Most people groan when they receive a pair of socks as a gift but seasoned travelers jump for joy. That’s because high-quality socks are essential when you’re on your feet all day. In fact, packing cheap cotton socks is one of the biggest mistakes many inexperienced travelers make. This guide will explain why quality socks are so important when you travel and we’ll show you our favorite hiking socks for backpacking Europe.
The Reason Why Quality Socks Are So Important For Travel
Think about it… you’re going to spend hours and hours on your feet every day when you’re traveling. You want to treat your feet as well as possible because once your feet start hurting, walking is miserable.
Good socks will keep your feet dry, prevent blisters, and help eliminate odor. And while quality socks are not cheap, they are a worthy investment. Plus, they’ll last for a few years before wearing out, so in the long run, they’ll probably be cheaper than those cheap cotton socks that need to be replaced more often.
Check out my guide to the best travel shoes. I’ve also written about the best travel shoes for women and the best travel shoes for men.
The Best Materials For Hiking Socks
The best socks are made of fine merino wool or synthetic materials—but they’re often a combination of both. The worst material is cotton. Just avoid cotton socks at all costs.
Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool is the wonder fiber of choice for many of the best-quality socks. Merino wool provides cushioning, naturally wicks moisture away from your feet, resists odors, provides warmth in the cold, and helps keep feet cool in the heat.
I recommend purchasing high-quality wool because cheap wool is often itchy and poorly constructed—which leads to improper fit. The best wool socks are constructed with fine Merino wool, so they aren’t itchy and they’re sturdy — which means they’ll last for years. Wool also has the amazing ability to stay warm even when wet—which comes in handy if you ever step in a puddle when you’re traveling in the winter.
The main downside to merino wool is that it’s more expensive than synthetics and cotton. They also can require a little more delicate care when washing—i.e. you probably shouldn’t dry them on high heat or they could shrink.
Synthetic Socks
Synthetic materials have advanced greatly over the past few years, so there are many high-quality socks that offer many of the same benefits that are found in their wool counterparts. Synthetic socks do a good job of wicking moisture and they’re typically more durable than Merino wool. The drying time for synthetic socks is also normally shorter than for wool. Synthetics are also generally more affordable than wool.
The main downside is that synthetic socks tend to smell more quickly because synthetic materials can trap odors. Many sock companies incorporate antibacterial materials into their socks and this helps stop odor but Merino wool will always resist odors better.
Wool and Synthetic Blend Socks
These days, most high-performance socks are actually a blend of merino wool and synthetic materials—for example, 56% Merino Wool, 39% Nylon, 2% Nylon, & 3% Elastane.
This merino-synthetic blend is actually beneficial because the synthetic materials help the socks keep their shape, prevent slipping, and adds durability—while maintaining all the benefits of merino wool like moisture wicking and odor prevention.
Ideally, you want the socks to have a greater percentage of merino wool than synthetic materials so be sure to read the label.
Major Benefits of Quality Hiking Socks
Let’s take a look at the benefits of quality socks and why they’re essential when you’re on your feet for long periods of time.
Quick Drying
Good socks can be hand-washed in the sink and they’ll air-dry in eight to ten hours. This is nice because it cuts down on the number of socks you need to bring when traveling. Cotton socks will take well over 24 hours to air dry.
Keeps Your Feet Dry
High-performance wool and synthetic socks wick away moisture from your feet so your feet stay dry. Having sweaty feet leads to painful blisters and odors.
Help Prevent Odors
Fine wool is naturally odor-resistant and many synthetic materials have anti-bacterial coatings. This is important when you can’t/don’t wash your socks after each wearing. You can usually wear a single pair of quality socks for a few days before they start to smell.
Normal cotton socks will be pretty stinky after one long day of wear.
The Best Socks For Summer Travel
There are two things to consider when choosing socks for the warmer weather of the summer—the cut/style and the material.
Generally, I prefer low-cut or ankle socks that are specifically designed for “running” because this style is lightweight, designed for performance, and they’re constructed to withstand more abuse than other socks. Many running-style socks hug your feet better so they don’t slip and many bands add extra cushioning around the heel to provide a little more comfort.
I also recommend buying lightweight socks for summer so your feet don’t overheat.
As mentioned previously, my preferred socks are made of a merino wool-synthetic blend since these provide the benefits of both merino and synthetic fabric.
However, there are still plenty of quality fully-synthetic socks if Merino wool socks are out of your budget.
The Best Warm Weather Travel Socks For Women
Here is a list of some of the best-rated women’s socks for summer travel.
Bombas Merino Wool Ankle Socks For Women
I’ve been a big fan of Bombas socks for a few years and their Merino Wool Running Ankle Socks are some of my favorite running and travel socks. They sell multiple styles but I recommend sticking to the Merino wool offerings for travel and hiking.
Bombas Lightweight Merino Wool No-Show Socks
These lightweight merino wool no-show socks from Bombas stay on your feet and don’t slide down so these are a great option for flats and other low-cut shoes.
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Sock
Smartwool’s PhD series is their high-performance line of socks. The footbed is reinforced for extra long life, and they have mesh zones that help keep your feet cool. Plus they come in multiple colors.
Darn Tough No-Show Merino Wool Socks
Darn Tough socks are all made in Vermont and their quality is excellent. The Merino wool is super soft, durable, and performs great — whether you’re running or walking around the city.
Balega Athletic Socks
Balega is a favorite brand of runners so all their socks get amazing reviews. Most of their offerings are synthetic if you’re not a fan of wool socks.
Feetures Performance Socks
Feetures is another much-loved sock brand that has multiple sock options that work great for travel and hiking. The Feetures PF Relief Cushion Socks is a good option if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Most Feetures socks are synthetic but the Feetures Merino 10 Cushion Socks is a good option if you want merino wool.
The Best Warm Weather Travel Socks For Men
Here is a list of some of the best-rated men’s socks for summer travel.
Smartwool Performance Running Socks
Smartwool’s performance merino wool running socks are comfortable and well-fitting thanks to their weave pattern. They also have a reinforced footbed for extra long life. They also have mesh zones that help keep your feet cool.
Bombas Men’s Merino Wool Running Socks
I own about eight pairs of Bombas Merino Wool Running Ankle Socks so it’s safe to say I’m a huge fan. I mainly use them for running but they also work great for travel, hiking, and everyday walking. They sell multiple styles but I recommend sticking to the Merino wool offerings for travel and hiking.
Darn Tough Run No-Show Ultralightweight Socks
Darn Tough socks are another favorite among people who are on their feet all day. They’re made in Vermont and the quality is great. The Merino wool is super soft, durable, and performs well—whether you’re running or walking around the city. And all Darn Tough socks come with a lifetime warranty.
Balega Men’s Athletic Socks
Balega is a favorite brand of runners and these socks are a great choice for spending hours walking around a city.
Most of their offerings are synthetic so this is a nice option if you’re not a fan of wool socks. Their Blister Resist Performance Running Socks get a ton of great reviews.
Feetures Performance Socks
Feetures is another much-loved sock brand that has multiple sock options that work great for travel and hiking. The Feetures PF Relief Cushion Socks is a good option if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Most Feetures socks are synthetic but the Feetures Merino 10 Cushion Socks is a good option if you want merino wool.
The Best Mid-Weight Travel Socks For Cooler Weather
Mid-weight socks are for those times of the year when it’s not super cold but you want more warmth than a lightweight summer sock. These types of socks do come in various weights and cuts so the thicker and taller styles are better for cooler days and the thinner, lower-cut socks are more suitable for the heat.
The Best Women’s Travel Socks For Spring and Fall
Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks
These Merino wool and synthetic blend crew socks are a very popular choice for travelers. The foot is padded and the top is lighter for extra breathability. They come in multiple colors, weights, and lengths.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks provide miles of comfort and durability and they come with Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee. These Merino wool blend socks get a ton of excellent reviews so they’re worth checking out.
Bombas Merino Wool Calf Sock
These Merino Wool calf socks from Bombas will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They’ve also added a little bit of polyester and spandex to help perfect the fit and create the built-in arch support.
The Best Men’s Travel Socks For Spring and Fall
Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Pattern Ankle Socks
These Merino wool and synthetic blend crew socks are a very popular choice for travelers. The foot is padded and the top is lighter for extra breathability. They come in multiple colors, weights, and lengths.
Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
These Merino wool and synthetic blend taller crew socks are a very popular choice for travelers. The foot is padded and the top is lighter for extra breathability. They come in multiple colors, weights, and lengths.
Bombas Merino Wool Hiking Calf Sock
These Merino Wool calf socks from Bombas will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They’ve also added a little bit of polyester and spandex to help perfect the fit and create the built-in arch support.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks provide miles of comfort and durability and they come with Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee. These Merino wool blend socks get a ton of excellent reviews so they’re worth checking out.
Icebreaker Hike Medium Crew Socks
These durable, medium-cushioned Merino wool socks deliver cushioning and ample breathability for warm-weather day hikes and backpacking trips.
The Best Heavyweight Hiking Socks For Winter Travel
The following socks are thick and highly cushioned—these are generally best for winter travel but are also suitable for heavy hiking.
Some travelers prefer to wear two pairs of socks (typically one lightweight and one medium-weight pair) as this helps reduce friction while still providing warmth. This allows you a bit more versatility and is more economical since you’ll be able to wear these new socks more often once you’re back home.
Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew Socks
These classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew socks feature a dense cushion that’s great for hiking shoes or boots. Purchase at REI.
Darn Tough Gatewood Boot Sock Full Cushion Socks
The Darn Tough Gatewood socks are excellent fully-cushioned boot socks that are warm and super comfortable. Purchase at REI.
Darn Tough Mountaineering Socks
Step it up with the Darn Tough Mountaineering Socks. These have a performance fit that prevents slipping, bunching, and blisters for peak hiking comfort. Great for cold conditions. Purchase at REI.
Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew Socks
With full, plush cushioning, the Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew sock is designed for all-day warmth for long-distance hikes. Purchase at REI.
REI Co-op Merino Wool Expedition Hiking Crew Socks
If you’re on a budget then check out these heavyweight, cushioned REI Merino Wool expedition socks. They deliver warmth and ample cushioning for mountaineering and cold-weather weather hiking without costing you a fortune. Purchase at REI.
More Products To Keep Your Feet Comfortable
Great socks are just the start to keeping your feet comfortable. Here are a few more things that will also help:
- Gold Bond Foot Powder: Foot powder will help prevent odor and absorb moisture
- Band-Aid Blister Cushions: Good socks help prevent blisters but you’ll want some bandaids if you do get a blister. I prefer the bandaids that are specifically designed for foot blisters since they’re cushioned and shaped to stay in place.
- Quality Insoles: Adding insoles to your shoes can help add comfort.
- O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Creme: This famous foot cream will make your feet baby soft. It does an amazing job on cracked and rough feet.
No Funny Business
The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. That means when you buy products/services through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission—it doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps support the site.
Thanks For Reading! — James
Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us.
