Socks. They get lost in the wash, sometimes fall off in airport conveyor belts and are generally considered a nuisance by some. How you see them is clearly subjective, but what's not is that more people suffer from cold feet during the summer than they do in warmer times of year. This could be due to a number of reasons; less clothing over the feet in summer, new shoes or socks that don't allow feet to breathe as well, or an active summer lifestyle. Whatever it is, we want to help our customers combat foot coldness during the summer months. To this end we have compiled a list of some of the best summer socks on the market today which should help you travel safely and comfortably this season. Here are 9 best summer socks for travel listed below:
Alpaca Socks
Alpaca socks are a great choice for anyone traveling during the warmer months. They're lightweight and warm, which is perfect when exploring chilly caves or heading out to dinner in the evening. Alpacas are native to South America, so these socks are made from alpaca wool that's grown there.
The softness of alpaca wool makes it perfect for those with sensitive skin. Unlike sheep's wool, alpaca wool doesn't contain lanolin and doesn't itch at all. It also holds up well to abrasion and won't wear out easily—making it an excellent material for hiking boots, too.
Wool Socks
One of the best materials for socks, especially when traveling, is wool. Wool is a natural fiber that's both insulating and wicking at the same time—insulating because it traps air in its fibers and wicking because it absorbs sweat faster than any other material. This means that you'll stay warm during activities like hiking or skiing without risking sweat build-up. Wool's naturally antibacterial properties prevent odor even if your socks get wet, which can be a real plus on longer treks. And they're easy to wash: just soak them in cold water before rinsing them out with a mild detergent like soap flakes, then dry them flat. (Avoid dryers or bleaches.
Cotton Socks
Cotton socks tend to be some of the most popular summer socks for travel because they are comfortable, inexpensive, and easy to wash. They are breathable, which makes them a good choice for warm months. However, cotton socks tend to wear out quickly over time, which means you may need to replace them more often than other types of socks.
Compression Socks
Our top choice is compression socks, which are typically made of polyester and spandex. They’re designed to provide better circulation, which helps prevent swelling and blood clots. In fact, if you often fly long distances, you may want to check with your doctor about using compression socks.
Compression socks aren’t as stretchy as other types of socks, so it’s best to use them for short periods of time during the day. In addition, compression socks can be worn in a variety of situations from walking around a city on vacation to standing on your feet at work all day.
Smartwool ankle socks
As an everyday sock, the Smartwool ankle sock is a great choice. This super soft style made of Merino wool is highly breathable and features mesh ventilation zones to keep feet cool when the temperatures rise, perfect for hot summer days. This natural fabric also keeps feet warm in winter and dry year-round, making it ideal for outdoor sports like hiking or travel.
Thorlos hiking crew socks
Another sock to consider is the Thorlos Hiking Crew. These are made of cotton and are a great option for those who want the comfort of cotton but still want to keep their feet cool. The sock has a light cushion that provides impact protection while still remaining breathable, so they work well with both sneakers and hiking boots. They come in several different colors, so you can choose whatever color works best for your style.
Darn Tough hiker boot socks
The Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion is the perfect sock for any adventurer. Made from 100% merino wool, it's naturally antimicrobial and will keep your feet cool in the summer and warm in winter. The body of the sock is fully cushioned to provide maximum comfort, while its micro crew height is ideal for most outdoor shoes. It's available in several colors as well to match your style (or just get them all).
Darn Tough makes socks that are built to last; they're so confident in their product, they'll even give you a refund if you're unsatisfied.
Apparel summer wool blend casual ankle socks
These casual ankle socks are an excellent choice for the hot Summer months. They're made of 60% wool, 20% nylon, 15% acrylic and 5% spandex, keeping them very light and very soft to the touch. The material is very comfortable and very cool against your skin. This makes it ideal for those who will be spending long periods outside in the heat.
They have a special mesh at the top that allows them to breathe better than socks made of other materials, which also adds to their comfort level when you're sweating or doing vigorous activities.
Another thing we love about these socks is how durable they are—they don't lose their shape easily, even after multiple washes.
For all their quality, these travel socks come at a surprisingly low price point compared to others on this list—an excellent value!
Fox river Wick Dry Ultr Lightweight crew sock.
This is a great sock if you have sweaty feet or are going to be walking around a lot in the heat. If we had any complaints, it’s that the Fox River Wick Dry Ultra Lightweight Crew does not come in many colors—just black and white. These socks fit great and are comfortable for all-day wear. They also prevent odor because of their moisture-wicking fabric. These socks are affordable, so you can stock up on several pairs. The antimicrobial fabric keeps them from getting stinky.