Socks for Hiking & Backpacking
Leave No Trail Un-Hiked
Hike Features
A. Hold Tight
Smooth ribbing upper that hangs tough, for...ever. No slouch either, pull them on, they'll take the hard work from here.
B. Cushion
Reinforced cushion in the Achilles to lessen your vulnerability and add comfort.
C. Ever More Durable
Durability that reaches 2100 miles on the Appalachian Trail, and then some.
D. True Seamless™ Toe
If we didn't tell you, you wouldn't know. Only way to describe this one, pure bliss.
Choose by Weight
Lightweight Socks
The versatile lightweight yarns in our hiking socks maintain a low profile in modern trail footwear. For socks that are never light on performance when taking on multi-day trips, the Light Hiker series is the pick.
Midweight Socks
Additional warmth and protection are the signature characteristics of midweight yarns in our hike socks. Keeping you dry and comfortable with every cushioned step, these all-season socks are the classic choice for hikers.
Heavyweight Socks
With the highest Merino Wool content, heavyweight socks are knit for maximum warmth and protection. The Mountaineer offers a full profile for extreme conditions, even if you're tackling them on your couch.
Choose by Height
No Show Socks
Our lowrider sock. Take a little trip or a multi-day trek. The no show hiking socks get you a little higher even though cut is a little lower.
1/4 Socks
This height hits right above the ankle, making quarter hiking socks the preferred choice for those who are opting for low to mid-cut boots.
Micro Crew Socks
We blazed new trails with the Micro Crew. For hikers that want a sock not too tall, not too short, but just right. This one is a trail legend.
Boot Socks
Shin, ankles, heel, and toe (heel and toe). Sitting near mid-calf, that's where you'll find padding and protection in hiking boot socks.
The Long Trail is our backyard. Knit in Vermont, our socks have the ultimate testing ground and need to hold up to whatever a thru hiker might encounter on the trail. The guy who manages our product line? Yeah, he's a thru-hiker, too (Long Trail, of course, AT, accomplished). The criticism comes from within so we can perfect it when you're wearing it out there.
"As a customer with sweaty feet and a thru hiker doing many miles on a given day, these socks are so comfortable and breathe so well! Thanks Darn Tough for supporting this AT thru hiker." — Eliza B.
Wearing Merino Wool hiking socks is like ensuring you'll encounter some sort of trail magic. Merino sheep eat, drink, and breathe wilderness travel. Their secret? Merino Wool. Its crimp and scale patterns make it naturally thermoregulating, which has helps protect sheep from the elements. It's quick drying ability has also made it an essential for winter and summer hiking socks.
“If you have not tried wool socks, do it now. Cannot remember the last time I wore cotton. Wool keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Cuts down on blisters, and wicks moisture away. Darn Tough is the best sock money can buy.” — Seth D.
You need to be able to depend on your gear. Knitting our logo into each socks is like a signature that guarantees you're getting the most durable socks. Our Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee is just there for authentication purposes. Leave no hiker sockless. We've been known to send thru-hikers new socks on the trail; we may even include a Butterfinger®.
"I bought some Darn Toughs for my 2018 AT thru hike. Those suckers lasted an entire thru hike and then some. I finally had to send them in for warranty during the spring of 2021. I got a pair as a replacement, and I love them!" — Edwin B.
When you're going higher and higher, your socks shouldn't be slipping lower and lower. Performance fit is nice and snug to eliminate bunching. Pair that with moisture wicking Merino Wool, you're in for a funk-free, blister-free trip to the top — no sock liners needed. And don't be surprised if you step in a stream and aren't left with a soggy sock; you can thank the performance fit for that.
“Best socks for hiking or anywhere! My sister let me borrow a pair. I was so impressed I purchased the same socks and a few more for me and my husband too! I'm hooked on them. I don't have to worry about my feet getting hot, sweats, or blisters” – Mary B.