The Best Waterproof Socks for Hiking in 2024

Hiking and mountaineering often bring unexpected challenges, and therefore it is essential that you do not only have the required skills but also high-quality hiking gear. A pair of top-notch socks is one of the most important pieces of hiking gear as it keeps your feet warm, dry and blister-free. There are many types of hiking socks available – such as Merino socks, Thermolite socks etc. The latest invention are waterproof hiking socks which feature a membrane that is resistant to penetration of water from the outside but allows vapor to pass through from the inside to the outside.

You might ask yourself why you would need waterproof socks – the answer is that at some point even the most sophisticated waterproof hiking boots leak if the weather is bad and therefore it is good to have a backup that will mitigate the risk of getting blisters from having wet feet (not to mention how cold and uncomfortable it would be). There is also a chance that water/snow leaks into your otherwise waterproof boots from the top down (if you are not wearing gaiters) or that you are simply not wearing sufficiently waterproof boots. All in all, you might be very happy to have a pair of waterproof socks in your backpack for such situations; hiking does not get much more uncomfortable than when you are a long way from home with cold wet feet, prone to blisters.

However, it is important to note that waterproof socks might not be your first choice to wear on every hike as they do not offer the same breathability as ordinary socks. Unfortunately, there is always a tradeoff between water-resistance and breathability; the more water-resistant the fabric is, the less breathability it will offer. Nevertheless, by using cutting-edge materials manufacturers can today produce very water-resistant fabrics that also offer good breathability.

1. Our Picks of Waterproof Socks for Hiking

1. Dexshell Hytherm Pro
2. Hanz All Season Mid-Calf
3. SealSkinz Trekking Thick Mid
4. SealSkinz All Weather Mid
5. ArcticDry Waterproof Socks

2. Comparison of Waterproof Socks for Hiking

Feature/Product	Dexshell Hytherm Pro Waterproof	Hanz All Season Mid-Calf Sock	SealSkinz Trekking Thick Mid	SealSkinz All Weather Mid	ArcticDry Waterproof Socks
Inner Layer Material	40% Merino wool, 40% anti-pilling Acrylic, 20% Nylon	Hanz Wicking Liner	41% Merino Wool, 41% Acrylic, 14% Polyester, 2% Nylon, 2% Elastane	36% Merino Wool, 36% Acrylic, 18% Polyester, 5% Nylon, 5% Elastane	70% CoolMax, 20% Nylon, 5% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Outer Layer Material	97% Abrasion Resistant Nylon, 2% Elastane, 1% Cuff Elastics	Nylon, Lycra, Spandex	90% Nylon, 10% Elastane	62% Polycolon, 29% Nylon, 9% Elastane	70% Nylon, 20% Polyester, 5% Spandex, 5% cotton
Membrane	Porelle	MVT	Hydrophilic Membrane	Hydrophilic Membrane	PU
Height	Crew	Crew	Crew	Crew	Crew
Sizes	S-XL (US 4-14.5)	S-XL - (US 5-15 for men; US 6-11 for women)	S- XL (US 3.5-15)	S- XL (US 3.5-15)	S-L (US 5 -13.5)

3. The Selection

1. Dexshell Hytherm Pro Waterproof

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Backpacing
• Hunting
• Everyday use

The Dexshell Hytherm Pro is a pair of high-quality waterproof socks that will keep your feet dry and warm in the most rigorous conditions. The outer layer is made of abrasion-resistant nylon and elastane, thus providing not only great durability but also a perfect fit. The inner layer is made of Merino wool, acrylic and nylon. Merino wool provides cushioning, odor-control and comfort. Furthermore, it is also extremely pleasant and soft to the touch. Acrylic and nylon make the inner layer durable and quick-drying. Between the inner and the outer layer, the socks have a Porelle hydrophilic membrane which protects your feet against water, snow and wind but at the same time offers good breathability. Additionally, the socks have elastic insteps for better fit. The Dexshell Hytherm Pro are great for those who want to keep their feet dry and warm while enjoying outdoor activities in extremely wet conditions.

 

 

2. Hanz All Season Mid-Calf Sock

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Backpacing
• Hunting
• Everyday use

The Hanz All Season Mid-Calf socks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their feet dry in extremely wet environments. The socks are equipped with an outer layer made of nylon, Lycra and Spandex. Nylon ensures the durability of the socks and dries quickly. Lycra and Spandex are added to enhance stretch for a good fit. The inner layer is the Hanz Wicking Liner which provides warmth and efficiently wicks the sweat away from the feet to the outer layer. Between those two layers the socks have a stretchable MVT (Moisture Vapor Transfer) membrane which allows perspiration to escape but prevents water from coming in. The socks also have a seamless construction which prevents chafing and blistering.  The Hanz All Season Mid-Calf socks are perfect for outdoor and everyday activities in wet conditions.

 

3. SealSkinz Trekking Thick Mid

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Backpacing
• Hunting
• Everyday use

The SealSkinz Trekking Thick Mid is one of the best-selling socks from the British manufacturer. SealSkinz was a pioneer in introducing waterproof socks and therefore we expect nothing less than top-quality products from them. The Trekking Thick Mid socks are equipped with a durable outer layer which is made of nylon and elastane. The inner layer has a 41 % Merino wool content and thus provides comfort, moisture-control and odor-control.  The thin and flexible hydrophilic membrane does not cause any discomfort and efficiently protects the feet against water and wind. All SealSkinz garments are equipped with a hydrophilic membrane that has a hydrostatic head of 10.000 mm. The socks also have elastic ankles and insteps which ensure great fit. They come in four different colors. The SealSkinz Trekking Thick Mid are great socks for everyday adventures as well as for longer trips.

 

4. SealSkinz All Weather Mid

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Backpacing
• Hunting
• Trail running
• Everyday use

The SealSkinz All Weather Mid socks are a little less warm than the SealSkinz Trekking Thick Mid above, but they are also more stretchy. Otherwise the socks offer similar functionality– the SealSkinz All Weather Mid socks are equipped with a hydrophilic membrane which has a hydrostatic head of 10.000 mm, elastic insteps and elastic ankles. These waterproof socks are perfect for hiking, trail running and similar activities where you don’t want to wear too thick and heavy socks. They too are one of the best-selling products from Sealskinz.

 

5. ArcticDry Waterproof Socks

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Trekking
• Cycling
• Everyday use

The waterproof socks from ArcticDry differ from the Dexshell and Sealskinz socks above by not having any content of Merino wool in the liner material. This makes them slightly less soft to the touch, but doesn’t affect the anti-odor performance as we found out while testing and reviewing the ArcticDry socks. This is likely due to high amount of CoolMax fibers in the liner. The membrane is made of PU, while the outer layer is made of a blend of durable synthetics. The ArcticDry socks are not as breathable or moisture-wicking as some of the other waterproof socks on this list, but will be great for low intensity activities such as easy hiking, cycling and similar in wet conditions.

 

4. Waterproof Sock Buying Guide – What is important?

Material:

Waterproof socks are usually made of three layers. The outer layer protects the sock against abrasion from the boot while the inner layer provides comfort, insulation and wicks the sweat away from the feet. A membrane in between these two layers allows perspiration to pass to the outside while preventing outside water from reaching your skin. The outer layer is usually made of durable nylon while the inner layer utilizes Merino wool, Bamboo or other comfortable materials. Waterproof socks normally feature hydrophilic nonporous PU membranes which are less stiff than porous ePTFE membranes. The PU membrane transports perspiration to the outside via solid state diffusion (e.g. the water molecules pass through because of the higher temperature and humidity inside the sock, seeking equilibrium). For more information about waterproof/breathable fabrics read our article Comparison of Shell Materials.

Waterproof socks should be made of materials which are waterproof and breathable. Waterproofness is measured by hydrostatic head and the breathability is measured with MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate). The higher these numbers are, the better. Learn more about these two metrics in our article Hydrostatic Head and Breathability (MVTR).

Fit:

Waterproof socks are a bit thicker than ordinary socks due to 3-layer construction. Therefore, it is essential that they are stretchy to fit snugly. All listed socks in this selection are known for great fit.

5. Questions and Answers