Good socks are essential if you want to hike聽in comfort. For fall weather hiking, we suggest longer聽crew-length socks with a little extra cushioning for added warmth. To find the best options, we scoured the internet for the highest rated medium-cushion socks聽and then put them to the test. These are our top five picks.
Darn Tough Mountaineering Over-the-Calf Extra Cushion ($30)聽
Live in place where it's already getting cold? Look here.聽聽is made from mostly merino wool聽and has max cushioning and a tall cut for ultimate warmth. Bonus: all Darn Tough socks come with a lifetime guarantee.聽
Farm to Feet Madison ($23)
Made of 100-percent merino wool, 聽will go miles and miles without any stink. It also聽has full cushioning from the instep up to the calf.
Wigwam Hiker Midweight Crew ($35聽for three)
The thickest, but also the best value of the bunch, 聽has a looser fit so it's better for folks with big calves.聽
Injiji聽Outdoor Midweight聽NuWool ($20)
Blisters and hot spots can develop even in the cold, so Injiji聽developed聽the聽聽to eliminate聽rubbing. After a few hiking trips, we're believers.聽
REI Co-op聽Coolmax聽Ultralight Hiking Quarter Socks ($12)
If you're running from the chilly fall temps and hiking in the聽desert, this is聽聽warmer weather hiking sock. The mix of聽Coolmax聽polyester, nylon, and Lycra is breathable and stretchy, and the seamless toe-box helps reduce hot spots.聽