i need waterproof socks?

Waterproof socks are typically utilized in specific scenarios, such as:

• Long stretches of trails covered with snow.
• Hiking through canyon creeks.

Many people use waterproof socks along with their regular climbing socks as a makeshift winter hiking solution when snowshoeing or navigating snowy paths that need ice traction.

However, we usually do not recommend them for typical climbing conditions. As your feet sweat throughout the day, waterproof socks can trap moisture inside, leading to chafing and blisters. If cooler weather is anticipated, a better option might be to choose a ski sock.

Should I get wool or synthetic climbing socks?

Wool socks usually retain warmth even when they are damp and tend to maintain their shape more effectively than synthetic ones.

Wool could be considered more environmentally friendly since synthetic fabrics are typically derived from petroleum. Nonetheless, the most eco-conscious choice is to select the sock that suits you best and use it for as long as possible. The ideal sock for you is the one that provides comfort and fits well with your feet.