How to Choose Hiking Socks

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The REI CoolMax Light Hiker Crew Socks manage moisture well, making them a comfortable choice for hiking and everyday wear in warm weather.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 65% Coolmax polyester/16% nylon/15% acrylic/4% 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 purchased hiking boots with ankle support and needed taller socks. Since my usual hiking socks are REI Cool Max I figured I'd just order the same thing in the tall version. The socks are great and work well with my boots. They are a little thicker than I anticipated but that's ok. The sizing for the socks is off. I got the mediums which are for sizes 7-9.5 and although I wear a 9 shoe they are a little big. If I had to do it over I'd get the small.
I bought 8 pair 6 months ago to replace the Smartwool socks I have used for years. Much to my surprise, the socks held more moisture and when I took them off, my feet were sweaty. Not so with my Smartwool. Also this summer, I have found my feet get hotter with the Coolmax socks. The socks are way too tight around my ankles and when they come off I have deep marks in my skin. My ankles are not fatty either. So, I have been let down. I did talk to one of the crew at my local REI and will be taking all of them back for a refund. Then, to top it off, they discontinued the Smarwool style that I like.
I was skeptical but they kept my feet free of blisters and when I took the boots off after a long hike in 75 degree weather they were dry as a bone. They are soft and hold up well. I would buy again!
Have been using for X Country Skiing and so far so good. I am excited to try these hiking next spring to see if they help keep my feet cooler.
Needed a basic sock that wouldn't bunch, wick moisture, and prevent blisters. So far so good.
I was very comfortable wearing these socks with my new hiking boots. They are a bit tall, so I folded the top down to meet the top of the boot, but that did not cause any discomfort. There was no wadding or rubbing within the boot. I bought them as an alternative to wool socks as I am alergic to wool, and I am quite satisfied. I like this sock better than the thinner, lighter weight one, but they are both great.
I wanted a sock that was thick enough to keep me warm and cozy, but thin and airy enough so that I could use it for everyday use. This sock is perfect! Not only is it super soft, it has grips in certain areas that prevent it from slipping around. I am so happy with my purchase and will buy another pair when these are no longer wearable. I definitely recommend.
I bought two pairs and two of the Wigwam lite merino socks as well. These are a tighter fit but still very comfortable. The material is super soft. I will definitely buy these again if mine ever need replacing. Just the right amount of cushioning for mountaineering or regular hiking. Wore these all day for at least 10 hours of hiking!
Awesome. I went hiking quite a few time short distances and walked around all day to break in my new boots with these socks on in my getting ready for a long trip. They stayed fairly dry, were amazingly comfortable, warm, and after I washed them they dried fairly quickly. Will definitely get more soon.
I bought these socks with the intent on hiking and backpacking as warm weather comes to Southern California. Having just come back from a warm weekend backpacking trip I can say that my feet were happy having these on with my hiking boots.