Did you ever consider that socks are a crucial part of packing to go away for a trip?

I mean, you want to make sure you took appropriate socks for the weather on your vacation. And, you’ll need your socks to match up with the activities you’ll be doing (hiking vs. walking, skiing vs. lounging around).

I always used to travel with the same old black ankle socks. They were cheap, they added no value, and because they were bad quality, they’d sprout holes. It’s true that having good travel socks can give you one fewer thing to worry about when you’re so far from home!

This guide will help you understand how to choose the best travel socks for your specific needs, from understanding materials to matching socks to your travel type and activities.

What Type of Travel Socks Do You Need?

Not all travel socks are created equal. Your perfect sock depends on your destination, activities and travel style. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Best Hiking Socks for Travel

These type of socks are perfect for outdoor adventures, hiking socks are designed to wick moisture, prevent blisters and provide cushioning on the trail. Look for merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking materials with reinforced toes and heels.

Best Compression Socks for Travel

Ideal for long flights and days spent sitting, compression socks improve circulation and reduce swelling. They’re especially important if you’re prone to tired, achy legs after travel.

Compression socks have been one of my favorite hacks recently. I don’t fly without them anymore!

Best Quick-Drying Socks for Travel

Essential for backpacking and one-bag travel, quick-drying socks mean you can wash and wear the same pair frequently without carrying wet laundry. And, if your feet get wet, quick-drying socks will dry fast which means you won’t be wearing wet socks.

How to Choose the Best Travel Socks

When picking your travel socks, there are some importing things to consider. Understanding this framework will help you find the perfect pair for your specific needs.

Material Matters

Merino Wool

It’s our favorite type of material for socks. We like it because:

  • Durable: High-quality merino wool socks can last for years. My friend Daniela of JD Travel Couple says her Darn Tough merino socks have lasted four years and counting!
  • Temperature-regulating: Naturally responds to your body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
  • Odor-resistant: Can be worn multiple days without washing (perfect for one-bag travel).
  • Moisture-wicking: Helps keep your feet dry by moving sweat away from your skin.

You’ll see lots of merino wool products in our lists of the best travel shirts for women, our merino wool Aviator travel sweatshirts, apparel in our travel gift guide and the best travel pants for women.

We’re huge merino wool fans.

Synthetic blends

This is polyester, nylon, spandex, etc… and they are also excellent because they:

  • Dry very quickly (perfect for backpacking)
  • Are more affordable than merino wool
  • Hold their shape well

Try and avoid cotton for active travel. Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet, which is uncomfortable and can lead to blisters and foot problems. They are comfortable for daily wear, but if you’re on your feet a lot, they may get holes faster than other materials.

Sock Qualities to Consider

Quick-drying

It is essential if you’re planning to wash socks during your trip. Without access to a dryer, you need socks that air-dry quickly. Check out our quick-drying sock recommendations.

Compression

This helps blood flow and decreases swelling. Ideal for long flights or days spent sitting. See our compression sock guide for more details.

Cushioning

THis can help prevent blisters, which is especially useful if your shoes are new or you’ll be doing a lot of walking. More cushion = more protection, but also more bulk. Depending on your activity, your shoe choice matters.

My recommendation is to try on the socks with your shoes, if you have some combinations that you are planning on wearing. For example, if you pack thick hiking socks and hiking boots, try them on together instead so you know everything fits before you get to your final destination.

Consider Your Destination’s Weather

Warm weather: Choose thin, breathable socks that won’t overheat your feet. Lightweight or ultralight options are perfect. You might not even need a ton of socks if you’re planning on going to flat places and spend a lot of time on the beach. Compression socks might still be good for the flights, though. And, especially if you’re flying to somewhere far away!

Cold climates: You need thicker wool socks to keep your feet warm. Midweight or heavyweight options will serve you well. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try thick wool socks in the winter, your life will change. My toes often go numb well before the temps dip below freezing. I always wear the thickest socks my shoes will fit to stop that from happening.

Wet climates: Balance warmth with quick-drying abilities. You don’t want to wear wet socks the next day. Waterproof shoes (check out our Vessi waterproof shoe review) can help keep your socks dry.

Your Travel Style Matters

One-bag / carry-on travel:

  • Pack only 3-5 pairs max to save space. You don’t think socks take up a lot of room, but if you add a pair or two for every day that you’re traveling, the space does add up.
  • Choose versatile socks that work for multiple activities.
  • Quick-drying is essential for sink washing. If you’re considering backpacking or packing super light, sink washing is still one of our favorite hacks.
  • Merino wool is ideal since it can be worn multiple days.
  • See our minimalist packing tips for most tips!

Backpacker travel:

  • Expect to do sink washing frequently. This is another vote for merino wool.
  • Quick-drying socks are absolutely essential.
  • Consider 2-4 pairs maximum to save space. Sandals are your friend.
  • You may be without washing machines for weeks.
  • Check out our backpacker accessories guide!

Checked bag travel:

  • As we’ve gotten older, we’ve seen more and more people check bags. We’re not happy to admit, but we have to check a bag not that we fly with our kids.
  • Space is less of a concern, so you can be more generous. You still don’t want to bring your entire sock collection, though.
  • Pack a pair for each day or every other day. You don’t need to worry about washing your socks.
  • Bring socks for every occasion (dress socks to hiking socks and everywhere in between).
  • If traveling 10 days, you might pack 8-10 pairs.

Every trip is different. I’ve taken trips that have weather from tropical to near-freezing, and trips that had lots of physical activities to barely any. My typical travel includes walking in cities, hiking in nature and some nights of going to restaurants or events (like traveling across the country for a wedding).

There’s no one-size-fits-all travel sock (although some get close).

Next Steps: Find Your Perfect Socks

Now that you understand how to choose travel socks, check out our specialized guides to find specific recommendations:

Best Hiking Socks for Travel

Perfect for outdoor adventures, these socks are designed to wick moisture, prevent blisters and provide cushioning on the trail. Find recommendations for merino wool and synthetic options for all conditions.

Best Compression Socks for Travel

Ideal for long flights and days spent sitting. Discover which compression level is right for you and how to put them on properly. These socks improve circulation and reduce swelling.

Best Quick-Drying Socks for Travel

Essential for backpacking and one-bag travel. Learn which materials dry fastest and how to care for your socks while on the road.

Read More About What to Pack

Pro Tips for Travel Socks

  • Wash new socks before traveling to prevent any sizing issues. Also, it’s kind of obvious, but try them on!
  • Pack one extra pair than you think you need. People typically joke about this with underwear when packing, but socks is no joke, you might find yourself in rain for several days with no dry sock options.
  • Consider your destination’s climate when choosing sock weights. You don’t want to bring super thin socks on a trip to a cold climate. Also try on your thicker socks with the shoes or boots that you plan on wearing.
  • Test compression socks on a short flight before a long-haul journey. Wear them for a few hours at home to get a sense of how they feel to wear for an extended amount of time.
  • Choose merino wool for longer wear. You can typically wear the same pair 2-3 days without washing. Sometimes even more depending on the activities that you’re doing.
  • Match your socks to your activities. One pair for each type of activity (hiking, city walking, gym, etc.)

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