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Article: Why Do Hikers Wear Wool Socks?

Hiker adjusting merino wool socks before putting on boots

Oct 3, 2025

Why Do Hikers Wear Wool Socks?

When you’re heading out on the trail, every piece of gear matters, from your boots to your backpack. But one item hikers swear by is wool socks, especially those made with merino wool. Here’s why merino socks are trusted by hikers around the world.

1. Moisture management

Merino wool naturally wicks sweat away from your skin, keeping feet dry for longer. Dry feet mean fewer blisters, less discomfort, and more miles without distraction.

2. Temperature regulation

Whether you’re hiking in summer heat or winter chill, merino adapts. Its fine fibres trap air to keep warmth in when it’s cold, yet breathe easily to release heat when it’s warm. That balance keeps feet at a steady, comfortable temperature.

3. Odour resistance

Days on the trail can test even the toughest socks. Merino’s natural antimicrobial properties resist odour build-up, meaning fresher feet (and less to worry about in the tent at night).

4. Softness and comfort

Unlike traditional wool, merino fibres are much finer, so they feel soft against the skin with no itch. When you’re on your feet all day, comfort makes all the difference.

5. Durability for the trail

Merino socks are often blended with a little synthetic fibre to add strength and stretch, creating a pair of hiking socks that can take on long trails and rough terrain without wearing out quickly.

Sock material comparison

Feature	Merino	Cotton	Synthetic
Moisture management	Excellent – wicks sweat, dries quickly	Poor – holds moisture, causes blisters	Good – wicks moisture, but can feel clammy
Temperature control	Regulates heat in warm and cold weather	Hot in summer, cold when wet	Breathable but less insulating
Odour resistance	Natural odour control, stays fresher	Retains odour	Prone to odour build-up
Comfort	Soft, non-itch, cushioned	Soft initially, uncomfortable when wet	Smooth feel, may lack cushioning
Durability	Strong with added fibres	Weak when wet, wears out quickly	Very durable, less natural comfort

Moisture management
Merino	Excellent – wicks sweat, dries quickly
Cotton	Poor – holds moisture, causes blisters
Synthetic	Good – wicks moisture, but can feel clammy

Temperature control
Merino	Regulates heat in warm and cold weather
Cotton	Hot in summer, cold when wet
Synthetic	Breathable but less insulating

Odour resistance
Merino	Natural odour control, stays fresher
Cotton	Retains odour
Synthetic	Prone to odour build-up

Comfort
Merino	Soft, non-itch, cushioned
Cotton	Soft initially, uncomfortable when wet
Synthetic	Smooth feel, may lack cushioning

Durability
Merino	Strong with added fibres
Cotton	Weak when wet, wears out quickly
Synthetic	Very durable, less natural comfort

The bottom line

Hikers wear wool socks because they work, and merino wool takes those benefits to the next level. With dryness, comfort, odour control, and year-round performance, merino hiking socks are an essential part of every hiker’s kit.

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Man wearing a black Merino wool top walking outdoors with mountains in the background

What Temperature is Merino Wool Good For?

Merino wool adapts to every season. Learn what temperatures Merino is best for, from below freezing to hot summer days, and why it’s the ultimate natural performance fibre.