The 7 Best Summer Hiking Socks For All-Day Comfort

The merino wool-blend Axiom quickly rose to the top of our sock rotation and hasn’t budged since. They're soft, don't stink, and the added spandex hugs in all the right places, providing medium compression in the arch, heel, and calves

The socks have targeted padding at the toes and heel, but they don't feel bulky and stitching is minimal stitching—though our tester noticed this caused some pilling. Still, the Axiom was the most comfortable summer hiking sock we tried. The crew length is perfect for year round wear—it provides coverage and works for both mid- and high-shaft hiking boots.

The Pursuit Hike hiking socks use a mix of merino wool and synthetic fiber to wick moisture more efficiently than other options in this price range. The mesh footbed reduces moisture accumulation, letting heat and sweat pass through easily. The seamless toes reduce friction at the front of your foot while the Y-shaped heel fits naturally around your ankle to prevent bunching or slipping.

The socks are listed as "crew" length but fall just a bit shorter than that as they hit below the mid-calf. These still work for medium and high-shafted boots but is something to note. Customers say the mid-weight and ample cushioning make these good for year-round wear and found them to be comfortable on multi-day hikes over rough terrain.

Each pair in this two-pack comes out to just under $11—a great value when most high-quality hiking socks easily cost double.

These lightweight summer hiking socks are ideal for short to medium hikes, featuring mesh venting for breathability and cushioning at the heel and toe. The synthetic blend wicks moisture to keep your feet dry and the ankle height allows more airflow on your legs. Like our top pick, there's no internal toe seam so you won't deal with any discomfort.

If you want socks for high-shaft hiking boots and tougher hikes, check out the brand's more substantial Guide Pro socks.

Although we tend toward light and ultralight fabrics in summer hiking socks, sometimes the occasion (like a multi-day backpacking trip) calls for a heavier duty sock.

We found that, with many medium-cushioned socks, the thicker wool traps heat, which can cause more sweat and discomfort. That’s not true of Darn Tough’s Hiker Micro Crew, which breathed better than similarly padded socks—even in poorly ventilated boots.

The socks offers a comfortable squish underfoot and hugs your foot and ankle with a good amount of compression throughout. Also, all of Darn Tough's socks are guaranteed for life. For sweltering days, we recommend the quarter-crew height.

L.L. Bean's socks are as stylish as they are functional: they're lightweight, have a seamless toe, and come in colors that aren't too bright or dull. In other words, these are perfect for everyday use.

The crew length works for low- to high-shaft boots, with light cushioning at the heel and toe and minimal compression for those that prefer a less restricting fit. The summer hiking socks are made of merino blended with nylon, and have a hint of stretch so they'll snap back into shape after each wash.

For a sock with two layers, the Wrightsock CoolMesh II Crew are surprisingly thin and light enough for extra-hot days. The inner layer works to wick moisture, while the outer layer's mesh weave boosts airflow. If you're prone to blisters, this is the combo to look for in a summer hiking sock.

Although the unisex sock has no added cushioning, the two layers work together to absorb friction, so they're comfortable enough to wear on long, multi-day hikes.

The Graduated Compression Light from Feetures is a great option if you’re looking for a sock with targeted compression that’s most snug at the ankle. It helps provide comfort and reduces muscle fatigue, leading to a faster recovery after those long, multi-day hikes. Plus, the high-density cushion means it’s extra protective without excess fabric. We also love that the brand uses an anatomical right and left foot design to ward off blisters.