If you haven’t already invested in quality, high performance travel socks for the whole family, January seems like a good time to do so! Start the new year with wool, cotton, and wool-blend socks that travel well (they don’t smell!), perform everywhere from ski slopes to hiking trails, and keep your feet comfy on travel days.
Top pick from Hi-Tec:
Performance hiking sock: You may know Hi-Tec for their boots (we have reviewed several models), but their socks hit just the same note of quality and affordability.
- 2 Pair Pack.
- Arch Support.
- Smooth Toe Seam.
- Midweight, Breathable.
Their performance hiking socks are $19.99, and feature a full cushion through the leg, a deep heel pocket, arch compression for support, and a reinforced heel and toe.
This means the sock is going to last through more than a few seasons of wear. There’s added cushioning in key zones for shock absorption, too. The performance hiking sock comes in men’s and women’s versions, and is a mid-calf length. Pick up a pair on Amazon for $19.99.
Top pick from Balega:
Enduro sock: Balega is best known for their running socks, and I certainly do run in mine. But I also stash a few pairs in my carry on, because these are the most comfortable socks I’ve found for air travel days.
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They have a thicker weave than you’d expect, but are still very small and lightweight to bring along. I love the Enduro because of its seamless toe, its arch-support system, and its reinforced heel.
The low-cut version is my favorite, but it also comes in a no-show, and in a quarter cut and a crew cut for men. Pick up a pair on Amazon for under $12.
Top picks from Darn Tough Vermont:
I couldn’t pick just one choice from Darn Tough, who I think may make the best youth socks for travel and outdoor adventure. While certainly the whole family can get into the Darn Tough club, these two picks stand out for kids:
- 51% Merino Wool, 45% Nylon, 4% Lycra® Spandex.
- Performance Fit And Unsurpassed Durability.
Kids light ski sock: Darn Tough makes a cushioned ski sock for kids, but for some reason, my kids prefer their ‘light’ version, which is thinner, lighter, and ‘doesn’t make their feet hot’.
They come in really fun patterns, too, like their Captain Stripes American flag sock. The light ski sock still goes over the calf and is Merino wool, but since they’re thinner, we’ve found we can use them year-round as comfortable hiking socks, too. Pick up a pair on Amazon for under $16, an excellent price for wool ski socks.
Hike/Trek Light Hiker Jr: The light hiker is just that…an airy yet substantial hiking sock that’s made of wool, cushioned for comfort on the trail, seamless, and built for wicking ability.
- Wool.
- Built Every Bit As Tough As Darn Tough’s Adult Socks.
- Merino Wool Keeps Feet Dry.
They come in a crew cut in a variety of colors and fun stripe patterns, too! Pick up a pair on Amazon for under $14.