How to Choose Hiking Socks

The REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight hiking crew socks are our most popular summer-weight hiking socks for good reason—they're naturally breathable, sweat wicking, quick-drying and odor-resistant.
Made in USA.
View all REI Co-op Men's Hiking SocksBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 79% merino wool/20% nylon/1% LYCRA spandex |
Sock Height | Crew |
Sock Cushioning | Light Cushioning |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | 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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I have purchased REI CO-op Merino Wool hiking socks previously own 5 pairs and have been pleased with the comfort and quality. However they must of changed their quality or yarns because this new pair after only one wear and wash are pilling so bad they look like socks I have had for years. Super disappointed and going to try to get my money back on these.
These socks seems like a decent product, however I won't be able to enjoy them because they are much too large. I bought a medium (W 7-9.5 M 5.5-8.5) and they are too big for my size 8 feet or my husband's 8.5 feet.
I've always loved REI Co-op's "lightweight hiking crew" sock, but this one just didn't live up to the quality of fit I've gotten from Co-op socks I've bought in the past. It feels much looser especially in the toe box to the point that I will not be able to wear them hiking. Blisters are bound to happen with this sock. If you purchase them and have the same experience, maybe the next size down will work better, so be sure to exchange them before the deadline for returns. I will wear these around the house and maybe sleep in them, but will miss and be sad for a little while anyway that they no longer carry the ones I've enjoyed for so many years.
With these socks and a pair of Teva sandals, I feel like I could walk any distance. The comfort is great, they don't get too hot (winter and spring so far), and if it rains a bit, no big deal. My only concern is that after every wash (inside out, per instructions), there is usually a long thread or two that came loose and needs to be clipped. This pattern obviously cannot continue forever.
REI has changed the materials and construction of these socks. I had half a dozen pairs of the original version, which lasted me well over 10 years. I’ve been evaluating this new version for a month, including multiple washings and over 80km hiked, and they are nowhere near the same quality. Even after use, they remain rough and scratchy, compared to the previous soft and sturdy model. They do not breathe as well. Much worse is that they do not hold their shape, so if you take your boots off mid-hike, you are left with two semi shapeless bags. Hey REI, I know materials and labor have gotten more expensive, so how about offering us the older version at a premium price in addition to these sad sacks?
I don't believe in buying cheap socks. Your feet are the most important part of your body when it comes to trekking. I usually prefer either Darn Tough or Smartwool for my wool socks, but things have changed over the years. They don't make 100% wool socks and most of their socks are now in the 60% range. These are the $25-30 socks! So they forced me to start trying other sock companies. I bought the REI merino wool socks. They have 79% wool(higher than Darn Tough!) and I was very happy, more importantly my feet were happy. Good construction, well made. I'll know after a year how well they hold up. Full price is around $18, they were a steal on sale at $12. If they perform as I hope, it's good bye Darn Tough and Smartwool.
I love REI, and have bought many things there over the years, including earlier versions of these socks. However, the current version (2021) are poorly made, specifically in the toe section. It is simply too poorly constructed, and after maybe 5-7 wearings, my toes are coming through the front of the sock. I know that it isn't my toes that is the problem. I just buy simple white socks for my daily needs, and I wear those for what seems like forever, and when I do toss them out, it is because the base of the sock has finally worn through. I can't remember having ever thrown out of those because the toes gave out, and those socks are even tighter in the toes, then this style of REI socks. Bottom line, these are very disappointing, and I won't buy them again. REI needs to dump the company that is making these, and move on to someone who makes a quality sock.
As a sock fanatic, I have been buying REI's merino wool socks for decades. Bang for the buck, they were the best and compared very well to Smart Wool socks. Sorry to say, the beige and sage ones I bought recently are much thinner and do not meet the same standards they have met for years. They also did not fit as well, and were baggy. Disappointed, I returned them all, and will not be purchasing the REI merino socks again. Thanks, REI, for cheapening what used to be great socks.
Very soft, but..This pair was too big for my size 8 feet. Over an inch too long. Compared to the men's large I bought, these seemed to be same size laid on top of each other. Good thing they aren't pink...Husband will wear. Lol.
went to the store to purchase additional socks. i have worn these for years, and although they have had minor changes, they were still a pretty good sock. the new sock is a different sock with the same name. the quality (in my opinion) was way off, and the look was very different. i didn't buy them. just a heads-up.