When it comes to hiking socks, you want something that will keep your feet dry and comfortable. That’s why the best socks for hiking boots are made from wool or synthetic materials like acrylic, merino, or polypropylene. These fabrics are lightweight and breathable—they wick moisture away from your skin so you don’t get sweaty and soggy inside your boots. They also provide cushioning so that every step doesn’t feel like walking on concrete.
What Kind of Socks to Wear with Hiking Boots

Wool
The wool socks are the perfect choice for hiking boots because they’re a natural material, which is better for your feet and the earth. Wool has a high moisture-wicking capacity, so it can absorb and release water as needed to keep your feet dry. It also provides breathability, which means air can pass through the material easily, keeping your feet cool when you’re hard at work. Lastly, wool is durable enough to stand up to rough surfaces while still being soft against your skin. This makes wool ideal if you’re planning on doing some climbing or navigating rocky terrain while wearing hiking boots—you don’t have to worry about ripping through those thick woven fibers!
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Cotton
While you may not think of cotton as a material for activewear, it can actually be an excellent choice for hiking socks. Cotton is breathable and absorbs sweat well, so it will keep your feet dry even in hot weather. Cotton is also very comfortable on the skin, making it ideal as an inner layer that cushions your feet from rubbing against each other or against any seams or lumps in the outer layer. And unlike wool or synthetic fabrics which can be bulky and heavy if used alone, cotton feels light on your feet without sacrificing durability. Finally, since cotton is inexpensive—and easy to find in both stores and online—you won’t have to spend too much money buying new pairs every few months like you would with silk or polyester blends.
Note: If you’re worried about shrinking your socks after washing them at home by mistake (or if you want to avoid shrinkage altogether), look for “pre-washed” options when shopping around.
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Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fiber that has been around since the 1930s. It’s the most common material used in socks, and for good reason—nylon is durable and breathable, which makes it perfect for all-around use. Nylon also provides excellent support to your feet, making it ideal for hiking boots or any other footwear you might wear on long walks where you’ll be carrying weight on your feet.
While nylon is generally more affordable than other materials like wool or cotton, the prices can vary widely depending on how soft or strong you want your sock to be. If you’re looking for an everyday option that doesn’t cost too much money but still offers excellent comfort level, nylon is a good choice!
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Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is less expensive than other types of fabrics. It also doesn’t wick moisture away from your feet as well as natural fibers, so it’s not the best choice for hiking socks. Polyester socks are typically cheaper than wool or cotton ones and they dry quickly.
They are also easier to care for than merino wool socks and don’t require special treatment.
Polyester socks are more durable than cotton socks, but they won’t last as long as wool or merino wool. They also don’t provide the same level of warmth or comfort as natural fibers.
Polyester socks are a good choice for hiking and other outdoor activities because they are lightweight, comfortable and durable. They also dry quickly when they get wet or sweaty.
Choose socks made of acrylic, merino, or polypropylene
If you are opting for a hiking boot, you may want to consider a sock that is made from acrylic, merino wool, or polypropylene. These materials will all work well with your boots and keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that is inexpensive but effective at keeping sweat away from the skin, making it ideal for sports. It tends to be thin but durable and can absorb water without feeling wet. This material helps prevent blisters as well as odor buildup in shoes over time. Acrylic also dries quickly if it gets wet while hiking through rain or snow; this makes it an excellent choice for cold weather activities such as hunting or fishing where one might go out into nature after getting caught in bad weather without proper attire on hand (such as rain gear).
Merino wool has many benefits including being soft against the skin which makes it more comfortable than other types of fibers like acrylics; however these natural fibers tend not last long before becoming worn down by constant friction during use so they won’t hold up very well under heavy use conditions such as working outdoors full-time doing construction jobs throughout most days/nights per week year round with little downtime scheduled between projects sometimes weeks apart from each other depending on how many different construction jobs need completed within short notice periods before deadlines hit their deadlines before starting another project again later next year.
Conclusion
Socks are an important part of your hiking boots. They keep your feet warm and dry, and they help protect your toes from getting blisters. The best socks for hiking boots are made of wool, cotton or acrylic blends because these materials are lightweight and naturally absorb moisture from your feet. Nylon socks can be good too if you want something more durable than other options on this list. Polypropylene socks will work well if you’re looking for a super soft feel with extra cushioning around the heel area – but they tend to be expensive!
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Michael has been a traveler and blogger since he was 17 years old. Now his passion is hiking, traveling, camping, and revealing his outdoor secrets. Stay connect with us for outdoor events and camping trips together.