How to Choose Hiking Socks

Wear the REI Co-op Silk liner crew socks under your hiking socks to protect your feet from blisters. Or wear them alone because they're strong, cool and moisture-absorbent for comfort on hot trails.
Made in USA.
View all REI Co-op Men's Hiking SocksBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 51% silk/47% nylon/2% Lycra® spandex |
Sock Height | Crew |
Sock Cushioning | No Cushioning |
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 had never used liner socks before but the company guiding our trip up Mt. Kilimanjaro recommended wearing them so I bought 4 pairs of these silk liner socks. I wore them every day, in the warm weather at lower elevations to the very cold weather at the summit. Using these and SmartWool hiking socks my feet stayed blister free for the entire 8-day, 73 km trek. I could feel the sock layers gliding past each other, which meant the shear forces weren't being transferred directly to my skin (I'm a podiatrist by the way!). These kept my feet warm, dry and comfortable, and they were thin enough to easily fit under hiking socks and in my boots. I highly recommend!
I have other silk liner socks that have lasted over 20 years. These are starting to wear after only about 40 miles. The heel is noticeably thinner already and they are pilling at the heel and ankle. The fit and function is great. I agree that white is not the best color. But these are wearing out TOO fast. I machine wash in cold water and hang to dry.
Not as durable as other materials, but these liners are the thinnest and least noticeable compared to nylon liners. I’m an Arizona hiker, and these liners are great for the 100+ temperatures. Yeah, of course you’re gonna get sweaty in those temperatures. But my personal experience is that these HELP your feet from feeling so sweltering hot and wet.
I purchased to wear as a “primary” sock vs using as a liner for a pair of shoes which were a little too tight fit for regular cotton or wool socks. These were a perfect solution- added bonus of no foot sweating in hot temperature. I am a female with a 7.5 shoe size and purchased “M” in this product. These work so well as a “primary” sock I plan to purchase several more pair.
Bought these as extra insulation in winter for my easily chilled feet. With the added stretchiness, these fit very comfortably --- though the mediums are maxed out at my size 8 feet. If you are an 8 1/2 or 9, or have bunions, order the Large size. Wore them for a day and feet were warm and dry. Getting a pair for a birthday present for friend.
I had a pile of these socks from years ago that were finally beginning to wear thin/holes in the heels from my wildland fire boots, so since I loved them so much I came here to buy more. When I got them I washed them and tossed them in my gear, not thinking anything of it because why would I need to try on the new socks?? Well, fast forward to fire season, and the very first day on the line I noticed right away there was something wrong. The socks did not feel right. The tops of my toes were scratchy and itchy. The socks were tight and didn't fit well. I got a blister on top of my toes from the "REI CO-OP" stitching. The old socks had a printed logo on the side of the calf portion of the sock. Who thought adding STITCHED lettering on top of the TOES would be a good idea? And they obviously aren't made from the same materials as the old socks. I ended up with completely tore up feet and actually had to stay off the line one day to let some of the blisters dry out and heal. NOT something you want to have happen when you're busting butt on the fire line during a busy fire season. My feet are literally my lifeline out there, and I am beyond disappointed in these socks. But, because I rely on liner socks with my merino wool socks to make my boots fit well, I had to wear them. I ended up wearing them inside out to lessen the rubbing from the stitching, which actually helped a lot once I finally thought of it. I even went into denial about it, thinking perhaps it was because my boots were old. So, now I have new fire boots, and guess what? The socks still feel awful on my feet. Still getting weird rubbing on my toes. Still just doesn't feel "right."
These were great for preventing blisters, but I don’t get why they are white? After one backpacking trip mine are now stained brown and look old and nasty.
I use liner socks under my wool socks when hiking year-round to reduce blisters. The socks performed similar to silk liners I have bought from other brands like Injinji. I also wore them without any other socks on a two hour walk and felt that they kept my feet cool and dry. I would say these socks run a little snug, but that makes sense given their function.
I wear these under a mid-weight wool sock for blister-free backpacking. They hug my feet, so nothing is rubbing my skin. These last for years, but these are replacing a pair that finally gave out. Fit snug, but true to size.
I learned the hard way that silk shrinks in the dryer. They still fit, but barely. I don't recall having this issue previously but maybe I didn't really have a silk product.