Traditionally, hiking socks have been downright boring. Luckily, sock manufacturers are getting creative and making performance-minded socks that feel great and look even better. Here are five of our favorite hiking socks that will keep you stylish on and off the trail.
Stance Geothermal ($20)
Stance has a variety of beautiful socks, from retro stripes to this wild and colorful outdoorsy pair created in collaboration with photographer-climber Jimmy Chin. They’re made of a natural wool blend with a seamless toe and anatomical cushioning for a killer fit.
Farm to Feet Englewood ($24)
Farm to Feet’s Damascus is a standard for hikers on the Appalachian Trail, but we’re smitten with the lodge styling on these Englewood hikers. The North Carolina–based manufacturer uses 100 percent American-grown merino wool, blending it with nylon and spandex for a sock that breathes well, dries fast, and stretches like crazy.
Darn Tough Haselton Hiker ($20)
Vermont-based Darn Tough puts minimal cushion in this hiker for a snug fit that’s enhanced by the significant amount of merino in the blend. We dig the simple stripes and the lifetime guarantee.
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Mountaineer ($35)
Smartwool throws all of its tech into these performance-minded socks, using “Indestructawool,” a proprietary yarn construction that strategically reinforces merino wool with nylon so you get the feel of merino but the strength of nylon. There’s also high-density cushioning in the heels and toes and graduated compression throughout to help you recover.
Icebreaker Hike Lite ($20)
OK, the style here is definitely muted, which just means you’ll be able to wear these socks to work as well as the trail. And you’re going to want to wear these a lot because seams are few to reduce rubbing, a snug fit prevents slipping, and lots of merino wool makes them comfy in the summer or winter.