A good day on the hiking trails often comes down to your feet. As you reach new heights, you want to ensure you don’t develop blisters and have ample arch support, so you’re probably paying a lot of attention to the hiking shoes that you’re wearing. Yet another way to keep your feet happy while hiking is by encouraging proper blood circulation — something the proper pair of socks can help with.
Wearing compression socks while exercising can increase your stamina and set you up for fewer aches and pains post-workout, according to podiatrist Dr. Michael Mazer, an associate of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. As Mazer previously told HuffPost, the pressure from compression socks can “assist your muscles’ natural ability to help pump blood through and back up against gravity to the heart.”
While you may know hiking socks to be extra thick or have good toe cushioning, online reviews show that many hikers are turning to hiking compression socks to give them support and gentle pressure on the trail.
To help you find a pair of your own, we rounded up some of the highest-rated and most beloved hiking compression socks and hiking socks with compressive zones on Amazon. (Where applicable, we’ve included the socks’ mmHg rating, a unit of measure for pressure.) Whether they’re full compression socks or socks with added compression, they’ll offer more pressure than a classic pair of hiking socks to help with circulation through the highs and lows of every trail.
HuffPost may receive a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Promising review: "I do a lot of climbing and hiking in Hawaii and often times (99% of the time), the trails I'm on have a lot of mud. These socks not only help keep the mud out, but helps with my blood circulation as I'm going up 2-3 miles of inclines at a time and have to climb a few rock sections, sometimes without rope. I used to have some minor cramping and some blisters, but after switching to these, I don't have those anymore... They protect my legs from the dreaded Uluhe ferns that slice you up if you're not wearing the proper outfit (MudGear socks in my case). I intend to use these socks when I run my Spartan Beast event in a few months and even got my girlfriend a pair (she loves these). I've already bought 3 pairs and plan to buy more in the future. I swear by these socks as they are amazing, comfortable, and does what it says it'll do!" — al3j6ndro
Promising review: "We went to Cancun for NYE. I knew that we would be hiking and walking quite a bit, so I got these for my dad. He wore a pair on the plane, a pair when we went hiking, and he absolutely loved them. He said they were comfortable and had the right amount of compression without pressed. He also liked how dry his feet were. Definitely recommend" — M Gregory
Promising review: "I have arthritis in my feet and do a lot of hiking. These socks help with the pain a bit." — Bev Fullerton
Promising review: "These socks so very soft and comfortable! The compression on the arch is perfect. It is summer so I'm not sure how they will be when it is cold but they are nice. They aren't too thick or bulky like some hiking socks can be. The colors are bright and vibrant. I wear an 8.5 in women's so I ordered the 9.5 - 12 because I didn't want them to be too small. They fit perfectly. Would definitely recommend!" — Susan
Promising review: "Wife had some swelling in knee and ankle after an accident, these helped out tremendously! Totally recommend for swelling or hiking in elevation!" — John D
Promising review: "Great comfortable sox for long hikes. Use them 3 days in a row and they still don't smell." — Paul Maddison