Are you the one who takes more than 2000 steps to travel only one mile? Walking up and down of a hiking trail, encountering the rocks and roots along the way? If your answer to our question is yes, then you know that with every step that you take, then you probably know that the right pair of socks plays an essential and critical part in keeping your feet blister-free and comfortable through the entire hiking journey.
Although you understand the importance of having high-quality socks you’re not sure where to start and which pair to choose. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Most people, especially during the winter, keep asking what are the warmest socks ever because most of what is termed as warmest socks out there do not deliver as described.
We all know the kind of trouble you put your feet in if you don’t get the right socks for the weather so this is why we did this in-depth research about everything you need to know and also, a list of the warmest socks available. the warmest socks on the market.
There is so much to consider when choosing a sock and you will hardly get this information in one bit and not unless you have the time to visit all the possible sources, you might miss one important feature to make your choice the best. From features to consider to hand-picked and reviewed (by our professional team of hikers) the warmest socks.
Before we even start with listing types of socks that can be found on Amazon, we’ll first give you some points and tips on how to choose the warmest socks and what features to look for.
Our Top Picks
Product Name | Special Features | Color | Material | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wigwam Cool-Lite | 100% Acrylic, mesh instep, “Y” heel pocket, seamless toe closure and cushioned foot, crew height socks | Black, gray | 50% coolmax polyester, 22% stretch nylon, 21% X2O acrylic, 7% cotton | Check price on Amazon |
Keen North Country Lite | Made of wool, contour arch support, fully cushioned footbed, “Y” heel pockets | Black olive / lod | Merino wool 54%, polyester 5%, nylon 39%, spandex 2% | Check price on Amazon |
Smartwool Hike Ultra-Light | lightweight, durable, ultra-light cushion, open mesh fabric plus 2 types of rib | Medium gray | 30% nylon, 2% polyester, 1% elastane, and 67% merino wool | Check price on Amazon |
Thorlos LTH | Very well built, lightweight, cushioned instep and arch | Walnut heather | 5% spandex, 14% stretch nylon, 19% Thor.lon, 62% exclusive | Check price on Amazon |
Darn Tough 1466 | Comfortable, perfect performance fit, no bunching, no slipping, and no blisters, cushioned footbed | Oatmeal | 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% lycra spandex | Check price on Amazon |
REI Lightweight | Breathable, cushioned footbed, naturally wicking fibers, stretch nylon reinforced toes and heels, arch bands, Lin-Toe seam | Chocolate, khaki | 20% nylon, 78% merino wool, 2% spandex | Check price on REI |
Things to consider before buying
You don’t need to be a professional in hiking to know that you need warm socks to keep your feet warm during cold hiking adventures. But what you probably don’t know are all those things you need to keep in mind before buying the most warmest pair of socks. Let’s start!
Material
The material of your socks will determine a lot more than just warmth. The durability, how comfortable and supportive the socks is determined by its material.
The material also contributes to its breathability thus eliminating odor and irritation.
Design (unique toe area design)
Whether you need the warmest socks for hiking or work, the design should always be the best for your feet. Some socks have a unique toe design, thus making them super comfortable.
Level of cushioning
The padding/cushioning level in your socks determines how warm they are going to be, and also, how supportive they will be especially when on rough terrain.
This also determines whether your feet will be painful or with blisters after your work or hike.
Size
Now, if you get the warmest socks, but in the wrong size, there is no way you are going to enjoy wearing it.
Breathability
Your sock should have enough ventilation to ensure that your feet are dry and no odor at the end of the day. It’s so embarrassing to have smelly feet, especially when in the middle of a group of people.
There is no excuse for it because there are so many solutions for it and getting socks with a good ventilation is one of them.
Durability
The warmest socks might be quite expensive, and that’s why you should ensure that its durability is equivalent to the extra penny you added to get them
Price
Today, there are lots of warm socks on the market designed especially for hikers, but the price doesn’t mean quality.
You can even find top quality socks for approximately $10 so make sure you check reviews before buying.
Best products on today’s market
Once you decide to buy the warmest pair of socks for your adventurous trips, there are many things and options you need to have in mind. This is why we summarized several warmest socks before you finally decide on which one’s perfect for your feet.
Wigwam Cool-Lite
Price: $10 – $30
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 5 inches
Color: Black/grey
Material: 50% coolmax polyester, 22% stretch nylon, 21% X2O acrylic, 7% cotton
Gender: Men’s
Specific features: 100% Acrylic, machine wash, mesh instep (lightweight for breathability), “Y” heel pocket and welt top, dries super fast, has seamless toe closure and cushioned foot for comfort., crew height socks, has wicking fiber Coolmax thus keeps feet dry, durable
Best use: Hiking, outdoors, camping, casual wear, boots
Description: Whether your feet are callused, thus tending to kill socks, wear boots all day long, have the sweatiest feet or planning to go for a long hike, the Wigwam Cool-Lite Socks are the socks for you. For hikers, especially, these socks play three different, but important roles. F
irst, they are the warmest socks ever thus if you will be in a cold region you will have no worries about getting numb feet. The socks are thin to feel comfortable in a boot or just when shoeless yet thick enough for the much-needed warmth.
You will also find the socks helpful if you live in shoeless households or hardwood floors thanks to their seamless toe closure and cushioned foot for comfort. On the other hand, if you will be in a warm region, these socks came in to help in sweat evaporation because they have a wicking fiber Coolmax that keeps your feet dry all through. This also prevents odor, blisters, and sore toes.
Thus, you can confidently take off your shoes at the end of the hike without fearing that you might suffocate your hike mates. The socks have Mesh Instep that is lightweight thus improving their breathability.
Important to note too is their durability and ease of washing. We all know that washing socks are no one’s cup of tea, but with the right socks, you can look forward to the task. The socks also dry out quickly, thus you can wash them even when on your trip if need be and still wear them when you want.
PROS:
- Durable
- Machine wash
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
CONS:
- A bit rough
- Pretty tight
Related: Most buyers who bought these socks also opted for this brand’s cap. Wigwam 1017 Watch Cap will keep your head warm as well as socks your feet. The cap is approximately from $5 to $15, made from 100% Acrylic material and is machine washable.
Keen North Country Lite
Price: Approx. $15
Weight: 1 ounce
Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4 inches
Color: Black olive / lod
Material: Merino wool 54%, polyester 5%, nylon 39%, spandex 2%
Gender: Men’s
Specific features: Made of wool, contour arch support to offer comfort, has a right and left design to give optimal fitting, sock ring that helps in keeping your socks together when washing or in the drawer, thin enough to be worn in any shoe yet thick enough to keep the feet warm even in near freezing temperatures, fully cushioned footbed offering comfort and support on the trail, “Y” heel pockets thus better fit
Best use: Hiking
Description: Now and then you came across the question “what are the warmest socks ever” or any similar question to this. Well, we are happy to let you know that Keen North Country Lite Crew Sock is the perfect answer.
If you have been planning to go hiking or looking for a way to keep your feet warm during the winter, do your sweet self a favor and grab a pair or two of these. You will live to appreciate yourself for making a wise decision and getting the best deal ever.
Below are some features that make the Keen North Country Lite Crew Socks stand out and emerge as the warmest socks ever. Made of wool. For anyone looking for a warm sock, they definitely know that wool leads all the way. And, do not run away! The price is just too good for the quality.
In short, comparing these socks with any other you ever bought to keep you warm, you will find that they are so much better in many ways. As long as the socks are made of wool, you can be sure that it will keep you warm no matter the weather condition and this here is no different.
Comfortable. These socks are not just the warmest socks ever, but they also offer a great deal of comfort to the wearer. They have a Contour arch support to offer comfort and Seamless toe to avoid bunching. For those looking for socks that can keep them warm while on the go, comfort is not something to compromise.
Has a right and left design to give optimal fitting. Well, you will never know the difference it makes until you try it. For most people, a sock is just a sock and can go on either leg forgetting that there is a reason we have a left and right foot. And did we mention that these socks never fall! Thanks to the “Y” heel pockets that give them a better fit.
PROS:
- High quality
- Warm
- Price
- Comfortable
- “Y” heel for a better fit
CONS:
- Not as light as advertised
Related: The Keen brand is well known for their warm hiking line and their hiking shoes are great for cold days in the wilderness. We suggest you also have in mind these KEEN Targhee II Hiking Shoes for durability, breathability and comfort, not to mention keeping your feet warm at all time.
Smartwool Hike Ultra-Light
Price: $10 – $17
Weight: 2.4 ounces
Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 3 inches
Color: Medium gray
Material: 30% nylon, 2% polyester, 1% elastane, and 67% merino wool
Gender: Men’s
Specific features: Lightweight, durable, ultra-light cushion ensuring maximum performance when using close-fitting shoes, open mesh fabric plus 2 types of rib offering enhanced perfect fit and breathability
Best use: Hiking, winter boots
Description: When it comes to warm feet, you will never know the true meaning until you have had a moment with the Smartwool Hike Ultra-Light Crew Socks. Your hiking experience will be transformed to what you considered good to better. Several outstanding features include:
Mesh Ventilation Zone. When out hiking or just doing your everyday chores, as much as you need the warmth, you will also need enough ventilation to ensure that the warmth is not too much because there are serious side effects with zero air circulation and too much warmth.
With these socks, you get as much warmth as your feet need and the mesh ventilation zone ensures that no matter the weather condition, your feet will never know the excess warmth or excess cold.
Furthermore, the Ultra-light cushion ensures maximum performance when using close-fitting shoes, as your socks should feel comfortable even in such shoes. Whether hiking or on other outdoors, these socks will give you maximum performance.
When it comes to durability, no matter how many times you use and wash them, they will go a long way without a need for replacement. It’s every buyer’s hope that their purchases will serve them as long as described by the manufacturers and these never disappoint.
PROS:
- Durable
- Mesh ventilation zone
- Ultralight cushion
- Comfortable
- Soft
- Warm
CONS:
- The fit is way off
Related: If you really want to stay warm no matter what, in a combination with these socks we advise you opt for a top quality base layer bottom such as this Smartwool NTS Micro Bottom. This is the thinnest layer material this brand makes which means that you won’t get too hot inside when wearing, but will keep your body temperature all day.
Thorlos LTH
Price: $10 – $50
Weight: 1.6 ounces
Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 2 inches
Color: Walnut heather
Material: 5% spandex, 14% stretch nylon, 19% Thor.lon, 62% exclusive
Gender: Men’s
Specific features: Very well built, lightweight, cushioned instep and arch
Best use: Day hikes
Description: If you have been having painful day hikes, it’s time you considered changing your hiking socks for the better. These Thorlos LTH Crew Socks are one of the best choices you can make.
Every hiker hopes that they will have the best hiking experience, but it’s the small things like the choice of hiking socks that make all the difference. You might have the best everything for your hike, but if your socks are not the best for the task, your experience will be compromised.
Now, having a not so well fitting sock can be a real pain for any hiker. Picture the discomfort of your socks falling where you have to keep pushing them up or where they keep sliding inside your shoe.
Getting well-fitting socks is the main thing because if they are warm, but are not fitting, how much help are they? This also ensures that the hikers in these socks get the much-needed support throughout their hike.
When you think of softness, durability, resilience, and extra-moisture-wicking, the Men’s Light Hiker has it all as it’s made from COOLMAX fibers blended with THORLON to ensure that as a hiker, you have cooler, drier, and better-feeling feet ever. Once you own one of these socks, you will always go hiking with confidence knowing that every inch of your feet is well taken care of.
PROS:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Soft
- Warm
CONS:
- After washing these socks they feel much less substantial
- Sizes slightly smaller than advertised
Related: Thorlo is a well-known socks brand, but what most people don’t know is that they also have Snow Gel 8MQ8V Sports Insoles with full-length performance and shock and buffer absorption. These insoles will relieve your feet from any pain when hiking.
Darn Tough 1466
Price: $10 – $100
Weight: 32 ounces
Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 4 inches
Color: Oatmeal
Material: 61% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% lycra spandex
Gender: Men’s
Specific features: Comfortable, perfect performance fit, no bunching, no slipping, and no blisters, great style, footbed cushioned for support, made with Merino wool that is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial
Best use: Hiking
Description: Every hiker has their go-to sock that they trust for perfect comfort and support. However, most of these socks keep disappointing hence the need for replacement. The Darn Tough 1466 Hiking Socks were created to ensure that every hiker gets exactly what they want from their hiking socks by combining all the amazing features that you will hardly find in the market. If you will be hiking in winter, this should be your priority while packing your bags.
It’s rare to find the warmest socks ever with the best comfort, style, and performance all in one sock. However, thanks to this model, you get all this and much more as it is cushioned at the bottom of the foot thus providing the best amount of support.
You literally get to enjoy your hike and still have the freshest feet ever after the hike. The worst thing to happen after a hike is having to nurse your feet because of blisters or other forms of pain, but this sock ensures that you have none of it by providing the much-needed support. Think of socks that guarantee no bunching, no slipping, and no blisters! This sounds like a dream until you get yourself a pair of the Men’s Darn Hiking Socks.
Slipping socks are so annoying and especially more when you are on a hike and have to keep shifting your attention from the actual task, hiking, to pulling up the socks. By performance fit, the manufacturers of this sock ensure that you forget everything about the sock once it’s on your foot and concentrate on your mission.
Have you ever owned any fine-gauge Merino wool constructed sock? Well, if not, you can just go ahead and make this your first. This model is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial thanks to the Merino wool!
For a hiker, these two features, antibacterial and antimicrobial, means so much than they would for an ordinary person. Hikers are never sure of what they will encounter during the hike, and even the slightest form of protection might make all the difference. The manufacturers are also confident enough to give you an unconditional life guarantee thus speaking volumes about the quality and durability.
PROS:
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Lifetime warranty
- Antibacterial and antimicrobial
CONS:
- It’s possible that they will slip / slide down when walking they are slipping
Related: Darn Tough is a brand that only designs and makes socks, so we suggest you choose something from another brand to keep the rest of your body as warm as these socks will keep your feet warm. Most buyers opted for these winter hiking gloves from Mountain Made to keep their hands warm too.
REI Lightweight
Price: Approx $10
Weight: 32 ounces
Dimensions: Different dimensions
Color: Chocolate/khaki
Material: 20% nylon, 78% merino wool, 2% spandex
Gender: Unisex
Specific features: Breathable, cushioned footbed, naturally wicking fibers, made of merino wool, stretch nylon reinforced toes and heels, arch bands offering additional support, uniquely designed toe area, Lin-Toe “no feel” seams, non irritating and smooth
Best use: Hiking, casual wear
Description: If you are looking for a pair of sock that fit, work and last, then REI Lightweight Hiking Socks is the deal for you. Once you get a pair or two of these, you will have the warmest socks ever, comfortable and durable whether you use them for work, casual wear or day hikes. It doesn’t matter how tough the terrain is, how often you wear them, or how tough your feet are in socks. These socks will take you a long way before you think of replacing them.
They are super warm during the winter yet just right during the summer. Even if you are on your feet all day long, you can count on them to take care of your feet perfectly. These socks have Lightweight cushioning providing added comfort which is what every hiker needs. While out hiking, your feet do 99 percent of the job, and thus it’s only reasonable to give them all the necessary attention and this starts by getting the right type of socks.
Your choice of hiking socks decides whether your hiking experience will be awesome or a nightmare. These REI Light Hikers ensures that your hike goes perfectly well. This model comes with “no-feel” seams, keeping them non irritating and smooth. Do you ever wear a sock that makes your toes complain all day because something feels off? Some socks tend not to have a good toe area, thus end up not serving the purpose as required.
Having a perfect toe area in your socks is important, especially for day hikers or people wearing their socks in boots all day. Furthermore, they are made of merino wool (thus warm, breathable, comfortable, and durable), Lycra® spandex and nylon thus offering a dependable fit and durability plus stretch nylon reinforcing your toes and heels for comfort and long-wearing durability.
The wool here is Lambswool, and if you know as much as I do, this screams warmth all the way! This sock is not just warm, it also fits well and is super durable. The stretch nylon insures that your toes and heels are super comfortable while giving the sock a long durability. You obviously can’t go wrong with a pair of these.
Apart from being super cushy, they ensure that your feet are free from pain and blisters and they are way better than any sole inserts. These are the warmest socks ever and the most comfortable socks you will ever own.
PROS:
- Soft
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Warm
CONS:
- Thin
Related: REI is known for their warm clothing pieces and if you also buy REI Midweight Crew Top you won’t be sorry. The material is soft and will keep you warm, dry and insulated all the time.
Wrap Up
No feet should have to endure the wrath of a rough terrain or winter coldness while there are warm socks out there. However, just getting the warmest socks ever is not the only important thing.
You should consider all other factors we provided in order to ensure that you get the best socks for your kind of activities and feet. The list above represents what we found to be the warmest socks in the market after careful analysis and we hope it helps you in making the right choice.
We are open to fair criticism, and we would like to add or change whatever you think should be changed, of course after doing more research so feel free to leave us a comment on our comment section, and we will gladly tackle the changes in our next reviews. Also, if this article was helpful in finding the warmest socks ever, feel free to share with your friends and family and make their work easier too. Good Luck!
My feet blister really fast so I have to have a comfortable pair of socks on or I am in trouble. I keep buying socks a lot but I keep losing them all the time. Now it is time to buy some more pairs but I want soft, durable, comfortable and not bulky. I hope the Wigwam socks will be gentle enough for my blister-prone feet.
The Wigwam offers protection for our feet so you can avoid having blisters. Make sure you also have great fitting shoes and avoid footwear that is tight, especially near the toes. Wearing tapered shoes also contribute to blisters and calluses. Opt for wider shoes since you are prone to these.
I am trying to tick off my checklist for the net next backpacking trip, which will be starting in about a month. I still need to tick off socks so this article was really helpful but which of these brands do you recommend which is above the rest.
I say I will have to go for Merino wool socks. There are several socks made of these, it’s just a matter of preference for you. Take a look! 🙂