How to Choose Hiking Socks

Hike on and on ... and on, thanks to the all-day comfort and durability of the men's Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion crew socks. They're packed with fan-favorite tech to keep your feet happy.
Best Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 56% Merino wool/13% nylon/28% recycled nylon/3% elastane |
Sock Height | Crew |
Sock Cushioning | Light Cushioning |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains ZQ merino wool Contains recycled materials |
S | M | L | XL | |
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U.S. Men's | 3 - 5.5 | 6 - 8.5 | 9 - 11.5 | 12 - 14.5 |
EU | 34 - 37 | 38 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 |
For socks, please use shoe size.
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These are great hiking socks. I’ve worn them for several hikes now and they have performed very well. But there was one hike that I was particularly impressed. I hiked from the top of the Grand Canyon to the bottom and back in one day. It was about 90 degrees at the top and around 110 at the bottom. I went 18 miles, 4700 ft down and 4400 ft up. And during that entire hike that took about 9.5 hrs, I never got a blister. There was a time period where I felt some hot spots but overall my feet were very comfortable. They didn’t feel wet or sweaty and I was able to take another 3 mile hike with my daughter the next day.
These are well padded socks and offer the right level of cushion, stretch, and breathability. I have a hard time finding good socks and often get blisters on my feet from inferior socks. i didn't have any blister or breathability problems with these socks. nor did i have any issues with them stretching too much and bunching in my shoes. i would give 5 stars, but i did have one minor instance of the fabric pilling in one spot after washing. i cut that spot out and haven't had any issues since. and that spot did not ending up being noticeably thinner after cutting. it remained well padded and perfectly usable after. and i like how they look!
Who would have guessed a simple pair of socks could make such a difference. I am a big fan of Smartwool for underlayers so was familiar with the brand and thought I would give their socks a try - glad I did. I have historically chosen the thick wool socks that I am sure everyone is familiar with when going on a day hike or backpacking trip. These socks are light years ahead in comfort and support. While you still get all the benefits of a wool sock, you are not dealing with the thick / sweaty feeling that I usually get after being on the trail for 3+ hours. I know...I know...a pair of socks right? Give them a try and you will not be disappointed. Great investment.
I love the feel of these socks. They are soo comfortable, I''ll probably end up making them my everyday socks. I hiked a long hike in these in hot weather after a hiatus from walking and I didn't get a single blister which I attribute to their perfect fit and excellent cushioning where it matters. Also, I'm traveling with no access to a washing machine for a while and I like that they don't get stinky easily. The reason I only almost love them is the cuff: it comes just a little too far up on my leg (I'm 5'5") and the top of the cuff is so tight it leaves a noticeable dent. I do have this problem with many socks, so maybe it's unfair to deduct a star for this.
I own other Smartwool hiking socks and was anticipating good things from these lighter socks. They are good socks but for serious or even moderate hiking or backpacking I prefer thicker socks with a liner. The good: * fit well * thin (if you like that in sock) * colorful * height * heel well placed The bad: * not moisture wicking. * Socks are pretty hot and feet got sweaty without it being hot. * thin (if you don't like that in a sock) I tried to like them but they are just not for me for anything beyond camp socks, sleep socks, or everyday socks.
After many years of buying Smartwool PHD'S, it appeared they were being discontinued. I saw these online; they looked like they might be a good replacement for part of the line, and I bought and started wearing a pair immediately. They fit and perform well and are maintaining shape and wearing well.
Wore them for the first time and got a hole in them. I wasn't even hiking, I wore them to work! First time trying Smartwool and I am definitely disappointed.
Smartwool makes some amazing gear. I have several items ranging from base layers to gloves. These were my first foray into their socks and they were very disappointing. Although the socks are really well-made and feel pretty durable, the length and elasticity around the calf seems very off. Firstly, the length of the tubing that goes up your leg is terribly short, and the elasticity is lacking so the sock tends to slip down your leg. I am not a person of strange or abstract body proportions, 5’7” at 135 pounds size 8.5 shoe, the sock length is just too short and doesn’t even hit mid-shin on my legs.
2 holes in toe right off the shelf. Terrible quality control for a $23 pair of socks.
I absolutely love Smartwool and have used them for years. I used these on a 9-day Kilimanjaro hike and wore them many days (I had some other pairs with different cushion). I love the breathable top. The cushion on these was great. For summit morning the temps got to -14 F and I wore these with another more cushioned pair for the warmth along with a liner and my feet were fine. These socks are solid and last a long time.