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Our top picks are comfortable, durable, sweat-wicking, and help keep hot spots at bay.

Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Credit:Travel + Leisure

Be sure to check the size chart as they can run on the smaller side.

These are a crowd-pleaser for backpackers and day hikers alike.

These aren’t the best for chillier hikes unless your shoes are super warm.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Credit: Darn Tough

For warm-weather hikes, look no further than these lightweight, breathable socks made with ultra-soft rayon from bamboo.

There isn’t much padding in the upper, so sensitive feet might want more protection.

They can hold stains faster than other pairs of hiking socks we’ve tried.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

These have pilled more than others, mostly on the top of the sock.

These are also well mapped, with different support zones for the ankle, instep, and underfoot cushioning.

They seem to shrink a bit after a few washes, but do stretch out again during wear.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Paka also has an emphasis on sustainable sourcing, and all of their alpaca fibers are traceable.

As a bonus, we love the fun designs that peek over the top of our boots.

Compression all the way to the knee may be too much for casual hikers.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Not to mention, the taller height provides more protection for our calves on narrow or overgrown trails.

They plush fabric may be too thick to wear with tight boots.

Before putting the socks on, each tester evaluated the socks' construction, materials, and seam placement.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

A good fit also helps prevent blisters and discomfort, all things that help you stay out longer.

Think about height

For the most part, crew and micro-crew socks are our go-to for hiking.

It also providesprotection against bugsand underbrush.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Also, nothing makes us crankier than hot feet on a hot day.

If youre hiking in extreme cold, two pairs in a larger pair of boots might feel better.

She has tested gear and apparel in all four seasons and in a range of environments and climates.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Credit: Le Bent

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Credit: Travel + Leisure/

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Le Bent The Range Light Cushion Mini Hike Sock

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Credit: Amazon

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Credit: Darn Tough

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew

Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Light Crew Socks Natural Summit

Credit: Amazon

Feet wearing colorful hiking socks and sneakers

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Feet wearing colorful hiking socks and sneakers

Feet wearing colorful hiking socks

Icebreaker women’s merino hike light crew socks

Icebreaker women’s merino hike light crew socks

Feet wearing colorful hiking socks and sneakers

Feet wearing colorful hiking socks and sneakers

Feet wearing colorful hiking socks

Icebreaker women’s merino hike light crew socks

Icebreaker women’s merino hike light crew socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Credit: Paka

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Paka Mountain Crew Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Credit: Swiftwick

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Swiftwick Aspire Knee High Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Strip Cushioned Crew Socks

Credit: Wide Open

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Wide Open Men’s Vintage Stripe Cushioned Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp