We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. How we earn.
Best walking socks to buy right now
Blisters usually start with the sock, not the boot. A merino blend sock with cushioning under the heel and ball of the foot is the right buy for most walkers, and it is worth paying for a pair with a lifetime guarantee if you walk every week. Save the waterproof socks for bog and snow.
-
Best for most people
1. Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Performance Boot Sock
Fusion Technology · Merino blend · Midweight
The best seller among the specialist walking socks here, a midweight merino sock from Bridgedale that suits boots on most UK walks. The listing quotes Fusion Technology for insulation, fit and moisture control. It does not give the merino content or a guarantee, both of which the Darn Tough socks below spell out.
-
Best budget
2. Niorasen Merino Wool Hiking Socks 3 Pack
Seamless · 3 pairs · Full
A no-name three-pack that outsells everything else in the list, with full cushioning, a seamless toe and a reinforced heel and toe. The listing says the socks use Australian merino but not how much, which matters at this price. Fine for everyday walks; for long days, a sock with a stated merino blend is the safer buy.
-
Best guarantee
3. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight
Mostly merino, with nylon · Micro crew · Medium
Darn Tough's lifetime guarantee is the reason to pay more: the listing says that if the socks wear, tear or develop holes they will be replaced, with no conditions. This midweight Hiker is mostly merino, with nylon for strength and a cushion under the foot. The micro crew height sits just above a boot collar, so pick a taller sock for high boots.
-
Most cushioned
4. Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew
ZQ-certified merino, recycled nylon · Crew · Full
Cushioned all over rather than only at the heel and ball, which the listing says helps prevent blisters on long days. It quotes ZQ-certified merino with recycled nylon, an elasticated arch and a flat-knit seamless toe. Full cushioning is warm, which is welcome in winter but can be hot in summer boots.
-
Best waterproof
5. Sealskinz Starston Waterproof Sock
3-layer waterproof · Mid length · Merino wool
A waterproof sock with a merino lining, for bog, snow and boots that leak. The listing pitches it at cold-weather hiking and mountaineering, with a nylon blend outer. Waterproof socks are thicker and less breathable than normal ones, so keep them for wet days.
-
Best anti-blister
6. 1000 Mile Approach Double Layer Sock
Double layer · Repreve recycled · Crew
A double-layer sock where the inner layer stays with your foot and the outer moves with the shoe, which the listing says cuts friction and helps prevent blisters. It is cut for approach shoes and lightweight boots. The listing describes it as a warmer-weather sock, so it is not the one for snow.
-
Best lightweight
7. Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew
Nylon and merino · Micro crew · Light
The lighter sibling of the Hiker above, with a thin cushion under the foot and the same lifetime guarantee. Its listing shows more nylon than merino, which helps it last but makes it less warm than the midweight. Best for trail shoes and milder days.
Nothing matches those filters. Try fewer filters, or search for a brand like "MSI" or "Crucial".
How we rank
Ordered by how well each sells in its Amazon UK category, what the listing confirms (fit, materials, sizes, features), and price. We have not handled these products: the write-ups rest on what each listing states. Prices and stock are checked daily.
Prices are Amazon UK and eBay UK at the time we last checked; they move daily, so confirm on the retailer's page. We earn a small commission if you buy through our links, at no cost to you. It never changes the order. More about how we work.