Give your feet the support they deserve.
When you hit the trails in warm weather, the last thing you need is overheated, sweat-drenched feet. Choosing the right socks for summer hiking will keep you moving on the trails, make your feet comfortable for longer, and help to prevent chafing and blisters. The best socks for summer hiking will be made from a thinner, non-cotton material, like merino wool or a technical fabric, and will offer added cushion and support in key spots. Keeping these criteria in mind, we think you’ll like these seven lightweight socks for comfortable summer hiking.
Hikers have nothing but positive things to say about Darn Tough’s Coolmax socks. Their socks made with this technology, like the Vertex Ultralight Cushion, are thin and breathable to keep your feet as cool and dry as possible, but at the same time, add just enough supportive cushion to ensure that you remain comfortable in your boots (or shoes).
The Damascus Targeted Cushion Socks from Farm to Feet are made from a blend of super-fine merino wool that repels both moisture and odor-causing bacteria, nylon, and Lycra to give them just the right amount of stretch. The Damascus is designed with a balance of cushioning and ventilation to maximize both comfort and moisture management, prevent blisters, and keep your feet feeling fine after a day on the trail.
Wrightsock’s Escape socks are two-layer socks that combine an integrated liner with a lightweight outer sock. Light terry cushioning is strategically placed between the layers to provide added shock absorption without increasing the weight. The arches boast stabilizer zones while mesh panels across the top of the feet provide airflow to keep your feet as cool and dry as possible.
Smartwool’s PhD Outdoor light socks use a technology they’ve dubbed “indestructawool” for its ability to not wear through. The moniker drives from a more durable knitting technique that the company developed for the PhD line of socks. The Outdoor Lights are made for warm-weather trekking, are moisture-resistant, and are reinforced in all the right places to make them comfortable and to keep your feet blister free.
Yes, the Outdoor Original Weight NuWool Socks from Injinji are toe socks. But hikers swear by them, and the socks really could not be built more comfortably. The socks start with a merino wool base and excel in repelling moisture while protecting your feet against blisters and providing enough comfort for hours on the trail.
New Zealand company Icebreaker was an early leader in bringing merino wool to the outdoors market—and they do not disappoint when it comes to socks. Their Hike series Cool-Lite socks are ideal for warm-weather hikers out there. The ultralight socks are breathable, soft, moisture wicking, and durable. Most importantly, they are cushioned in key areas to provide the comfort you need for a day on the trail.
Made with yarn created from recycled water bottles, REI Co-op’s COOLMAX EcoMade Ultralight Tech hiking socks will keep your feet cool on the trail while wicking moisture away from them. The durable fabric and seamless toe construction ensures that the socks will last a long time, while the reinforced heels, toes, and footbeds will keep your feet going all day on the trail.
