If there’s one easy gear swap that can totally change your comfort level on the trail, it’s upgrading to Merino wool socks. Here are my favorite best merino wool socks for the whole family.
Unlike traditional wool, Merino wool fibers are much thinner and smoother, which makes them comfortable directly against your skin. No itch, no bulk.
What really sets Merino apart is how naturally technical the material is. Merino wool comes the fleece of Merino sheep, who are characterized by their exceptionally fine, soft, and dense wool which adapts well to various climates. Merino wool pulls moisture away from your skin, breathes when you’re warm, and insulates when it’s cold. It can even absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet, which is why it still feels dry even when you’re sweating or caught in drizzle.
Benefits of Merino Wool Socks (especially in winter)
When the temperatures drop, Merino wool really shines. Unlike synthetic fabrics that trap sweat or cotton that stays damp, Merino works with your body to keep you comfortable. Each fiber acts like a natural thermostat—holding in warmth when it’s cold and releasing heat when you warm up. That means you stay cozy on chilly mornings without overheating once you start moving.
Another major perk is odor resistance. Merino naturally prevents bacteria buildup, so your socks or base layers stay fresher longer, even after a few wears. It’s the reason so many hikers and travelers swear by it for multi-day trips.
With all those benefits in mind, finding the right Merino socks for your whole crew is worth it. Here are some tried-and-true favorites for women, men, and kids that combine comfort, performance, and durability. Because good socks really do make the difference.
My favorite Merino wool sock picks:
For Women
Smartwool’s Hike Light: I love the length on these, they protect just above your ankle and keep most hiking shoes from rubbing. Great quality, and these have just a slight pit of padding that make them great for longer trail days or camping.
Darn Tough Socks: Big fan of darn tough. These are a great low profile pair that are nice a light, but still durable. Darn tough has a great return policy, and you can literally exchange a worn pair of socks for a new pair when you wear them out-no receipt necessary. No friction, and these always stay in place. These have a very slight compression feel to them.
Icebreaker’s hike liner: These don’t have any sort of cusion, but are a thin merino wool sock that is perfect to prevent blisters. I wear these under winter boots, ski boots, or hiking shoes. Even though they are thin, they still keep your feet warm but not sweaty especially in shoes that may already have a little insulation. Price wise these are a little bit cheaper than some other brands, and great bang for your buck.
Bombas Socks: Love these under my Hokas for everyday life but also they are great trail socks. I love the lower
Be sure to check them out and use my code Hailey21 for 21% off your first purchase.
For Men
Darn Tough Hiker Midweight: Hands down, the top recommendation for men. Great balance of cushioning, durability, and fit. The best quality year-round socks.
Smartwool Men’s Ankle Socks: A winter everyday essential. Great for long cold runs and hikes keeping feet warm and dry.
Trailsmith Merino Wool Crew Socks: All day breathability, and the longer length is great for skiing or snowmobiling. Thermoregulating and light cushioning.
Kirkland Signature Men’s Merino Wool Blend Sock: These are a hidden gem at costco, a merino wool blend that are great for everyday casual wear in the winter time.
For Kids
Anlisim Wool Socks – I got these last winter, and they’re perfect for cold-weather hikes. They’re warm but not so thick that my kids’ boots feel tight. Super soft, durable, and great for all-day wear.
Kids Merino Wool Ankle Hiking: These are the perfect ankle socks—and they really do help with little stinky feet. They’re great for hiking or everyday wear, especially if you have a little one with sweaty feet. The uniform gray tops make them easy to mix and match, so everything still looks coordinated when one (or two) inevitably go missing. The heel tab is also nice and helps socks from slipping into shoes during hikes.
FNOVCO Kids Merino Wool: Thick, warm and cozy. Kids love all the different patterns and work great under rain boots or even ski boots for younger kids. If you are between sizes, I would size up. Great blend of fabric!
Trailsmith Merino Wool Lightweight Crew Socks: The lightweight design fits easily inside hiking boots without adding bulk, making them ideal for active winter adventures or chilly everyday wear.
For Babies
Eocom Wool Socks – been using these since my oldest was a baby, so about 5 years! They’re thick, warm, and paired with the reima baby booties keep their feet super warm and dry.
Woolino Wool Socks: The cutuest smallest sock you’ve ever seen for newborns. Super high quality, thin but warm, and can be worn as a longer sock or folded over. Fit well in small shoes or under outdoor onesies.
Baby Gripper Slipper: While these are slippers not socks, these little booties are lined with merino wool and so cute for tiny brand new feet. They have grippy bottom for new walkers and are great for temperature regulation. Perfect for around the house or running errands while keeping little toes cozy.
If you purchase anything from bombas use my code Hailey21 for 21% off your first purchase.
So, are merino wool socks worth it? Absolutely. Whether you are hiking or just trying to keep your toes cozy on a long flight, merino brings warmth, comfort, and all-day freshness that cotton just can’t match. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never go back to regular socks again.
P.S.-I wrote a whole post about to take care of your merino wool gear to help extend it’s longevity. Check it out below!
