Best walking socks for women
NO matter what kind of walking you do, a good pair of socks is a must, but with so many to choose from what are the best walking socks for women?
The answer depends on how far you walk, over what kind of terrain – are you fell walking, hiking up mountains or walking on flat ground – and of course, it depends on personal preference.
That said, there are certain features you will want, whatever walking socks you buy. They should feel comfortable for long periods of time; they should keep your feet warm, but not too hot; they should be breathable and wick sweat away from your skin; they shouldn’t rub against your heels or toes, and they should fit snugly against your legs.
Whether you go for knee-high, mid-calf or ankle length will depend on your walking footwear and the temperatures outside. At this time of year, knee-length socks are definitely my preference when walking. Lots of room around the toes and arch support also go on my wishlist, especially for long walks.
Finally, don’t forget to check the care label – machine washable is easiest.
Whatever type of walking you prefer, you’re certain to find something you like in our roundup of the best walking socks for women.
Best walking socks for women at a glance:
- Best value wool walking socks: Danish Endurance Merino Wool Walking Socks
- Best value cotton walking socks: Kooogear Women’s Walking Socks
- Best cotton walking socks: Jeep Terrain Cotton Walking Socks
- Best for comfort: Trespass Hadley Walking Socks
- Best for avoiding blisters: Storm Bloc Women’s Anti Blister Walking Socks
- Best light cushion walking socks: SmartWool Women’s Hike Light Cushion Socks
- Best for avoiding blisters: Storm Bloc Women’s Anti Blister Walking Socks
- Best long walking socks: Mountain Warehouse Thermal Long Socks
- Best thermal walking socks: Heat Holders Women’s Original Thermal Socks
Trespass Hadley Walking Socks
- Trespass Hadley Walking Socks 2-pair pack, £12.38 from Amazon – buy here
Avoid dreaded blisters on long hikes with these walking socks from Trespass. Their Tactel lining prevents rubbing and the elastane content ensures a snug fit. The tweedy marl effect is also a great look for winter. To fit sizes 3-6.
Made from 78% cotton, 17% polyester and 5% elastane. Hand wash only.
Danish Endurance Merino Wool Walking Socks
- Danish Endurance Merino Wool Walking Socks, £17.95 at Amazon – buy here
What we really love about these socks is that the merino wool is sourced in an animal-friendly way and yet they’re still well-priced. Merino wool is ideal for socks as it is antibacterial and thermoregulating – so it warms up and cools down your skin as required. It also wicks moisture away from the skin and is fast drying.
Available in a variety of colours and in sizes 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
Made from 30% Merino wool, 35% nylon, 33% acrylic and 1% elastane. Machine washable at 40 degrees.
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Mountain Warehouse Thermal Long Socks
- Thermal Long Socks, £9.99 from Mountain Warehouse – buy here
Keep your legs warm as well as your feet with these thermal socks. The brushed inner lining is soft against the skin, the cushioning is cosy and the length helps keep the chill out. The long length also means they work well with wellies.
Available on grey or cream to fit sizes 4-7. Made from 78% acrylic and 22% nylon.
Heat Holders Women’s Original Thermal Socks
- Heat Holders Women’s Original Thermal Socks, £5.50 from Millets – buy here
These are great for colder winter walks as they have a tog rating of 2.34 so are guaranteed to keep your feet warm.
The cushioning provides comfort and support, while the brushed inner is cosy against the skin.
One size. Available in pink and black.
Made from acrylic, nylon, polyester and elastane.
Jeep Terrain Cotton Walking Socks
- Jeep Terrain Cotton Walking Socks 3-pair pack, £7.99 from Amazon – buy here
These cotton-rich socks feature a cushioned sole and heel for comfort and support. The mid-leg length works with both boots and shoes, while on an aesthetic level, the purple and pink colours make a change from the usual black and grey.
Available in several colours and in sizes 4-7.
Made from 73% cotton, 22% polyester, 2% polyamide and 2% elastane.
Machine washable.
Storm Bloc Women’s Anti Blister Walking Socks
- Storm Bloc Women’s Anti Blister Walking Socks 3-pair pack, from £7.99 at Amazon – buy here
If you suffer from blisters during your longer walks then these could be what you’ve been looking for.
The terry material cushions your foot, while the ribbed design holds the socks close to your legs. The breathing panels help wick moisture away and the arch support staves off fatigue.
Available in black, cerise, stone and purple. To fit sizes 4-8.
Made from 80% cotton, 17% polyester and 3% elastane.
Machine washable.
SmartWool Women’s Hike Light Cushion Socks
- SmartWool Women’s Hike Light Cushion Socks, from £19.99 at Amazon – buy here
Not everybody likes heavy padding and some days it’s just too warm, so these light cushion socks from SmartWool fit the bill in both cases. The toe seam is flat to prevent rubbing and the ribbed leg design adds comfort and a close fit.
The Merino wool is sustainably sourced and cruelty-free.
Available in a variety of colours, in S, M and L.
Made from 56% wool, 41% nylon and 3% elastane.
Machine washable.
Kooogear Women’s Walking Socks
- Kooogear Women’s Walking Socks 3-Pair Pack, £11.99 from Amazon – buy here
These colourful socks add a touch of fun to walks and while as ankle socks they’re probably better for warmer weather, they still work during winter for those of us who prefer a shorter sock or for those of us who also walk on a treadmill at the gym.
Padded from toe to heel for extra comfort and ribbed at the top for a close fit.
To fit sizes 3-7. Made from 100% cotton.
Hand wash only.
Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Mid Length Socks
- Waterproof Cold Weather Mid Length Socks, £43 from Sealskinz – buy here
Walking in the rain sounds so romantic – until your feet get soaked that is. However with these socks you can walk on through rain, snow, hail, even wade across rivers and your feet will stay dry.
Made from three layers – an outer layer of 90% nylon and 10% elastane and an inner layer made from 35% Merino wool, 35% acrylic 23% polyester, 3.5% nylon and 3.5% elastane. Between the two is a 100% waterproof (hydrophilic) membrane. This middle layer keeps water out, while still allowing your feet to breathe. The seamless design also helps prevent blisters.
Available in grey/red, black/grey, black/navy and grey. To fit sizes S, M, L and XL.
Lifetime waterproof guarantee. Machine washable at 40 degrees.
Nordic Socks Sofia Knee-High Socks
- Sofia Knee-High Socks 2-pair pack £27.99, from Nordic Socks – buy here
We love, love, love these knee-high socks. They’re warm over your legs and feet, they feature a pretty Scandinavian design and they’re colourful!
Available in medium, large and x-large.
Made from animal-friendly sourced Merino wool, acrylic, polyester and elastane in a terry knit for added cushioning.
Machine washable at 30 degrees.
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