5 Awesome Socks That Aren’t Merino Wool
Don’t let the title of this post mislead you; I am still a huge merino sock fan (and merino hoodie and shirt fan). That said, plenty of awesome socks aren’t merino wool.
And no, that doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself to synthetic fibers or even forgo wool completely; yes, alpaca wool is a thing, and socks are made from it.
You can still find all the moisture-wicking, quick-drying, anti-microbial accolades of merino in other materials, and you shouldn’t necessarily pigeonhole yourself into a merino sock hole.
The following is a (far from comprehensive) guide to some of the best non-merino wool socks available for hiking, biking, and/or lounging.
The Alpaca Option: Paka Apparel Performance 3/4 Crew Socks
+ 33% Baby Alpaca Fiber, 7% Tencel, 57% Recycled Nylon, 3% Spandex
+ Soft, comfortable, and durable
+ Wick away sweat (or water) and dry quickly
+ Available in five different colors
– Only available in two sizes
– No difference between men’s and women’s versions (but does there need to be?)
– No warranty (but free shipping, returns, and exchanges)
The Paka Apparel Performance 3/4 Crew Socks (Men’s/Women’s) are 33% Baby Alpaca Fiber, 7% Tencel, 57% Recycled Nylon, 3% Spandex. Merino wool may be the natural fiber of choice for many sockmakers, but alpaca wool gives merino a run for its money. Alpaca wool is lightweight, moisture-wicking, thermoregulating, and anti-microbial. These socks from Paka are built with hiking and biking in mind and are designed for the long haul. I’ve yet to wear a hole in mine (which is good because I don’t think there’s any warranty). Check them out – Men’s/Women’s.
The Guaranteed-for-Life Option: Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks
+ Coolmax material actively moves moisture away from feet
+ Medium cushion throughout the foot and ankle
+ Unconditionally guaranteed for life
+ Made with vegan-friendly materials
– Limited color options
– No ankle/no-show Coolmax versions available
The Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Socks (Men’s/Women’s) use the company’s vegan Coolmax yarns instead of merino (what the company is most well-known for). These socks (like all Darn Tough socks) are made at the company headquarters in Vermont and come with Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee. Coolmax socks are designed to actively move moisture away from your feet to ensure blister-free comfort on the trail. They have a medium cushion and come up about 6 in / 15 cm from the top of your shoe or boot. Check them out – Men’s/Women’s.
The Toe Sock Option: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew
+ Comfortable and durable
+ Help prevent blistering and chafing between toes
+ Excellent for wearing sandals around camp (or town)
+ Less expensive than other options
– Can be annoying to put back on (especially when filthy)
– Limited one-year warranty
I long avoided toe socks, but the Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks (Men’s/Women’s) have grown on me since I began experimenting with them for ultrarunning. The advantage to toe socks – beyond fitting nicely with a pair of sandals – is that you’ll have a lot less chance of chafing on and around your toes. Not only will they not rub against one another, but they’ll also stay cleaner. These socks are also nearly half the cost of some of the other socks listed here. That all said, putting back on dirty toe socks takes some getting used to – especially if you’re three or four days deep with the same pair. Check them out – Men’s/Women’s.
The Hemp Option: Patagonia Hemp Quarter Socks
+ Lightweight at just 2.1 oz / 60 g per pair
+ Not as expensive as other options
+ Naturally odor resistant
+ Backed by Patagonia’s “Ironclad Guarantee” (but can result in charges for repairs)
– Not as durable as other options – build more for everyday wear than active wear
– Can be a bit scratchy at first compared to other fibers
– No difference between men’s and women’s versions (but does there need to be?)
The Patagonia Hemp Quarter Socks (Men’s/Women’s) are made with 27% recycled cotton, 27% recycled polyester, 23% industrial hemp, 22% nylon, and 1% spandex. Hemp apparel – socks included – can be a bit more scratchy than fabrics such as merino wool, alpaca wool, and polyester, but it softens with time, and the socks won’t always be as stiff as when you first get them. These eco-friendly socks from Patagonia are designed for everyday wear, but don’t let that stop you from getting them out on the trail or the bike (but I wouldn’t recommend them for a thru-hike). Check them out – Men’s/Women’s.
The Budget Option: REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Lightweight Flash Quarter Socks
+ One of the least expensive options
+ Cushioning in heel and ball of foot with elastic arch for support
+ Made with moisture-wicking COOLMAX EcoMade polyester
– Can get stinky with extended use (77% polyester)
– Not available in XS Men’s or XL Women’s
– Limited color options
– Ambigious warranty given REI’s 1-year return policy
The REI Co-op COOLMAX EcoMade Lightweight Flash Quarter Socks (Men’s/Women’s) are a more affordable option for anyone looking to outfit their kit with quality outdoor socks without spending $100+ on a few pairs. These socks are made with 77% COOLMAX EcoMade polyester, 22% nylon, and 1% spandex; they have ultralight cushioning in the heel and the ball of the foot. Because they’re mostly polyester, they’ll get stinkier faster than natural options such as merino and alpaca wool. Still, if you’re not looking to use them repeatedly without washes in between, they are certainly worth a look. Check them out – Men’s/Women’s.
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Hi Mac,
Thanks for the great article as usual! I went to the Paka website to look at their socks and they have a lifetime guarantee on them it says!
I see this on the Crew Socks page but not the Performance Crew Socks page. Then there’s no separate page explaining the guarantee. I didn’t want to claim these came with a lifetime guarantee when it feels a bit ambiguous/unclear. Maybe I need to send them an email.