It’s important that you get a good, dedicated pair of hiking socks. A random pair from the closet will work, but not nearly as well as a real pair of hiking socks. In fact, the best hiking socks for men and women are often the kind of thing that you can just bring one or two pairs, and wear them day after day, without any discomfort, and maybe just a little bit of a bad smell. Which is something that definitely could not expect a pair of socks from the closet to do.
Hiking Socks for Men
What to look at when buying new hiking socks for men.
Material – The first and most important decision to make when it comes to hiking socks is the material. Wool is, of course, the obvious choice for hiking socks. It breathes very well, and retains its ability to insulate even when it gets wet, which can be critical when the weather gets bad and your feet get wet.
Venting – Even on hiking socks, many come with venting options. Often, hiking socks will have thinner patches, at the base of the toes, for instance, and along the top of the foot. This way, air can circulate better through the sock and against your feet, which helps to reduce any sweat from your feet.
Best Hiking Socks for Men
Some of your better choices when picking out hiking socks for men.
SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks - One of the better known brands of hiking socks is SmartWool, and the PhD line is the best that they have to offer. These are a lightweight crew sock made with merino wool. They are padded in the right places, and use SmartWools 4-degree banding system to ensure that you get the best fit possible. Just about everything innovative that you can do to a sock has been done to these. A seriously good pair for hiking in.
Teko EcoMerino Midweight Hiking Socks - Slightly thicker is this midweight sock from Teko. They use merino wool, and will keep your feet warm in slightly colder temperatures. They're padded in the right places, and have venting, or thinner areas along the top of the foot and at the base of toes, so that air circulates around your feet, even while they're staying warm. Another very well designed hiking sock for men.
Injinji Performance Crew Toe Socks - These toe socks from Injinji may seem gimmicky, but there's actually a very good reason to wear toe socks. Many people experience foot problems caused by their toes rubbing together. These socks prevent exactly that. They're not wool, they're a synthetic blend that breathes well and wicks moisture just like wool. So if you have problems with your toes, these are a fantastic hiking sock for men.