6 Sock Brands Perfect for Hikers
Believe it or not, socks are a crucial part of a hiker’s gear. A hiker needs socks that will be durable, sweat-wicking, and comfortable. These six brands offer a variety of different socks that cater to your needs depending on weather and style.
When it comes to socks for hiking, I never recommend regular cotton socks simply for the fact that they hold in moisture and are not as durable as these hiking sock counterparts. These socks might be on the pricier side compared to your average cotton ones but they are worth every penny when they are still working for you after numerous backpacking trips. However, if you are looking for a deal on hiking socks, check out our amazing price checker.
1. Darn Tough
Headquarters: Northfield, Vermont, USA
These Darn Tough socks have been worn over and over again but are still in great condition!
Darn Tough is a popular brand among hikers not only for the company’s great socks but also for their amazing warranty and in-house production. Every single sock made by Darn Tough is not outsourced but made right in their factory in Northfield, Vermont, USA.
As mentioned above, their warranty can’t be beat. If you send them your old, holey Darn Tough socks, they will send you a new pair for free, FREE! Therefore, if you invest in one pair of Darn Tough socks, you invest in replacement pairs forever. ,
2. Smartwool
Headquarters: Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
SmartWool hiking socks come in a variety of colors and lengths.
Smartwool socks cater to every person’s needs. If you need a cozy sock for lounging around, Smartwool has it. If you need a funky pattern to show off to your trail friends, Smartwool has it.
Smartwool makes their socks with merino wool that is shrink resistant, itch-free, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial and they have a variety of socks that can be worn during skiing, hiking, running, and other outdoor physical activities. Learn how to take care of merino wool so you can keep these socks ‘like new.’
3. Thorlo
Headquarters: Statesville, North Carolina, USA
Thorlo not only sells socks for hiking but also for work and combat!
Thorlo makes wool socks for so many physical activities. Also, they claim that some of their sock models can even help with minor foot conditions from blisters to athlete’s foot to basic foot pain.
This is a brand I have not personally worn. However, after a visit on their site, they will actually send you a free pair (you must pay for shipping) to experience Thorlo socks yourself without investing in a pair (MSRP $15.99 USD).
4. Injinji
Headquareters: San Diego, California, USA
Toe socks are great for hiking but also try Injinji’s sock liners too!
All Injinji socks have a distinguishing feature; they are all toe socks. Now, toe socks might sound like the worst but they actually prevent blisters, especially the ones that can happen in between the toes.
5. Wigwam
Headquarters: Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA
Wigwam offers a variety of socks to meet your outdoor needs! Photo credit: Aaron Cantleberry via Flickr
Wigwam is another popular brand that makes their socks in the United States instead of outsourcing. The wool that their socks are made of also comes from U.S. yarn spinners who get their wool from American wool growers. Socks range from snow, outdoor, sport, and even manual labor work socks. Wigwam also makes headwear and gloves.
6. Great Canadian Sox/J.B. Field’s
Headquarters: East York, Ontario, Canada
This sock bran is actually one of the oldest companies in Canada. They provide socks for the outdoors and for lounging. They also make their socks from not only wool but also bamboo and cashmere wool. You can even find socks to battle below-freezing temperatures!
What socks do you love to hike in?
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