11 Of The Best Hiking Socks To Prevent Blisters 2023

Searching for the best hiking socks to prevent blisters so you can enjoy your time out on the trail?

Looking for the best hiking socks to prevent blisters? You have come to the right place!

Hiking is one of our favorite activities to do year-round and over the last few years we have tried and tested out countless products.

Some products we have tested out include hot weather tents, the best energy bars for hiking, the best flashlights for hiking, and even the best hiking socks to prevent blisters!

As avid hikers, we know how painful and annoying it can be to get a blister while hiking several miles out in the wilderness.

That’s why we decided to spend countless hours researching and trying out different sock brands to discover which ones help prevent blisters on long treks.

Continue reading below to discover the ultimate list of the best hiking socks to prevent blisters so that you have the greatest time while out on the trails!

Trekking Price’s contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.

Don’t have time to read through the whole article? Check out our top 3 favorites below!

Our Top 3 Favorite Socks That Will Prevent Blisters While Hiking:

🌟 #1 Pick: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks – Best Overall

• Made out of Merino Wool material
• Micro Crew length is perfect for wearing with hiking boots
• Darn Tough guarantees for life in case of rips, holes, etc. 

👉🏼 Grab your pair of Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks here!

⭐️  #2 Pick: Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Socks

• Made out of Merino Wool Material
• Responsibly sourced material making them Eco-Friendly
• Full cushion – keeps your entire foot padded and protected

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to order your pair of Smartwool Performance Hike Socks!

⭐️ #3 Pick: Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Socks

• Made out of US made Merino Wool material
• Targeted cushion – crafted to cushion the more sensitive areas of your feet 
• Advanced technology and material used surrounding your toes to avoid blisters and friction

👉🏼 Check out this link to get your pair of Farm to Feet Damascus Socks today!

The Ultimate List Of The Best Hiking Socks To Prevent Blisters

1. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks – Best Overall and Best Darn Tough Hiking Socks

Darn Tough is truly a remarkable brand when it comes to thoughtfully crafted socks that are great for endless activities including hiking, running, skiing, and so much more. 

One feature that truly stands out about Darn Tough is their lifetime guarantee, if your socks rip or get a hole in them, Darn Tough will replace them!

This is so incredibly nice for those looking to invest in high quality socks that have a great warranty.

Pros:

The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks are made out of Merino Wool material, my favorite material for hiking or running that will help prevent blisters and remain odor resistant!

Another feature that I love especially about the Micro Crew Cushion socks is the micro crew length.

I love that these socks are not the traditional crew length and were created to fit perfectly with hiking boots.

The length is supposed to stop just above your hiking boots so that you don’t have all the extra sock material above your boot. 

As I already mentioned, one feature that truly makes the Darn Tough brand stand out is their lifetime guarantee in case your socks rip or get a hole in them. 

Additionally, I love that these socks come in a wide range of sizes and colors to pick from which is great for those looking for a specific fit and style.

Cons:

There are not many cons when it comes to these socks but one could be the high price.

However, keep in mind that these do come with the Darn Tough lifetime guarantee which should ease your mind just a little more.

Depending on what you prefer, Darn Tough socks tend to be a bit tighter than Smartwool socks which can be a pro or con depending on your preference.

We have found that Smartwool socks may be a bit more comfortable.

👉🏼 Click here to grab your very own pair of Darn Tough Hiker Socks!

2. Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Socks

Smartwool socks are my runner up, close second choice, for hiking, running, and walking socks.

After countless years hitting the trails, running half marathons, and walking endless miles… I have tried and tested countless brands and Smartwool always comes out close to the top!

I love that they are crafted out of Merino Wool material and designed to prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable.

Pros:

I love the Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Socks because they are made out of Merino Wool material.

This material is created to be durable, transport moisture, and is supposed to be odor resistant.

Another pro is that the Performance Hike sock is Eco-Friendly and made out of responsibility sourced material to help protect our environment. 

Additionally, I love that these socks are made out of full cushion to keep your entire foot protected and to prevent blisters on any area of your foot.

Another feature that I love is that these socks were designed to be crew length which is perfect for hitting the trails and great for wearing with hiking boots.

Lastly, I love that these socks come in a variety of sizes and colors so that you can pick your preference. 

Cons:

There truly are not many faults when it comes to the Smartwool Performance Hike socks but if I had to pick one, it would be that these socks are a bit pricey for just one pair of socks.

Another con is that they do not come with a lifetime guarantee like Darn Tough socks do!

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to order your own pair of Smartwool Performance Hike Socks today!

3. Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Socks

Another brand of hiking socks that I adore is Farm to Feet.

Specifically, I love the Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew Socks because of Merino Wool material, their specifically targeted cushion, and their carefully crafted design and technology used to help prevent blisters while out on the trails.

Pros:

I love that these socks are made out of Merino Wool that is 100% out of the United States. This is awesome for those looking to support U.S. made products. 

Another feature that makes the Damascus socks stand out is the targeted cushion design.

These socks were created to have extra cushion in specific areas that tend to be more vulnerable or more sensitive. 

Additionally, I love that these socks were designed with special technology around the toe area of the sock that was created to help prevent blisters on your toes. This is super nice for those that tend to have sensitive toes.

Lastly, I love that these socks come in a variety of colors and sizes to choose from so that you can pick your specific size and color preference!

Cons:

As with other hiking brands, these socks tend to be a bit pricey for just one pair of socks. 

Another con that some people complain about is that the sizing may be off a bit. We recommend checking out their sizing guide so that you pick the correct size for your feet!

👉🏼 Check out this link to snag your Farm to Feet Damascus Socks!

4. Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Sock

The Wigwam Hiking Outdoor sock is great for those looking for one of the best hiking socks to prevent blisters and also don’t want to spend close to $30 on one pair of socks!

Pros:

I love the price of these socks for the quality and durability that you are getting.

These socks are under $20 and a great option for a budget friendly product that will keep your feet comfortable on the trails.

These socks are made out of 100% wool material which allows for your feet to stay extra warm and the material helps to prevent blisters too.

Another feature that we truly love about these socks is that they keep your feet dry while hiking. This is super nice for those that sweat a bunch while out on the trails.

These socks do a great job at transporting moisture and keeping your feet comfortable and dry inside. 

Cons:

Many people have complained that these socks run small so think about ordering a size up. However, be sure to check their size guide for a more accurate analysis to help you!

Another con is that many people say that these are a great pair of socks for the price. However, many people say that brands such as Darn Tough and Smartwool tend to be more comfortable. 

👉🏼 Make sure to check out this link to get your own Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Socks!

5. Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Socks

I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Socks.

As I stated previously, not only is Darn Tough one of the leading hiking sock brands on the market but they make some truly exceptional products when it comes to carefully curated socks that are meant to endure countless miles on the trails and prevent blisters during the process.

The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion sock is no exception.

I especially love that this pair of socks was curated to be lightweight and to increase breathability for your feet!

Pros:

This sock is made out of Merino Wool material to keep your feet feeling comfortable, wick away moisture, prevent blisters, and be odor resistant.

I love that this is the “light” version of the hiker sock and that it was designed to create better breathability!

This makes it perfect for year round hiking if you tend to have hot feet but it makes this pair even better for summer usage.

As with all Darn Tough socks, we love the guaranteed for life promise… this makes it worth the investment!

Cons:

Darn Tough socks tend to be on the pricey end of the spectrum but keep in mind the lifetime guarantee, it doesn’t make the price look so bad when you realize these are good for life!

Another con is that many people have complained that this sock runs small so be sure to read their size chart to pick the best fit for you!

👉🏼 Grab your own pair of Darn Tough Light Hiker Socks here!

6. WrightSock CoolMesh II Quarter Socks

If you are searching for a cooling hiking sock that is budget friendly, WrightSock CoolMesh II is an excellent option for you!

Pros:

One of the biggest things that stands out about this sock is the price, it’s hard to find a solid blister resistant hiking sock on the market for under $20-$30 let alone a pair for $15!

This price is truly magnificent for socks designed to prevent blisters.

Another feature that I love about this pair of socks is the breathability and lightweight design.

This is awesome for those with hot feet or for those looking for a great pair of summer socks.

Additionally, I love that these socks were specifically created to combat blisters, between the material and the design, these socks were carefully crafted to help prevent blisters on any of your activities! 

Lastly, I love that these socks were made to keep your feet dry.

I hate when my feet feel wet or soggy while doing an activity so having a pair of socks that was designed to keep your feet dry is such a bonus!

Cons:

Many people complained that these socks are not as durable as other brands and that after several uses there is damage to the socks. 

Another complaint that many people have is that the material of these socks are not as comfortable as other brands and that they seem a bit itchy.

👉🏼 Click here to get your WrightSock CoolMesh II Quarter Socks!

7. Fox River Mid-Calf Socks

The Fox River Mid-Calf socks are a great option for those looking for a budget friendly, high quality option on the market for the best hiking socks to prevent blisters.

Pros:

One feature that sticks out immediately about these socks is the price!

These socks are well under $20 and are an excellent price for the material, fit, and technology. 

Another thing that I love about these Fox River socks is the quick drying technology used to create this sock.

This is excellent for whatever activity you plan on using these socks for, especially for hiking.

Plus, the moisture wicking technology keeps your feet dry which also prevents blisters.

Additionally, I love that these socks were created to be odor resistant which is a great option to keep your car or house from sticking up but it is also nice in case you need to wear the same pair of socks multiple days in a row!

Cons:

Many people complain that these socks do not stay up on your legs and tend to fall down. 

Another con that many people complain about is that these socks are very thick and can make your feet pretty hot during the warmer months.

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to order your Fox River Mid-Calf Socks!

8. Icebreaker Hike + Light Crew Socks

Icebreaker is an excellent brand for outdoor activities! They create phenomenal products for hiking, running, skiing, and much more. 

I specifically love the Icebreaker Hike + Light Crew socks because they were designed specifically to be lightweight and for hiking adventures.

Pros:

One feature that stands out about this pair of socks is its lightweight design.

This is so nice for those that want their feet to feel light while out on a hiking trail.

Plus, this is a great option for those looking for a nice pair of blister resistant socks to wear during the warmer months.

Another characteristic that I adore about this pair of socks is the technology and design that went into creating this sock.

I love that there is a reinforced heel and toe area so that it prevents both of these areas from ripping but also prevents blisters too!

Additionally, I love that these socks are made out of Merino Wool which is my go-to hiking material.

Cons:

Many people have complained that these socks do not feel the most comfortable when on and feel a bit scratchy.

👉🏼 Make sure to check out this link to order your own Icebreaker Hike + Light Crew Socks today!

9. Balega Blister Resistant Performance Quarter Socks – Best Socks to Prevent Blisters When Walking

Balega is one of my go-to brands for running and if you are searching for a comfortable, shorter hiking sock… this pair is for you!

Pros:

I love that this pair of socks was specifically designed to combat blisters!

The Balega Blister Resistant sock uses a handful of materials such as nylon, drynamix, mohair, and others… in order to make these socks comfortable but help to prevent blisters as well.

Another feature that I love about these socks are the moisture wicking technology used to keep your feet dry while hiking or running multiple miles.

Additionally, I love that this pair of socks was created to be durable and last a long time.

This is such a great feature when selecting socks for hiking because you want them to be able to sustain countless miles and extended usage.

Cons:

Many people have complained that this pair of socks is quite hot and thick due to its extra cushioning that was created to prevent blisters.

👉🏼 Click here to order your Balega Blister Resistant Quarter Socks!

10. Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks – Best Socks to Prevent Swelling

If you are searching for a non-traditional hiking sock that was created to prevent blisters and increase circulation in your feet and legs and minimize swelling, the Sockwell Circulator Compression sock is a great option for you!

Pros:

I love that these socks were created to increase circulation and minimize swelling while hiking, walking, or standing for a long period of time! 

Another feature that I love about this sock is it was created for multi-purpose use!

This compression sock is excellent for exercising, sitting or standing, travel, and so much more.

Lastly, I love the countless size and color options that you can pick from! Plus, they have a male and female option too!

Cons:

Many people have complained that the sizing is off with these socks. Be sure to check the sizing chart so you can pick the best option for your size and needs!

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link in order to get your Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks!

11. Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Socks

If you are looking to try a truly unique style sock that prevents blisters and keeps your feet comfortable after several miles of hiking or running, you must check out the Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Socks!

Pros:

One of the first key features that sticks out about this pair of hiking socks is that the socks were created as toesocks.

This allows for each of your toes to have a designed “pocket” that is supposed to help reduce blisters and helps you utilize your entire foot while hiking or running. 

Another feature that I love about this sock is the moisture wicking technology used to help keep your feet dry.

Additionally, I love the mesh top of these socks that was designed to increase ventilation and breathability so that your feet do not get overheated.

Also, I love that this pair of socks was curated to have a significant amount of arch support to help support your feet. 

Furthermore, I love that this pair of socks come in a variety of sizes and colors to choose from!

Lastly, these socks are an excellent price for a carefully and well thought-out pair of hiking socks at just $15!

Cons:

Some people have complained that the durability of these socks is not the best and they experience holes or a rip in the big toe after several uses. 

👉🏼 Click here to get your Injinji Trail Midweight Crew Socks!

How to Avoid Blisters While Hiking:

There are countless ways to prevent blisters while hiking in the great outdoors!

Some tips that I recommend are making sure that you purchase hiking socks that specially prevent blisters and have extra cushion. 

Another way to prevent blisters while hiking is to use one of my favorite products, BodyGlides’s Foot Glide that helps to prevent chafing and protect your skin.

Best Hiking Socks for Women:

There are countless hiking socks that are excellent for women specifically.

I recommend Darn Tough’s Women’s 1/4 Sock Lightweight with Cushion Hike Trek Sock because I like that they make my feet feel light while on the trail but they also have enough cushion and support to make me feel confident and comfortable too.

These are definitely some of the best women’s hiking socks to prevent blisters!

Things to Consider When Purchasing Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters:

✅ Moisture Wicking Technology

This is such a huge feature to consider when purchasing hiking socks.

Make sure that they come with moisture wicking technology that will soak up sweat and water and keep your feet from getting too soggy while hiking.

✅ Height

Depending on your personal preference, you may want to purchase ankle socks, crew socks, standard socks, or no show socks.

My go-to hiking sock height is typically crew because it goes great with hiking boots and prevents bugs or sticks from scratching against my ankles!

✅ Material 

There are so many different materials out there when it comes to socks including cotton, wool, merino wool, polyester, spandex, and so many others.

I typically try to purchase socks that have a high portion of merino wool material because I like the way it feels, it’s odor resistant, and durable.

✅ Thickness

Thickness is typically a personal preference and may depend on what time of year you plan on using your socks!

I try to purchase thicker socks for the winter and lighter socks in the summer. 

✅ Padding

Padding is a huge characteristic to take into consideration when purchasing hiking socks that will prevent blisters!

Oftentimes, the more padding in your sock, the more prevention for blisters!

✅ Anti-Odor

Anti-odor  is another great factor to consider when buying hiking socks.

If you plan on using socks multiple days in a row without washing, you will want to make sure that your pair of socks is odor resistant so you don’t carry a funk around.

FAQs About the Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters

What are the best socks to prevent blisters while hiking?

Above, I provided you with 11 different socks to prevent blisters while hiking.

My go-to favorites are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks and Smartwool Performance Hike Full Cushion Socks.

What socks are best to avoid blisters?

Any of the above socks are excellent at avoiding blisters.

I highly recommend Darn Tough, Smartwool, and Farm to Feet socks for avoiding blisters while hiking or running. 

Do hiking socks prevent blisters?

YES! Hiking socks definitely prevent blisters because they are designed specifically to be put to use in hard terrain and for several hours. 

Are thicker socks better for blisters?

This truly depends on the brand and the material that the socks are created out of.

In general, I recommend searching for socks with merino wool material that have moisture wicking technology because these two combined are magnificent when it comes to avoiding blisters.

I hope this article on the best hiking socks to prevent blisters help you pick the best pair for you!

For similar articles, be sure to check out 11 of The Best Hikes in Southern Colorado, 14 of The Best Wildflower Hikes in Colorado 2023, and Crampons vs. Microspikes. Happy Hiking!