A walking and hiking sock field guide
These examples use the choices above. Use the chart beside each sock to check its size and check how the cuff sits above your footwear.
Showing socks for low trail shoes with normal room, any material. Check each sock’s size chart next.
Darn Tough Men's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Cushion
A micro crew with a 61% merino blend and cushioning concentrated underfoot.
micro crew · 21.6 cm (8.5 in) on averagecushionStandard sock
Keep in mind: Its 8.5-inch average cuff may sit below a tall boot collar. Compare the two heights before choosing a micro crew.
Bridgedale Men's Lightweight Merino Performance 3/4 Crew
A 3/4 crew hiking sock with Bridgedale’s cushioning rating 3 of 5, a lightweight knit and a blend of 29% merino wool and 9% wool.
3/4 crewcushioning rating 3 of 5Standard sock
Keep in mind: The cuff clears most low hikers and mid boots but may sit below a tall boot collar.
Icebreaker Men's Merino Hike+ Ultralight Quarter
A quarter hiking sock, shaped for left and right feet, with what Icebreaker calls targeted cushion, an ultralight knit and a 57% merino wool blend.
quartertargeted cushionLeft and right fit
Keep in mind: A quarter cuff stops around the ankle bone; check it clears the collar before you wear it in boots.
Start with shoe space and cuff height. Then compare the material, padding and layers that matter to you.
Already know what you need?
See every Smartwool sock 49 models in this guideSee every Falke sock 43 models in this guideSee every Darn Tough sock 39 models in this guideSee every Sealskinz sock 22 models in this guideSee every 1000 Mile sock 20 models in this guideSee every Icebreaker sock 20 models in this guideSee every Norfolk sock 16 models in this guideSee every Bridgedale sock 15 models in this guideSee every Point6 sock 2 models in this guideA thicker sock, a longer cuff and another layer solve different problems.
Compare where the padding sits and what the brand means by light, full or extra.
Understand cushion & shoe space →See how toe socks, separate liners and built-in double layers fit inside your shoes.
Compare sock types →Work out which pairs you can wear while the others wash and dry.
Plan socks for your trip →
