Best Summer and Hot Weather Hiking Socks of 2020 (Buying Guide)

5. Farm to Feet Damascus Light Targeted Cushion    View on Amazon

6. Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Crew                                          View on Amazon

7. Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew                                           View on Amazon

8. Smartwool Hiking Light Crew                                            View on Amazon

11. Wrightsock Escape Crew Unisex                                   View on Amazon

12. GermaPro Hiking Boot Sock                                             View on Amazon

 

#1 Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Cushion

Pros:

• COOLMAX is great for summer pursuits but it can also be worn in various environments and conditions (COOLMAX is a modified polyester engineered to meet the performance needs of the wearer)
• Durable, built for high-performance
• Medium cushioning helps to maintain all-day comfort even during long hikes
• Fit snug without restricting the circulation

Cons:

• Prone to retain more odor than socks with merino wool
• Limited color options

Best for: Technical trails and tough terrain in warm conditions

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon | REI | Backcountry

Amazon | REI | Backcountry

 

#2 Cloudline Hiking Light Cushion Unisex

Pros:

• A great mix of cushioning and breathability for a more enjoyable experience on the trail
• Able to keep the wearer’s feet cool and dry all day long in predominantly warm conditions but can also work well in not-so-warm temperatures
• Relatively high merino wool content for soft, itch-free, and odor-free experience
• Well-made, these socks are suitable for three-season hiking and backpacking

Cons:

• Run a bit too tight
• Light cushion but not the lightest socks

Best for: Thru-hiking in warm weather. For really hot days, you may wish to check out the Cloudline Hiking Ultralight. The manufacturer sacrificed cushioning for breathability.

See the Cloudline Hiking Light Cushion Unisex

 

Pros:

• Premium quality and functionality: excellent cushion, breathability, wicking and quick-drying abilities
• Great style and softness make them suitable for various activities including as everyday wear
• Lightweight and comfortable – these socks feel great on the feet, keep them dry, and stay in place
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Sizing problems – run small
• These are not built for really hot weather; better for cool summer days

Best for: High-intensity outdoor activities in not-so-warm temperatures

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon | REI | Backcountry

Amazon | REI | Backcountry

 

#4 Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Mini

Pros:

• These great performance socks built for adventures in hot climates are versatile: hiking, running, kayaking, fishing or everyday wear
• Excellent breathability for dry and cool feet; dry out quickly
• Soft and comfortable, they fit very well and stay in place
• Really thin and lightweight but also fairly durable

Cons:

• Too thin for extended trips and thru hiking
• A bit tight

Best for: Short and mid-range hikes in hot humid weather

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon | CampSaver | Backcountry

Amazon | Moosejaw | Backcountry

 

#5 Farm to Feet Damascus Light Targeted Cushion

Pros:

• Sturdy and hold up well in various conditions
• Extra padding in the right places (including ribbed padding on the top of the foot) and snug fit make these socks very comfortable and prevent them from sliding around for a real blister-free experience
• Incredible moisture management properties thanks to the fine-gauge merino wool
• Good design; cool color combinations

Cons:

• Pricey – Farm to Feet Damascus are the most expensive socks on our list
• The length is a bit too much for most summer pursuits

Best for: Thru-hiking

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon

Amazon | REI | Backcountry

 

#6 Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Crew

Pros:

• Excellent cushioning – medium thickness; suitable for year-round use
• Fit snug, prevents the formation of blisters; yet, provide enough breathing room
• Breathable material wicks moisture and keeps feet cool – a good choice for warm days
• Decent durability + lifetime warranty if something happens to the socks

Cons:

• Not as good as merino wool socks in odor control
• Not the most comfortable fabric

Best for: Hiking in not-so-hot (cool) summer days

Women’s Version: Not Available

Amazon | Moosejaw

 

#7 Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew

Pros:

• Lightweight double layer sock
• Cool and comfortable; so comfy that it can be worn daily
• Breathable and quick-drying fabric reduces the chance of hot spots and blisters
• Best for warm weather but can be used in all seasons

Cons:

• Not the most durable sock given its price
• Tend to pill and shrink after washing over time

Best for: Warmer climates

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon

Amazon | REI | CampSaver

 

#8 Smartwool Hiking Light Crew

Pros:

• Well made socks; great value for the money
• Can be worn for days without bad odor (fantastic odor control properties) during a wide range of activities
• Snug fit and offer great comfort in both warm and cold conditions
• Durability + 2-year guarantee if something happens in the first two years

Cons:

• Fit smaller than expected
• Too thick for hot weather; better for cool days

Best for: Extended trips, thru-hiking

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon | Moosejaw | Backcountry

Amazon | Moosejaw | Backcountry

 

#9 Thorlos Unisex ULHX Hiking Lite Cushion Crew

Pros:

• Lightweight comfort for enjoyable hiking trips during the warmer months
• Excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties for dry feet
• Hold up reasonably well thanks to the reinforced heel and toe areas (keep in mind that the sock is quite thin so you can’t expect to last for years)
• Versatile: good quality socks for hiking but can also be used for other activities or as everyday wear

Cons:

• Almost no padding on the bottom; those who need more support won’t like it
• The hardcore Thorlos fans will be disappointed because they’re used to thicker and more supportive socks from Thorlos

Best for: Day hikes and casual wear

See the Thorlos Unisex ULHX Hikine Lite Cushion Crew

 

#10 Icebreaker Hike+ Light Mini

Pros:

• Solid good quality socks; do not retain odor
• Anatomical socks with seamless toe reducing chafing and rubbing to minimize the formation of hot spots and blisters
• High-quality materials; excellent breathability and quick-drying abilities for dry and fresh feet
• Suitable for year-round hiking and backpacking

Cons:

• Good length for summer but a bit too thick and warm for hot days
• Tend to pill after some time

Best for: Extended trips and thru-hiking in various conditions

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon | Moosejaw | Backcountry

Amazon | REI | Backcountry

 

#11 Wrightsock Escape Crew Unisex

Pros:

• The double-layer construction reduces friction and provides a more comfortable fit
• The all-synthetic fabric wicks moisture and is quick to dry
• Do a great job of protecting the feet and ensuring a blister-free experience
• Though best for warmer temperatures, they are suitable for all-season use

Cons:

• The boot-sock combination may not work because of the idiosyncrasies of double-layer socks; check it out in advance to make sure you got it right, especially before longer trips
• The two layers sometimes tend to bunch up

Best for: Cooler summer days

Amazon | REI | CampSaver

 

#12 GermaPro Hiking Sock

Pros:

• Can be used year-round in all types of weather
• With antibacterial properties
• Great fit and feel – hugs the foot well; extra padding and support for all-day comfort
• Wick away sweat for dry and cool and happy feet; no rubbing and chafing

Cons:

• Durability issues
• Quite tight and constricting on the calf
• Not for very warm weather

Best for: Day hiking

Women’s Version: Available -> Amazon

Amazon

 

Table 1: Best summer hiking socks – comparison table

PRODUCT	DESCRIPTION	PROS	CONS
Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Cushion	#1 Best overall summer hiking sock Height -> Micro crew Cushion -> Medium Price -> $21 Material -> 37% Nylon 34% COOLMAX polyester 26% acrylic 2% Lycra	-> Coolmax is great for summer but can be worn in various environments and conditions as well -> Sturdy, built for high performance -> The extra thickness and medium cushioning provide all-day comfort -> Fit snug without restricting the circulation	-> Prone to retain more odor than wool socks -> Not the most varied color pallet
Cloudline Hiking Light Cushion	#2 Height -> Crew Cushion -> Light Price -> $19 Material -> 63% Merino wool, 31% nylon, 6% spandex	-> Combination of cushioning and breathability for all-day comfort on the trail -> Work well in warm as well as in not-so-warm temperatures -> Merino wool for soft, itch-free, and odor-free experience -> Good craftsmanship	-> Fit a bit too tight -> Not the lightest socks
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion	#3 Height -> Micro crew Cushion -> Medium Price -> $23 Material -> 61% Merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% Lycra	-> Premium quality and functionality: excellent cushion, breathability, wicking and quick-drying abilities -> Super durable plus a lifetime warranty -> Stylish and versatile -> Lightweight and comfortable	-> Sizing problems - run small -> Not suitable for too warm conditions
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Mini	#4 Height -> Mini Cushion -> Ultralight Price -> $17 Material -> 48% Merino wool, 48% nylon, 4% elastane	-> Versatile performance socks built for adventures in hot climates -> Excellent breathability; dry out quickly -> Soft and comfortable, they fit very well and stay in place -> Thin and lightweight; fairly durable	-> Too thin for extended trips/thru hiking -> A bit tight
Farm to Feet Damascus Light Targeted Cushion	#5 Height -> Crew Cushion -> Light Price -> $24 Material -> 51% Merino wool, 46 % nylon, 3% Lycra	-> Sturdy and hold up well -> Extra padding in the right places and snug fit for a real blister-free experience -> Excellent moisture management properties -> Good design and cool colors	-> Expensive -> The length is a bit too much for hiking in hot conditions
Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Crew	#6 Height -> Crew Cushion -> Medium Price -> $15 Material -> 37% Polyester, 33% X2O acrylic, 23% stretch nylon, 6% Tencel, 1% spandex	-> Excellent cushioning - medium thickness; suitable for year-round use -> Fit snug, prevents the formation of blisters -> Breathable material wicks moisture and keeps feet cool -> Decent durability + lifetime warranty	-> Not as good as merino wool socks in odor control -> Not the most comfortable fabric
Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew	#7 Height -> Crew Cushion -> Heavy Price -> $22 Material -> Inner: 70% Dri-Wright II polyester, 26% nylon, 4% Lycra; Outer: 71% Dri-Wright II polyester, 24% nylon, 5% Lycra	-> Lightweight and breathable double layer sock -> Cool and comfy -> Quick-drying fabric -> Best for warm weather but can be used in all seasons	-> Durability issues -> Tend to pill and shrink after washing over time
Smartwool Hiking Light Crew	#8 Height -> Crew Cushion -> Light Price -> $19 Material -> 69% Merino wool, 30% nylon, 1% elastane	-> Well made, great value -> Fantastic odor control properties -> Snug fit and offer great comfort in both warm and cold conditions -> Durability + 2-year guarantee	-> Fit smaller than expected -> Too thick for hot weather; better for cool days
Thorlos Unisex ULHX Hiking Lite Cushion Crew	#9 Height -> Crew Cushion -> Light Price -> $16 Material -> 75% THOR•WICK COOL, 17% stretch nylon , 8% elastane	-> Lightweight comfort for better warm weather hiking experience -> Excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties -> Hold up reasonably well -> Versatile	-> Almost no padding on the bottom -> The hardcore Thorlos fans will be disappointed because they're used to thicker and more supportive socks from Thorlos
Icebreaker Hike+ Light Mini	#10 Height -> Mini Cushion -> Light Price -> $20 Material -> 61% Merino wool, 37% nylon, 2% Lycra	-> Solid good quality socks that do not retain odor -> Anatomical socks with seamless toe -> High-quality materials; excellent breathability and quick-drying abilities -> Suitable for year-round hiking and backpacking	-> Good length for summer but a bit too thick and warm for hot days -> Tend to pill after some time
Wrightsock Escape Crew Unisex	#11 Height -> Crew Cushion -> Light Price -> $18 Material -> Inner: 70% polyester, 26% nylon, 4% spandex; Outer: 68% polyester, 24% nylon, 8% spandex	-> The double-layer construction provides a more comfortable fit -> The all-synthetic fabric wicks moisture and is quick to dry -> Protect the feet and ensure a blister-free experience -> Suitable for all-season use	-> The two layers sometimes tend to bunch up -> You need to make sure you got the boot-sock combination right before long trips
GermaPro Hiking Boot Sock	#12 Height -> Boot height Cushion -> Medium Price -> $14 Material -> 42% Polyester (Germanium infused), 30% COOLMAX fabric with All Season Technology (50% cotton - 50% polyester), 22% nylon, 6% elastane	-> Can be used year-round in all types of weather -> With antibacterial properties -> Great fit and feel; extra padding and support -> Wick away sweat for dry and cool feet; no rubbing and chafing	-> Durability issues -> Quite tight and constricting on the calf -> Not suitable for very warm weather

 

A common substitute for wool, acrylic is another man-made fiber used extensively for making socks. It can be found in blends with other synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon (Thorlos Unisex ULHX Hiking Lite Cushion Crew) as well as wool and other natural fibers. Its most important physical properties include resilience, durability, wool-like softness, moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, high resistance to staining, low water absorption, and low specific gravity (high bulk to weight ratio). The main drawback: acrylic fiber is a poor insulator, i.e. it can conduct heat in summer and hot conditions.

Synthetic socks work well in hot conditions on the trail and in the mountain

Spandex

Elastane or spandex fiber is a generic name that’s generally used in the textile and clothing industries. Keep in mind that there are many trade names denoting the same fiber – Lycra, Numa, Dorlastan, Spandelle, Stretch ever, etc.

Spandex’s main role is to provide recoverable stretchability to the final product. Because of its exceptional elasticity, the spandex content in a pair of good summer socks for backpacking rarely exceeds 10%; often it’s less than 5%.

Soft and comfortable natural material providing no-itch feel. Famous for having many of the characteristics of synthetic fibers, merino wool is an excellent natural fiber for making socks as well as other high-quality performance and casual wear. It’s main advantages: fine, soft, cozy feel; good breathability; excellent moisture wicking and transportation; antimicrobial properties; doesn’t retain odors; feels warm when wet; has excellent insulative abilities and does not lose them when wet; blends well with other fibers for increased functionality, etc.

The main drawback to merino wool is its price (merino is considered luxury yarn), which is typically 3-7 times as big as the price of polyester, nylon or acrylic. Merino is not among the most resilient or abrasion-resistant materials either (the main reason to blend it with sturdy abrasion-resistant synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester). Because of this, you’ll rarely find high-performance outdoor socks made with 100% merino wool. Wool/nylon blends are quite commonly used in socks, while wool/polyester blends are usually found in trouser fabrics.

Wool/synthetic blends

There’s a range of blends suitable for summer backpacking trips (with different wool/synthetics ratios). Most of these blends use a combination of merino wool and various man-made fibers (usually nylon or polyester, and spandex) such as Cloudline Hiking Light Cushion and Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Mini. Nylon is added to improve the abrasion resistance of a 100% wool product while elastane improves elasticity and adds good recovery properties. There are also models that employ a combination of wool and three or more synthetic fibers yet these are more popular for winter than summer.

All-synthetic blends

100% synthetic socks are a good alternative to wool/synthetic blends for hot weather hiking and backpacking. They have certain advantages over wool/synthetic socks. For example, all-synthetic blends need a relatively short period of time to dry as some models (Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew) require no more than an hour or so at low heat to dry completely.

Most popular all-synthetic blends for summer hiking include polyester/nylon/spandex (Wrightsock Escape Crew Unisex, GermaPro Hiking Sock) and polyester/nylon/acrylic/spandex (Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Cushion).

Cushioning usually is not as important function of summer socks as it is of winter socks. However, for multi-day trips and thru-hiking, it is recommended to choose socks that provide better cushioning and more support and protection through extra padding in strategic locations of the sock (usually in the heel and sole). This padding reduces plantar pressures and friction between the foot and the inside of the shoe upper and contributes to the long-lasting trail comfort. Thin and lightweight socks usually have light or no cushioning at all. They work best for day hiking and when backpacking in the hot. Socks with extra padding are more comfortable, protect the feet better, and stand a much better chance of reducing the chances of blister formation. However, they’re usually thicker, warmer, and not as breathable as thin socks with light/no cushioning.

Good fit is essential for trail comfort. Socks should stay in place without falling because each sliding movement between the textile and the skin causes friction, which leads to discomfort and blisters. Good fit depends to a large extent on the knitting machine, density of the fabric, and the padding. Seamless toe usually reduces the risk of developing pressure at the toe area of the foot.

Breathability and wicking

It’s absolutely essential for hot weather socks to provide enhanced temperature management and thermoregulation. Look for socks that breathe well and have good moisture-wicking abilities. Extremely important for summer backpacking, these two play a major role in moving moisture from the skin of the foot and its transportation to the outer layer of the sock. The presence of moisture is one of the main reasons for the formation of hot spots and blisters. So, you’d like to avoid socks that don’t breathe well and have poor moisture management properties.

Drying speed

Depends on the fabric(s) and thickness of the sock. As a general rule, thinner socks have better drying capabilities. Also, all-synthetic socks dry out faster than wool/synthetic blends and socks made with 100% natural materials.

Generally, socks that dry quickly are much better for summer trips in the countryside. The quick-drying capability is a very important characteristic of quality socks for summer, especially during multi-day backpacking trips. The reasons: fast drying speed reduces the chances of wrinkles (true for socks made with materials that lose their shape when damp), which is uncomfortable and can cause blisters.

Drying speed is an important factor for summer trips     Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Sock style (height)

Sock styles depend on the height of the upper. Here are the most popular types of sock heights for summer backpacking (the figure to the right shows Darn Tough sock sizing and is included for easy reference; note that sock sizing can vary significantly among manufacturers):

Mini

These are also known as ankle socks. The length is short, which works well for summer/hot weather. Models such as the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Mini and Icebreaker Hike+ Light Mini are a great example of functionality and comfort.

Micro crew

A little longer than mini socks, micro crew options such as our favorite Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew Cushion and the third-ranked Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion are more versatile and offer superior comfort and functionality for various summer pursuits. Work well with both shorts and pants.

Crew

Classic height for socks, the crew (lower-calf) design is universal length compatible with different hiking shoes and boots for both cold and hot weather conditions. Many great models for summer hiking such as the Cloudline Hiking Light Cushion Unisex are crew height.

Boot height

A little longer for summer, socks with boot height work best with boots but can also be combined with shoes.

Price

The prices vary a lot but a pair of high-quality summer hiking socks usually costs in the range of $15-$25 (the majority on our list are between $15 and $20). Of course, there are also less expensive options that perform well. Price differences depend on several factors. Among them:

• The features and overall functionality of the sock – functional socks with more technical features cost more.
• The materials used, the quantity and the quality of the materials – high standards of craftsmanship as well as the use of high-tech fibers and yarns will translate into higher prices.
• Brand popularity and brand loyalty – top quality socks are being sold at a premium (but also some not-so-good models; higher price does not always mean top-notch quality). Generally, people are prepared to pay premium prices for renowned brands such as Darn Tough, Smartwool, Icebreaker, Thorlos, Farm to Feet. Loyal fans are also willing to pay more.
• Product lifetime and guarantee – the longer the useful life of the product including the guarantee it comes with, the higher its price.

Durability

Nobody wants to pay for socks that will break down after minimal use. Many manufacturers (Yes, there are also some that are obviously not familiar with this simple fact!) know it and make socks that hold up fairly well. As a rule, durability is brand and even model specific. Darn Tough are famous for the toughness of the socks they make, for instance. Smartwool, Farm to Feet, Thorlos, and Icebreaker are just a small fraction of the companies that make relatively durable socks. In addition, you can find socks with satisfactory product lifetime made by not-so-popular companies. Having said that, it is unrealistic to expect your summer socks to last as much as some sturdy winter socks with reinforced constructions.

Sock durability depends on many factors. Among them:

• Materials and technologies used – synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are used for reinforcing constructions, especially those made with natural fibers such as merino wool
• Proper/improper care and maintenance – the best way to maximize the useful life of your socks (and to avoid damages) is to read the care labels and follow the instructions
• Frequency and intensity of use – more frequent use and high-intensity activities can dramatically reduce the expected lifetime of a sock construction

Summer sock warranties

Vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as different manufacturers have established different policies related to the warranties they offer. Here’s what you can expect:

• Lifetime guarantee: unconditional (Darn Tough) or satisfaction guarantee (Farm to Feet).
• 1 to 2 years guarantee: Smartwool’s return policy comes with a set timeframe of 2 years, while the REI Co-op’s satisfaction guarantee is valid for one year.
• Shorter warranties: the majority offer more limited policies, usually standard 30 or 60-day warranty.

Lifetime guarantee may sound exciting but keep in mind that, in order to be eligible for a replacement pair or a refund, you must often satisfy certain conditions.

Conclusion

Socks aren’t just an accessory. They’re an important part of the wardrobe of every smart outdoorsman. When looking for summer and hot weather socks for backpacking, look for socks that breathe well, wick moisture, dry quickly, fit well and do not slide, keep the feet at the right temperature, reduce abrasion from your shoes, and can survive more than a couple of trips. In summary, look for socks that provide all-day comfort on the trail reducing the risk of blisters and other foot injuries.

Drop us a line in the comments section below and tell us what’s your favorite choice for summer. Why do you prefer this model/brand/style? Your remarks and opinions will be welcomed.

 

*  We classified the prices in $-$$$ scale in the following manner:

• usual price is between 0 and $15 -> $
• price is between $15.01 and $25 -> $$
• usual price is above $25 -> $$$

 

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