Hiking in the wilderness is one of the most majestic ways to spend your free time. Immersed in nature, you have time to slow down for a minute, catch your breath, and soak up the wonder around you. However, if you don’t have the best women’s hiking socks, this venture can be miserable. You'd be amazed at how fast a bad pair of socks will make you want to forgo your outdoor excursion and beeline back to the lodge for a warm cocktail.
Crappy hiking socks will soak up water, making your toes cold and bunching up around your heels. They will trap odor and sweat, causing that mysterious worn sneaker scent to waft around in the car on the way home. They will cut off your circulation, chafe your heels and, worst of all, give you ridiculously painful blisters that will leave an achy reminder of your wilderness adventure for weeks to come.
High-quality hiking socks, on the other hand, will keep your feet warm when it’s cold and cool them down when it’s hot. They will stay dry, even when you're traipsing through wet mud and dense bushes. They will wick moisture, allowing you to sweat comfortably without creating a sticky pool of dirt and grime at the back of your boot. And they will offer cushioning and comfort to enable you to hike for miles without needing to stop to rest your feet.
If you’ve never experienced hiking with high-quality socks, now is the time to slip into a pair of the best socks for hiking and feel the difference.
1Out Top Pick: A Cushioned Sock That Has A Cult Following On Amazon
Darn Tough Vermont Women's Micro Crew Sock, $18, Amazon
Darn Tough gets a lot of attention for their superior quality socks and their women's Vermont Micro Crew Sock is no exception. It features a mix of Lycra spandex, nylon, and Merino wool, which delivers incredible softness and comfort without sacrificing technical performance. Although wool is typically considered a cold-weather fabric, Merino wool is known for regulating body temperature which makes it a great option in any weather. Plus, the sock is seamless which will prevent blisters and chafing and will leave you with a luxurious fit that makes long walks in the woods feel like pure bliss.
2A Six-Pack Of Ankle Socks For Hikers On A Budget
Kold Feet Women's Sports Low Cut Sock, $16 (6 Pack), Amazon
This six-pack of socks may come with a cheap price tag, but that doesn't mean they skimp on quality. The polyester and cotton blend comes with a touch of spandex and the moisture-wicking fibers help to prevent blisters, fight odor, and can even keep your feet cool. They also offer enhanced arch support, thoughtfully-placed mesh for ventilation, cushioned soles that help absorb shock and reduce impact as well as a padded heel and toe for improved durability.
3A Compression Sock That Stimulates Blood Flow While You Walk
CEP Women's Dynamic+ Outdoor Light Sock, $19-28, Amazon
While you're busy hiking through stunning scenery, this superb outdoor compression sock gets your blood flowing via cutting-edge technology that stimulates circulation while offering joint support, too. The sock's dynamic compression profile enhances overall blood flow, reducing swelling throughout the foot. The crew-length sock is made of nylon, spandex, and wool which offers insulation from the cold, as well as cooling properties on hot days. Additionally, the sock has cushioning strategically placed along the ankle bone and across the first metatarsal head to make it comfy to wear.
4A Super Lightweight Quarter Sock That Cools your Feet Down When They Get Hot
Feetures Pure Comfort Light Quarter Sock, $10, Amazon
Whether you take lots of summer hikes, or simply have feet that get hot easily, this light hiking sock from Feetures will help keep you cool. The short, quarter-length sock is made with a blend of rayon and Merino wool that wicks moisture and lets your feet breathe through fresh, interwoven bamboo fibers. It has high-density cushioning on the parts of your foot that receive the most impact when you walk, making it exceptionally comfortable, too. On top of all that, it's made with SnugFit technology that offers extra support via Lycra power bands which hug your foot and make sure it's not slipping down constantly.
5A Mega-Warm Hiking Sock For Seriously Cold Climates
Arctic Extreme Insulated Thermal Hiking Sock, $24, Amazon
If long, cold hikes in frigid weather are on your agenda, or, if you just get cold feet a lot (literally), then this extra warm hiking sock is a fabulous choice. Made with thick thermal yarn by Arctic Extreme, the sock features a fuzzy brushed lining that feels silky and comfortable against your feet as you trek along. It has padding in all the right spots and a ribbed design around the calves to prevent it from slipping down while you walk. The insulated sock is machine washable and comes in four color options including black, black-gray stripes, black-purple stripes, and gray-blue with gray-black.
6A Waterproof Sock That Uses 3-Layer Technology To Keep You Dry In The Heaviest Rain
SealSkinz Waterproof Mid-Length Hiking Sock, $56, Amazon
If you plan to be hiking in wet, rainy places where water will be seeping into your shoes, you need to check out this miracle sock by SealSkinz. The mid-length hiking sock is constructed with SealSkinz's patented three-layer StretchDry waterproof technology that blends a water-repellent nylon outer layer with a windproof middle layer and poly-wool liner to deliver an utterly weather-proof sock. It is warm, breathable, and super comfy to boot. The primo waterproofing and overall quality does come at a price — it isn't the cheapest sock out there — however, if you live in a wet climate and spend time outside, it is worth every last penny. For an even more badass waterproof sock, check out the Hydrostop version of the sock.
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.
