The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Walking Socks
What to look for when finding the perfect pair for comfort, durability and performance on the trail.
When people talk about essential walking kit, boots tend to dominate the conversation. But ask anyone who spends long hours on the trail - from casual weekend walkers to long-distance hikers - and they’ll tell you that the right walking socks matter just as much as the footwear you put over them. A good pair can reduce fatigue, prevent blisters, regulate temperature and keep your feet comfortable mile after mile. A poor pair can ruin a day out.
This guide breaks down exactly what to look for when hunting for the ultimate walking sock, explaining fibres, fit, cushioning and performance. It’s written from an impartial gear perspective, drawing on years of experience running walking holidays and challenge events across the UK.
Why Walking Socks Matter
Your socks are your first line of defence between the skin and the inside of your footwear. They’re responsible for:
- Reducing friction (crucial for blister prevention)
- Helping regulate temperature in hot and cold conditions
- Managing moisture, whether from sweat, rain or morning dew
- Adding cushioning to reduce impact on long days
- Protecting pressure points such as the heel, ball of the foot and toes
Choosing random everyday socks simply won’t cut it. They’re not designed for prolonged, repetitive movement over varied terrain. Proper walking socks, on the other hand, are purpose-built to keep your feet stable, dry and comfortable - even on multi-day trails.
What Makes for the Best Walking Socks?
The best walking socks in the UK tend to share a few qualities, regardless of brand or fibre:
1. Seamless or low-friction toe construction
A raised seam across the toes is one of the quickest routes to a blister. High-quality socks use a flat-knit or hand-linked toe box to remove bulk.
2. Reinforcement in high-wear zones
The heel and ball of the foot take serious impact. The best socks use either denser knitting or stronger natural fibres (like mohair or nylon blends) to extend lifespan.
3. Zoned cushioning
Cushioning should never feel lumpy — it should be strategically placed where the foot needs it, not a thick blanket of padding everywhere.
4. Elasticated arch support
A subtle compression band helps prevent the sock twisting inside your boot or trainer.
5. Moisture wicking
Dry feet are comfortable feet. The real test of any walking sock is whether it can keep moisture moving away from the skin.
These may sound like small features, but together they dramatically change how your feet feel at the end of a long day.
Different Fibres to Consider
Walking socks are defined by their fibre choice. Each comes with strengths, weaknesses and a very different feel underfoot. Here are the most common options and what to expect.
Merino Wool
Popular for good reason: merino is soft, warm, breathable and naturally odour-resistant. It performs brilliantly across three seasons. Its weakness is durability — merino fibres can wear down over time, especially for long-distance walkers.
Mohair
Mohair, produced from the Angora goat, offers one of the best durability-to-comfort ratios of any natural fibre. It’s smooth (which reduces friction), excellent at wicking moisture, and extremely hard-wearing. Many long-distance hikers swear by mohair blends because they stay dry and maintain structure over time. If merino is known for comfort, mohair is known for longevity and blister prevention.
Synthetic fibres (nylon, polyester, Coolmax)
These excel at moisture management and durability but can sometimes feel less breathable or less natural next to the skin. Many of the best UK walking socks blend synthetics with natural fibres.
Cotton
Avoid. Cotton holds moisture, stays damp, and is notorious for causing blisters. It’s fine for the pub afterwards — not for the trail.
Bamboo and viscose blends
Soft and breathable, but not particularly hard-wearing for rugged use. Suitable for short walks, but not a top choice for long distances.
In reality, most high-quality walking socks use blends that combine comfort, breathability, structure and durability.
Breathability
Breathability determines how well air circulates around your foot — something you’ll appreciate on warm days or when working hard uphill.
The best walking socks balance:
- Open-knit panels for airflow
- Denser zones for support
- Fibres that naturally breathe (merino, mohair)
Synthetic-heavy socks wick sweat fast but sometimes feel clammy because they don’t breathe as freely. Natural fibres manage heat better.
If you run warm or walk mainly in summer, prioritise socks marketed as lightweight or technical walking socks with clear ventilation zones.
Moisture Management
Moisture is the enemy of foot comfort. It increases friction, creates hot spots and softens skin, leaving it vulnerable.
What to look for:
- Hydrophobic fibres (mohair is excellent here) that actively repel moisture away from the skin
- A blend of natural and synthetic fibres to support wicking
- Fast-drying construction
- No cotton
A well-designed sock should keep your feet dry across a full day’s walking, even when the weather turns.
The Right Fit
Fit is surprisingly overlooked, yet it's one of the most important factors.
The best walking socks should:
- Fit snugly without being tight
- Stay put - no creeping down the heel
- Avoid bunching inside the boot
- Match your footwear height (trainer, boot, or mid-height)
- Complement your foot shape
Walkers with narrow heels or high arches may find that socks with elasticated mid-foot support stay in place better.
As a rule of thumb, your socks should feel like part of your foot, not an accessory floating around inside your boot.
Thinner Walking Socks for Walking Trainers and Summer
Lightweight or thinner socks are ideal for:
- Warm weather
- Low-level walks
- Trail shoes and lightweight walking trainers
- People with naturally warm feet
- Fast-paced or sweaty activities
They typically use breathable knits, fine-gauge fibres and minimal cushioning. In summer, a thin, breathable sock often outperforms a thicker one simply by managing heat and moisture better.
For UK walkers using trail shoes such as Inov-8, Salomon or Hoka, a thin technical sock is usually the most comfortable choice.
Thicker Walking Socks for Walking Boots — and Wearing with Trainers in Winter
Thicker socks have their place too, particularly:
- With traditional leather walking boots
- On high-level or winter walks
- When temperatures drop
- For people with colder-running feet
- When carrying heavier loads
A thicker sock provides extra insulation and cushioning. In winter, many walkers happily pair thicker socks with trail shoes to keep warmth levels up on cold, crisp days.
Look for socks labelled midweight or heavyweight, or those described as winter walking or trekking socks.
Best Socks for Long-Distance Trails
Long-distance walking exposes socks to real abuse: repetitive movement, long hours, varied weather and the constant battle against moisture. We have some great National Trails in the UK.
The best long-distance socks should offer:
- Durability above all else
- Consistent moisture wicking
- Friction reduction (smooth fibres or reinforced heel/toe)
- Supportive structure
- Fast drying — particularly important on multi-day hikes
Fibres like mohair and merino blends tend to do exceptionally well here. Mohair stands out for its toughness, making it popular among walkers tackling routes like the West Highland Way, Hadrian’s Wall, or the Pennine Way.
If you’re walking multiple days, consider rotating two pairs: one worn, one drying. Many seasoned walkers swear by this system.
FAQs
Should walking socks be thick or thin?
It depends on the conditions and your footwear.
- Thin socks: best for warm weather, low-level walks, and walking trainers.
- Thick socks: best for colder weather, traditional boots, high-level walking and winter conditions.
Most walkers benefit from owning both.
Are waterproof socks worth it?
Waterproof socks divide opinion. They definitely have a place — especially for boggy routes, mountain days or people prone to cold, wet feet. They keep moisture out, but they can feel less breathable and sometimes clammy.
For most UK walking, a breathable, wicking sock paired with a good boot or trail shoe is usually a better all-round option.
How many pairs of socks do I need for a multi-day walking holiday?
For most walking holidays, two or three pairs is ideal.
- One pair worn
- One pair drying
- A spare for emergencies
If you're tackling long distances, rotating socks daily helps maintain dryness and comfort.
Final Thoughts — and Our Recommendation
The “best walking socks” aren’t about a single brand — they’re about choosing the right fibre, fit and cushioning for the walking you do.
Natural fibres such as merino and mohair remain the gold standard for breathability, comfort and moisture management, while modern synthetic blends can offer excellent durability and quick-drying performance. Ultimately, the right pair should keep your feet dry, supported and blister-free from the first mile to the last.
If you're looking for durable, breathable socks made in the UK using high-performance natural fibres, you may want to explore Capricorn Mohair Socks, which many long-distance walkers and year-round hikers rate highly.