Skip to main content

The Best Sock Liners for Men

Whether you’re prone to sweaty feet or prefer to live an active lifestyle in the great outdoors, sock liners are one of those things that you won’t know you need until you need them. These liners are designed to be worn underneath your regular hiking socks, acting as a thin base layer in between your skin and your boots to help reduce friction and provide proper ventilation to mitigate wetness. The best sock liners supply trusted comfort and defense against moisture build-up and blisters on your feet, so all you have to worry about is the trail ahead.

If you’ve ever taken a long and sweaty summer hike, or a winter hike through blistering cold weather, then you know what we’re talking about. If your feet are exposed to stifling and extreme elements for longer periods of time, such as the mixing of cold weather and your insulated boots, moisture easily starts to accumulate on your feet, resulting in wetter, softer skin and an increased susceptibility to forming blisters.

Recommended Videos

The best sock liners help wick that moisture away from your skin and direct it toward your outer sock to prevent such irritation, and even go as far as keeping your body temperature in balance. Although liners have a specific goal, not all of them are made the same. Here are some things to consider when weighing the best sock liners for you:

  • Fabric: You’re going to be better off with synthetic fabrics like silk, nylon, and polyester, or if you need some extra warmth, wool. Synthetic materials are best for giving you the quick-drying capability you need, while wool is a great alternative for those cold-weather moments for added insulation without sacrificing breathability. Whatever you do, stay away from cotton sock liners.
  • Length: The best sock liners come in many shapes and sizes, and it mainly boils down to personal preference. Low cut liner socks might be more cost-effective, but we recommend you go with a sock liner that is long or mid-cut because they stay up longer and can be easily adjusted.
  • Weight: We don’t mean this literally, but the weight of your liner socks can make a bigger difference in their effectiveness, too. A lightweight, ultra-thin synthetic blend is typically more suited to all-around usage because it’s designed to be an added layer of ventilation and protection, not a second sock. Although thicker sock liners or smart wool liners provide more warmth, they’re not as breathable and can throw off your boot size by taking up unnecessary space. Therefore, thick liner socks should be kept in the closet unless you decide to summit Mt. Everest.

Fox River Ultra Lightweight Liner Socks

Fox River Ultra Lightweight Liner Socks

Fox River has been supplying hardworking, adventurous men with premium socks for over a century, so the brand knows a thing or two about keeping your feet comfortable. Its lightweight sock liners are crafted with a synthetic fabric blend (93% polypropylene, 6% nylon, 1% spandex) the brand’s treasured Wick Dry Health System, which works to keep your feet dry, comfortable, and blister-free in every environment.

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

Injinji Liner Crew NuWool Socks

Injinji Liner Crew NuWool Socks

If you are looking for a thicker sock liner that won’t add much bulkiness, Injinji’s blend of nuwool, acrylic, nylon, and lycra offers just enough added padding and a five-toe design to supply the comfort you need for excursions outdoors and other athletic activities. The toe cutouts prevent your toes from rubbing together during a long hike, and even though the fabric is thicker, it’s thin enough to fit snugly between your skin and outer sock and works exceptionally well for wicking away moisture and fending off odor-producing bacteria.

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

Wigwam Ultimate Liner F6089 Sock

Wigwam Ultimate Liner F6089 Sock

Wigwam’s sock liners are handcrafted in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where weather extremes are as common as a hearty poutine or homemade craft brew. Featuring a high-performance blend of stretch nylon, acrylic, and spandex, among others, these liner socks boast an ideal thinness and mid-cut crew length for desired comfort, as well as stouthearted moisture control to keep your feet parched and free of blisters, odors, and other irritants.

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

Bryan Holt
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Bryan Holt is a writer, editor, designer, and multimedia storyteller based in Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate from the…
The ultimate men’s shoe lineup for your tropical vacation
The four must-have vacation shoes for your tropical getaway
man walking on the beach

Whether you’re headed to relax or to enjoy a sun-filled adventure, a tropical vacation is a dream getaway for most. However, before you can enjoy the sunshine and beaches, you’ll have to get some packing out of the way. Depending on your plans and location, your tropical vacation might be on the lighter side, with lighter fabrics and fewer layers. However, you’ll still need to pack a few beach-ready footwear options to complete your look. Whether it’s flip-flops for the beach or hiking shoes for the trails, the following shoe must-haves are essential for a smooth-sailing vacation. Regardless of whether you need a lightweight option that functions as a multi-occasion shoe or you want to travel light, these shoes are some of the best options to keep your suitcase light yet ensure your vacation is a success. 

A pair of flip-flops

Read more
The 5 must-have men’s shoes for spring for a versatile wardrobe
The must-have men's shoes for spring
Man wearing white sneakers

Spring has arrived, so it’s time for a wardrobe refresh. Whether or not you’re planning a spring cleaning, now is the perfect time to take inventory of your current footwear. Because spring brings more sun and less snow, it’s time to unleash the appropriate footwear for your seasonal activities and get some men's shoes for spring.

Gone are the days of snow boots and cold-weather shoes, as it's time to bring out the sneakers and casual shoes that’ll complete your spring wardrobe. While there are plenty of types of footwear to add to your wardrobe, especially depending on your style, the following are considered the most essential pieces to ensure you have in your spring wardrobe.

Read more
Men’s Wearhouse wants to elevate your work wardrobe with American Bespoke
Get the feeling of a bespoke suit with the ease of suit separates made in America
Joseph Abboud American Bespoke Lapel

There is an overwhelming process in place for buying new suits for a work wardrobe. While it gets easier as you go once you have learned your size, color and pattern preferences, and budget, those things all change throughout your career, so it can feel like a never-ending battle to keep yourself looking ready for a promotion from Monday to Friday. That is why men love an easy process that makes them feel as good as they look. Tucked just outside Boston is a factory that makes Joseph Abboud suits for Men's Wearhouse, and they have developed the perfect workwear capsule called American Bespoke. Suits coming in Harvey Specter style, with perfectly tailored fits, made in America, and as simple as it gets for the guy who doesn't have time to waste looking for the ideal suit.

The devil is in the details

Read more