[A no-nonsense, self-funded comparison review] An important but often overlooked point: A 30-year mountaineering veteran compares 11 mountaineering socks
Written by Keroppa
When hiking, you can only move forward with your own two feet. We pay so much attention to our trekking shoes, so why don't we pay attention to our socks? Socks can sometimes solve both the pain of our boots and blisters on our feet
So, from the mountain of brands and types available, I've chosen socks that I think would be suitable for camping and mountain climbing, and tried them out. I hope this will help you find the right pair for your feet
table of contents
- Comparison review of hiking and trekking socks
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Impressions of each model
- YAMAtune Outdoor Medium Arch Crew 2toe / Crew Length
- Point6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium Crew
- Mont-Bell Merino Wool Supportec Trekking Socks
- SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew
- R×L Socks TMW-36
- FITS Medium Hiker Crew
- DARN TOUGH Hiker Boot Socks Midweight Cushion
- Feetures MERINO10 CUSHION MINI CREW
- ROTOTO HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE
- STRIDE Yubi Socks
- Mont-bell KAMICO trekking socks
- summary
Comparison review of hiking and trekking socks
Select a comparison candidate
This time, I chose socks suitable for summer tent hiking, focusing on medium weights, based on popular and standard products in stores, models that I've had good experience with, and conversely, ones I've never worn (but wanted to try), as well as online reviews, to select my best candidates. Although this wasn't my intention, it turned out to be a spectacular battle of Japanese vs. American brands. It would be interesting to look into why high-quality sock brands are concentrated in these two countries
- DARN TOUGH Hiker Boot Socks Midweight Cushion
- Feetures MERINO10 CUSHION MINI CREW
- FITS Medium Hiker Crew
- Mont-Bell Merino Wool Supportec Trekking Socks
- Mont-bell KAMICO trekking socks
- Point6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium Crew
- ROTOTO HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE
- R×L Socks TMW-36
- SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew
- STRIDE Yubi Socks
- YAMAtune Medium Arch Crew / Crew Length
Evaluation points
- Comfort: The direct feeling of wearing the shoes, such as how they feel against the skin, how they fit, and how little they rub against the skin.
- Support: Does the sock support proper movement of the lower body while reducing the burden on each part of the foot, from the ankle to the heel, arch, and toes? Does it keep the foot in place and make walking easy? Does it fit snugly around the ankle, preventing fatigue?
- Cushioning: How much impact can be absorbed when carrying a heavy load?
- Thermal insulation: Whether or not the material retains body heat well, not only when dry but also when wet.
- Durability: Whether or not the shoes are likely to wear out, develop holes, or tear even after repeated wear and washing. However, since it is difficult to actually use them to their limits for a long period of time, this is merely a matter of whether or not they are likely to tear
- Moisture absorption: When hiking, your feet sweat a lot, so how efficiently does the shoe absorb and diffuse that sweat, keeping the surface of your feet dry at all times?
- Flexibility: Try bending the flex points of your feet, ankles, and toes to see how they wrinkle
Recommended articles to read together
Test environment
The hiking boots used are three-season trekking boots. They are all leather and have a heel welt for crampons. The weight of the luggage is expected to be over 10 kg
Although the field is a low mountain, it has a rocky area like the Northern Alps, and the course has an elevation difference of 150m. I compared it while carrying a pack containing camping equipment (roughly 10kg). By the way, my shoe size is: sneakers 26cm, hiking boots 26.5cm, actual size 25.2cm
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
Regarding the material composition ratio, anything not specified is my own opinion. If you have trouble seeing the table on a smartphone, please click here.
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | AA | A | A | A | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  YAMAtune Medium Arch Crew / Crew Length |  Point6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium Crew |  Mont-Bell Merino Wool Supportec Trekking Socks |  SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew |  R×L Socks TMW-36 |  Fits Medium Hiker Crew |  DARN TOUGH Hiker Boot Socks Midweight Cushion |  Feetures MERINO10 CUSHION MINI CREW |  ROTOTO HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE |  STRIDE Yubi Socks |  Mont-bell KAMICO trekking socks |
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| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Support | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cushioning | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Heat retention | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hygroscopic | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Flexibility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specifications | |||||||||||
| Fabric and material | Wool, acrylic, polyester, nylon, polyurethane | 70% wool, 25% nylon, 5% polyurethane | 56% wool + 24% nylon + 9% polyester + 8% acrylic + 3% polyurethane | 63% wool, 35% nylon, 2% polyurethane | Merino wool, polyester, nylon, polyurethane | 70% wool/22% nylon/6% polyester/2% polyurethane | 64% wool, 33% nylon, 3% polyurethane | 35% nylon, 31% wool, 31% Tencel, 3% polyurethane | 79% merino wool, 13% polyester, 5% nylon, 3% polyurethane | 48% merino wool, 21% washi paper, 29% polyester, 2% polyurethane | 36% polyester + 31% unclassified fiber (paper) + 31% nylon + 2% polyurethane |
| Actual weight (g) | 98 | 88 | 96 | 78 | 89 | 69 | 90 | 52 | 80 | 53 | 109 |
Impressions of each model
YAMAtune Outdoor Medium Arch Crew 2toe / Crew Length
Introducing the best trekking socks in Japan! No.1 in support
This is 〇
- Incredible support. A supporter that's not a sock
- Heat retention power
- Tabi Fingers - Your fingers can move freely
Here is △
- It's so firm and strong that it almost cramps your legs when you put it on
- Pain around the heel. This product is not suitable for everyone
A Japanese manufacturer that offers a variety of trekking socks. I purchased a size M, measuring 20cm
The material composition is wool, acrylic, polyester, and nylon. The exact ratios are a trade secret? The biggest feature is the unbelievable support. It feels like wearing socks on top of a supporter. Super strong support is provided around the arch and heel, providing firm support for your feet
On top of that, the toe area is split like a tabi sock, and the entire sock is made of extra-thick terry knit. It provides enough warmth to wear even in the coldest winters. However, the support is a double-edged sword, and I can easily imagine some people complaining that it's too strong and painful, or too tight and unwearable. Personally, I found the Achilles tendon area to be a bit painful
Still, it's hard not to root for it when it's so outstanding. If you're going to be moving for long periods of time, it's a good product that makes you think it might be worth trying
Point6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium Crew
This is also an American sock brand's No. 1 for trekking strength
This is 〇
- The stiffness of the material makes it look like trekking socks
- Heat retention power
Here is △
- The size is a bit large, as expected from an American brand
- It feels stiff, but this doesn't affect its strength, so it's not a negative thing
This American sock brand is one of the most ambitious brands, offering a wide range of features. These socks also feature 37.5 technology, which regulates temperature and humidity. I purchased a size M, measuring 21.5 cm
The material is 70% wool, 25% nylon, and 5% polyurethane. Instead of using finer wool, they use a thicker, more traditional wool to create a thicker pile and a more rigid feel overall
The socks are made of a solid pile from the toe to the opening, but the pile is removed only in the toe and ankle areas to prevent wrinkles and stiffness. Unfortunately, they were a little big for my feet, and the part in front of the arch support on the toe side was loose, which ultimately caused them to wrinkle. The socks have a chunky impression, but they are well thought out and I would recommend them if the size fits
Mont-Bell Merino Wool Supportec Trekking Socks
Everyone knows Montbell wool socks: No. 1 in cost performance
This is 〇
- The knitting is very intricate and the support parts work well
- I'm impressed with this functionality at this price
Here is △
- Material composition: Would you mind increasing the price a little more and increasing the proportion of wool?
- It gets a little steamy
These wool-blend socks are from the well-known Japanese general brand Montbell. They have a well-thought-out design. I bought a size M, measuring 21.5 cm
The Montbell wool socks mentioned later are likely produced by Takeda on an OEM basis. The material composition is 56% wool, 24% nylon, 9% polyester, and 8% acrylic, so it's hard to believe they're the same, but the construction of the toe and arch support is the same. The design allows for full toe movement, which is different from American brands and is an original design from Japan, the land of tabi. The knitting is full pile from the toe to the opening
The material is firm and doesn't give way to boots. It's not very absorbent, so it can get a bit stuffy, but it seems to dry quickly. The design provides real arch support, so there's no feeling of it slipping out. With this level of functionality, it's amazing that it's in the low 2,000 yen range. I think it would still have more than enough potential to compete even if it cost another 500 yen. I recommend it for mountain climbing
SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew
Balance No.1 socks from an American manufacturer specializing in merino wool
This is 〇
- An exquisite sense of balance. Just what you want, where you want it
- Compatible with a wide range of boots
Here is △
- It has no distinctive features, for better or worse. If I had to say, it's half-baked
A manufacturer specializing in materials that offer clothing made with merino wool. I purchased a size M, measuring 20cm
The material is 63% wool and 35% nylon. It's impossible to make socks out of 100% superfine merino wool. They'd develop holes easily. The quality of the material is clearly apparent in the soft feel. The nylon is designed to cover up the weaknesses of wool. The pile on the instep is carefully removed, leaving enough pile to allow for good ventilation even with stiff boots like these
The pile and thickness are just right, so there's no pain in the feet and they're very comfortable to wear. If you don't want to make a mistake and play it safe, I recommend this item. Anyone can appreciate its quality
R×L Socks TMW-36
Japan's leading running sock brand. No.1 in low-cut socks
This is 〇
- Functionality We really think about your feet
- Moisture absorption: It was smooth
Here is △
- If you can get the cushion above the ankle, this is the No. 1 in this review
- Design brand claims are understated, so those who understand understand
This Japanese sock manufacturer offers a wide selection of running socks. I purchased a size M, measuring 20.5cm
Are the exact composition ratios of merino wool, polyester, and nylon a secret?
The toes allow for easy movement, support where needed, pile where needed, cushioning where needed, and ventilation holes where ventilation is possible
The design is well-considered for foot movement. I have several pairs myself, but this is my first pair for trekking. The shape up to the ankle is almost ideal
For a long-distance hike like this, the area above the ankle was not cushioned enough. I would highly recommend this item for those with well-developed feet who are using low-cut shoes such as Fast Packers
FITS Medium Hiker Crew
This cheerful American sock brand may be the best for day hikes
This is 〇
- Soft comfort
- Fit as the name suggests
Here is △
- Too soft and not strong enough
- durability
This American brand offers a wide variety of colors and designs. Even though it's from the US, the sizing is just right. I purchased a size M, which measures 20cm
The full pile knitting extends from the toe to the opening. It has arch support and plenty of stretch for a perfect fit. The 70% wool/22% nylon/6% polyester material composition is rich in wool, so these shoes stayed smooth and comfortable all the way through, even on mountain climbs. The pile is thick enough that it doesn't hurt your feet, but with wool this soft, I'm actually concerned about its durability
There are no wrinkles or looseness in the toe or ankle area, and they're well made. I feel like they would be better suited to lighter shoes. I can't believe they're an American brand. They're great socks. If you're going on a day hike with minimal luggage and light shoes, these are definitely a great pair to wear
DARN TOUGH Hiker Boot Socks Midweight Cushion
These socks from "The USA" are very generous. I recommend them if you're close to the upper limit of the size indicated
This is 〇
- Lifetime warranty. I think it might get holes depending on how you use it
- The fit from the ankle up is just right
Here is △
- Thickness of the instep: There is no pile at all, so it may come into contact with hard boots
- The toe area is too loose for my feet
This American brand offers a lifetime warranty. I purchased a size M, which measures 23cm. The entire sole, from the heel up to the top of the boot, is fully terry knit
The material is 64% wool and 33% nylon, typical of a brand that boasts durability. The toe and heel areas, which are subject to stress, are made with a lot of nylon. When used in the mountains, you can feel the boots absorbing moisture to a certain extent, but in my case, I ended up sweating too much and it got a little stuffy
The laces may have been designed to reduce the thickness of the instep to improve the fit, but with these stiff boots I was concerned about the impact of the boots. The cushioning is thick enough that I don't notice any impact around the ankle or the opening
One thing that concerns me is the size. The heel area is fine, but the toe area is large. At the end of the test, there were wrinkles in the toe area. These wrinkles can cause blisters later, so be careful
The size issue is unavoidable. If your actual size is 26cm or larger, I think you'll have no problem.
It also has arch support, so as long as the size fits, you'll be fine. The design of the instep might be a concern if you're wearing a stiff boot, but I think it would look better if you were wearing a softer trekking shoe.
Feetures MERINO10 CUSHION MINI CREW
A cutting-edge American sock brand. These socks are perfect for everyday wear, even when hiking
This is 〇
- The softness of the material, on the other hand, the lack of durability
- Fit: The stretchy material feels great
Here is △
- I wonder if it's suitable for mountain climbing. Tencel is the best choice, and the length is above the ankle
- It's not durable, but it feels good
This is a relatively new American brand that specializes in running socks. I purchased a size M, which is estimated to be 24-26cm, but actually measures 16cm. The entire sole down to the heel is made of full pile, with a thin rib knit from the heel up, and a design that provides strong arch support
The material composition of 35% nylon, 31% wool, and 31% Tencel may be intended to achieve both strength and flexibility. The wool used is of high quality, so pilling occurs severely after just a few uses. The Tencel is made from highly absorbent wood pulp and is as supple as silk, but as a sock it slips around and the soles of the feet feel uncomfortable. The pile is thick enough. However, it did not reach the heel, and for these boots, it was not long enough above the ankle, so it was ruled out. Even if I were to use it with low-cut shoes, I would be concerned about it slipping so much
However, the material is really comfortable, doesn't get stuffy, and is soft. They are the best for everyday wear. They are quite expensive, but are for everyday wear for celebrities
ROTOTO HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE
A relatively new brand from Japan. Make a statement with your shorts
This is 〇
- Soft comfort
- A standout message
Here is △
- Overall loose
- thin
ROTOTO is a sock brand that offers several types of socks for trekking. I purchased a size M, measuring 22cm
The material is 79% wool, 13% polyester, and 5% nylon. The wool is made of high-quality ultra-fine fibers, making it very soft and comfortable to wear. However, the pile is only on the sole and heel, and the instep and upper parts are flat, so it was difficult to wear with boots like this one
There was no obvious feeling of misalignment, but the overall loose knitting style doesn't suit me personally. It might look different on people with slightly larger feet. I think it would be better to pair it with lighter boots for day hikes
STRIDE Yubi Socks
A new Japanese sock brand: Focus on the material. The smoothest feel. Perfect for running and fastpacking
This is 〇
- Material composition that keeps you feeling smooth
- Tabi fingers move well
Here is △
- It's great for running and fastpacking, but lacks volume and strength for serious hiking boots
Tabi socks made from a blend of paper fiber and wool. I purchased a size M, measuring 20cm
The material is 48% merino wool, 21% paper fiber, and 29% polyester. Honestly, I knew it wasn't a good match for a full-scale trekking boot like this one, but I was interested, so I guess that's what I'm talking about. Sorry, but I'll just ignore that when reading and get straight to the report
I personally own several pairs of paper fiber socks, but this is my first time trying a blend with merino. It makes sense in theory, and sounds quite interesting, but I haven't worn them enough to really feel the difference, so I can't explain the subtle differences. However, I can feel the smoothness of the paper fiber just by wearing them, and I understand the moisture-wicking properties of wool and the quick-drying properties of poly, so I'm excited. I walked and ran in trail running shoes wearing these socks, and they felt amazing
The toe movement and grip of the socks are good, so this is a pair of shoes I'd like to continue trying
Mont-bell KAMICO trekking socks
The most distinctive feature is the material. Made with paper fibers, it is the smoothest material for trekking
This is 〇
- The unique smoothness of paper fibers
- Sufficient thickness
Here is △
- Steaming and saturated
- Too loose
I also bought a pair of trekking socks from Montbell, made with paper fiber. I bought a size M, measuring 22cm
This paper fiber is used in trail running and adventure races due to its high moisture absorption and breathability. It is rare for a trekking material, so it is included in the list
The material composition of 36% polyester, 31% unclassified fiber (paper), and 31% nylon is designed for quick drying and a comfortable feel against the skin, but in an all-leather gore bootie like this one, its appeal is halved. I think you'll be able to really feel its benefits with breathable non-gore trekking boots. In this case, the moisture absorption was saturated with sweat. It wasn't as good as 100% synthetic fibers, but it did feel like sweat had accumulated. I think it would be more comfortable if used for lighter hiking
summary
This time, I chose mid-weight trekking socks for a summer tent hike and tried them out on an actual mountain hike. They were divided neatly into Japanese and American brands, but this is how I ended up choosing them after searching online. It was very interesting and meaningful to see how sizes and designs vary based on culture and physical characteristics
I will briefly explain the rough characteristics of the material
- Wool is a highly absorbent material that can absorb up to 30% of its own weight without feeling damp
- Nylon: Moisture-absorbent, high-strength material, often used for reinforcement purposes
- Polyester - Non-hygroscopic. Does not retain moisture, so it dries quickly and is quite strong
- Polyurethane: A stretchy material used to improve fit
These four are the main materials that make up socks. The best ratio of each material will change depending on the purpose of use
Designing socks involves adding various functions to these by changing the knitting method
In this case, the socks are paired with sturdy trekking shoes with built-in Gore booties, so it's clear that sweat absorption will outweigh breathability. Socks with a higher proportion of highly moisture-absorbent wool are advantageous, but even so, if worn for an extended period of time, the wool's moisture absorption capacity will become saturated and the wool will become hard. This means that how to expel moisture from the boots and provide ventilation becomes important, so the sock design comes into play
The best ratio of materials will change depending on whether the shoes you use have Gore inlays and whether the upper material is leather or synthetic, so there are so many different types of socks to choose from to help you determine these things
This review is just my personal opinion, but I hope it will serve as a reference for you when choosing socks
So, have fun with your new gear and enjoy your mountain trip!
Keroppa
It's been over 30 years since I first became interested in mountains and started wandering around. I didn't join any mountaineering clubs, but instead enjoyed testing out information from books, magazines, and the web, and somehow ended up working for an outdoor gear manufacturer. I spend my weekends in the mountains year-round, enjoying peak hunting, traverses, fly fishing in riverhead areas, river climbing, backcountry skiing, trail running, fastpacking, orienteering, and more, depending on the season. I love gear, and I always buy things I'm interested in as samples! I've recently been given the opportunity to write about them here. While I'm grateful for my work in this industry, I'll be writing reviews from a user's perspective, without bias. I hope to contribute in some way to the activities you all enjoy through new gear!
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