As a kid, I often wore two or three pairs of cotton socks topped with a super thick wool sock. It was a very inefficient system and did more harm than good. After many years, miles, and cold sits, I learned just how important good hunting socks are.

　　Hunting socks may not be a glamorous gear item, but they sure as heck deserve your attention. Cold or sore feet are a sure-fire way to make a fun activity miserable. You can have the best boots in the world, but if youre not wearing the right things underneath them, cold, blistered feet are in your future.

　　Between comfort, moisture mitigation, and keeping you warm/cool, socks are key ingredients to happy feet in the woods.

　　With all of that said, there are a ton of hunting sock options floating around out there. To help sort them all out, other hunters at Gear Junkie and I decided to pull our top picks for 2025 together. With any luck, this list will help ease your search and put smiles on your feet come hunting season.

　　Editors Note: Gear Junkie updated this guide on September 10, 2025, with the Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Crew Socks taking the award for winter conditions, and the Meindl MT3.5 Lightweight Merino Socks as the perfect choice when breathability is paramount. A Price and Value section was also added.

　　The Best Hunting Socks of 2025 Best Overall Hunting Socks Darn Tough Midweight Hunting Sock 9.0/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Bass Pro ShopsCheck Price at Darn Tough Best Budget Hunting Socks Cabela’s Instinct 2.0 Wool Crew 7.9/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at CabelasCheck Price at Bass Pro Best for Frigid Conditions Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Crew Socks 8.9/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS check price at smartwool menscheck price at smartwool Womenscheck price at Backcountry Womens Best Hunting Socks for Hot Weather Meindl MT3.5 Lightweight Merino Socks 8.0/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Amazon Best Hunting Sock for Women Darn Tough Womens Boot Midweight Hunting Sock 9.0/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Darn ToughCheck Price at Black Ovis Most Versatile Hunting Sock Vortex Optics Game Trail Tick Repellent Hunt Sock 7.8/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at BlackOvis Most Technical Hunting Sock KUIU Ultra Merino Over the Calf Sock 9.1/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Kuiu See more picks Darn Tough Midweight Hunting Sock Check Price at Bass Pro ShopsCheck Price at Darn Tough

　　9.0 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 64% merino wool, 33% nylon, and 3% Lycra spandex Season: Mid Sizes offered: S, M, L, XL, and XXL Pros Unconditional lifetime guarantee Performance fit Has cooling vents Cons Too hot for early-season hunting Josh Kirchner There is only so much room at the top of the mountain. All contributors in this guide are in agreement, the Darn Tough Midweight Hunting Sock ($28) sits above the rest.

　　The name Darn Tough is well-known when it comes to high-quality socks. Its Midweight Hunting Sock is everything you need it to be. It’s made with 64% merino wool, 33% nylon, and 3% Lycra spandex. This translates into both comfort and moisture mitigation. Darn Tough offers these in sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL. All socks are still made in Vermont.

　　This midweight hunting sock has a performance fit that avoids bunching and slipping. That’s a huge plus when it comes to hunting steep terrain. The cushioned underfoot and leg zones aid in mitigating boot lace pressure and add to overall comfort. Last but not least, the built-in cooling vents on this sock help with breathability and temperature regulation.

　　This made-in-the-USA hunting sock doesn’t sacrifice quality in the least. Oh, and let’s not forget the Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. The performance and Lifetime Guarantee are why the Midweight Hunting Sock from Darn Tough takes the cake.

　　Best Budget Hunting Socks Cabela’s Instinct 2.0 Wool Crew Check Price at CabelasCheck Price at Bass Pro

　　7.9 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 63% merino wool, 28% nylon, 7% carbon nylon, and 2% Lycra blend Season: Mid to late Sizes offered: M (6-8), L (9-12), XL (12-15) Pros Affordable Moisture-wicking and heat-retaining Made in the USA Cons Fit could be better Josh Kirchner Socks are only going to cost so much, but it’s still worth mentioning the best bang for your buck. In that regard, the Cabela’s Instinct 2.0 Wool Crew ($17) is tough to beat.

　　The Instinct is made with 63% merino wool, 28% nylon, 7% carbon nylon, and 2% Lycra blend. You can expect natural moisture wicking, odor resistance, and temperature regulation from the soft merino wool. Available sizes include M (6-8), L (9-12), and XL (12-15), and they are made in the USA.

　　An interesting feature of the 2.0 Wool Crew is that it’s infused with carbon coffee residue. This helps aid in keeping the stink down. The sock also has reinforced impact areas through the shin and calf as well as targeted padding through the ankle, foot, calf, and shin — all things that provide extra comfort. Lastly, to add even more comfort, Nilit Heat fibers help retain the natural heat from your feet.

　　Quality doesn’t always have to mean a bigger chunk taken out of your bank account. The Instinct 2.0 Wool Crew from Cabela’s has got you covered.

　　Best for Frigid Conditions Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Crew Socks check price at smartwool menscheck price at smartwool Womenscheck price at Backcountry Womens

　　8.9 How we rate products Specifications Material: 74% Merino Wool 25% Nylon 1% Elastane Height: Crew Cushion: Maxiumum Moisture wicking: Yes Pros Exceptionally warm for winter and cold weather Thick, soft cushioning for comfort under heavy loads Merino wool wicks moisture and resists odor Very durable and holds up well after repeated use Cons Too bulky for warm weather or snug-fitting boots Not suitable for fast hikes or high-output activities Josh Kirchner When things get frosty on stationary hunts, tester Morgan Nowels turns to the Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Crew Socks ($27) to keep his feet warm. As the thickest sock in the Smartwool lineup, they provide tons of warmth and comfortable padding that make it feel like youre wearing slippers.

　　You probably notice a heavy merino focus in this guide — due to its incredible benefits as a next-to-skin fabric. The Mountaineer keeps the Merino train rolling, with a 74% merino, 24% Nylon, and 1% Elastane construction. Smartwool sources Merino from New Zealand, but produces all of its socks in North Carolina and Tennessee, so youre supporting American manufacturing.

　　In the field, you should restrict these socks to only the coldest of hunts, or as a sock to wear with your waders on waterfowl hunts. Morgan has tested them in warmer weather and found that in temps above 50 degrees, his feet burned up and the socks got very sweaty. But, if youre going to be mostly stationary, or temps are below freezing, theyre the deal.

　　It should be noted that these socks are so warm and bulky that they can make snug-fitting boots feel tight. Loosen up your laces or pair them with slightly larger-fitting rubber hunting boots to keep circulation flowing.

　　Best Hunting Socks for Hot Weather Meindl MT3.5 Lightweight Merino Socks Check Price at Amazon

　　8.0 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 52% Polyamide, 27% Merino, 18% Polypropylene, 3% Elastane Season: Early season Sizes Offered: Large (8-10.5), XL (11-14) Pros Exceptional breathability Manufactured with contour specific to each foot (right and left) Price Padded where you need it Cons Runs a touch small Not for cold weather Josh Kirchner In the early season, insulation takes a backseat to breathability. With a 52% Polyamide, 27% Merino, 18% Polypropylene, and 3% Elastane construction, the Meindl MT3.5 Lightweight Merino socks ($25) fit the bill perfectly.

　　Polyamide is a fancy term for Nylon. The nylon-heavy merino blend is precisely what makes these socks breathe better than others. Tester Morgan Nowels wore these all summer on whitetail scouting missions and was impressed with the performance in hot, humid weather. At the end of the day, hed pull his boots off, and rather than having sticky socks, the MT3.5s were relatively dry.

　　Theres plenty of cushioning around the toes, arch and heel, which is one of the only places youll find bulk. The rest of the sock is built to breathe. After going three days without a wash, the socks werent hard or crunchy, and smelled ok.

　　The socks run a touch on the small side, and most people will benefit from getting the XL size. Aside from the cushioning, the rest of the sock is thin (yet durable!), so they arent great for cold-weather hunts. But if youre sick of sweaty feet, the Meindl MT3.5 will get the job done.

　　Best Hunting Sock for Women Darn Tough Womens Boot Midweight Hunting Sock Check Price at Darn ToughCheck Price at Black Ovis

　　9.0 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 63% merino wool, 35% nylon, 2% Lycra spandex Season: Mid Sizes offered: S, M, L Pros Very comfortable Great fit Unconditionally guaranteed for life Cons Too hot for early-season hunting Josh Kirchner Surprise, surprise, the best hunting sock for women turns out to be a lateral move from our best overall pick. Darn Tough is at it again, this time with the Womens Boot Midweight Hunting Sock ($28) and it’s the number-one choice for the ladies.

　　This mid-season hunting sock is made with 63% merino wool, 35% nylon, and 2% Lycra spandex. It’s available in S, M, and L sizes. And just like the already mentioned sock from Darn Tough, these are Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life.

　　One of the slickest features of this sock is its performance fit. The hunting woods are rarely flat, which can up the slippage factor in socks. With the performance fit and light ribbing, this sock is made to stay put when you need it most. And while you’re negotiating your way through the mountains, the built-in cooling vents will help mitigate moisture buildup.

　　Darn Tough is a prominent name in not just the hunting socks, but socks in general. It’s the brands passion and it shows through in its products. The Darn Tough Boot Midweight Hunting Sock for Women is a prime example of that. Hunt/Fish editor Rachelle Schrute has extensive experience with these socks and nothing but good things to say about them.

　　Most Versatile Hunting Sock Vortex Optics Game Trail Tick Repellent Hunt Sock Check Price at BlackOvis

　　7.8 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 34% nylon, 28% merino wool, 28% acrylic, 8% polyester, and 2% spandex Season: Early to mid Sizes offered: M, L, XL Pros Very comfortable Helps repel ticks Vortex VIP warranty Cons We wish this went over the calf. It would add to the versatility and aid more in not only more tick-repelling real estate but also warmth. Josh Kirchner Vortex Optics is better known for its optics. However, the company also produces a line of clothing, and socks are a part of that line. The Game Trail Tick Repellent Hunt Sock ($25) from Vortex Optics raises the bar in terms of versatility. This mid-calf sock is made of 34% nylon, 28% merino wool, 28% acrylic, 8% polyester, and 2% spandex. It’s offered in three sizes — M, L, and XL — and comes in hunter orange or olive.

　　The versatility of the Game Trail Tick Repellent lies in the name. Along with being a comfortable sock for all-day hunting, it’s also infused with permethrin-based technology right into the yarn. With that, this sock also has a reinforced toe and heel, a cushioned sole and heel, and arch support.

　　If you hate ticks as much as we do, don’t sleep on the Game Trail Tick Repellent Hunt Sock from Vortex Optics. These will not only repel those nasty ticks, but they will also keep your feet nice and comfy for all-day hunting. A win-win sock.

　　Most Technical Hunting Sock KUIU Ultra Merino Over the Calf Sock Check Price at Kuiu

　　9.1 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 55% merino wool, 25% nylon, 15% Lycra, and 5% spandex Season: Early/Mid Sizes offered: M, L, and XL Pros Shin protection Ankle protection Made with Nuyarn technology in merino wool (higher stretch, better moisture management, greater insulation) Cons Expensive Josh Kirchner KUIU creates some of the best technical hunting clothing in the game, and its Ultra Merino Over the Calf Socks ($39) are a reflection of that. It’s a no-brainer to give these the title of most technical hunting sock.

　　The Ultra Merino Over the Calf Sock is about as beastly as a sock gets. It’s made with 55% merino wool, 25% nylon, 15% Lycra, and 5% spandex. KUIU offers sizes M, L, and XL with just one color available for purchase.

　　KUIU has made sure that all parts of the sock that touch your feet benefit from the natural moisture-wicking Nuyarn technology in the merino wool. The outside of the sock is nylon to help with durability. KUIU incorporated spandex in all the right places, as well as shin and ankle protection. On top of the sock, there is a Paladin Plate to help relieve pressure from the top of the foot where boot laces sit. This feature allegedly promotes blood flow.

　　For hunters looking for the next level in technical hunting socks, this is where it’s at. The Ultra Merino Over the Calf Sock from KUIU will do right by you.

　　Best of the Rest Farm to Feet Ely Check Price at Backcountry.comCheck Price at Sportsmans Warehouse

　　7.9 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 63% US merino wool, 33% US nylon, and 4% US Lycra spandex Season: Early Sizes offered: M, L, and XL Pros Lightweight but durable Targeted cushioning Entirely sourced and made in the USA Cons The padding might be too much for some folks Josh Kirchner The early season is one of my favorite times of the year. And the Ely ($26) from Farm to Feet is a solid choice for tackling those hunts.

　　Farm to Feet is dedicated to making the highest-quality merino wool socks on the market, and it has been doing that since 2013. Not only that, but its also committed to keeping everything in the U.S. — U.S. workers, U.S. materials, and U.S. manufacturing. Now, let’s chat about the Ely.

　　The Ely is a mid-calf sock that is a lightweight version of the most technically advanced hunting sock Farm to Feet makes. It comes in just one color (brown) and is available in sizes M, L, and XL. As far as materials go, the ingredients here are 63% merino wool, 33% nylon, and 4% Lycra spandex.

　　Along with the natural benefits of merino wool (moisture-wicking, odor resistance, and insulation when wet), Farm to Feet has also put targeted light cushioning into the Ely. These are located in critical performance areas of the sock. You’ll also benefit from a seamless toe enclosure for added comfort and low-stress seam placement. The seam placement helps elevate durability which inevitably prolongs the life of the sock.

　　Hunters looking for a fully USA-sourced early-season hunting sock need to look no further. The Ely holds the torch and is lighting the way.

　　Kenetrek Yellowstone Lightweight Boot Height Sock Check Price at Scheels

　　7.7 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 36% merino wool, 35% polypropylene, 20% nylon, 6% elastic, and 3% Lycra Season: Summer to early fall Sizes offered: M, L, and XL (men) and S, M (women) Pros Lightweight enough for summer Comfortable Made in the USA Cons Definitely will need another sock for later in the season Josh Kirchner The biggest problems with lightweight socks are durability and longevity. High-end boot company Kenetrek is looking to address that with its Yellowstone Lightweight Boot Height Sock ($25).

　　This lightweight hunting sock is made with 36% merino wool, 35% polypropylene, 20% nylon, 6% elastic, and 3% Lycra. It’s available in sizes M, L, and XL (men) and S, M (women). As the name states, this is a boot-height sock, which is great for warmer hunts. To cap it off, the Yellowstone is made in the USA.

　　With the Yellowstone, you’ll get superior heel/toe reinforcement for added durability. Like most hunting socks these days, it’s made with merino wool. The merino excels at moisture-wicking and is naturally odor-resistant.

　　If you’re looking for a great summer to early fall hunting sock that can handle a serious amount of abuse, check out the Yellowstone Lightweight Boot Height Sock from Kenetrek.

　　Crispi San Juan Merino Crew Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at BlackOvis

　　7.7 How we rate products Specifications Materials: 59% merino wool, 37% nylon, and 4% Lycra spandex Season: Early Sizes offered: M, L, XL Pros Breathable Retains shape after heavy use Made in USA Cons Steep downhill grades tend to make the toe stretch underneath toward the ball of your foot. Josh Kirchner Crispi is mostly known for its high-end boots, but its sock line is nothing to sneeze at. The San Juan Merino Crew ($20) is one of my go-to socks for early-season hunts, and I’ve got an incalculable amount of miles with them at this point.

　　The Crispi San Juan Merino Crew hits all of the marks for a solid lightweight hunting sock. This is a thinner sock made with 59% merino wool, 37% nylon, and 4% Lycra spandex. Crispi offers this sock in sizes M, L, and XL. To top it off, the San Juan is made in the USA.

　　Integrated into the San Juan are a cushioned heel and toe, nylon reinforcements for durability in high-stress zones, and arch support. The Lycra-stretched yarn will aid in shape retention of the sock, too, which is huge for hiking steep country. These also sport a seamless toe closure.

　　For hunters looking for a lightweight, good all-around hunting sock, the San Juan Merino Crew is a solid option. It continues to perform hunt after hunt.

　　Best Hunting Socks of 2025 Comparison Chart

　　Quick-drying wool socks are key for snowy, late-season conditions; (photo/Josh Kirchner) How We Tested the Best Hunting Socks of 2025 The crew of hunters at Gear Junkie has been testing different hunting socks for decades. Between everyone, weve hunted in the desert with temps over 100 degrees, to frigid late-season muzzleloader hunts in the mountains. Different socks excel in different situations, and after all of our time in the field, we have the sock game dialed.

　　Our Expert Testers Hunting is one of my ultimate passions and I’ve been backpack hunting with a smile on my face for the past 10 years. And the health of my feet is a massive part of that. Trust is a must with socks for me.

　　Whether I’m making a long double-digit hike into a backcountry camp, or I’m hauling out a mind-bendingly heavy load, my feet are the gateway to the finish line. In other words, I have absolutely zero tolerance for incapable socks.

　　Gear Junkie contributor Morgan Nowels has gone through dozens of pairs of socks and found which ones he can rely on year after year. In one season alone, he chased desert muleys in August, Nebraska pheasants, ducks on the Great Salt Lake, late-season elk, and chukar in the snow-covered mountains. Through varying conditions, he developed his own thoughts on what makes certain socks stand above others.

　　Our Testing Process When testing out a pair of hunting socks, there are a few things on my radar. Fit, comfort, insulation, and breathability. I’m also paying attention to how my feet feel overall while hiking, whether hot spots are present, or if my feet are sweating. Success in these areas is critical for pursuing my passions, as a bad pair of socks can cause a bad day in the field.

　　Of course, with my own experiences, I also took into account the experiences of trusted hunters around me. It provides a different perspective and gets me out of my own head for a bit.

　　Between all of the contributors, we actively hunted in the heat and sat in blinds for hours in the cold. In those types of extreme conditions, the cream of the crop rises to the top in short order.

　　All of our feet may be a little bit different, but the hunting socks listed above will cater to a wide range of hunters — whether they’re sitting in a treestand, or packing miles into the backcountry.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Hunting Sock Up above, Ive laid out quite a few options for hunting socks. And aside from the top picks, there are a ton of options out there for you to choose from. So, how do you go about choosing the right hunting sock for you? Read on to find out. Once youve dialed in your sock game, consider taking a look at the GearJunkie guide to the top hunting boots.

　　Time of Year The first thing that needs to be established is what time of year you’re planning on hunting the most. Choose a sock that fits the demands of most of your hunts. Obviously, the early season is going to be warmer than the late season. Don’t be the guy hunting with a late-season sock when it’s 80 degrees out. That’s a recipe for a bad time.

　　So, why not just use a midweight sock for everything to hit all of the marks? You can absolutely do that, just know that it’s a give and take. You’ll give up warmth in the late season or you’ll give up breathability in the early season. Of course, there are tricks to get by like airing your feet out often when it’s hot or starting a fire to warm the toes when it’s cold.

　　The last thing you need on a hunt are blisters or cold feet; (photo/Josh Kirchner) Style of Hunting Another factor in choosing the right hunting sock for you is your style of hunting. Some hunters are more active and they prefer to stay mobile. And when you’re more mobile, you’re naturally going to sweat more. At the same time, the more methodical hunter who plays the waiting game more often than not has different needs. They aren’t going to sweat as much and will require more insulation depending on the time of year.

　　For the active hunter a lightweight hunting sock like the Meindl MT3.5 Lightweight Merino sock is going to be best. This is going to not only wick moisture away, but because it’s thinner it will be more breathable and dry faster. Even when it’s cold out, if I’m moving on a regular basis, I don’t need a super thick sock to stay warm. In fact, having too thick of a sock could cause more harm than good because you’ll sweat more. Wet equals cold. You want to keep your feet dry and warm.

　　For more stationary hunters, sock choice is going to be temperature-dependent. In the early season, a lightweight sock will be just fine. However, when it gets cold, this is where the gap increases between the active and stationary hunters. In these cases, lean on the mid-heavyweight side. When you’re not moving as much, you’ll require more insulation simply because you’re radiating less heat. When things are cold and youre stationary hunting, the Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Crew Sock is tough to beat.

　　We suggest using wool socks over cotton or synthetic. They are generally more durable and odor resistant, and are worth the extra expense; (photo/Josh Kirchner) Test Before Your Hunt This is not a cookie-cutter process. The hunting sock that your buddy loves might not do right by you. I’ve had that happen in the past. Maybe you just don’t like where a certain seam or reinforcement zone is on a sock, thus decreasing the comfort level.

　　With that said, test your socks before heading out on a hunting trip — even if that’s just wearing them around the house for a day. You won’t know if they’re going to work unless you try. And you don’t want to find out they don’t while out on a hunt.

　　Price and Value Socks are cheap relative to the rest of the gear you need for a complete hunting kit. There isnt nearly as much of a difference between the prices as other equipment, and its one of those things where it really makes sense to spend the money on the best there is.

　　With that said, here are the different tiers of hunting socks youll find on the market.

　　Budget When it comes to hunting socks, there arent any real budget options (under $15). Most technical socks are much more expensive per pair than the average standard sock on the market.. A budget sock would be the ones you already own or buy in a six-pack at Walmart.

　　Most budget socks are not technical pieces of apparel. They wont have moisture-wicking properties, and are more than likely not wool. Many are made with cotton, which is a no-go in the woods.

　　Budget socks will leave you with cold feet, blisters, and will not be durable.

　　Mid-Tier While the Cabela’s Instinct 2.0 Wool Crewwon the best budget award, in the grand scheme of things, its a mid-priced sock at around $15 per pair. But for hunting specific socks, theyre a steal.

　　For under 20 bucks, its hard to find merino socks, but they are out there. A good mid-tier sock will be made with merino wool, providing warmth and moisture-wicking properties. They may not be as durable as others or have extensive padding for those long treks, but they can certainly get the job done.

　　Premium Premium hunting socks ($25 or more per pair) are the crème de la crème and will give hunters everything they ever need. In this price range, you can find synthetic/wool blend socks like the Meindl MT3.5 Lightweight Merino socks, that provide you fantastic breathability for warm weather hunts.

　　There are also options with thick merino wool, like the Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Crew Socks for those hunts that are so cold, most people stay at home watching football.

　　Other ultra premium options, like the $39 KUIU Ultra Merino Over the Calf Sock have some of the most advanced padding you can find, ensuring your feet stay comfortable for long backcountry hikes.

　　Paying a premium price allows you to hone in on the perfect sock for your needs. In the Gear Junkie teams collective experience, its worth it.

　　Frequently Asked Questions What kind of socks should I wear for hunting? We strongly suggest merino wool socks for hunting. Merino wool is fantastic at wicking moisture, retaining insulation when wet, preventing odor, and regulating body temperature. It covers the gamut of what hunters need out of a sock.

　　What are the best hunting socks for hunting in cold weather? Our top pick for late-season hunting is the Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Crew Socks. The socks you need for hunting in cold weather ultimately depend on your hunting style.

　　Should you layer socks for hunting? We don’t recommend layering socks for hunting unless we’re talking about adding a sock liner underneath your regular hunting sock. Wearing too many socks is not only uncomfortable, but it also poses a risk of excessive sweating. Sweating will lead to cold feet.

　　What do you wear in hot weather? We strongly recommend the Farm to Feet Ely for hot-weather hunting. This is a lightweight, breathable sock that will wick away moisture and dry quickly.

　　How do you keep sweaty feet warm while hunting? Sweaty feet are cold feet. If your feet get sweaty, we recommend drying them out — as well as your boots and socks. Starting a fire will help achieve this. If your feet are getting sweaty too often, you might want to try thinner socks, especially if you are hiking a lot. The best way of dealing with sweat is to prevent it in the first place.

　　The Best Hunting Boots for Men of 2025 Whether youre hunting moose in the Yukon or wing-shooting pheasants in South Dakota, weve rounded up the best hunting boots of the year.

　　The Best Womens Hunting Boots of 2023 From the best elk hunting boots to the warmest boots for the treestand, youre bound to find something in our list of the best hunting boots for women.