From tackling countless terrains in various climates, we know all too well the discomfort of wet, sweaty feet after a long day exploring. For those among us with sweatier feet or those who often indulge in high-intensity activities like multi day hikes and high altitude alphine climbs, wicking socks are nothing short of a game-changer. Rather than staying damp all day, these socks can keep your feet dry and cozy after a long day. In this review, we as very experience hikers and outdoor lovers the past 10 years, will share with you the finest wicking socks available online and guide you on what to consider when adding a new pair to your adventure gear.
What are the Best Wicking Socks?
We have compiled for you the top 9 Best Wicking Socks in 2023. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with odorless socks and having used several wicking socks you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about wicking socks.
1. Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 1 Material: 52% Drynamixpolyester, Mohair, Wool, Acrylic Sizes (US): S-XL |
If you are out to avoid blisters, you might want to try Balega Socks. This brand of socks is thick and heavily cushioned to protect the feet from blisters caused by friction in your boots. They wick moisture rapidly to ensure your feet remain dry and cool all day. While the socks are only ankle-high, they feature deep heel pockets to prevent them from sliding down the heel during the trek. Owing to these properties, Balega Socks is our premium choice. They are noticeably more expensive compared to other brands, but they might be worth the extra cost.
Pros
- Anti-blister natural fiber
- Rapid moisture-wicking
- Heavily-cushioned and soft for extra comfort
- Soft and highly breathable
- Elastic holds well after several washes
- Deep heel pocket prevents sliding down
Cons
- May shrink in the dryer
- Fabric itself gets worn quickly
2. Saucony Men’s Bolt Performance Socks
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 6 Material: 95% Polyester, 3% Rubber Sizes (US): 13-15 |
Most hiking socks are heavily padded to offer extra support and maximum comfort. However, if you have wide feet, additional padding might make your shoes feel tight. To avoid that, you may want to consider the Saucony Bolt Performance socks. They are lightly cushioned on the sole to fit well without taking too much space inside the shoe. They are not slippery, so you do not have to worry about your socks sliding down your heel. The mesh ventilation allows substantial airflow around your feet so that you feel fresh throughout the day.
If you are on a budget and you need socks that can keep your feet dry during a workout, the Saucony socks might be it. They also offer comfort and dryness like the Balega premium wicking socks but are more affordable. However, if you do heavy miles, you will be disappointed, as they get drenched after long hours of wearing.
Pros
- Excellent breathability with Airmesh venting
- Arch support system prevents bunching and slipping
- Less expensive compared to other brands
- Lightly-cushioned to offer impact protection
- Retains color and size even after several washes
- Features ankle support for more comfort
Cons
- Too large for men with shoe size 9 and below
- Moisture-wicking properties fail after long hours of use
3. Dickies Men’s Dri-tech Moisture Control Quarter Socks
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 12 Material: 54% Polyester, 45% Cotton, 1% Spandex Sizes (US): 5-8, 6-9, 10-12, 13-15, 15-17 |
The Dickies Men’s Dri-tech socks multipack includes 12 pairs, each designed with moisture-wicking fibers to ensure your feet stay warm without getting damp. These socks boast a padded sole for extra foot support and comfort. They also feature a sturdy heel and toe and ribbed cuffs to avoid any slippage while you wear them. Thanks to the spandex blend, they offer a flexible fit that is comfortable all day long. If you’re prone to sweaty feet or wear socks for long activities, these may be a good choice for you. However, keep in mind that like many moisture-wicking socks, they might contract slightly after a few warm wash cycles. It may be better to wash these socks in cool water to preserve them.
Pros
- Moisture control fibers help keep you dry
- Has a cushioned and reinforced heel and toe for support
- Fits snugly
- Elastic stretches nicely
- Ventilation holes for breathability
- Warm for cold weather
Cons
- Sizing may vary
- May shrink after washing in warm water
4. Under Armour Adult Charged Cotton 2.0 Crew Socks
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 6 Material: 67% Cotton, 22% Polyester Sizes (US): M-XL |
The Under Armour 2.0 Socks are a game-changer for workouts. Not only are they soft to the touch, but they also have the right amount of padding without feeling too chunky. Their moisture-wicking fabric help keep your feet dry all day and even help prevent foot odor. We particularly appreciate the heel pocket that gives a perfect fit and the arch support to prevent soreness after a long day. Plus, the ribbed top means no more adjusting the socks mid-workout.
Pros
- Light, soft cotton perfect for summer
- No shrinking or fading in the wash
- Accurate sizes
- Extra arch support to reduce pressure
- Length perfect for wearing under boots
- Won’t leave elastic marks on your legs
Cons
- May not fit well on wider feet
- Not as much padding as other socks
5. FALKE Women’s Socks
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 1 Material: 40% Polypropylene, 28% Acrylic, 22% Wool, 9% Polyamide, 1% Elastane |
Sometimes an item’s price tag can denote its quality, and that is true for FALKE Women’s Socks. These socks wick moisture more rapidly compared to other hiking socks, which makes them suitable for longer treks. The blend of Merino Wool and Polypropylene materials gives them a soft feel that makes your feet comfortable all day. They also feature excellent thermal regulation properties so that they feel comfortable in all seasons.
Pros
- Rapid moisture-wicking properties,
- Excellent thermal insulation,
- Thick for extra cushioning,
- Highly breathable and ideal for any season,
- Soft fabric blended with merino wool
Cons
6. Debra Weitzner Insulated Winter Socks
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 4 Material: Acrylic, nylon, polyester, elastane |
Debra insulated winter socks are not thermal socks, so they will only keep you warm in the cold but not freezing temperatures. More suitable for indoors than outdoors. The insulated winter socks are thick, making them soft and comfortable.
Though the socks are thick, they keep moisture away, keeping your feet dry and odorless. The materials used to make the socks are very durable, with no ripping or wearing thin quickly. The price includes a pack of four pairs in different sizes and colors.
The Debra insulated winter socks will fit your feet perfectly, not too tight nor too loose. Unfortunately, the elastic at the top wears out very fast, making them slide down your leg often.
Pros
- The socks are warm, soft, and comfortable,
- They don’t rip or wear thin,
- Come in a variety of sizes and colors,
- Made from durable material and can be worn for long
Cons
- Not very warm in freezing temperatures,
- Elastic at top of sock tends to become loose
7. PowerSox Men’s Socks With Moisture Control
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 3 Material: 68% Polyester, 27% Acrylic |
Do you do heavy miles from time to time and need a pair of socks that can absorb all the sweat? Powersox could be the type of socks you need. Made of thick and dense fabric, they not only absorb moisture but also aerate your feet to keep them cool all day. However, if you don’t want your shoes to feel tight, you may want to consider lighter socks.
Pros
- Soft fabric that’s also durable
- Moisture-wicking for long wearing
- Retain shape and color through many wash cycles
- Fits well on the ankles to prevent chafing
- Highly breathable
Cons
- The women’s version tends to slide into the underfoot
- Elastic wears out easily with regular hot washing
8. Enerwear Cotton Moisture Wicking Socks
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 10 Material: 80% Cotton, 15% Polyester , 3% Nylon, 2% Spandex Sizes (US): Fri Oct 13 2023 06:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) |
Finding wicking socks for wide feet can be a challenge. Luckily, Enerwear Cotton Socks are a nice bulk-free option. Even with their extra padding, you can still fit comfortably in your shoes. If you’re still worried, as an alternative, you can always get a pair from Dickies Dri-Tech Mens Socks instead if you need something larger than an XL. Breathable yet cushioned, Enerwear’s socks are ideal for daily use in hot seasons or for active individuals. Though, they still retain heat well for winter wearing. The reinforced toe and heel offer extra support so you’re not as sore at the end of the day. Because these socks are a blend of cotton and polyester, they tend to be more durable than other socks, so they’ll last you quite a while. However, you should keep in mind that they can shrink after washing in hot water, and some reviewers said they were too tight on their ankles. Because this is a 10 pack, you can expect them to last a while.
Pros
- Built with wide feet in mind
- Cushioned reinforced heel and toe for comfort and support
- Low cut makes them perfect for hiking
- Breathable yet still warm for year-round use
- More affordable than some
Cons
- May shrink after washing and drying in hot temperatures
- Some users found the elastic too tight
- May lose elasticity with bleach
9. Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Number of Pairs: 3 Material: 80% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Spandex Sizes (US): 5-9.5, 9.5-14 |
Alvada merino hiking socks are made from materials like Merino wool and polyester. Merino wool is known for its warm quality and can be used by those who like hiking or any outdoor activities in cold temperatures. Because of this, Alvada socks are recommended for those people whose feet get numb due to cold. These socks have a cushioned foot sole making them comfortable enough to walk around the house. They also help reduce pain and fatigue at the end of your hike. Cleaning the socks is as easy as putting them on a wash-on cold machine, and they don’t shrink. And with its soft, itch-free lining, you’ll be feeling cozy all day.
Pros
- Made from itch-free material
- Very warm
- Comfortable cushioned foot sole
- Easily washable
Cons
- Material wears out quickly if you’re not careful
- May fall down calves
- Sock may be too thick to fit in a regular shoe
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of wicking socks and decided that 9 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Wicking Socks is Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Saucony Men’s Bolt Performance Socks is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying wicking socks
Overview
Not all socks labeled “wicking” are the best choices. It’s essential to learn what to look for before getting a pair or two for your next activity.
Wicking Socks Material
Wicking socks should be as absorbent as possible. Anytime you want to buy these types of socks, you are out to fight the wetness in your feet, and the material should help you achieve this. There are quite a number of materials with good absorbent properties but based on my research finding merino wool tops the list. The fine, itch-free fibers of this material absorb moisture to keep your feet dry in all conditions. Moreover, the material is thermostatic so that your feet remain comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Polyester is also a good material when it comes to moisture-wicking as it’s not only breathable but also lightweight and quick-drying. Nevertheless, it retains odor, which is something you may want to avoid. It’s worth noting that plain cotton is not a suitable recommendation if you’re specifically looking for moisture-wicking properties. Cotton absorbs sweat, saturates quickly, and dries slowly which encourages dampness and odors.
Breathability and Ventilation
Sweat and odor go hand in hand, especially when it comes to your feet. That’s why breathability is an essential factor to consider. The best wicking socks would be those that allow a substantial amount of air to circulate your feet. Airflow not only pulls away moisture from the skin but also keeps your feet cool as it gets hotter.
Comfort & Fit
Apart from the material, size determines how comfortable you feel in your pair of wicking socks. It is necessary to look for manufacturer-specific size information before buying the socks. If they are bigger, they will bunch up over your toes, and if the socks are too small, they will slide down into the underfoot and feel tight. If possible, try the socks with your shoes on, to ensure they fit comfortably.
Height
In most cases, height is merely a style preference or personal choice when choosing socks. Some prefer ankle socks, while others want something almost knee-high. Nevertheless, if you’re going hiking in mid or high-cut boots, you may want to consider crew or quarter socks as they offer abrasion protection from your boot tops.
Temperature Control
Socks need temperature control to keep your feet comfortable. This may mean keeping your feet warm or keeping them cool! The best type of sock is one that can keep your feet warm while also being breathable. You’ll want to look at the materials of the sock and any other details about them before purchasing them. If you’re looking for a sock that keeps your feet as warm as possible, you’ll want to look for a thick, warm material such as wool for your socks. If you want a breathable sock that will keep your feet cool and not hot and stuffy, you’ll want to go for material such as cotton and polyester. These materials will have better temperature control than others so your feet stay comfortable all day long.
Weight
Depending on your foot volume, you can either go for lightweight or midweight hiking socks. On average, hiking socks can weigh anywhere between 40 and 130 grams.
If your feet are wide or have a high instep, thinner ones would do as they prevent tightness. For users with low-volume feet, socks with additional thickness are more suitable to cushion the heel and toes for maximum comfort.
Durability
When buying summer hiking socks, it is important to choose a brand that will serve you for many more summer seasons to come. Socks made of merino wool are durable, as well as those made of polyester and cotton. However, be sure to read customer reviews to find out whether the type of socks is long-lasting or not.
Questions and Answers About wicking socks
How do wicking socks work?
Wicking socks are designed to enhance evaporation instead of absorbing moisture. They allow sweat to travel along the fabric rather than being absorbed. In that way, the socks do not get drenched in sweat, thus preventing smelly feet and enhancing dryness.
When to wear moisture wicking socks?
Wicking socks are mostly won during activities such as excursions or workouts as more sweating occurs at this time. However, if you naturally have sweaty feet or are struggling with odor, changing to wicking socks might be of great help for hikers.
How do you wash wicking socks?
It all depends on the type of material and what is recommended by the manufacturer. Nevertheless, most wicking socks tend to wear out faster when washed with hot water or heat dried. In that case, you may perform cold washing with nicely-scented laundry soap.
