The 10 best hiking socks to buy in the UK
Hiking socks are an often overlooked yet crucial piece of hiking clothing. Designed to keep your feet comfortable and supported during long hikes, choosing a pair of the best hiking socks can make the difference between sore, aching feet and a high level of foot support. However, finding the right pair of socks that keeps your feet from getting too sweaty and creating blisters is surprisingly difficult. With so many brands on the market, it can be quite confusing to determine what you really need. To help find the best socks for hiking, check out the below guide for all the information you need.
What are hiking socks?
Hiking socks are a type of sock designed specifically for hiking. They offer various features that make them specially suited for outdoor activities and hiking trails. For instance, great hiking socks will feature added padding, especially on the heel and the ball of the foot, providing your feet with extra protection from the being too tight inside your hiking boots. Also, they are made from high-quality materials, such as merino wool, yet may also feature synthetic fibres and a small percentage of elastane for added stretch.
Why should you buy a good pair of hiking socks?
The best socks for hiking are designed to be incredibly durable and comfortable. As your feet will often rub the inside of your boots during a long hike, quality hiking socks can help to reduce the chance of blisters. Plus, good hiking socks should also be moisture wicking to absorb sweat, helping to regulate temperature on hikes and keep feet dry throughout your hike.
How to choose the right pair of hiking socks?
To ensure that you have an enjoyable hiking experience, it's important to choose the best socks. Here are some considerations:
- Length: Hiking socks come in all lengths, although it's worth considering that low-rise hiking socks may not provide enough protection and making your ankle rub against your hiking boot, thus causing blisters. Therefore, high-rise socks are always recommended when choosing the right length of a hiking sock.
- Thickness: Cushioning is determined by the thickness of socks undefoot, i.e., the amount of material. While thicker socks provide better insulation and, hence, are much better for colder climates, they also provide great cushioning. Thinner socks, however, are still suitable for most hiking conditions, especially when the weather is warmer and your footwear is light to wear.
- Materials: There is a large variety of materials used for hiking socks. In hotter climate, you may benefit from socks with moisture-wicking materials that are resistant to any odours. Popular choices here include traditional wool, nylon, and polyester.
What is the best kind of pair of hiking socks in the UK?
There are countless types and styles of hiking socks to choose from, including the following:
- Lightweight Hiking Socks: These are much lighter than other types, featuring a more breathable design that is ideal for hiking in warm weather. Although they are durable, they are not as padded or insulating as other options.
- Midweight Hiking Socks: Midweight socks offer a fine balance between insulation and padding. If you plan on walking in various weather conditions then a midweight sock provides ample insulation without getting too hot, as well as offer a decent amount of padding for long hikes.
- Heavyweight Hiking Socks: The best socks in terms of insulation, heavyweights are designed for the coldest of conditions. The provide excellent comfort and warmth, although they can be too warm in summer months.
Top 10 list of hiking socks in the UK 2024
The bestseller list compares brands and their hiking socks. Which pair of hiking socks is the best?
- Sizes Available: M = UK Men's 6-8 (EU 39--41) L = UK Men's 9-11 (EU 42…
- Colour: Navy Blue
- Socks Feature: High Density padding for added comfort, Soft Grip top, Arch Support…
- High Performance Socks for Men And Women: The cotton sports socks are ideal for trekking,…
- Multipack Non Slip Work Socks: Our socks are reinforced on the heel and the toe to…
- Arch Support Running Socks: Unisex trainer socks have high compression performance.…
- 100% SERVICE PROVIDED--- We value our customers and hope to be able to offer you…
- Perfect for all year round---Our calf socks are definitely ideal for outdoor activities…
- Comfortable Cushioned Trainer Socks---Constructed with soft plush sole cushioning…
- BOOTS SOCKS - These socks can be worn with boots, no matter the length! Match these…
- HIKING WALKING SOCKS - These socks are perfect for short and long hikes. Whether…
- RIBBED LEG - The ribbed leg helps the sock to mould comfortably around your leg…
- COMFORTABLE & BREATHABLE: Specially proportion of materials designed for out-door…
- IDEAL FOR HIKING & OUTDOOR: These Boot Hiking socks are great for hiking, trek-king,…
- WOMEN'S SPORTS SOCKS: Moisture wicking, anti-bacterial, ventilation, deodorant.…
- Perfect Outdoor CompanionThese long socks are designed for both men and women, making…
- High Performance Arch Support Running SocksThese running socks feature compression…
- Ultra-Comfort Anti-Blister Hiking SocksOur cushioned hiking socks are designed to…
- SIZE AND QUANTITY :Our mens socks multipack 6-11, The size meets the requirements…
- MAIN FABRIC: Made of 85% Cotton, 12% Polyamide, 3% Elastane, the Mens ankle socks…
- Comfortable Fit:Our walking socks heel, toes and sole of the Athletic socks are constructed…
- 6-11 UK SIZE - Available in size 6-11 UK, other colours and sizes are also available…
- PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIESBeing cotton these socks also will keep feet warm when…
- COTTON RICH - Thick and warm, these socks are cotton rich. They are great for keeping…
- 100% COMPLETE SATISFACTION3 pairs mens hiking socks in one set. Machine or hand wash…
- COMFORTABLE TO WEARFine gauge knitting and supper soft fuzzy inner provides compression,…
- WELL PERFORMANCE Ideal for hiking, trekking, walking, rock climbing, camping, mountaineering…
- EXCELLENT GIFT CHOICE : This winter women wool socks make the perfect present for…
- MULTI FUNCTION : The high quality women wool thermal socks are suitable for different…
- 5 PAIRS - 5 COLOR : Each Package including 5 pairs of attractive colors crew wool…
We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For the list of the best hiking socks, we consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2023/12/09.