The Best Waterproof Hiking Socks

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Have you ever wondered what constitutes the best socks for hiking?

In this buying guide, we discuss the importance of knowing about socks for hiking, tips to improve your game, as well as the best features that constitute hiking socks.



The Importance of Wearing Waterproof Socks

You may not know that it tends to get wetter than one anticipates if you are new to hiking! When in natural terrain, you may encounter streams, mud, or rain, which can get into your socks if you purchase ordinary socks. In cold climates, this is problematic as moisture can freeze your feet or worse.

If you sweat a lot, a waterproof sock can make all the difference in keeping your foot dry and odor-free. When our feet are exposed to excess moisture, the skin begins to prune, which can cause blisters with extra rubbing. The best socks for hiking are seamless, fit tight, and create little to no friction over your foot. An added benefit of purchasing specialized hiking socks is that you will indeed save money. Ordinary socks are not nearly as durable and will wear away much faster.


Related Articles on Hiking Socks


Helpful Hiking Tips & Precautions

To help keep your hiking as enjoyable and as long as possible, there are a few additional tips and precautions you can take:

  1. If you live in a sunny region, use sunscreen to protect your skin.
  2. Wear tight-fitting, specialized gear to keep at a constant temperature when you hike.
  3. Make sure your shoes are an exact match to your foot with your socks on. This ensures you do not slip or slide around in them when on your journey and prevents blistering. Insoles for your hiking boots may be a possible solution if your shoes are too big or do not adequately support your feet.
  4. Have a carrier bag or belt with a water bottle included somewhere. It’s essential to keep hydrated!
  5. Purchase a pair of good quality waterproof socks designed for hiking.

Qualities of a Good Waterproof Socks

Some of the best qualities found in hiking socks are as follows.

  • Olefin Layers – olefin is the quick-drying fiber that is used in specialized gear and swimwear. When infused in hiking socks, it allows any moisture to dry out at a much faster rate. Good quality hiking socks are typically made of 40% or more olefin.
  • Multiple Layers – some hiking socks have multiple layers of material. Usually, the inner layer gets kept 100% dry, allowing moisture to pass through very quickly to the outer layers.
  • Odour Control – look for materials that encourage odor removal or socks which have an odor elimination system. If the sock is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial or anti-fungal, it likely discourages organisms that can create smells in the feet.
  • Underfoot Padding – sports socks tend to be lined for extra comfort under the arches of the feet and other sensitive areas. This can help you step easier, feel more comfortable, and get an exact fit inside your sock. Some socks add a little bit of shock absorption, thanks to underfoot padding.
  • Wool Fibers – If you live in a climate where it snows, wool fibers in your socks are a superb idea. So having wool hiking socks will help you to adjust by eliminating excessive moisture and insulating at a stable temperature, regardless of the weather.

Reviews: The Best Waterproof Socks for Hiking

Have a look at our premium selection of best socks for hiking below!
We hope you love the products we recommend!
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1

Dexshell® Unisex Ultralite Hike Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Socks

  • These are a pair of the most comfortable socks one can buy for hiking, 80% cotton.
  • The dual-layer parallel membrane system ensures that moisture leaves the inner layer, escaping to the outer layer.
  • Cotton insulates very well, keeping the heat in and being highly breathable for your foot.
  • The outer layer is made of Nylon to ensure a tight fit – don’t slip or slide in your shoes again!
  • Better suited to warmer climates and ideal for hiking, cycling, jogging, or even dog walking.
  • These socks are waterproof, wear and tear-resistant, and durable, perfect for long-term use.

Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Improve Blood Flow25%100
Anti-Slip25%100
Waterproof20%95
Anti-Fatigue20%90
Durability10%95
Total Score100%96.5


2
Reviewed by: Eliza Ward Score: 96.2

  • The ideal sock for hiking through muddy, wet, or cold terrains!
  • Made from three layers for maximum comfort and moisture wicking – allow your sweat to move from the inner to the outer layer and have dry feet for hours.
  • The inner layer is made from 40% merino wool for exceptional comfort and to keep your feet at a perfect temperature.
  • The outer layer is made from 96% incredibly durable Nylon to keep your foot in place inside the shoe and minimize slipping.
  • This sock does need to be taken care of with precautions: only wash at below 40C, only tumble dry on low heat, do not iron or twist, and do not place in direct sunlight when drying.


Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Improve Blood Flow25%100
Anti-Slip25%100
Waterproof20%90
Anti-Fatigue20%90
Durability10%95
Total Score100%95.5


3

Smartwool® Unisex Cold Weather Socks Waterproof Socks For Hiking in Rainy Climates


  • This sock is ideal for hiking on a rainy day, as they are 100% waterproof.
  • A secondary layer around the sock allows your feet always to keep dry, a trademark of Drymax’s Dual Layer Moisture Removal System.
  • The sock is made from 42% Olefin and 48% polyester, making it dry incredibly fast and hold its shape around your foot exceedingly well.
  • This sock will last you for a longer time than your average socks.
  • These are seamless socks designed to keep your feet free of friction or blisters.
  • Seal in the heat and keep out the moisture and the cold with these premium hiking socks.

Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Improve Blood Flow25%100
Anti-Slip25%95
Waterproof20%90
Anti-Fatigue20%90
Durability10%95
Total Score100%94.25


4

Cozia® Unisex Long Waterproof Socks Wool Socks for Wet Terrain Hiking


  • These socks are made from durable merino wool in the USA for maximum comfort, performance, and water resistance.
  • These socks can be worn by sea crew but are also ideal for hiking or jogging through rivers, streams, sleet, or any other form of wet terrain.
  • The socks are longer than your average socks to keep as much moisture from entering as possible.
  • Keep yourself warm and insulated with the wool in these premium hiking socks.
  • The triple-layer design enables your feet to keep dry at all times, giving you hours of comfort and leaving your feet free of blisters.


5

Sealskins® Unisex Mid Length Hiking Sock Breathable Waterproof Hiking Sock


  • These are some of the best socks for hiking because of their’ unique blend of waterproof, weather-resistant fibers.
  • Dual-layer moisture elimination technology allows your feet to remain dry, even in the wettest of weather conditions.
  • The sock’s mid-length allows less chance of mud, moisture, or wind from getting to your feet.
  • The inner layer is made of a merino wool blend, imparting superior comfort and keeping your feet at a constant warm temperature.
  • Ideal for cold climates.
  • The sock’s elastic sides ensure that it remains in place and provide an extra tight fit, perfect for hiking for hours without forming blisters.


6

Randy Sun® Unisex Waterproof Waterproof Hiking and Running Sock


It is a durable, highly efficient waterproof, anti-blister design sock ideal for hiking, running, and other outdoor sports.
  • Waterproof Nylon and polyester with stretchable elastane.
  • Dri-Fit and Anti-Blister Design.
  • Very breathable and lightweight.
  • Ideal for running and hiking.


7

Fullshield® Unisex Crew Waterproof Hiking and Running Sock


One of my favorites is the Fullshield because of its very well ventilated yet still waterproof design and temperature control technology.
  • A combination of Nylon and Spandex.
  • Waterproof breathable membrane for better ventilation.
  • It is cooling in the summer and warming in the winter.
  • Very durable design.
  • Available in a few color options.


8

Layeba® Unisex Trekking Waterproof Hiking and Running Sock


From Layeba, we have a fully waterproof and lightly cushioned sock for trekking and hiking as well as trail running.
  • Very lightly cushioned.
  • Waterproof stay dry construction.
  • The heel and toe are reinforced for durability.
  • Available in a few color variations.


9

MEIKAN® Unisex Breathable Waterproof Socks


  • These socks are designed for harsh and wet weather conditions.
  • They come with a 100% waterproof, lightweight membrane that keeps water molecules from entering the socks and making your feet wet.
  • The socks are breathable, with extra blister protection and a reduced chance of abrasion.
  • They have a ribbed non-slip bottom to keep the socks in place.


Comparison Table: Top Waterproof Hiking Socks



About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a running enthusiast, nature lover, and full-time mother for three lovely kids in South Africa. She has always had a fetish for socks and has the best product recommendations for all her friends and family. So she turned what she loved into her full-time job - by testing and recommending the best socks for our online readers. Eliza is more than happy with the thank you notes she receives from her readers.