Hiking socks are often overlooked in favor of more exciting purchases like new hiking boots or the latest backpacking backpacks, but we can’t overstate the importance of choosing the best hiking socks for your feet. Hiking socks differ from everyday socks in terms of their material, cushioning, and seams. That being said, I took all of these aforementioned factors into account (and more) to find and try the best hiking socks. PaddingMost hiking socks have light to moderate cushioning, which keeps the socks breathable and low-profile, while still providing enough underfoot cushion to reduce fatigue during long days on trail. Lighter hiking socks, like the , are still made with reinforced underfoot material, while medium-cushion socks, including the , have additional padding underfoot and through the heel and toes.