Are you looking for the best hunting socks?
Well you've come to the right place!
We have reviews of all the top hunting socks written by real hunters, not some computer geek looking to sell you socks.
Here's the deal...
As hunters, we need socks that are going to keep our feet warm and dry.
We have put together a list of the best socks that we use on a daily basis, complete with reviews.
Top 8 Best Hunting Socks
- 1Darn Tough Hunter Extra Cushion Socks - Best Overall
- 2Farm To Feet Ansonville Hunting Socks - Best Runner Up
- 3Smartwool PHD Hunting Socks - Best For Cold Weather
- 4Darn Tough CoolMax Hunting Socks - Best For Warm Weather
- 5Farm To Feet Ely Light Weight Hunting Socks - Best Lightweight
- 6SwiftWick Pursuit Hike Six Socks - Best Hunting Hiking Socks
- 7Darn Tough Hunter Boot Socks - Best Boot Height
- 8Fox River Wick Dry Maximum Military Socks - Best For Sweaty Feet
The biggest surprise in our testing of the best socks for hunting comes from the Darn Tough Hunter Extra Cushion Hunting Socks.
I wore these socks on a bow hunt for whitetails in Ohio last November. I was crossing a creek and slipped off of a rock and my right foot went into the water. The water was deeper than the top of my Gore Tex boot and my boot quickly filled with water.
The air temp was 30 degrees and the water was extremely cold as well. I thought that my hunt was over and I was going to have to go back to camp and change socks and dry my boots.
I sat down and took off my boot and dumped the water out. I took off my sock and repeatedly wrung it out until most of the water was out. Keep in mind the sock was still wet.
I put the sock and the boot back on and continued to my tree stand. By the time I reached my stand, my right foot was as warm as my left!
I notoriously get cold feet, so I was sure that once I had been sitting for a while, my right foot was going to be freezing. To my amazement, I was wrong! The temperature got up to around 35 degrees and my feet were toasty warm!
I couldn't believe it! I am still wearing this same pair of socks almost six months later and they are still like brand new. These are not only the best hunting socks, they are the best wool socks period!
RELATED: Best Rain Gear For Hunting
Here's a great video about how to choose the best socks for hunting.
Best Hunting Socks Reviews
Best Overall
Our search for the best socks is over! These socks are literally changing the game in foot comfort.
We have tried and tested just about every sock on the market including socks from Thorlo, Wigwam, Cabelas, Smartwool and many more.
None of them can compare to the socks from Darn Tough!
We have worn these socks on numerous hunts over the last year and they perform very well.
As you can probably tell, we are a big fan of the over the calf design.
This design helps keep your calves warm, while helping to keep the sock from sliding down.
The fit is nice and snug and they do wick the moisture very well.
What customers say: "Customer for life. Slowly will convert all socks to darn tough. Wore over the calf for 4 years on the weekends from Nov to May. Wore a whole in one, sent in the paperwork and socks. Absolutely free pair credited to my account, shipping and all! Told all my friends and family. Best socks I’ve ever owned! By far." Jason B.
Why You Should Consider The Darn Tough Hunter Socks
- Comfort - We have yet to test a more comfortable, form fitting hunting sock than the Darn Tough Hunter.
- Warmth - As described above, these socks are unbelievably warm, even when wet!
- Durability - Darn Tough Vermont socks are some of the most durable hunting socks that we have tested.
- 100% Made in the USA - Darn Tough Socks are still made in Northfield Vermont, with all of their wool coming out of the family owned mill.
- Guarantee - Their unconditional lifetime guarantee is simple. If your socks are not the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you have ever owned, return them for another pair. No strings. No conditions. Socks guaranteed for life.
- Value - How can you put a price on a guarantee like that. Guaranteed for life means that you may never have to buy another pair.
Their guarantee is pretty incredible but there are some things they don't cover.
We encourage you to buy from Darn Tough. They are an American company with American workers that deserve your business.
Buy American Made!
Best Wool Socks for Hunting
Farm to Feet Ansonville Socks are our second choice for the best hunting socks. We've been testing them for almost a year now and they have proven to be far superior to most of the other socks we have tested.
The over the calf design is ideal for use with knee high rubber hunting boots.
What customers say: "I received my first pair of Farm To Feet socks for Christmas two years ago. I now own 12 pairs. I have everything from light to heavy weight winter socks. Six pairs are Men's Damascus which are my go to socks. I wear them daily. I like the fact they are calf high. Farm To Feet socks always stay up no mater what shoes or boots I'm wearing. So many styles to choose from make them a fun present to give. I also appreciate that Farm To Feet stands by it's products. After two years I'm still wearing my original two pairs of Damascus.Thank You, Farm To Feet!" Harry S.
What Makes Farm to Feet Ansonville the World’s Best Hunting Socks?
- Comfort - These socks are very comfortable with a very soft merino wool.
- Warmth - These socks meet all of the criteria for warmth, although we have not tried them when wet.
- Durability - We have put these socks to the test, wearing them daily for almost a year. They have outlasted every other sock tested!
- 100% American Ingredients - Farm to Feet socks are made with 100% U.S. merino wool (1) sourced from American Sheep Industry Ranchers (2) and 100% U.S. nylon and Spandex.
- 100% U.S. Manufacturing - Farm to Feet socks are manufactured in the United States with 100% American Workers!
- Guarantee - If you are not 100% satisfied with the performance or durability of your Farm to Feet socks, simply return them to Farm to Feet for a 100% refund! No questions asked!
- Value - While the price tag might seem high at first, realize that they are going to last twice as long as all other hunting socks.
With the Farm to Feet 100% satisfaction guarantee, you have absolutely nothing to lose! Get a pair of Farm to Feet Socks Today! Your feet will thank you and you will be supporting American Workers!
Best Hunting Socks for Cold Weather
The Smartwool PHD Hunting socks are another close runner up for best socks for hunting.
In all honesty, you can't go wrong with any of the top 3 top hunting socks.
One of the reasons that the Smartwool hunting socks are not rated higher is because even though they are made in the USA, they are made with imported merino wool.
We prefer to buy hunting socks that are made in the USA with American wool.
What customers say: "My husband is a hunter and hunting guide and spends countless hours outside in single digit temperatures. He has tried many different socks and after one cold day without cold feet at all, we are swapping out a drawer full of socks for these Smartwool PHDs. We immediately ordered more pairs of them. The hunt is over (for socks, that is!)" Buck
Why You Should Consider The Smartwool PHD Socks
- Performance oriented fit - These socks feature the trademarked 4 degree Elite Fit System with a flex zone at the ankle for a more comfortable, high performance fit.
- Indestructawool - These socks feature a patent pending construction process that puts them ahead of other hunting socks.
- Durability - Smartwool socks are very durable, but not as durable as the hunting socks above.
- Made in the USA - Smartwool Socks are made in the USA, however, they use imported wool and other fabrics in their socks.
- Guarantee - Unlike the socks above, Smartwool only offers a two year guarantee.
Best Warm Weather Hunting Socks
Not every hunt calls for warm socks. There are many times that you will need a high quality cushioned sock when the temperature is warm.
Think about sitting in a tree stand during early bow season, or chasing rutting elk up and down mountainsides.
These times call for the Darn Tough CoolMax Hunting Socks.
These socks fit great, are blister free and wick moisture away to keep sweaty feet dry and comfortable.
What customers say: "I've been wearing DT socks as a hiking sock for over 12 years. They are, by far, the best socks I've ever worn. For the last few years I've worn them everyday. I've always claimed they wore like iron with the comfort of a close friend. Recently I went through my collection of DT socks with the intention of disposing of a few pairs that were worn thin or had holes. At the trashcan I recalled their lifetime guaranty... Why not try it? Within ten days I had brand new socks. You can't go wrong with DT socks. Great socks, great comfort and great service." Doug B.
Why You Should Consider The Darn Tough CoolMax Socks
- Comfort - These socks fit perfectly and hug your feet tightly to prevent slipping and bunching, which means no more blisters!
- Warmth - These socks are made from 39% CoolMax, which wicks moisture away from your skin to keep your feet dry and comfortable. They are not intended to keep your feet warm.
- Durability - We have pairs of these socks going on 5 years old that are as good today as the day we bought them.
- 100% Made in the USA - Darn Tough Socks are still made in Northfield Vermont.
- Guarantee - Their unconditional lifetime guarantee is simple. If your socks are not the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you have ever owned, return them for another pair. No strings. No conditions. Socks guaranteed for life.
- Value - Yes, they are expensive, but the fact that they last for years and are guaranteed for life provides an incredible amount of value.
Best Lightweight Hunting Socks
The Farm To Feet Ely hunting socks are one of our favorites when we don't require a heavy sock for cold weather.
The Ely comes in both lightweight and midweight versions.
We find these socks ideal for all conditions except for really cold weather.
These socks are considered unisex, so they are great socks for both men and women.
We really like the over the calf design. If you are not a fan of the over the calf design, keep reading, we are going to recommend some mid calf hunting socks below.
What customers say: "I wore these socks on a 10 mile hike to Boulder Lake and my feet stayed dry all day. The minute I put them on I knew they were quality socks by the feel of the material and the fit. I did like that you could not feel any seams as well." Carl S.
Why You Should Consider Farm to Feet Ely Socks
- Comfort - Some of the socks above come close, but none can match the comfort of Farm To Feet socks. It all has to do with the merino wool and their manufacturing technique.
- Warmth - These socks are not designed for extreme cold, but they are perfect for most days in the field.
- Durability - We have yet to find a pair of hunting socks that can match the durability of Farm To Feet socks.
- 100% American Ingredients - Farm to Feet socks are made with 100% U.S. merino wool sourced from American Sheep Industry Ranchers and 100% U.S. nylon and Spandex.
- 100% U.S. Manufacturing - Farm to Feet socks are manufactured in the United States with 100% American Workers! We love a company that focuses on Made in the USA.
- Guarantee - If you are not 100% satisfied with the performance or durability of your Farm to Feet socks, simply return them to Farm to Feet for a 100% refund! No questions asked! This is the best guarantee in the industry.
- Value - Given the Farm To Feet guarantee, these may be the last hunting socks that you will buy. Now that is value!
Best Hunting Hiking Socks
The SwiftWick Pursuit Hike Six socks are ideal for hunters who do a lot of hiking. We would consider these to be the best socks for elk hunting, when you are following bugling elk up and down mountains.
They are also ideal for upland bird hunters that are covering miles in search of pheasants and chukars, or maybe grouse hunting in the north woods.
What we really like about these socks is the combination of materials.
They are 63% merino wool, 18 percent nylon, 15% Olefin and 4% spandex. It is the combination of merino wool and olefin that provides the moisture wicking capabilities that makes this sock special.
Dry feet are a priority for hunters that do a lot of hiking in a day.
We love the contoured fit with the Y-shaped heal and the seamless toe box.
What customers say: "Best socks I've ever owned. I wore these socks on a September bow hunt for elk in the mountains of New Mexico and they performed flawlessly, keeping my feet dry and blister free after travelling miles in a 12 hour day" Kyle R.
Why You Should Consider SwiftWick Pursuit Hike Six Socks
- Comfort - The combination of natural merino wool and olefin moves moisture away rom your feet and out of the sock to keep your feet dry and blister free.
- Temperature Control - These socks are designed to keep your feet comfortable no matter the time of year.
- Durability - We have yet to find a pair of hunting socks that can match the durability of Farm To Feet socks.
- 100% U.S. Manufacturing - All Swiftwick socks are designed and manufactured in the USA and they make every effort to positively impact the local communities.
- Guarantee - The best sock you will ever wear. Guaranteed. If you are unsatisfied with a Swiftwick product, reach out to them and they will take care of you.
- Value - Given the best sock you will ever wear guarantee, I would say that is pretty valuable.
Best Boot Height Hunting Socks
The Darn Tough Hunter boot socks are our choice for the best boot height hunting socks. We know that some of you don't like the over the calf socks.
If that describes you, these are your socks.
They come in both cushion and full cushion and are a midweight sock.
What does cushion and full cushion mean?
We explain below:
Cushion:
Lightweight with minimum cushion under the foot and in part of the leg.
Full Cushion:
Heavyweight with cushioning running through the whole sock.
These socks are 64% merino wool, 33% nylon and 3% lycra for a superior moisture wicking and fast drying sock.
They also feature a seamless design for a very comfortable fit.
The first time I wore them, it was almost like wearing nothing at all.
What customers say: "My absolute go to socks for all of my hunting trips. Got close to 6 seasons out of them from chasing turkeys to elk. Once they started to wear out I sent them back and Darn Tough warrantied them! Can’t say enough good things about these socks and this company." Kevin V.
Why You Should Consider The Darn Tough Hunter Boot Socks
- Comfort - These socks are very comfortable with a very soft merino wool, but we prefer over the calf socks.
- Warmth - These socks are a midweight sock, which makes them the perfect hunting socks in all bet the coldest temperatures.
- Durability - Darn Tough Vermont socks are some of the most durable hunting socks that we have tested and these are no exception
- 100% Made in the USA - Darn Tough Socks are still made in Northfield Vermont, with all of their wool coming out of the family owned mill. (3)
- Guarantee - Their unconditional lifetime guarantee is simple. If your socks are not the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you have ever owned, return them for another pair. No strings. No conditions. Socks guaranteed for life. This is an amazing guarantee and in our opinion, this is what makes Darn Tough a company that we can get behind.
- Value - How can you put a price on a guarantee like that. Guaranteed for life means that you may never have to buy another pair.
Best Hunting Socks For Sweaty Feet
Do you know that you can sweat as much as a pint of perspiration out of your feet everyday?
If you have sweaty feet, you know how hard it is to keep your feet warm.
It goes something like this:
You are walking in the woods to your tree stand and your feet begin to sweat. By the time you get to your destination, your socks are soaked. As soon as you stop, even with the best hunting boots, your feet begin to get cold.
These Fox River Wick Dry socks can help tremendously and here's how.
Fox River Dry Wick Maximum Socks are made with 70% polypropylene, which wicks moisture away from the skin and keeps your sock and feet dry.
When the temperature really drops these make great sock liners under the best wool socks.
Why You Should Consider The Fox River Wick Dry Maximum Military Socks
- Moisture Wicking - These socks are made up of 70% polypropylene, 28% nylon and 2% spandex which is ideal for wicking moisture away from the skin and keeping your sweaty feet dry.
- Comfort - The URfit® System and provides arch support and the cushioning in the sole and leg provides all day comfort.
- Durability - Fox River uses a multifilament yarn construction which is abrasion resistant and adds durability over an extended period of time.
- 100% Made in the USA - Fox River socks are made in a mill in Osage, Iowa where they employ over 200 Americans.
- Guarantee - The Fox River Guarantee is very simple: If you are not satisfied with the quality of their product, they will provide a replacement.
- Value - Long lasting, moisture wicking socks that will give you relief for sweaty feet at a reasonable price. That is real value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warmest hunting sock?
The warmest hunting sock is going to be those that are made out of wool, and merino wool is one of the best choices. In our experience, the wool socks from Darn Tough and Farm To Feet are the warmest hunting socks you can buy and the best hunting socks for cold weather.
Do Smartwool socks keep your feet warm?
Yes Smartwool socks keep your feet warm, but they are not as warm as the options from Darn Tough and Farm To Feet.
Are merino wool socks good for hunting?
Yes merino wool socks are good for hunting. Merino wool is warm, moisture wicking and lightweight, everything that you look for in a quality hunting sock.
What is a disadvantage of using merino wool?
A disadvantage of merino wool is its durability. 100% merino wool socks are much more delicate than some other materials, but the benefits of merino wool outweigh the disadvantage.
Should I wear two pairs of socks when hunting?
You should only wear two pairs of socks when hunting if the first pair is a moisture wicking sock liner. You want to avoid sweaty feet at all costs if you want to keep your feet warm.
RELATED: What Is The Hunter's Most Important Item Of Clothing?
Final Thoughts
Warm, comfortable feet are so important for staying warm while hunting. Nothing will ruin your hunt faster than cold, wet feet. That's why it is so important to buy the best hunting socks available.
We have provided you with a very high quality list of socks to choose from.
These socks are ideal for stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts for hunters in your life.
You cannot go wrong with any of the brands above, but if you want the absolute best, you will not do better than the Darn Tough Hunter Socks.
Most of the top rated socks are made from merino wool. Merino wool is used by all of the best clothing manufacturers because it simply outperforms other hunting materials, which is why we recommend merino wool for the best hunting base layers.
Please be careful of some of the articles on the internet that are clearly not written by hunters and are trying to sell you off brand socks that they make more money from.
We are real hunters that wear these socks everyday and have an intimate knowledge of how these socks perform.
Each of the hunting socks listed above come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Some for your lifetime and some for 2 years. All of these socks should last a lifetime if cared for and stored properly.
Either way, you can buy the socks that you think you will like and simply return them if you are not satisfied for any reason.
If you have Raynaud’s Syndrome or poor circulation and you are looking for a solution for keeping your feet warm, check out our top picks for best heated socks for hunting and our top picks for warmest hunting boots.
From all of us here at Deer Hunting Guide, we thank you for your support and thank you for buying American made!
SEE ALSO:
Please leave your comments below.
References:
- What is Merino Wool and How is it Made? Retrieved from https://www.woolmark.com/fibre/what-is-merino-wool/
- American Sheep Industry Association. Retrieved from https://www.sheepusa.org/
- Darn Tough Socks Family Owned Mill. Retrieved from https://darntough.com/pages/darn-tough-vermont-community
Hi John, thanks for the great review. I have been pouring through tons of sites & forums searching for the absolute best cold (ie below freezing) weather socks available. So far I have come up with Darn Tough socks. They seem to be better than Smartwool, Thorlo, Wigwam, etc. I’m not sure about Altera, Fits or Cabelas and have just learned about Farm to Feet.
I’d be interested if you have tried these other brands as well and how they compared?
Perhaps, I’ll have to try an experiment and purchase one of each. hah
Thanks again!
Gordon
Hey Gordon,
I have tried all of the socks that you mentioned except the Darn Tough socks. I have found the Farm to Feet socks to be the best by far. I highly recommend that you try them and I would love to hear your opinion!
Thanks Gordon!
John