How to Choose Hiking Socks

Hit the trail dressed for comfort in the REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Midweight hiking crew socks. They're cushioned, breathable, absorbent and made using yarn from recycled water bottles.
Made in USA.
View all REI Co-op Men's Hiking SocksBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 80% COOLMAX EcoMade polyester/19% nylon/1% spandex |
Sock Height | Crew |
Sock Cushioning | Medium Cushioning |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
S | M | L | XL | S/M | L/XL | |
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U.S. Men's | 5.5-8.5 | 9-12 | 12.5-14 | 5.5-8.5 | 9-14 | |
U.S. Women's | 4-6.5 | 7-9.5 | 10-12.5 | 4-9.5 | 10-12.5 |
For socks, please use shoe size.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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These are honestly wonderful! They feel like they will last…strong. Perfect for cooler weather ( dont tell anyone but you can wear these socks three days in a row- no sweat, no smell) Not overly soft, but unobtrusively comfortable
I researched a long time for comfortable polyester hiking socks (no itchy wool or acrylic!) slip easily into my hiking shoes. I tried different brands and materials. From the moment I put these on, I was impressed with the softness of the material and all-around comfort. Not binding at all. I wear 6.5 shoes, but got medium instead of small for women, and they were fine. They make me want to keep walking, like on a cloud! Now I know if I have the right kind of socks (thickness and material), I don't have to buy new hiking shoes. For my fussy feet, shoes and socks have to match well, and these make my feet HAPPY!
I tried these socks as a more sustainable and non-cruel alternative to wool and absolutely love them. They are very comfortable and I've been wearing them in the winter--they keep my feet and ankles warm. They are also great for hiking and seem very sturdy and tough. I'll be replacing all my wool hiking socks with these as the wool are wearing out. Not sure why they are listed as men's socks rather than unisex, because they work great for me and I'm a woman with average size feet and take a medium.
Sad to say I was disappointed with my recent purchase of these as they were to be a replacement of an old favorite. I bought 5 pair a few years back and they are still going sting despite being worn in work boots for 10+ hours at a stretch. I liked them so much that I went to my local REI and bought these. They didn’t look exactly like my previous models but things change (“new label, same great taste!!”) so I just figured the color and branding had changed but it seems that the materials have too. Not as soft against your feet and just have a more synthetic feel to them now. If I want the not 100% comfortable feel then I’ll just get wool socks along with all of the added benefits.
Ordered on a whim using some bonus points. I find these too loose and have a tendency to slip around on my feet when wearing around the house. Also, are these suppose to be vented above the toe because I can see my toes through the material where the toes meet the foot? Bought using bonus points but I won’t buy them again. I knew I should have sprung for the darn tough socks.
Initial impressions when putting these on were that it was going to be a very comfortable sock. I was not disappointed. The fit was great and true to size and I wore them around the house for a bit just to wear them. They did a great job not overheating my feet and did not slip down my calf at all. Similar impressions when I transitioned to wearing them in a hiking shoe. Excellent temperature control and very comfortable. They did not have a very performance like feel however, so for bigger or longer days I would prefer something a bit more snug through targeted areas of my foot (arch, ankle) to make sure there was no sliding. I will definitely keep these in my rotation for shorter days or for a change of socks at the campsite or car!
I'm not sure how it's possible for socks to be super soft and also incredibly durable, but these are both. Perfect for long hikes or cold nights in the tent, these are socks you won't want to take off. I tested them on a hut to hut trip in the Dolomites and they held up to a week straight without washing. These will last for at least a few winters and will be my go to snowboarding and hiking sock.
The sock fit my foot perfectly, no bunching, hot spots, or sagging. The crew height hit below my calf where I like it. The thickness was comfortable in a range of shoe and boot types. The material was soft, but felt slightly less cushy and somewhat less breathable than some other brands. They did get softer after being washed. Overall I would not hesitate to wear these on any length hike, or just walking around on anything other than the coldest days. I also liked the color, and they don't seem to be fading or wearing out prematurely.
These socks were soft and lovely -- except the toe box, which was significantly too wide for me, so that I ended up with a lump of sock beneath my toes. I went to the store to try on other socks, and it appears that all the REI brand hiking socks are cut big in the toe box. I'm back to SmartWool socks, which fit so well, but are a bit scratchy. REI accepted back my 4 pairs of REI socks, one of them worn and washed and worn again. (The socks didn't shrink.) Thanks REI
So loose after just a few miles. Bunched up in toes and heel was stretched so much it bunched up too. I’ve had many REI socks, some for probably ten years, and they’ve fit/worn great. These stretched and never rebounded.