Travel Socks Guide: Compression, Hiking, and Why You Should Pack Them

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using them, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps to keep this site running – thank you!

Socks are often an underrated part of a traveler’s wardrobe. 

We spend so much time trying to find the “perfect” travel shoe that we forget about this key clothing component that can have just as much of an impact on your feet if not more.

Simply put, travel socks can make or break your feet.

When exploring a new destination is reliant on walking and hiking, a little thing like a blister can end a trip as soon as it starts. 

If you’re traveling in a place where you’ll be doing lots of both, or you’re doing something like the Camino de Santiago, definitely consider buying a pair of well-made socks!

This post will help you choose the perfect pair.

Choosing Travel Socks

There are a few different types of socks that you might consider for travel, hiking, and an active lifestyle. 

Here are a few of the qualities you should look for:

• Reasonable Cushioning: 

To prevent heel spurs, bunions, blisters, and other sorts of foot-related issues.

• Breathable Fabric: 

Problems like fungus and odor are more prevalent with certain sock fabrics, so make sure you choose a pair that are breathable. 

Cotton socks, while good for normal life, tend to hold in moisture which can be terrible for blisters when hiking or trekking. Merino wool socks might be a better option.

• Quick Drying: 

Especially if you’re doing your laundry on the road.

• Warmth or Coolness:

A good pair of socks can go a long way when keeping warm in winter travels. And a breathable pair is going to help keep you cool in the summer. Choose wisely!

---

Compression Socks for Travel

Created to keep the blood flowing in your legs, compression socks are worn by all sorts of people, including those with office jobs, athletes, and pregnant women. The fabric is stitched in a way that creates pressure and prevents deep vein thrombosis. 

They’re a recommended item to have for long-haul flights!

I didn’t wear compression socks much until I had surgery on my foot a few years back. Since then, I’ve found them very useful, especially for long-haul flights.

Vim & Vigr Compression Socks, $26 – $44

There are some not-so-cute compression socks on the market, but thankfully Vim & Vigr have solved that problem with their bright colors and designs. 

I’ve tried out both their nylon and cotton variations, but they also make moisture-wicking and wool socks.

They come in a standard and wide calf option.

• Read Caroline’s Vim & Vigr compression socks review.

Travelsox, $19 – $39

Travelsox is another brand that creates compression socks specifically for travel, albeit less decorative than Vim & Vigr. 

They cost slightly less but can be found in basic colors with foot padding. They’re made of anti-fungal material to prevent odor and other afflictions and also dry quickly.

Sockwell, $29

Sockwell compression socks are made entirely in the USA and offer both moderate and firm compression for your travel needs. 

This company uses merino wool and 80% of their total nylon usage is recycled. They make full length and ankle length compression socks in a variety of patterns and colors.

---

The Best Hiking Socks for Travel

A few additional features make socks ideal for hiking and long walks. 

Ask the experts at your local running or outdoors store for suggestions if you have problems with your feet as I do. Consider what the thickness should be depending on the conditions you’ll be wearing them in. 

Also, think about the fabrics – wicking materials are always a good option! 

Wear them a few times before a big trip to make sure they’re a good fit!

Wrightsock, $17-37

Alyssa shared her love for Wrightsocks, a double-layered pair of socks that she originally found during her training for a half-marathon:

“I first learned of Wrightsock products when I was looking for a way to prevent blisters during a half-marathon. An associate at a running store suggested them, so I decided to give Wrightsock a try. I was amazed at the results! My blisters completely disappeared during training runs and the half-marathon.”

• Read Alyssa’s Wrightsock review.

Smartwool Socks, $20 – $30

My brand of choice for socks, especially in cold weather, is Smartwool, which adapts to wick sweat in warm weather and insulate your toes in winter. 

They come in athletic and standard versions with different levels of padding. They’re also long-lasting. I’ve had the same pair for many years. 

Best of all, they can be machine washed without shrinking!

REI Hiking Socks, $12 – $23

This American outdoor store brand also has their own line of hiking and travel socks. They feature many of the same qualities you’ll find in the name brands but at a lower price, especially for co-op members.  You can get a pair for half the price of the other brands. 

Made of either merino wool or COOLMAX® EcoMade fabric, these socks are breathable and provide cushioning and support.

Darn Tough Socks, $19-35

Darn Tough is a brand recommended by many HPL readers and we can see why!

Made in Vermont, USA, Darn Tough socks are guaranteed to last a lifetime. If your Darn Tough socks ever rip, tear, or lose their fit, their Lifetime Guarantee will cover it!

Made from merino wool, with a variety of colors and designs, and a performance fit that means no slipping, bunching, or blisters, these socks are a great addition to your hiking travel wardrobe.

---

Travel Socks are an Investment

When it comes to socks, and travel gear in general, you get what you pay for, so you may end up paying around $30 USD for a pair of high-quality socks. They’ll last you through many travels if you treat them well. 

Also, consider how many pairs you’ll want to bring per trip. 

Two is usually fine, no matter the length of the trip, but you may want more or less, depending on your trip style and activities.

• Determining Cost vs. Use When Buying Gear

What are your preferred brands of socks for travel and hiking?