What Are The Best Walking Socks?

We have based our results on customer feedback and the opinions of our experts. Good walking socks help avoid blisters and help support and protect your foot. Although many people belittle sock technology it is a really important factor and can help walkers at all distances avoid discomfort and injury. Remember to check out our size chart and walking sock reviews for working out which walking sock would be best for you.

A Few Features Worth Looking Out For:

Womens walking socks offer a slimmer fit and tighter fitment around the ankle than men's walking socks and should be considered a must for lady hikers. Merino wool within the weave of a sock offers additional comfort, softness and padding. Coolmax is a performance fibre that wicks moisture away from the skin leaving the foot feeling cooler and dryer. 

So Which Walking Socks are best?

We took about ten pairs of our most popular walking socks on a day’s walk across the Kent North Downs. Each pair got 20-30 minutes wear although keep changing them did become a little tiresome... We then combined our thoughts with customer feedback to produce our best walking sock table below.

Best Walking Socks For Men

Bridgedale Mens Endurance Trail Sock – a great all rounder, good all of the year around apart from the depths of winter. Our tester said “I want some”

Thorlo Experia Ultra Light Merino Silk Crew Sock – Socks don’t come much more tech than these. With silk and merino wool in the weave they are incredibly comfortable. Our tester said “Some people may be put off by the high tech look but after a day on the hills you would definitely buy these"

Stance Mens Pioneer Hike Sock – made with specialised technology to provide maximum comfort until the very end of the most strenuous hike.

SmartWool Mens PHD Outdoor Medium – Offers cosy comfort and keeps your foot cool and dry through tough hikes. Our tester said “nice summer sock, not too heavy or bulky"

Bridgedale Mens Endurance Summit Sock – designed for colder walking these socks are excellent on longer treks. Our tester said “damn they are hot why did you ask me to test them in a heat wave?”

Best Walking Socks For Ladies

Bridgedale Womens Comfort Trekker Sock – great all season women’s hiking sock offering great comfort and padding. Our testers wife said “when you imagine a walking sock these are what you expect”

SmatWool PHD Outdoor Light Sock – summer sock ideal for most activities. Testers wife said "Best summer sock"

Bridgedale Womens Comfort Trail Sock – ideal warm climate sock as it features Coolmax technology yet really comfortable thanks to merino wool. Our testers wife said “very space age looking but nice and soft”

Thorlo Experia Ultra Light Merino Silk Micro Crew Sock – thanks to its trainer cut these are ideal for use with walking shoes in summer. Our testers wife said “they are really nice, I would wear everyday too”