Foot powered adventure is what we’re all about here at Backpackers! And foot powered adventures wouldn’t be easy without taking good care of your feet. That’s why we believe the socks you choose to adorn your tootsies with matter a lot! The best socks for adventure are comfortable, durable and keep odors at bay. They can be made from wool, synthetics or a nice blend of both. Luckily for everyone, 2024 has no shortage of options to keep your feet comfortable and healthy while you set out on whatever kind of adventure you love most!
Today we’ll run down the best socks for adventure and explain why these socks made the cut. Many of our gear testers are very passionate about sock choice, and I must admit, I am as well. If you’re someone with a big opinion on adventure socks, we’d love to know your thoughts in the comment section.
Keep scrolling to check out the best socks for adventure in 2024!
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Cushion Socks
Darn Tough has a phenomenal reputation for quality. So much so that they offer a lifetime guarantee on all of their socks. This is something that matters a lot if you, like me, burn through socks like there is no tomorrow. I kid you not, I have used the Darn Tough warranty on 30+ pairs of their socks and have been given replacements immediately without any hassle. And I need to say, I haven’t used the warranty because the socks are poor quality. My feet just eat socks. Most adventurers I know buy a pair of Darn Tough socks and use them for life without any issues. So if you’re like me, these are the only socks you will need for the rest of your life. And by “these socks” I mean Darn Toughs.
I recommend Darn Tough’s Hiker Micro Cushion Socks to most folks looking to up their sock game. They’ve got a nice level of cushion without being bulky. They never smell, even after days and days of use on trail. They don’t stretch out. And the height of the sock make them nice for hiking, backpacking and cycling. The Hiker Micro Cushion Socks are my Goldilocks socks. They are just right!
See the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Cushion Socks
Injinji Liner Crew Socks
If you deal with constant blisters on your toes when you hike, consider trying Injinji’s Liner Crew Socks. The word liner in their name is due to the thin fabric used to construct these socks. But don’t be fooled; they hold up over time to massive adventures and constant use. If you think toe-socks might be strange, rest assured that they’ve become quite popular over the past many years. The toe-sock designed ensures that you don’t have toe on toe rubbing, which leads to blistering. But placing each toe in its own little cubby, so to speak, you’re protecting it from chafe.
Injinji’s Liner Crew Socks are versatile and can be used for most any outdoor pursuit. They’re especially popular for backpackers and trail runners. Our gear tester Jon wears these socks almost exclusively for all of his adventures and claims they are the best of all time. And Jon doesn’t make too many bold claims like that, so we believe him!
See the Injinji Liner Crew Socks
Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks
If you’re looking for a classic merino wool sock, Smartwool’s Performance Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks are just the ticket. They have a good bit of cushion for the heel and ball of the foot. On the top panel, things thin out and the wool is very breathable. The ankle height is just tall enough to be comfortable in a hiking boot. Most certainly they are plenty tall to be used comfortably with trail runners.
Because of they are made from wool, they don’t get stinky. Even after the most epic adventures! Smartwool socks also come with a nice guarantee of quality, although nothing quite stacks up to the Darn Tough warranty if I’m being fully transparent.
See the Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks
REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
REI makes a ton of amazing in-house gear so you know they make some great adventure socks! Our favorite here at Backpackers are the Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks. These socks manage to balance cushion and walking-on-clouds lightness in a way that is very pleasing. They have a nice stretch to them and are a top pick where comfort is concerned.
The REI Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks are a score where price is concerned, coming in a bit less costly than other premium adventure socks. Our gear tester Courtney loves these socks for her hiking adventures in the Pacific Northwest!
See the REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
lululemon MacroPillow Crew Socks
If you’re someone who likes to feel barefoot while socked up, say hello to lululemon’s lighter than air MacroPillow Crew Socks! These highly breathable and thoughtfully cushioned socks are great for running, walking and cycling. The MacroPillow Socks don’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but they are a solid pick where quality and comfort are concerned.
The heel on these socks is 3D knit, which gives a very dialed in feeling. If you’ve dealt with socks that feel baggy, you will appreciate this feature a lot. Over time these socks hold up to big adventures!
See the lululemon MacroPillow Crew Socks
WRIGHTSOCK CoolMesh II Quarter Socks
WRIGHTSOCK CoolMesh II Quarter Socks are an absolutely joyous pair of socks for those of you adventuring in hot climates. They’re constructed of two layers, which work together to create moisture-wicking cooling on top of blister prevention. A mesh panel on the top adds to the breathability of these socks. Because of the two layer system WRIGHTSOCK uses, they have quite a cult following in the adventure world. For some folks, these socks are the difference between having a super good time, versus going straight to blister city.
See the WRIGHTSOCK CoolMesh II Quarter Socks
Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks
Oh compression socks… love them or hate them, they’re important! If you’re hopping on a long flight or trying to speed muscle recovery, compression socks help increase blood flow, decrease swelling and deliver support. If you have varicose veins, compression socks can ease the pain you feel in your calves. Sockwell makes the best compression socks on the market when it comes to functionality for adventures and day to day life alike. I am a big fan of their Circulator Compression Socks and have relied on them for long flights, long drives and quick healing of very inflamed muscles!
See the Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks
Brooks Ghost Lite Quarter Socks
Brooks Ghost Lite Quarter Socks are for you if you love a nice low profile sock that’s spectacular for running and every day life. They are durable and sweat wicking, offering just enough cushion to keep your feet comfortable on trails and pavement. They have a really nice stretch! Our gear tester Arthur loves to rock these for marathon races and has boasted their durability for long runs where a lot of other socks have let him down. The Ghost Lite Quarter Socks hit a nice price point as well, making them a great option for a day to day adventure sock.
See the Brooks Ghost Lite Quarter Socks
PAKA Crew Socks
PAKA is personally one of my favorite brands in recent years and I was really excited when they started making socks! I’ve been delighted by their Crew Socks for most every adventure I’ve worn them on. They are odor resistant and sweat wicking, while offering some nice cushion and even some cute logo action. I’ve sported the PAKA Crew Socks for hikes, backpacking trips and day to day life. They’re extremely soft and feel like clouds for your toes! I also find them to be nice and warm for chilly camping trips.
Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel Socks
Wrapping up the best adventure socks of 2024, we’ve got a sock that’s a little bit specialized! The Tundra Aerogel Socks from Outdoor Research are epic camp booties that will keep your feet toasty warm even in the most harsh cold conditions. Aerogel is a material that holds heat from air in place. So that natural heat your feet give off? It makes the aerogel insulation work like nobody’s business. If you plan to go winter camping, buy these. They will absolutely change the way you handle cold weather where cold feet are concerned. They’re also super cozy and have grippy bottoms, making them even more practical than they have any right to be. These socks are a three cheers for technology moment!
See the Outdoor Research Tundra Aerogel Socks
All images courtesy REI, All Rights Reserved.
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