Socks
Hiking socks are purpose-built socks that manage moisture, cushion pressure points and reduce friction on the trail, unlike ordinary cotton socks. Choosing the right pair comes down to three factors:
- Material — merino wool regulates temperature and resists odor; Coolmax and Meraklon synthetics dry faster and cost less.
- Weather protection — a waterproof membrane keeps feet dry in wet conditions without sacrificing breathability.
- Activity & season — running, skiing, hunting and everyday trekking each call for a different weight and cushioning level.
What fabric is best for hiking socks?
The right hiking sock starts with fiber, not thickness. Merino wool — used across Comodo's TRE line and Lasting's TNW and CXS trekking socks — wicks moisture away from skin, keeps insulating when damp and resists odor over multi-day trips far better than cotton. Synthetic blends built around Coolmax or Drytex polyester, like the Comodo RUN series, dry faster and suit high-output activities such as running and cycling where breathability matters more than warmth.
For wet terrain, DexShell's Hytherm Pro adds a Porelle membrane sandwiched between outer and inner sock layers, blocking water while still letting sweat vapor escape — a genuinely different category from a water-resistant treatment. Terra Incognita curates this sock range from three specialists chosen for exactly this kind of technical difference rather than stocking one generic style in different colors.
What's the difference between hiking sock types?
Match the sock to the activity and season using the comparison below.
| Type | Material | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Merino trekking (TRE, TNW, CXS) | Merino wool blend | Multi-day hiking, all seasons |
| Waterproof (Hytherm Pro) | Porelle membrane + merino | Wet trails, stream crossings |
| Running (RUN series) | Coolmax / Drytex polyester | Running, cycling, training |
| Thermal ski (SKI1, SKI3) | Merino wool thermal | Skiing, winter sports |
| Tactical / hunting (Hunt1, HUN2, SMB1) | Merino Meraklon blend | Hunting, field use, military-style wear |
What size hiking socks should I buy?
Hiking socks run on shoe-size bands rather than one-size-fits-all: S typically covers EU 35–38, M covers 39–42, and L covers 43–46. A sock that is too loose bunches inside the boot and causes blisters, while one that is too tight restricts circulation on long days. Multi-packs such as the Comodo RUN11 3-pair thermal set or FIT SBK5 5-pair set are a practical way to rotate socks on multi-day trips without adding much pack weight.
Socks FAQ
Merino wool or synthetic hiking socks?
Merino wool regulates temperature, resists odor over multiple days and stays warm even when damp, which suits multi-day trekking. Synthetic blends like Coolmax dry faster and cost less, making them a better fit for running, cycling or short, high-output trips.
Are waterproof hiking socks worth it?
Yes, if you regularly cross streams or hike in wet climates. A membrane sock like DexShell's Hytherm Pro keeps feet dry through standing water while still venting sweat, which a normal wool sock cannot do once it is soaked through.
How do I pick the right hiking sock size?
Match your shoe size to the sock's size band, usually S for EU 35–38, M for 39–42 and L for 43–46. A properly sized sock prevents the bunching and slipping that lead to blisters on longer hikes.
Can the same socks work for hiking and running?
Lightweight merino trekking socks like Lasting's CXS work reasonably well for both, but a dedicated running sock with Coolmax fibers handles higher sweat output and faster foot movement better on race days or interval training sessions.
Related collections
Also worth a look: footwear, base layers, hiking gear, gaiters.