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Hiking is a terrific activity for getting outdoors, exercising, and becoming one with nature. Of course, in order to make your hiking experience as fulfilling as possible, there are a number of items that you need. From hiking boots, to water, to a number of other accessories, these items are either necessary, or borderline necessary. One of the most important of theses items is wool hiking sock.
Wool hiking socks provide you feet with enough comfort, cushion, and support to handle any terrain you might come into contact with while hiking. Durable and capable of withstanding the wear and tear of branches and thorns, they’re the absolute ideal hiking socks.
What exactly makes a great hiking sock?
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While all socks provide your feet with additional support, warmth, and comfort, for wool hiking socks, this is doubly true. These socks are typically much thicker than standard socks as they need to be in order to withstand the wear from branches and plants on hiking trails.
Perhaps the most important part of any wool hiking sock is its bottom which possesses extra cushion to provide your feet with comfort and support over long periods of walking. At least calf-high, they protect all parts of your exposed legs from scrapes and bruises.
What are the Advantages of Wool Hiking Socks?
While you can surely go hiking with standard socks, wool hiking socks provide advantages that those standard socks simply don’t provide. Because wool hiking socks are extra-padded, they provide your foot with plenty of cushion and support to accommodate the rough terrains and hills you’ll come into contact with.
Due to their calf-high height, they are also capable of protecting your legs from sharp branches and thorns. Made of tough, but flexible materials, they’re highly durable, yet capable of form-fitting to your foot’s specific shape.
Also Read: Guide to the warmest winter gloves of the year
Who are the Contenders for Best Wool Hiking Socks?
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock – Made in the United States, the Darn Tough Vermont hiking socks are constructed from 69% merino wool, 27% nylon, and 4% spandex. With a full-cushioned bottom, they are available in women’s sizes, including small medium, and large sizes. Available in five different designs, including Slate, Moss Heather, Green Tea, Aqua Heather, and Plum Heather, they are sure to have a design that suits your specific style.
OMNIWOOL Multi-Sport Hiker Socks – Designed to rest at the bottom of your calf muscles, these Omniwool wool hiking socks provide you with great protection from both branches, and the boots that you are wearing. Made of 75% Merino wool, 24% nylon, and 1% spandex, they are flexible, comfortable to the touch, and durable. Available in two sizes, including medium and large, they possess a comfort toe seam, offering you maximum foot support at all times.
Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks – Made of 61% Merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% spandex, these Darn Tough wool hiking socks are as tough and durable as they come. Equipped with extra cushioning along their bottoms, they provide your feet with as much support as they need to trek rocky and steep terrains. With the ability to keep your feet warm in the cold, and cool in the heat, they possess exceptional insulation capabilities.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Wool Hiking Socks
For the most part, choosing the right wool hiking socks is a fairly simple endeavor. Your goal is to find a sock that provides equal parts comfort and support, allowing you to take on steep hills and rocky terrain with confidence and stability. However, comfort and support aren’t the only aspects to consider when attempting to choose wool hiking socks. There are a number of other things to consider when trying to make a purchase. These things include durability, construction material, and breathability, to name a few.
Durability
From being scraped by tree branches, to rubbing up against the heels of hiking boots, to absorbing a great deal of sweat and heat, wool hiking socks have to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. You don’t want to have to purchase new socks every month, so it’s important that the ones you buy are very durable.
Material
Obviously wool hiking socks are going to contain mostly wool materials. However, this doesn’t mean that wool is the only material they will be made of. Most wool hiking socks also contain some nylon and spandex materials for increased durability and flexibility.
Comfort
As we noted above, comfort is probably the most important aspect to consider when choosing a wool hiking sock. If your socks aren’t comfortable, you’re not going to wear them. You don’t want to waste money on something you’ll never get any use out of. Make sure the socks of your choice fit snugly, but comfortably.
Breathability
One of the most important aspects of any pair of socks is their breathability. If socks aren’t capable of ventilating out heat and sweat, they will become soggy, waterlogged, uncomfortable, and unhealthy. Make sure the socks you purchase don’t entrap heat and sweat.
Durability
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
It should first be noted that these Darn Tough Vermont wool hiking socks are guaranteed for life. Additionally, they possess a full cushioned bottom that can withstand a great deal of wear and tear over time. With anti-odor and anti-stain capabilities, they are as durable as any wool hiking socks you’re going to find.
Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Sporting extra-cushioned bottoms, these Darn Tough wool hiking socks are capable of withstanding a great deal of wear and tear over many years of use. With antimicrobial capabilities, they stave off foul odors and bacteria, allowing you to wear them for longer periods of time without having to wash them. They are also guaranteed for life.
OMNIWOOL Multi-Sport Hiker Socks
Designed so that they won’t itch or shrink, these Omniwool wool hiking socks can be washed by hand or in a washing machine. With reinforced toes and heels, they will not easily give up against the friction of your heavy hiking boots.
Material
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
Made out of 69% Merino wool, 27% nylon, and 4% spandex, these Darn Tough Vermont wool hiking socks are equal parts durable, comfortable, and flexible. With the ability to stretch snugly to the exact shape of your feet and legs, they will fit you perfectly, regardless of your foot’s shape and size.
OMNIWOOL Multi-Sport Hiker Socks
Made out of 75% Merino wool, 24% nylon, and 1% spandex, these Omniwool wool hiking socks aren’t quite as flexible as the Darn Tough socks in our top 3, but are just as durable and comfortable. With thick, tough bottoms, they provide your feet with a soft, but firm landing surface.
Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Constructed out of 61% Merino wool, 36% nylon, and 3% spandex, these Darn Tough wool hiking socks are tough, flexible, and comfortable. Fitting snugly to your feet and legs regardless of their size, they don’t bunch, slip, or allow for painful blisters.
Comfort
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
As far as comfort goes, these Darn Tough Vermont wool hiking socks are as comfortable as wool hiking socks come. Made with anti-itch materials, they provide a great deal of support and protection from external stimuli. With a full cushioned bottom, you will have more than enough padding to break the fall of every step you take.
OMNIWOOL Multi-Sport Hiker Socks
With a specially designed comfort toe seam, these Omniwool wool hiking socks do a fantastic job of protecting you from blisters. Designed to not itch or shrink, they fit snugly to your legs without cutting off any of your blood circulation.
Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks
While they aren’t even close to being uncomfortable, these Darn Tough wool hiking socks aren’t quite as comfortable as the Darn Tough Vermont and Omniwool wool hiking socks in our top 3. But with extra-cushioned bottoms, even toe seams, and a texture that is soft to the touch, these socks allow you to hike comfortably all through the day and night.
Breathability
OMNIWOOL Multi-Sport Hiker Socks
If you’re looking for the most breathable wool hiking socks on the market, these Omniwool socks are for you. Made out of 75% Merino wool, they absorb moisture exceedingly well, all the while allowing heat to escape frequently and consistently.
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock
With their 69% Merino wool construction, these Darn Tough Vermont wool hiking socks provide more than enough room for heat and sweat to escape all throughout your hike. Created with antimicrobial capabilities, they ensure that bacteria and odor are not permitted to build up over time.
Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Made out of 61% wool, these Darn Tough wool hiking socks provide plenty of ventilation gaps to allow heat and sweat to escape consistently. With antimicrobial capabilities, they dry quickly while staving off foul odors and bacteria.
Conclusion: Our Wool Hiking Socks Reviews
Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker Crew Length Sock – Best Cheap
Though most wool hiking socks are reasonably priced, there are some very solid pairs that can be found for truly low prices. These Wigwam wool hiking socks fit this bill perfectly. Made of 67% Merino wool, 21% nylon, 7% elastic, and 5% acrylic, they are both exceptionally comfortable and flexible. With a fully-cushioned, seamless toe cover, they provide your feet with a great deal of support. If you’re looking for a top-flight wool hiking sock at an affordable price, you should definitely check this out.
Pros:
- Flexible as wool hiking socks come
- Available in a number of different styles
- Excellent ventilation capabilities
Cons:
- Some durability concerns
OMNIWOOL Multi-Sport Hiker Socks – Best for the Money
For wool hiking socks in their price range, these Omniwool wool hiking socks are the best wool hiking socks you’re going to find. Made of 75% Merino wool, 24% nylon, and 1% spandex, they are as durable as any wool hiking sock you’re going to find. With non-itch and non-odor capabilities, they will keep your feet feeling fresh all throughout your hike. If you’re looking for the best wool hiking sock for the money, this is the sock for you.
Pros:
- Non-odor and non-itch capabilities
- Extremely durable
- Very comfortable toe seam
Cons:
- Don’t possess great insulation
Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock – Best Overall
Though there are a lot of great wool hiking socks on the market today, in our opinion, the Darn Tough Vermont wool hiking socks are the best wool hiking socks around. Made of 69% Merino wool, 27% nylon, and 4% spandex, they are both ridiculously durable and extremely flexible. With a full-cushioned bottoms, they provide your feet with truly exceptional support at all points in your hike. If you’re looking for the best wool hiking socks on the market, you must take a look at these.
Pros:
- Full-cushioned bottom
- Ridiculously durable
- Odor-proof capabilities
Cons:
- A little scratchy for some
All in All
A good hike is a great way to get air in your lungs and joy in your mind. But to make your hike as fulfilling as it can possibly be, you’re going to need all the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment you’re going to need is wool hiking socks.
Durable and flexible socks like the Darn Tough Vermont Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock provide you with exceptional support and protection at all points of your hike. If you want to take on those steep hills and rocky terrains with absolute success, you’re going to need some high-quality wool hiking socks.