Hiking socks explained: merino, synthetic and thickness

Hiking socks vs everyday socks

Everyday socks are usually cotton or cotton blends. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds it against the skin, gets heavy and cold when wet and can bunch up inside a boot, creating pressure points and friction.

Walking socks use fibres that manage moisture better, have shaped heels and toes so they do not slide or wrinkle, and add padding where boots press: heel, ball of the foot, shin and sometimes toes. Many have flat toe seams to reduce rubbing.

The result is a sock that keeps feet more comfortable over a long day. No sock can guarantee you will not get blisters, but a good one removes several of the common causes.

Materials compared

Most walking socks are blends. A merino-rich sock suits cool and cold weather and multi-day trips; a synthetic-rich sock suits hot weather and walkers who want quick drying.

Thickness and cushioning

Walking socks come in roughly three weights. Lightweight socks are thin with light cushioning, suited to summer walking and walking shoes. Midweight socks have cushioning at the heel and forefoot and suit most boots in most seasons. Heavyweight socks are thick and cushioned throughout, for winter and stiff boots.

Thicker is not always better. A thick sock in a boot that fits a thin sock makes it tight, which can reduce circulation and increase pressure. Match the sock to the boot fit and the season.

For winter, a heavier merino sock helps keep feet warm. Make sure your winter boots have room for it.

Liner socks

A liner is a thin sock, often of synthetic fibre or fine merino, worn under a walking sock. The idea is that friction happens between the two socks rather than against your skin, and that the liner moves sweat away to the outer sock. Some walkers find liners help with rubbing; others find one well-fitting sock works better.

If you try liners, make sure the combination is not too thick for your boots.

Socks change boot fit

Sock thickness can make a difference of close to half a boot size. Always try boots on with the socks you will walk in, and if you switch to thicker winter socks, check your boots still have room.

If a boot feels slightly loose, a thicker sock can take up space and reduce heel lift. If it feels tight, a thinner sock may help. Our guides to what size walking boots and heel slipping in walking boots cover fit in more detail.

Compare walking boots →

Caring for walking socks

Wash walking socks inside out at the temperature on the label, usually a cool or warm wash. Avoid fabric conditioner, which can reduce wicking. Merino socks are best air dried rather than tumble dried.

Replace socks when the cushioning goes flat or holes appear. Worn heels and thin patches remove the protection that makes walking socks worth having. If you walk on consecutive days, take a fresh pair for each day and let your boots dry; see smelly walking boots.

Good socks pair best with boots that fit. If you are still choosing boots, our lightweight walking boots and leather walking boots guides compare established models.

Frequently asked questions

What socks are best for hiking? Most walkers use merino or merino-blend walking socks with cushioning at the heel and forefoot, matched to the season.

Do hiking socks prevent blisters? They reduce friction and moisture, which lowers the chance of blisters, but cannot prevent them completely.

What socks for winter hiking? Thicker merino-rich socks, in boots with enough room for them.

Should I wear two pairs of socks? A thin liner under a walking sock works for some walkers. Two thick socks usually make boots too tight.