Choosing the right pair of socks is crucial for any outdoor activity, whether you’re hiking or running. The best socks should be comfortable, help prevent blisters, and wick moisture away from your feet. Merino wool has become the top choice for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its numerous benefits. Once known for being scratchy and overly warm, merino wool now dominates the hiking and running sock market due to its impressive performance.

With so many new sock brands and options available, it can be difficult to know which ones stand out. Here, I’ll share my top picks for merino wool socks, but before diving into my favorites, let’s explore why merino wool is the ideal material for outdoor socks.

Why Choose Merino Wool for Socks?

Merino wool has earned its place as the go-to fabric for hiking socks. Here’s why:

• Temperature Regulation: Merino wool is excellent at keeping you warm in colder conditions, while also releasing excess heat when the weather warms up. This is thanks to the natural crimp in the wool fibers, which helps maintain an ideal temperature.
• Moisture-Wicking: Merino wool excels at wicking moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet, which significantly reduces the risk of blisters.
• Odor Resistance: Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, which helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria that causes odors. Even after a long day of hiking, you won’t have to deal with the unpleasant foot odor that often comes with synthetic socks.

Pure Merino vs. Synthetic Blends

While many merino wool socks are made from a blend of merino and synthetic fibers, pure merino wool socks do exist. However, merino alone doesn’t offer the durability or stretch that’s needed for a good sock fit. Synthetic fibers like nylon or spandex are added to improve durability, flexibility, and comfort. Depending on the blend, socks will vary in stretch and durability.

There’s no perfect ratio, but socks with a higher percentage of synthetic materials tend to be more durable and stretchy. That being said, all the socks in this list strike a good balance between merino and synthetic fibers.

How I Choose the Best Merino Wool Socks

After years of testing various merino wool socks for hiking and everyday wear, I’ve narrowed down the key factors that make a great sock. For me, moisture-wicking ability is the most important factor. A sock that keeps my feet dry helps to prevent blisters and provides comfort. Comfort and fit come next, followed by durability. Breathability can be a bonus, but a sock that’s too breathable (i.e., too thin) might leave your feet feeling damp. Ultimately, the best sock for any given situation depends on the activity, but I prioritize wicking, comfort, and durability.

Top 5 Merino Wool Socks for Hiking and Running

Here are my top five picks for merino wool socks based on comfort, durability, and performance.

1. Darn Tough Hiker 1/4 Sock Cushion
   • Wool Blend: 61% Merino, 37% Nylon, 2% Lycra Spandex
   • Weight: Midweight
   • Made in: Vermont, USA
   • Price: $17.95
   Darn Tough is my go-to brand. These socks are incredibly comfortable and durable, making them perfect for long hikes. They offer just the right balance of cushioning without being too thick. The best part? They’re almost entirely odor-free, even after multiple days of wear. I’ve had my pairs for years, and they’re still going strong.
2. Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Elite 1/4 Crew
   • Wool Blend: 51% Merino, 45% Nylon, 4% Spandex
   • Weight: Lightweight
   • Made in: 100% USA
   • Price: $20.00
   These socks are great for running or high-intensity activities. They feature a technical design with areas of cushioning and ventilation for added comfort. While they aren’t as odor-resistant as Darn Tough socks, they still perform well and come with a lifetime guarantee, making them a solid investment.
3. Icebreaker Hike+ Light Cushion Mini Sock
   • Wool Blend: 63% Merino, 35% Nylon, 2% Lycra Elastane
   • Weight: Lightweight
   • Made in: China (with wool from New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa)
   • Price: $20.00 per pair
   Icebreaker socks offer an excellent fit and high comfort, thanks to their well-designed cushion placement and seamless toes. While they’re slightly less soft than Darn Tough or Farm to Feet socks, they excel in durability and breathability, making them perfect for short, intense hikes.
4. Smartwool PhD Pro Approach Crew
   • Wool Blend: 62% Merino, 36% Nylon, 2% Elastane
   • Weight: Lightweight
   • Made in: USA (with imported wool)
   • Price: $27.95
   Smartwool has improved its durability significantly in recent years. These socks are lightweight and provide excellent support for both hiking and running. While they’re not as soft as some other brands, their technical design makes them ideal for those who prefer a more performance-oriented sock.
5. Kirkland Signature Wool Crew Sock
   • Wool Blend: 72% Merino, 27% Nylon, 1% Spandex
   • Weight: Midweight-heavyweight
   • Made in: USA (with imported wool)
   • Price: $18.99 for 6 pairs
   If you’re looking for an affordable option, Kirkland Signature wool socks are hard to beat. While they aren’t as breathable as the others and tend to be a bit warmer, they perform well in cooler weather. These socks are a great choice for anyone on a budget who still wants the benefits of merino wool.

Conclusion

Merino wool socks offer unbeatable comfort and performance for hiking, running, and other outdoor activities. While the options are plentiful, choosing the right pair depends on your needs, such as moisture-wicking, fit, and durability. Whether you’re hiking in hot conditions or battling cold weather, a good pair of merino wool socks will ensure your feet stay dry, comfortable, and odor-free throughout your adventure.