Best Hiking Socks for Hot Weather: 5 Cool Options

Are you looking for the best hiking socks for hot weather?

  1. You may need to know what socks to wear because you intend to go hiking in a hot environment?
  2. Or perhaps you have realized that your socks are not doing the trick
  3. Maybe you need to get a gift for someone who likes hiking in the summer months?

Hiking has numerous health benefits. It has been known to improve blood circulation and thereby help with any blood pressure issues you may be having.

Your heart begins to work in a brand new rejuvenated way. With improved blood circulation, comes a plethora of advantages. For example, your skin looks and feels healthier.

The great thing is that it is not just for show, it is healthier. Hypertension is not uncommon especially as people get older. It is quite a dangerous condition when you do not get a handle on it.

It is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important to keep a check on your blood pressure. Hiking is one such way to do this. 

Going hiking requires that you have the right equipment and clothing as well and this includes the socks that you wear. Different trails across the world are great for hiking.

Them being globally positioned, means that they have different weather patterns.

How you hike can be influenced by the weather patterns of the area and this, in turn, influences the type of gear you need to get, including the socks you will wear.

In a Hurry

Do you need a quick guide to know what factors influence the type of socks you get? The first thing to check on is the material the socks are made of. Some materials breathe better than others.

This is a huge factor. You wan to get breathable socks and that will allow your feet to cool off even as you hike.

Look for antibacterial socks. Also, make sure that they dry fast. If you will be hiking in hot climates, you will inevitably sweat more than when hiking in colder climates.

Make sure that the socks can keep you cool even when it is blazing hot outside. 

Hiking can be tough on both your feet and your socks. You will want to make sure that you get socks that are durable and can weather the storm with you.

Durability also speaks to being able to wear the socks for more than one day at a time.

This is especially helpful on long hikes. Also, look for socks that are comfortable and will provide the cushioning that your feet need.

It will also be of great benefit for you to check out the specs and make see that they encourage a cool hike.

Our Top Pick

Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks

Reviews of The Best Hiking Socks for Hot Weather

Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks

Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks

With these socks, Darn Tough delivers socks that are ready for the hot days out on the trail. Whether you are up against a hot and humid day the socks they are more than up for it. They feature what can be described as the CoolMax air-conditioner.

The best part about this is that no matter how long you wear the socks for they remain just as cool on your feet.

The technology that was used ensures that there is reduced friction between foot and sock. 

According to the manufacturers, many hikers have used the socks for thousands of miles which is one of the reasons why these are some of the most coveted socks on the market.

They combine comfort durability into a sock that fits you well. they have what has been described as high density knit. In the simplest of terms, this means that they are more stitches per inch.

The cushioning is of a mid-level density on the underfoot it delivers a warm and comfortable sock.

The toe area is described as a true seamless toe. It is almost impossible to find where the seam is in the tall area this makes that area a little bit more durable than you would find with other socks.

Rising up your ankles is the ribs support on socks that snuggle around your foot and your ankle to give you the comfort that you deserve.

What is even more impressive is that even with all their success and after so long in business they remain a family run business straight out of Vermont.

Their manufactury and the processes remain the same, guaranteeing us a quality that we have come to know and love. 

Pros


The socks are very comfortable.

They fit snuggly around your foot and ankle.

They are highly breathable.

They come with a lifetime warranty.

Your feet and kept cool and dry.

They are made in America.

Cons


The moisture-wicking could be better.

They can be too tight.

They do not prevent blisters.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Smartwool Crew Hiking Socks – Ultra Light Wool Performance Sock 

Smartwool Crew Hiking Socks

While we still speaking about socks that are made in America, Smartwool socks are another brand.

They come in various sizes and designs. You can get a pair in one of your favourite colours. At the time of checking they seem to only stock dark colours.

If that is not your thing, perhaps you ought to look elsewhere. The main material used for the socks is mesh, nylon, polyester, and wool.

They provide warm insulation which is perfect if you are going up a Highpeak.

As stated by the manufacturers, the socks are made to provide you with the highest performance at the highest degree of temperature.

This is what makes them perfect for any adventure’s list. They combine durability with comfort and breathability.

The socks are made with mesh ventilation in various zones which stretch throughout the entire sock.

These are where freedom of movement of air is encouraged. They have a wonderful elasticity about them. This is especially true above the ankles. 

They feature am flatmate toe seam for additional comfort. There is minimal cushioning on these ultralight crew socks. This allows you to wear the socks on all sorts of trails and roads without feeling any discomfort.

They also provide you with the versatility of being able to use them for other things besides hiking.

There is just enough padding for them to be used in sports and other things from a material perspective, they feature 67% Merino wool, 30% nylon, 2% polyester and 1% elastin.

Pros


They are very comfortable.

Their durability is not in doubt.

They are highly breathable.

They are clearly well-made.

These socks are made in America.

There is just enough cushioning. 

Cons


They have been known to run small.

They start to show signs of wear after a wash.

The sizing can be confusing.

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Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks 3 pack

Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks 3 pack

Coming off the lack of brighter colour options in the previous selection. The Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking Socks solve this problem.

These socks come in a pack of three. That is more socks for your money. As you may already know Merino wool is known to be comfortable and to keep your feet dry.

It has natural properties that allow for heating and cooling. This is to say they provide you with just enough warmth for when it’s cold and just enough cooling when it’s too warm. 

This makes them ideal for use in both summer and winter months. The ventilation is courtesy of the mesh lanes. They also wick away any sweat as it develops, keeping your feet dry.

There is just about enough cushioning and padding. This ensures that you suffer from less blistering as well as the usual aches and pain that may result from hiking.

The colours make them very appealing to both male and female customers unlike the previous elections these ones are out of Europe they are designed in Denmark hence the name Danish Endurance. 

The development process of the socks involved Mountain near a Rasmus Kragh.

If you do not know him, he was the first Danish person to climb Mount Everest without using supplemental oxygen. These are the socks that he used during his training for that ascent.

Beyond the socks, you’ll be pleased to find that Danish Endurance provides exceptional customer service after you’ve purchased the socks or if you have any questions before making a purchase.

Pros


They are highly breathable socks.

They are very comfortable.

The padding is sufficient, without being excessive.

They come in a range of colours.

They are made in Europe.

They have sweat-wicking ability. 

They are known to reduce the risk of blistering.

Cons


The toe area seems to be the weakest link.

They are not warm, so won’t be ideal for other seasons.

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Pembrook All Season Crew Boot Socks

Pembrook All Season Crew Boot Socks

To make up for the lack of seasonal versatility in our previous pick. May we introduce you to the Pembroke all season Crew Boot Socks. They come in a pack of 4.

They are marketed as being ideal for work, to be worn with boots, to be used as athletic socks or for hiking. The first thing that you will notice about these socks is that they are reinforced on both the heel and the toe area.

If you need a sign for durability, this is one. These tend to be the areas where socks fall apart first.

The design makes it easy to store away. According to the manufacturer these socks are made out of an optimum blend of cotton, synthetic fibre and elastic.

This is done to provide maximum performance and durability. They used their very own advanced yarn blend that is known to deter the development of odour. 

We briefly mentioned versatility. These socks are great for any season of the year. They are known to keep your feet warm during the winter and cool as the weather gets warmed.

They can be used for all sorts of winter activities. You can also use these socks for day-to-day activities such as work.

Their height makes them perfect to be worn in boots as a cover well above the ankle. You will also be pleased to find that they come with a 100% guarantee for comfort.

This is another family-run business that has been going since 1976. As such, they are able to maintain the quality that you may have known them for. The sock are machine washable and built to last.

Pros


They come in various colours

They are reinforced on both toe and heel end.

They can be used for various activities.

You can wear them with boots.

Their versatility means you can wear them all year round.

They have odour resisting properties.

This is a family run business.

The price is just about right

Cons


None of the colours is bright.

Sizing issues occur.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Merrell Cushioned Performance Hiker Socks

Merrell Cushioned Performance Hiker Socks

Our final pick is from a brand that we all know. Merrell has been around for as long as most of us would care to remember. The cushion and performance socks come in a pack of three.

They are designed for hiking. You can get them in three sizes. They also have various colours to choose from.

They have a pull on closure system. You will also be pleased to find that they have arch band support.

As with the previous selection both the heel and toe region of the socks are reinforced. This ensures that they last as long as possible.

You may also be happy to find that you can wash them in the machine without having to worry about shrinkage or such issues.

The material used on the socks is highly breathable which means there is the ease of movement for air keeping your feet quite cool.

The material used is 60% acrylic, 25% wool, 13% nylon, and 2% lycra spandex.

Pros


They are very comfortable.

You get to choose from several colours.

There are 3 lengths to choose from.

They are highly breathable.

The heel and toe areas are reinforced.

We love the brand.

Cons


Their durability is somewhat unpredictable from one pair to another.

Not for other seasons of the year.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Buyer’s Guide

There are a few factors that you can consider when buying new hiking socks for hot weather.

It may seem like a non-factor but the socks you get will matter a great deal in how your hike goes. You do not have to power through miserable when you can get tools of the trade to help you along. 

Can I use hiking socks for other activities?

If you get your hands on a good pair of hiking socks, then you have also gotten a good pair of socks that are perfect to be used for a myriad of outdoor activities.

This is because they have all the necessary features. Hiking socks are made with special non-slip technology and they also absorb sweat and limit friction.

A good pair of summer hiking socks are breathable which means they allow air to flow through freely and hence keep your feet cool.

Simple and yet at the same time complex technology makes the best hiking socks for the summer. The same features you look for in these are the same features that make great outdoor shoes

Does the material they are made of matter?

Some materials do not breathe as well as others. You must check on the material that the socks are made of. For example, cotton is not the best in keeping your feet comfortable in hiking boots.

It absorbs a lot of moisture which can make it uncomfortable to walk in, let alone take a hike in.

The best socks to use during hot hikes are made of merino wool, nylon, and other blends. Look out for a specific feature that talks about keeping your feet cool.

Are there socks that can be used in multiple climates?

If you are an avid hiker and you tend to hike across different climates then you may want to make sure that you have socks that you can use on all your hikes.

There are special hiking socks that have the technology that will allow you to do this. You can find socks that are constructed in such a way that they can be worn in any weather conditions. 

What styles do hiking socks come in?  

You can get hiking socks in basically four different styles. For example, no-show styles, ankle, crew, and knee-high. The shorter the socks, the more appropriate they are for summer hikes.

The type of socks you get is heavily dependant on the hiking boots you will be using. You want to make sure that the socks are not lower than the shoes. This can irritate your skin and sometimes even blisters. 

The most common style of hiking socks is crew style socks. They reach mid calf and they fit well inside most standard hiking shoes.

They provide the protection you need against skin-boot abrasion. Ankle or quarter height socks sit just above the ankle.

They are better suited for low- and mid-cut boots or trail running shoes. No-show socks hide inside most shoes and provide little or no protection against abrasion due to the friction between boots and skin. They should only be worn with light, low cut shoes on short trails.

Conclusion

Choosing hiking socks can be a seemingly tough job if you are thrown in the deep end and do not know where to start or what to look out for.

There are several types of socks on the market the trick is finding the ones meant for you. We hope that our review helps you find the best socks to use on hikes in the summer months. Happy hiking and happy shopping! 

Hi there. This is Clare. Dave and I manage this site. We are outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the content is about products that we love using or have researched.
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