Check out high performance socks like these from Bombas

Although they’re often overlooked, socks are an essential part of almost every outfit whether it be casual, formal or athletic. More importantly, they’re often taken for granted. A good pair of socks can do more than just add a layer between your skin and your shoes. Socks, such as the pairs discussed below, can provide enhanced support, cushion and comfort. Good quality performance socks wick moisture and dry quickly thanks to premium materials. Socks can be the difference between a comfortable hike and a hike filled with blisters and aches. However, with such a saturated market and so much jargon to familiarize yourself with, finding the right pair of high performance socks can be a difficult task.

I personally tested all five of these and can attest to their quality. My personal favorite pair were the Bombas Merino Wool Calf socks because of their comfort, versatility and innovative design, but each had their own advantages.

Bombas men's morino wool calf socks

Bottom line: If you’re in the market for a high quality pair of general use socks that are made by a socially and environmentally responsible company, look no further than these merino wool crew socks from Bombas. 

What you’ll love: Thanks to their merino wool fabric and innovative design, these socks are versatile enough to be worn around the house, in the gym or on the hiking trail. Although wool is usually reserved for cold-weather clothing, these socks are lightweight, breathable and more than capable of adjusting to a variety of temperatures thanks to their breathability. The wool blend is also naturally odor resistant and moisture-wicking as well. Like all Bombas, these socks feature the company’s unique honeycomb arch support band, which provides gentle support and enhanced comfort. In addition to the elastic arch support band, these socks are strategically reinforced with spandex fibers in high-stress and high-motion areas, thus increasing mobility and durability. Last but certainly not least, the tube portion of these crew socks is designed to be just tight enough to hug your calf and stay put without cutting off circulation.

What you should consider: When I hiked and snowshoed with these socks, I found myself wanting for a bit more cushion on the top of the foot. While there is ample support, especially around the arch, the top is lacking and, as a result, my foot became slightly achy in that region after a few hours in the snowshoe. 

REI Co-op Merino Wool expedition hiking socks 

Bottom line: REI has earned a sterling reputation for producing high quality outdoor gear, and their Expedition socks are a great example of this. These socks provide protection as well as comfort in extremely cold temperatures, which speaks to their overall performance and quality. 

What you’ll love: Despite the fact that these socks are on the bulkier side, they aren’t so large that they changed the fit and feel of my hiking boots when I tested them. Something that sets the Expedition hiking socks apart from other lightweight and midweight hiking socks is their high merino content: These socks are 79% merino wool and are sublimely soft. Merino wool is more than just a good insulator, it’s also breathable and moisture-wicking. The Expedition socks have lots of cushion, not only underfoot, but also spread out across other critical areas such as your Achilles tendon. I got the chance to test these socks on the ski slopes and appreciated the additional toe cushioning, it came in handy while turning.

What you should consider: Although this isn’t always a con, you should consider the fact that these socks are bulky, especially compared to lightweight hiking and traditional socks. Another con of these socks, which is partially related to the thickness of the wool, is the fact that they don’t dry quickly. If you’re going on a hike in the snow or that involves a river crossing, you’re definitely going to want to bring a backup pair. 

Smartwool Classic Light Cushion Hiking Socks

Bottom line: Don’t let the name fool you: these socks outperform much of the competition in a number of categories. 

What you’ll love: If you’re in the market for a simple pair of socks that provides cushion, comfort and performance, look no further than these Smartwool socks. These socks are made in the United States and contain 31% recycled nylon, 56% merino wool, 11% nylon and 2% elastane. While the nylon and elastane increase the moisture resistance and stretch, the merino wool provides a large amount of warmth. The Classic Light Cushion socks also feature a flat knit seam on the toe, which makes them a bit more expensive but significantly more comfortable in your boot. To top it all off, these socks are reinforced with intentionally placed elastic sections that provide subtle compression and support as well as prevent the sock from slipping down your foot.

What you should consider: Similar to the Expedition socks from REI, these socks didn’t dry as quickly as I would have liked. Furthermore, they weren’t as breathable as similar socks with lower synthetic fiber contents. 

Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew Socks

Bottom line: If you frequent the gym or are an avid runner, these socks are going to be great for you. With a unique dual-layer design, they are designed to prevent blisters and reduce foot sweat. 

What you’ll love: The unique two-layer design of the Coolmesh II socks allows for increased airflow and reduced skin friction. In fact, the space between the inner layer that touches your foot and the outer layer that comes into contact with the shoe creates an air vacuum that helps your feet regulate their temperature. This channel of air helps to trap heat during the cooler months and works to let it escape when it’s hot. In addition to helping your feet stay comfortable temperature wise, the inner layer is made from hydrophobic materials like nylon and spandex, which makes these socks quite good at wicking moisture and removing the discomfort associated with sweat. Another great aspect of the double layer design is the fact that it allows your foot to move slightly within the sock, which radically reduces the likelihood of blisters while also protecting any developed calluses. Overall, if you’re looking for a pair of socks that suits an active, always on-the-go lifestyle, the Coolmesh II is a great choice.

What you should consider: Although these socks are made for intense activity, they aren’t great for prolonged activities, such as all-day hikes, because they are entirely without cushion. Another thing to consider before purchasing the Coolmesh II socks is the fact that they don’t provide any noticeable compression. Not only does this reduce comfort over long periods of time, it also makes the fit a bit looser than the other socks on this list. 

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks

Bottom line: The name says it all: Not only are these socks durable, they’re also backed by Darn Tough’s renowned lifetime warranty. 

What you’ll love: Darn Tough socks are made in Vermont and include unique fabric blends. The quality of the Darn Tough materials and manufacturing process have made them an industry leader in the 15 years since the company's founding in 2004. The Light Hiker socks are quite durable, thanks to the fact that they are made from 47% merino wool, 46% nylon and a whopping 7% spandex. The high spandex content makes these socks extra stretchy and supportive, especially in the arch, heel and toes. The mild compression the spandex provides makes up for the comparative lack of cushioning in terms of comfort. Although these socks are lightweight, they still offer more than enough warmth for hiking in the early or late winter. Plus, if you’re not a fan of the crew cut design, you can opt for a pair of no-show socks with the same technology. 

What you should consider: These socks have two drawbacks that are worth considering before purchasing them. First and foremost, they aren’t cheap. While they’re high quality and guaranteed to last a lifetime, getting a few pairs of these will cost a pretty penny. Secondly, these socks truly stick to their lightweight classification. They likely won’t provide enough warmth for extreme winter conditions and they don’t provide as much cushion as other lightweight competitors.