The best walking socks for men
WALKING is a great form of exercise – even more so when you hike or go on long-distance walks – and the best walking socks for men and women incorporate a number of features.
Socks should be made from a material that doesn’t rub against your heels or toes, seams should be flat to prevent rubbing, and the material should be breathable.
Ideally, the socks should include arch support and fit close to your leg so they don’t slip down in your boots or shoes.
Depending on personal preference, other features to look out for include blister prevention, more cushioning on the heel, a wide toe box, moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry, extra leg length and even waterproofing.
Many walking socks for men contain merino wool, which is great for regulating temperature, keeping your feet cool (or warm) as needed. However, manmade materials also work well and often contain a mixture including elastane for stretch and fit.
Whatever type of walking you do, you’ll find something to suit in our roundup of the best walking socks for men.
Best walking socks for men at a glance:
- Best for arch support: Storm Bloc Cushioned Breathable Ribbed Hiking Socks
- Best waterproof socks: Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Knee Length Socks
- Best for wicking away sweat: Under Armour Heatgear Compression Socks
- Best long socks: Heat Holders Extra Long Winter Thermal Socks
- Best for extreme conditions: Danish Endurance Walking Socks
- Best for padding: SmartWool Hike Extra Cushion Socks
- Best for avoiding blisters: Trespass Anti Blister Hiking Socks
- Best for guarantee: Craghoppers Glencoe Walking Socks
Danish Endurance Outdoor Walking Socks
- Danish Endurance 3-Pair Pack Outdoor Walking Socks, from £21.67 at Amazon – buy here
These socks contain 38% merino wool, which is renowned for its thermoregulating properties. The wool used is also cruelty-free and sourced in an animal-friendly way. Other materials are polyamide, polypropylene and elastane.
Designed in conjunction with mountaineer Rasmus Kragh, the socks have been tested in tough conditions and have even been put through their paces on Mount Everest.
The company also offers a one-year anti-hole guarantee: they will send you a replacement if you end up with a hole in your socks within a year of purchase.
Machine washable. Available in a variety of colours and a range of sizes, including 6-8, 9-12 and 13-15.
Trespass Hitched Anti Blister Hiking Socks
- Hitched Anti Blister Hiking Socks 2-Pair Pack, from Trespass, £9.99 – buy here
If long walks or hikes usually result in painful blisters then these socks could be just what you’re looking for.
They’re made from cotton, polyester, polyamide and elastane with a Tactel inner lining, and Trespass state when wearing them you can ‘break in new shoes without fear’.
Hand wash only. Available in sizes 4-7 and 7-11.
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Storm Bloc Cushioned Breathable Ribbed Hiking Socks
- Storm Bloc 4-Pair Pack Cushioned Breathable Ribbed Hiking Socks, £13.99 from Amazon – buy here
If you walk long distances then the arch support in these socks helps relieve tired feet and the ribbed design moulds itself to your legs for added comfort.
They’re made from polyester, cotton, viscose and elastane. Choose from three colourways: black/charcoal, navy/blue and charcoal/red.
Machine washable. One size to fit sizes 6-11.
SmartWool Hike Extra Cushion Socks
- SmartWool Hike Extra Cushion Socks, £22.99 from John Lewis – buy here
These boot socks feature extra cushioning on the sole to absorb impact and provide extra warmth, as well as an elasticised arch brace and flat toe seam to prevent chafing.
Made from responsibly-sourced Merino wool, part-recycled nylon and elastane.
Machine wash at 30 degrees. Available in sizes 5-7.5, 8-10.5 and 11-13.5.
Under Armour UA Heatgear Compression Socks
- Under Armour UA Heatgear Compression Socks, £9.95 from Amazon – buy here
These lightweight socks wick away moisture from your feet so helping to keep them cool on long walks, and they feature mesh panels for improved ventilation.
They’re made from polyester and elastane and should be washed by hand.
Available in M, L and XL.
Craghoppers Glencoe Walking Socks
- Glencoe Walking Socks, £13.50 from Craghoppers – buy here
These chunky walking socks look great but, more importantly, they provide arch support, ventilation channels and a ribbed cuff for a close fit.
They’re made from wool, polyamide, silk and elastane – and they come with a lifetime guarantee.
Available in blue navy marl, dark grey marl, dark moss marl and ibex brown. Sizes 6-8 and 9-12.
Heat Holders Extra Long Winter Thermal Socks
- Heat Holders Extra Long Winter Thermal Socks, from £12.49 at Amazon – buy here
These are ideal for keeping out the cold and have an impressive 2.34 tog rating. They also go up to your knees – just what you need during freezing winter walks.
Available in five colourways: grey/black, red/black, black/red/charcoal, black/navy/charcoal, navy/black.
They’re made from acrylic, polyamide, polyester and elastane.
Machine washable and one size to fit sizes 6-11.
Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Knee Length Socks
- Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Knee Length Socks, from £28.99 at Amazon – buy here
Great for all outdoor activities, not just walking and hiking, these socks have an inner, an outer and between the two, a waterproof membrane. This acts as a barrier to stop water from getting in, but at the same time, it allows sweat to escape, so your feet stay dry.
The outer layer is nylon and elastane and the inner layer is merino wool, acrylic, polyester, nylon and elastane.
Lifetime waterproof guarantee. Machine washable at 40 degrees.
Available in sizes S, M, L and XL.
Mountain Warehouse Extreme Comfort Men’s Walking Socks
- Extreme Comfort Men’s Walking Socks, £10.99 from Mountain Warehouse – buy here
These socks are antimicrobial, and breathable, and they wick moisture away from your feet and are quick drying. The padding helps prevent rubbing and blisters.
They’re made from polyester, nylon and modal.
Available in sizes 4-7 and 7-11.
Ouhos Thermal Walking Socks
- Ouhos 5-Pair Pack Thermal Walking Socks, £22.99 from Amazon – buy here
These socks are thick and offer good cushioning for your feet. They’re also supportive for your ankles and arches, and have reinforced toes and a ribbed design so fit close to your legs.
The 5-pair pack is good value and there’s a range of colour combinations to choose from.
Machine washable at 30 degrees. Available in L (fits sizes 6-9) and XL (fits sizes 9-12).
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