Socks are important. For most weather, they’re vital. For travelers doing a lot of walking and hiking, they can make or break how well your feet hold up. Spending $100+ on your hiking boots is only going to get you so far if you’ve covered your feet in cheap socks underneath.

There’s just one problem with socks when it comes to a travel gear blog. There’s only so much you can say about a single pair.

So here’s a rundown of some fine footwear I’ve been using over the past year, from a variety of companies you probably haven’t heard of but should check out. For about 1/5 the cost of your average pair of shoes or hiking boots, these quality socks can really make you a lot more comfortable and keep your feet from breaking out in blisters.

Point6

Point6 makes a lot of great socks for men and women, from heavy-duty ski socks to fashionable pairs for everyday use. I’ve been using their Hiking Tech Medium merino wool ones, which mix that thread with nylon and a little Spandex. With merino you get a lot of useful properties for travelers: temperature management, odor-resistance, and warmth without the itch. Point6 pairs have also got all the properties you’ll find in a quality pair of socks like mesh ventilation where you need it and reinforced cushioning where you don’t. This is a great all-around pair in four sizes and six colors, running $16-$18 a pair at Amazon.

Bridgedale

Another hiking sock I’ve gotten a lot of good use out of is the X-hale Trailhead from Bridgedale. This is an international brand: based in Ireland, sold in 40 countries, and my pair was made in South Africa. They claim their “loop-within-a-loop padding” gives their socks more loft and cushioning with a light weave. If found them supremely comfortable for hikes or long walks in multiple kinds of shoes. and the blend of synthetics and merino wool wicked well. These list for $17, but this is apparently last year’s model though, because it’s on sale for under ten bucks at Altrec.com.

Dahlgren

Dahlgren makes a lot of great socks using using a variety of materials, including alpaca. I’ve been trying out their light hiking socks with Dri-Stride Alpaca, billed as softer, drier, and blister-free. Look at the details though and alpaca has but a supporting actor roll, playing behind nylon, polyester, and merino wool in differing mixes in different sections. I’m not sure who’s going to notice as these are comfortable, cushioned in the right places, and don’t seem to get sweaty. Hey, they look cool too and they’re made in the USA. You can get the men’s version or women’s version from PlanetShoes for $18 or a 3-pack from Zappos.

Teko

Last on the list for this hiking socks rundown is Teko, a company that distinguishes itself through its environmental cred. These socks are made from merino wool grown on organic farms, chlorine-free, and produced in the USA with wind power. But they don’t stop there. The plastic-free packaging is recyclable and part of your purchase supports The Conservation Alliance and the John Muir Trust.

But how ’bout the socks? These have a higher merino wool content than the others above, with 71 percent. These have seamless toes, reinforced heels and has “light cushion only in footbed, flat knit throughout the rest of the sock.” And like the others here, these list for about 18 bucks. You can buy them at Backcountry.com.

You can toss any of these socks in the washing machine, but I wouldn’t recommend putting them in a dryer if you can avoid it. They might come out fine, but in my experience there can be some shrinkage after a while.

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