Travel Socks: Comfy, Durable, And Breathable Picks For Your Next Trip

When it comes to travel, socks are an essential item that can make or break your trip. The best travel socks will keep your feet comfortable, dry, and blister-free, no matter your activities or destination. So, what are the key factors to consider when choosing travel socks, and which brands come out on top?

Firstly, let's look at materials. While cotton socks are comfortable for everyday use, they may not be the best choice for travel, as they can get sweaty, hold odours, and take a long time to dry. Instead, look for socks made from synthetic blends, such as polyester, nylon, lycra, and spandex, which offer superior breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Merino wool is another popular choice, as it provides warmth and absorbency without the itch, and has excellent odour-fighting properties.

In terms of specific brands, Darn Tough is a favourite among travellers, offering a range of merino-based socks suitable for hiking, daily wear, and even dress shoes. Their socks are highly durable and come with an impressive warranty. SmartWool is another trusted brand, offering a variety of styles and thicknesses to suit different needs, from city walking to hiking. Balega's No-Show Running Socks are also a top choice, providing superior comfort, breathability, and blister protection, making them versatile for various activities. For those who prefer toe socks, Injinji offers a unique range of comfortable and moisture-wicking options.

Other recommended brands include Wrightsock, known for their anti-blister, double-layered construction; Bombas, which offers a seamless toe design and donates a pair to the homeless for every pair purchased; and Thorlo, which provides excellent warranty and quick-drying capabilities.

So, whether you're hiking up a mountain, exploring a new city, or lounging on a long flight, be sure to invest in a good pair of travel socks to keep your feet happy and healthy.

Best socks for hiking

When it comes to hiking, having the right pair of socks can make a huge difference to your comfort and enjoyment. Hiking socks are designed to provide more cushioning than regular gym socks, with extra padding in areas like the heel, toes, and soles. They are also made from different materials, with merino wool being a popular choice due to its odour-resistant, insulating, and moisture-wicking properties.

Darn Tough

Darn Tough is a popular choice for hiking socks and is praised for its durability, comfort, and lifetime warranty. They offer a range of styles, including the Hiker Full Cushion, Light Hiker Micro Crew, and Hiker Quarter Cushion, which cater to different hiking conditions. The Hiker Full Cushion, for example, is ideal for cold-weather hiking as it provides extra padding and protection for your feet. On the other hand, the Light Hiker Micro Crew is a thinner, more breathable option perfect for warmer weather.

Smartwool

Smartwool is another well-known brand that offers a variety of hiking socks, such as the Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion and the Classic Light Hiking Socks. Their socks are known for their durability, warmth, and comfort. However, some users have mentioned that they found the socks to be a bit loose, which can cause blisters.

Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer's Guide Pro socks are highly recommended for warm-weather hikes. They provide extra padding in the heels, ankles, and toes, offering cushioning and support where you need it most. They are also labelled as left and right, ensuring that you get the correct cushioning on the correct foot.

Farm to Feet

Farm to Feet is mentioned by several hikers as a great option for durable and comfortable hiking socks. Their Damascus Lightweight Crew socks offer superior wicking capability and breathability, making them a good choice for long-distance hikes.

Injinji

Injinji's Liner Crew socks are an excellent choice for a lightweight liner sock. They are made from synthetic fibres and have a toe-sock design, providing individual toes with comfort and wicking away moisture. While they may not be suitable for cold-weather hiking on their own, they work well as a liner under thicker socks.

Wigwam

The Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Pro socks are a good option for those on a budget. They are made from 100% synthetic materials, providing breathability and durability. However, they may not be the warmest option for cold-weather hiking.

When choosing hiking socks, consider the height, weight, fabric, and drying capabilities that best suit your hiking conditions and preferences. It's also important to ensure a snug but not too tight fit to prevent blisters and restrict blood flow.

Best socks for long-haul flights

Long-haul flights can be uncomfortable, but the right pair of socks can make all the difference. Here are some of the best socks for long-haul flights to keep your feet happy and healthy:

Compression socks

Compression socks are an excellent choice for long-haul flights as they promote blood circulation and prevent swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs. They are designed to provide a secure and snug fit without feeling too tight. Some recommended compression socks include:

• Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks: These socks offer a comfortable and secure fit, making them ideal for long travel days. They are easy to put on, and their compression rating of 20-30 mmHg helps relieve stiffness and swelling.
• Away The Compression Socks: Away, known for its well-designed suitcases, has created compression socks that are easy to put on and provide a secure hug for your calves and ankles. They feature anti-odor technology, allowing for multiple wears before washing, and dry quickly when it's time to wash them.
• Comrad compression socks: These knee-high compression socks are designed with a moisture-wicking and odour-fighting fabric. They come in a variety of colours and designs, including stripes and ombre, and users report no slippage or bunching.

Moisture-wicking socks

To keep your feet dry and comfortable during long-haul flights, consider moisture-wicking socks. These socks are designed to draw moisture away from the skin, helping to prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable. Some recommended moisture-wicking socks include:

• Darn Tough socks: Darn Tough offers a range of merino wool-based socks that are highly recommended for travel. Their socks are known for their durability, odour resistance, and quick-drying capabilities. They also provide a high level of comfort and come with an unbeatable warranty.
• Smartwool socks: Smartwool is another popular brand for merino wool socks. They offer a variety of styles, including city walking socks, hiking socks, and different thicknesses to suit your needs. Smartwool socks are known for their durability, comfort, and ability to tackle foot sweat.
• Balega No-Show Running Socks: These socks are versatile and can be used for walking, running, working out, or everyday wear. They offer a contoured fit, heel tab for blister protection, and mesh construction for optimal breathability.
• Wrightsock socks: Wrightsock is known for its double-layer socks that provide extra cushioning and protection against blisters. The Wrightsock Endurance Crew Sock, in particular, is a great choice for long-haul flights as it offers arch support and double-layer padding, making it comfortable for extended periods.
• Ministry of Supply Atlas ankle sock: This innovative sock is made with a coffee-infused recycled polyester blend that neutralises odours and dries twice as fast as cotton. It also provides extra padding in the spots where you need it most.

Whether you choose compression socks or moisture-wicking socks, investing in a good pair of socks for your long-haul flights can make a significant difference in your comfort and overall travel experience.

Best socks for sweaty feet

When travelling, socks are key to your comfort. The best socks for sweaty feet will be made from materials that are moisture-wicking, breathable, and temperature-regulating.

• Darn Tough Fastpack Micro Crew: A lightweight sock with cushioning, perfect for faster activities like Nordic skating, shoulder season running, and hiking/backpacking.
• Darn Tough VanGrizzle Boot: A midweight sock with cushioning, ideal for winter boots and ice climbing.
• Darn Tough Hiker Quarter: This sock is great for summer hiking and trail running in warmer seasons.
• Darn Tough Backwoods Over-the-Calf: A lightweight sock with just enough cushion, this is the perfect backcountry ski sock.
• Feetures High Performance Ultra Light: Lightweight and thin, these socks are ideal for working out in hotter weather and climates.
• Patagonia Ultralightweight Crew: These socks are ideal for odour control due to their moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating abilities.
• Under Armour ArmourDry Run Lite Tab: These socks offer protection from sweaty, smelly feet, as well as impressive odour control.
• Darn Tough COOLMAX Micro Crew: These socks are designed with hikers in mind, with a moisture-wicking material blend that stretches and conforms to the foot.
• Lululemon Women's MacroPillow Tab: These socks are thin, soft, and breathable, with an antibacterial treatment to prevent odours.
• Bering Women's Performance Ankle: With extra cushioning and supportive ribbing, these socks are ideal for those with sweaty feet and plantar fasciitis.

Materials to Look For:

• Merino Wool: This material is moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, absorbing moisture in warm weather and providing insulation in cool weather.
• Polyester: Polyester is lightweight and provides moisture-wicking capabilities to keep your feet cool and dry.
• Silver or Copper Ions: These ions help to slow bacterial growth, which is ideal if you're concerned about odour control.
• Avoid 100% Cotton: Cotton absorbs moisture without wicking it away from the skin, which can make problems like odour and blisters worse.

Best socks for sensitive feet

When it comes to choosing the best socks for sensitive feet, there are several factors to consider. Here are some recommendations and guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

Materials:

The best materials for sensitive feet are soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin. Cotton and merino wool are excellent choices. Cotton is breathable, lightweight, and ideal for all-day wear. It provides ample support and helps prevent blisters. Look for organic or pure cotton socks to ensure the highest quality and softness. Merino wool is another excellent option, especially for sensitive skin. It is natural, lightweight, breathable, and perfect for any season. Merino wool wicks away moisture, keeping your feet dry and blister-free. It is also durable and provides ample support for your feet.

Proper Sizing:

Ensure that you choose the right size socks for maximum comfort. Socks that are too small can be restricting, while socks that are too big can feel bulky and cause blisters.

Avoid Irritants:

Stay away from socks with dyes and chemicals as they can irritate sensitive skin. Choose socks that are as natural as possible.

Seamless Options:

Seams can be a source of discomfort for sensitive feet. Look for socks with flat or ultra-smooth toe seams, or even seamless socks, to reduce rubbing and irritation.

Brands to Consider:

Several brands offer socks specifically designed for sensitive feet. Here are some options to explore:

• Q for Quinn: They offer both 100% cotton socks and merino wool socks that are gentle on sensitive skin, free from harmful chemicals, and feature a flat toe seam.
• World's Softest: This brand offers sensitive fit comfort crew socks with a soft seam technology that helps reduce rubbing and irritation. They are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
• Wrightsock: These double-layer socks have two layers that move independently, reducing friction on the foot.
• Falke London Sensitive: These socks are made of 96% soft cotton, have non-elastic tops, and are shaped specifically for the left and right foot.
• Injinji: These toe socks have individual toe pockets that reduce friction and help prevent blisters. They offer both wool and non-wool options.
• Darn Tough: This brand offers durable merino wool socks with a high percentage of merino wool, ideal for hiking and daily wear. They have an excellent warranty policy.
• Smartwool: Smartwool offers a variety of styles, including hiking socks, city walking socks, and casual socks. They are known for their durability and comfort.
• Balega: These socks are known for their comfort and versatility, offering soft cushioning and breathability.
• Physix Gear Sport: These compression socks provide a secure and comfortable fit, ideal for long travel days or international flights.

Remember to consider your specific needs, preferences, and any underlying conditions when choosing socks for sensitive feet. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or require further guidance.

Best socks for quick-drying

When it comes to travel socks, you want a pair that can withstand the rigours of the road, or the trail. Quick-drying socks are ideal for travel, especially if you're planning on being active, or if you're packing light and washing your clothes on the go.

Merino wool is a popular choice for quick-drying socks. While regular wool can be bulky and hot, merino wool dries relatively quickly, is comfortable, and is the best natural material at fighting odours. This means you can wear them multiple times on a trip without having to wash them. You can find pure merino wool socks, or blends that mix merino wool with other materials to increase durability.

If you're looking for a quick-drying alternative to wool, polyester socks with moisture-wicking technology are a good option. These synthetic socks are often designed to be durable and flexible, with moisture-wicking properties. However, they don't offer the best breathability, so they might not be the best choice for hot climates.

• Darn Tough makes a range of socks with high merino wool content, including hiking socks, running socks, and daily wear socks. Their socks are highly durable, and they offer an impressive warranty on their products.
• SmartWool is another brand specialising in merino wool socks, with a focus on active outdoor use and running. Their socks are available in a variety of colours and have a lower merino wool content, making them ideal if you want a lighter feel.
• Injinji makes toe socks, which might take some getting used to, but they help prevent blisters and reduce sweating. Their NuWool socks are made with 40% merino wool.
• Western Rise's StrongCore socks are a proprietary blend of merino wool and nylon, designed for increased durability. They look and feel like regular cotton socks, making them a good choice if you want something that feels more familiar.
• Boardroom makes US-made no-show socks with over 70% merino wool. They have a snug fit and come in a range of colours.
• REI Co-op's CoolMax EcoMade Liner Crew Socks are quick-drying and have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 183 reviews.
• Balega's Hidden Comfort No-Show Running socks are comfortable and breathable, with soft cushioning and a built-in heel tab. They have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 729 reviews.
• Darn Tough's Light Hiker Micro Crew socks are lightweight and ideal for hiking. They're made with merino wool to keep your feet warm and dry, and they fit snugly without being too tight.
• Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are designed for long travel days, with a secure fit to help relieve stiffness and swelling. They're easy to put on and won't slide down during the day.

Frequently asked questions