When your feet become sore or develop blisters on a hike or walk, you’ll perhaps blame the boots. But did you know the cause could be wearing the wrong walking socks?
Yes, you read it right! When you wear the right kind of socks, you can keep your feet comfy and prevent blisters, soreness, and much more.
As a family, we enjoy hiking and going on long walks. And I always spend time finding the right kind of socks to go well with my boots. I live in Scotland near Aberdeen and know well how unpredictable the Scottish weather can be. That’s why when buying hiking socks or boot socks, I look for lightweight, waterproof thermal socks.
My two active kids love to be outdoors and close to nature but can moan on long walks if their feet hurt. That’s why I make sure to choose their hiking socks carefully. Typically, I look for walking socks that can keep the feet dry, less sweaty, and warm. I also focus on adequate cushioning, shock absorption, snug fit, and blister prevention.
Not sure which walking socks are the best buys? Here are our top picks:
- Overall Best Men’s Thermal Socks for Walking – DANISH ENDURANCE Premium Outdoor Walking Sock
- Overall Best Women’s Thermal Socks for Walking – Bridgedale HIKE Midweight Merino Wool Walking Socks
- Overall Best Kid’s Thermal Socks for Walking – Sandsuced Kids Thermal Hiking Socks 6 Pairs
Don’t have time to read reviews? No problem! Use these quick links to buy your walking socks right away from our best picks.
- PREMIUM MERINO WOOL FOR PREMIUM COMFORT: Our Merino Summit Hiking Socks are the premium version of our classic hiking socks. These trekking socks are crafted with high-quality, thermoregulating and sweat-wicking Merino Blend to keep your feet dry and warm. Optimized, targeted cushioning and padding reduce the risk of blisters and jarring shocks and ensure superior comfort without bulk for all activities
- Socks in the HIKE range are suitable for every type of adventure delivering comfort and durability, mile after mile.
- Fusion Technology provides balanced insulation, perfect fit and moisture control
- BREATHABLE & COSY : The materials for this stylish kid hiking socks are very comfortable and soft, no itching issue, special fuzzy inner design will keep the feet warm, the soft and thicken fabric will keep your feet feel comfortable all the day.
- HIGH QUALITY : The kids wool thermal socks is blend of premium natural wool and cotton, all the materials is NON-TOXIC & ECO MATERIALS, It's 100% safety for your lovely children
- 3 Pair Pack
- Cushion Sole, heel & Toe
- 83.5% Cotton, 15% Polyamide fibre, 1.5% Spandex. Large fits women's shoe EU 36-41 //UK 4-8 size.
- BREATHABLE SOCKS - Mesh ventilation channels improve air flow and breathability for enhanced comfort.
- Ideal for walking, hiking, trekking, camping and outdoor
- Anti blister socks with tactile inner lining
- 100% WATERPROOF SOCKS - Our thermal socks are 100% Waterproof, meaning you can submerge your feet into water and be fully protected by a strong inner waterproof layer. Waterproof socks men & waterproof socks womens
- THERMAL WATERPROOF SOCKS - ArcticDry Thermal Waterproof Socks are made to be warm & cosy, made from 3 layers they are much more than just a thin waterproof membrane
- MERINO WOOL FOR COMFORTABLE & DRY FEET: The high quality merino wool of our light hiking socks have natural cooling, heating and antibacterial properties that keep your feet warm in the winter and fresh in the summer. Ventilation mesh lanes optimize the airflow and wick away moisture. The targeted padding reduces the risk of getting blisters
- QUARTER LENGTH PERFORMANCE RUNNING SOCK - It’s all about balance, breathable mesh to regulate temperature, plus arch compression for keeping your feet stabilized. With additional length to keep you warm on a cooler day. All this in a sock, just high enough for a feeling of protection and performance.
- 2 pairs per packet
- Top of foot and arch ventilation mesh for breathability
- Socks in the HIKE range are suitable for every type of adventure delivering comfort and durability, mile after mile.
- Fusion Technology provides balanced insulation, perfect fit and moisture control
- RUNNERSWORLD AWARD WINNER - The Rockay Accelerate was chosen among the very best and not only that, we are also featured as a top sock on Business Insider, Forbes, Runnerclick and many others! A trusted sock by the leading experts!
Get straight to our reviews on walking poles by clicking here
Types of Walking Socks
Thermal socks: If you don’t have sweaty feet, are not likely to get wet, and need the warmest socks possible, thermal socks are for you. They are made of wool or synthetic blends, like nylon and acrylic materials. Thermal socks are great on overnight hikes to keep you warm when sleeping too! My fav thermal socks are always Bridgedale Walking Socks.
Running socks: These socks increase ventilation, offer adequate support, and wick moisture from the foot. They also help prevent common runner’s problems like overheating, blisters, and discomfort. For running socks you cant go wrong with Rockay Running Socks.
Typically, running socks are made of synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester. However, they may also be crafted using recycled materials like the Rockay Flare running socks. They have dense cushioning in the ball and heel of the foot and help reduce foot fatigue.
Wool socks: Wool is warm and soft. It also has insulating, relatively quick-drying, and moisture-wicking properties. These make wool one of the best materials for winter walking socks.
You can buy alpaca wool or merino wool socks. Though both are good buys, alpaca wool is warmer and lighter. But if you need stylish, high-quality, comfy merino wool socks that are ‘Made in England,’ Pantherella socks would be ideal.
Waterproof socks: These walking socks (Sealskinz etc) have a layered construction. This makes them a bit thicker than ordinary socks. Usually, they have an abrasion-resistant outer layer. The breathable waterproof membrane with wicking properties sits in the middle.
The inner layer provides insulation, comfort whilst the wicking layer keeps sweat from your feet. These socks prevent foot rot and athletes foot! They come in a range of sizes from Knee length waterproof socks to trainer style socks. You can find thermal waterproof socks too (I never go walking without a pair of Sealskinz Thermal Waterproof mid calf socks in my rucksack for a rainy day!)
Heat Holder socks: Heat Holder socks are made of 91% acrylic along with 3% polyester, 5% nylon, and 1% elastane. They provide around seven times the warmth of your average cotton socks. Compared to the average thermal socks, they give almost three times the heat. I always take these socks with us when camping to prevent cold toes waking me at night!
Welly socks: A pair of quality welly socks will make your boots feel more comfortable and warm. They’ll also protect your feet from blisters and rubbing. These walking socks can be made of cotton, wool, fleece, nylon, or polyester. Personally I love the large calf Heat Holder socks (and they come in cute colours)
Anti Blister Socks: So blisters when walking can not only ruin the walk on the day but lead to painful foot diseases if not treated properly. Avoiding socks with toes seems is one way to minimise blisters and having good fitting socks BUT the best way is simply buy anti blister socks! These socks really major in ventilating the feet to prevent moisture that causes the blister. My favourites are Rockay Accelerate Running Socks.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Walking Socks
If you’re an adventure enthusiast like me, nothing can stop you from going outdoors (ok well except for a covid lockdown!). But you need to wear suitable hiking clothes to ensure your outdoor activities arent ruined by being wet, cold or worse BLISTERS! Suitable walking socks are an integral part of your hiker’s wardrobe (and key to stopping blisters).
So how do you choose the right ones? Here are some key factors to consider:
Purpose: Do you need to train for a sport outdoors (running socks)? Or go fishing? Or hike to rugged and difficult terrains? Then, you should look for trainer socks, fishing socks, and hiking socks, respectively. Depending on where you want to go and what activities you plan to do, you should choose your socks accordingly.
Climate and material: How’s the weather of the region where you plan to walk to or hike? Is it cold or hot? Is it at a high altitude or in the plains? Will it rain there? Or are there slush, stream, river, etc.? All these will determine what type of hiking boot socks you’ll need.
For instance, in a hot climate, your feet need to stay cooler. You may be tempted to avoid thick walking socks like those made of wool. And choose a pair of socks that have wicking properties like a good pair of running socks. Or why not go all eco in your socks and choose some anit bacterial, breathable Bamboo Walking Socks.
Wool socks help regulate temperatures better so are perfect for wearing on hikes where you know its going to be cold. However just know if you get sweaty they get saturated a bit faster than synthetic socks. However if you think there is a chance of rain wearing 100% waterproof sealskinz socks would be wise.
Cost: You should focus on the features, comfort, and durability when buying walking socks. Considering just the cost could make you buy either flimsy varieties or the high-end ones that you may not even use for once. For instance, if you need durable walking socks, Bridgedales’ could be a good choice. Though they cost up to10-15% of the price of your walking boots, Bridgedale socks will last a long time. This makes them a wise investment.
Size: Walking socks that are too short will slide down into the shoe and feel tight and give blisters. But if they’re too long, they’ll huddle together over your toes (blister time). You should focus on manufacturer-specific size information to get the correct size.
Size also covers the style of sock from knee length to trainer socks. Again look at the type of hike, walk or sporting activity you are doing, weather etc and choose accordingly. Let’s be honest if you arent sure which walking socks to take then pack a few types as they are lightweight.
Comfort: Your walking socks should meet your individual needs. They should also make your feet happy and comfy. For instance, if you need naturally antibacterial, breathable, comfy, and hard-wearing socks, you can try bamboo socks for walking. Again, if blisters bother you, buying a pair of anti-blister walking socks would be wise.
Sock features: Walking socks with arch reinforcements can prevent arch pain. They can even help you avoid plantar fasciitis that causes severe heel pain. If you’re going to walk on rough terrains, extra padding on the ball and heel of the foot is a must.in your walking socks.
Also i always look for socks that have wicking properties as my feet can bet sweaty on a hike. Finally I cant stress enough to avoid blisters ruining your walks always look for anti blister socks in all the materials I listed above!
Quickly before we go into our in depth reviews of our best walking socks, here are quick links to our other picnic and hiking essentials on the site. If you have all these, you are sure of the perfect time when you go outdoors!
- Best Hiking Boots
- Waterproof & Lightweight Hiking Jackets
- Top Picnic Rucksacks
- Waterproof Picnic Blankets
- Luxury Picnic Baskets
- Easiest Folding Picnic Tables
- Top Eco Picnic Products
- Top Thermos Drink & Food Flasks
Can you think of another essential outdoor or picnic items I need to include? If so, drop me a line in the comments.
In-depth Reviews of the Best Walking Socks
Best Men’s Thermal Socks for Walking
Pros
- Great price for Merino Wool Socks
- Keep your feet dry and warm
- Extremely comfy and durable
- Very hard-wearing
- Targeted and optimal padding and cushioning to reduce jarring shocks and blisters
Cons
- Some customers may find them a bit narrow for their size
Best Women’s Thermal Socks for Walking
Pros
- Excellent quality, comfort, and durability
- Reliable quality and fit perfectly
- Retain elasticity and shape even after wash
- Padded in the right places to avoid blisters
- Offer moisture control and balanced insulation
Cons
- None....
Best Kid’s Thermal Socks for Walking
Pros
- Very comfy, stylish, and soft
- Non-toxic and eco blend of premium natural cotton and wool
- Multi-function socks for all weathers and different activities
Cons
- Customers felt these size up small so go a size higher
- Have a lot of pilling on first washes
Best Budget Men’s Walking Socks
Pros
- Cotton-rich to deliver long-lasting durability
- Have cushioned sole, heel, and toe
- Warm and comfy
- Come with a ribbed ankle
Cons
- Alot of pilling when first used...
- Tight elastic around the ankle
Best Budget Women’s Walking Socks
Pros
- Stretchy and soft
- Padded in the right areas
- Mesh ventilation for better comfort and breathability
- Cushioned footbed and arch support
- Moisture-wicking and fast-drying
Cons
- Shrink quite a bit after a wash (so think about sizing or wash on cold wash and stretch)
- Ankle elastic and the whole fit could be too snug for those with wide feet
Best Budget Kid’s Walking Socks
Pros
- Anti-blister socks
- Tactile inner lining
- Comfy to wear
Cons
- Quite small fitting - go up a size
Best Sealskinz Waterproof Socks
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Very warm and comfy
- Have a very snug fit
- Unisex walking socks suitable for different foot sizes
- Triple layered for dry feet
- Resistant to slip, and solvents and chemicals
Cons
- Drying after washing takes time
Best Merino Wool Socks
Pros
- Comfy and light
- Suitable for everyday wear
- Have natural heating, cooling, and antibacterial properties
- Unisex Socks
Cons
- Contain just 30% marino wool
- Elastic top is tight - size up to avoid affecting blood circulation to feet
Best Running Socks
Pros
- Made from 100% recycled materials
- Very comfy and supportive
- Breathable mesh for temperature regulation
- Arch compression for feet stabilization
- Optimum durability
- Odour-free and prevent blisters
Cons
- Ankle top should be a bit tighter
Best Multi Pack of Walking Socks
Pros
- Super comfy
- Prevent blisters
- Padded support for the Achilles, toe, heel, and ball of foot
- Breathable and lightweight
- Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
Cons
- May feel a bit thin under hiking boots
- Seem to shrink when tumble-dried
- Pilling after a few washes and wearings
Best Bridgedale Socks
Pros
- Excellent quality and durability
- Balanced insulation and moisture control
- Deliver the perfect fit
Cons
- Shrink on being tumble-dried
Anti-Blister Socks (Unisex)
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Provide optimum durability in extreme conditions
- Look great and are super comfy
- Made from 100% recycled materials
- Keep your feet blister-free and bone dry
Cons
- Inaccurate sizing - can run small so size up
Extras for Hiking
Choosing suitable walking boots is essential for a hike. They should be comfy to wear, offer adequate support and protection from the elements, and allow flexible movement of your feet. If you’re looking for men’s walking boots, you can check our star buy – the Salomon Quest Prime GTX Men’s Hiking Boots.
Depending on the type of activity and climate of the area you’re hiking to, you should choose your walking jackets. Typically, investing in a breathable, waterproof, windproof, and lightweight jacket is wise. Women looking for such jackets can buy the Rab Women’s waterproof jacket. It’s our overall best women’s hiking jacket.
Walking rucksacks are another essential item on this list that you should consider. These sturdy products let you carry food, water, additional clothing, and other things necessary for your hike. If you’re planning a picnic on your hike, make sure to carry picnic rucksacks. For a 4-member party, our star buy – the Sunflora 4 Person Insulated Picnic Backpack Rucksack would be the ideal choice.
For staying hydrated while you’re out there, you should also carry thermos flasks and reusable water bottles. Our best buys in these categories are the ONEISALL 2L Flask and HYDRO FLASK – Water Bottle 591 ml, respectively. Both of these can keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. They have a steel inner that makes them shatterproof. They also feature cool-touch walls and a user-friendly, no-spill press pour lid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Socks
Most frequent questions and answers
What are the best walking socks to avoid blisters?
The best anti-blister walking socks are breathable and super comfy to wear. You can LEARN MORE on our star buy in this category – the unisex Rockay Accelerate Anti-Blister Socks, here and its also reviewed above.
What are the best socks for walking long distances?
Walking socks that are hard-wearing, durable, comfy, and offer optimal padding are ideal for long distances. Our star buy is the DANISH ENDURANCE Premium Outdoor Walking Socks. If you’re looking for the overall best men’s thermal socks for long distances, you have it right here too.
What is the best material for a walking sock?
Different materials like cotton, wool, fleece, nylon, or polyester are used to make walking socks to suit different needs. Each sock material has its merits depending on what you want it for but if pushed to pick the BEST material then its merino wool. Socks like these manage sweat and moisture well, are warmer and are comfy against my skin. You can check our star buy – the Bridgedale HIKE Midweight Merino Wool Walking Socks here.
Do Walking Socks make a difference?
Yes, they definitely do. The right ones will keep your feet dry, comfy, cushioned, less sweaty, and away from fatigue and painful blisters.
Trust me grabbing your hubby’s socks and thinking they will be ok on a hike is a NO NO…my blistered feet took weeks to recover when i tried that!
Does the thickness of the walking sock matter?
Yes. For example, thicker and fluffy socks can keep your feet warmer in cold weather. Again, if you need more protection and warmth around your toes, wearing thick leather boot socks would be good. Over thickness i would always look for the support in the mid foot and extra padding on toes and heel for walking comfort!
Have you used any of these walking socks? Then please leave your review in the comments box below. Is your favourite pair of walking socks not on the list? Be sure to let me know in the comments below so I can review it.
Last update on 2021-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API