Winter Hiking Socks

When you go out hiking in the winter time one of the many body parts that you have to worry about getting cold is your feet. Winter hiking socks are great, because they will keep your feet toasty warm, but you should make sure to pair your winter hiking socks with a good pair of winter hiking boots or shoes. Socks are great, after all, but your shoes are the first and most important line of defense when it comes to keeping the outside world away from your feet.

Winter Hiking Socks

What to look for when you’re looking to buy winter hiking socks.

• Fitted – As with any pair o hiking socks that you’re going to be spending a considerable amount of time in, it’s best to get fitted socks. With a basic tube sock there’s always the potential of the fabric folding or creasing while you’re wearing them, which leads to hot spots, blisters and a whole wide range of associated foot problems.
• Material – There are a couple of different materials that you can find hiking socks in, but most people would agree that wool is by far the best choice. It breathes very well, and wicks moisture away from the skin better than most materials. Wool is also a natural anti-microbial, so your socks wont smell bad after a long day of hiking.

Best Winter Hiking Socks

A few of the best winter hiking sock options for both men and women.

Men’s Winter Hiking Socks

• SmartWool Expedition Hiking Socks – These are a blend of wool, nylon and spandex, for a fit that is stretchy, and gives you all the benefits of wool, plus a little nylon. As the name suggests these socks meant for expeditions, and are a serious pair of hiking socks. They’re thick, and they’re padded on the sole and the instep, to give you some padding and also protect against the pressure that mountaineering boots can sometimes put on the top of the foot. A serious winter hiking sock for serious hikers.
• Teko Merino Midweight Hiking Socks – For something a little less aggressive there is the midweight Teko sock. they’re a combination of organic merino wool and recycled polyester, and will wick moisture, breath well and keep your feet happy. They’re midweight, so they will definitely be warm, especially if you’re staying active, and features like seamless toes, padded heels and ventilation bands on the top of the sock will keep you comfortable through a wide range of temperatures.

Women’s Winter Hiking Socks

• SmartWool Expedition Hiking Socks – For serious cold you need a good, thick sock, and the Expedition from SmartWool is that kind of sock. It’s made with a blend of mostly wool, with a bit of nylon and a tiny bit of spandex, which makes for a stretchy, quality fit. And since these are expedition socks, they have a few features, like padded soles and some extra padding on the top of the sock as well, to protect your feet from heavy duty boots. If you need warm, these are the right winter hiking socks for you.
• Teko Merino Midweight Hiking Socks – If you’re not heading in to frigid temperatures, and just want a sock for general hiking in the winter a midweight option like these from Teko are likely a better choice. They will be plenty warm, but they also come with thinner areas on the top of the sock, for ventilation, and only padding in a few key areas, rather than throughout. And they’re a combination of mostly organic merino wool, which is the good stuff, and recycled polyester, which makes for a great fit and feel. For most people, these are the ideal winter hiking socks.