Sittin’ in your treestand, waitin’ for that big buck to come wander by, and your feet are startin’ to get cold. You know what that means? It’s time to get yourself a pair of Merino wool hunting socks!
Merino wool is ideal for hunting socks because it’s soft, warm, and wicks away moisture. That means your feet will stay dry and comfortable all day, even if you’re sweating buckets. And because Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, you won’t scare off any deer with your stinky feet.
So, if you’re lookin’ for the best Merino wool hunting socks on the market, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll scope out the top 7 pairs of merino wool hunting socks so you can find the perfect pair for your next hunt.
Disclosure: Merino Wool Gear DOES NOT sponsor products to maintain our genuineness and authenticity. However, as an affiliate member, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
What to Look For? Merino Wool Hunting Socks
Before we dive into the best Merino wool hunting socks, it’s best that you understand how we rated them on our scale. So, more importantly, you can rank them on your scale. We divided our ratings into four categories: performance, comfort, versatility, & durability.
Let’s take a closer look at each.
Performance
When you’re miles away from civilization and battling the elements, all while trying to maintain your focus on the hunt, the last thing you want is your socks to underperform. Perhaps they don’t fit properly or create hot points for blisters? Or, maybe your feet are soaked in sweat from humping up that last pass. Worse yet, you could be stuck in a treestand with your toes on the verge of frostbite!
Luckily, Merino wool socks are about as high-performing as they come. They regulate your temperature, manage moisture, and prevent blisters. Everything you want from a sock, Merino wool does it!
However, the level of ‘performance’ varies from brand to brand and person to person. I view sock performance as never having to think about them in the first place! But it could mean something different to you.
So, when I rate the performance of these Merino wool socks, I’m thinking about the warmth, function, moisture management, ventilation, cushioning, padding, design, and so much more! It’s an arbitrary number, not some scientific calculation, but it helps when comparing the performance of each Merino wool hunting sock.
Comfort
Comfy socks should feel like nothing. You shouldn’t worry about the ankles slipping down, rub points that could become blisters, or the dreaded itchy foot. And with Merino wool hunting socks, you should never experience those issues. Still, we like to break down comfort into two main components: material & fit.
If you’ve seen our reviews before, you know that Merino wool is one of the softest, warmest materials. So, it’s no surprise that the higher the Merino wool percentage, the softer and cozier the sock. Moreover, the heavier the material, the warmer the sock will be. Seems pretty simple, right?
Well, if the sizing or fit is off, the socks will never be comfortable. The comfort level varies across brands as fit, construction, and design also vary. So, the only thing I can suggest to ensure you get the most comfortable sock for you(because all seven of these Merino wool socks are super comfy) is to consult with each brand’s sizing chart before pulling the trigger.
Versatility
If you’re looking for a pair of Merino wool hunting socks strictly for hunting, you can completely disregard this section. But, if you’re more than just a wilderness junkie – and have an everyday life most of the time – you may want a more versatile pair of hunting socks. Perhaps ones that could double as hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling socks? You may even want socks for an early Monday morning hunt that can be worn to the office afterward (call out sick if you get something).
It’s up to you to determine if you need a highly technical, lowly versatile pair of Merino wool hunting socks or ones that function more as part of a cold-weather setup.
Durability
Unfortunately, pure Merino wool, by itself, isn’t very strong. It’s delicate and can’t stand up to the rigors of the outdoors by itself. However, since it has so many other natural beneficial properties, companies can blend in small percentages of synthetic material to give the fabric added strength. Nylon and polyester are two additions you often see, as they add structure and stability to the soft Merino wool fibers. Moreover, spandex or elastane is usually included for stretch and recovery.
Darn Tough Yarn Usage By Weight
So, when ranking the durability of these Merino wool hunting socks, the rule of thumb is the more synthetics, the more durable. Still, other factors like material quality, craftsmanship, and brand reputation also affect our ratings.
7 Best Merino Wool Hunting Socks
Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Heavyweight Hunting Sock
79% Merino wool, 19% Nylon, & 2% Spandex | Heavyweight | OTC | 2 colors | $$$$
Pros: Industry-leading sock technology | Extreme warmth | Unconditional lifetime guarantee
Cons: Unique fit not for everyone | Not as thick as you may expect
These are one Darn Tough pair of socks for one darn tough hunter. The warm, extra-heavyweight terry loop cushioning provides warmth and comfort to everything below the knee. So, even if the forecast is in single digits, you can still punch that tag as long you bring along a pair of these heavyweight Merino wool hunting socks
These hunting socks are one of Darn Tough’s top sellers for a good reason: performance. Outside of the material, Darn Tough constructs these 17-in. hunting socks with reinforced footbeds for impact reduction and durability. And, if you’re one-the-move while tracking, the cooling vents will keep your feet from sweating.
Due to these high-performance features, these hunting socks don’t fit like your typical hunting sock. It’s more snug and less stretchy than cotton, so there’s no bunching or slippage. Still, it may take some time to get used to. Moreover, Darn Tough uses a heavyweight Merino wool blend, but it’s not as thick as your traditional sock. Still, you get the same – if not better – warmth at much less bulk.
Finally, the best part about these hunting socks is the unconditional lifetime guarantee. Darn Tough believes in their product so much that they will sell you a pair for life! So, after you wear down the cushioning or suffer an unfortunate hole, Darn Tough will replace them for free…for life! Click the button below to check them out!
Kuiu Ultra Merino Over The Calf Sock
55% Merino, 25% Nylon, 15% Lycra, & 5% Spandex | Lightweight | OTC | 1 color | $$$$$
Pros: Premium NuYarn fabric | Targeted knit padding | Great for multi-day hunts
Cons: Expensive | Fit & sizing discrepancies
A pair of lightweight Merino wool hunting socks may be your best bet if you hunt on the move. You still get some warmth, but their true advantage is their moisture-management properties. Which, even in thick, non-breathable hunting boots, is a must. And my favorite lightweight Merino wool hunting socks are the Kuiu Ultras.
These hunting socks are toward the top of our list for their industry-lead technical features. The strong, blended NuYarn material adds durability even at such a lightweight. Still, the construction is such that only soft, moisture-wicking Merino wool touches your skin. The fit is tight to reduce potential blisters. Moreover, additional comfort features like a stay-put cuff, shin padding, reinforced underfoot & overfoot cushioning, and a seamless toe will keep you comfy. The only thing these Kuiu socks don’t do is pull the trigger!
These lightweight, breathable socks are best used on long, multi-day hunts. The Merino wool will keep the fabric odor-proof, although your feet will still probably (they aren’t magic). And, as you guessed it, they’re expensive. But what else did you expect the most technically designed Merino wool hunting sock to be? Cheap! Grab a pair below.
Smartwool Hunt Classic Edition Extra Cushion Sock
69% Merino wool, 30% Nylon, & 1% Elastane | OTC | 1 color | $$$$
Pros: Engineered performance fit | Enhanced durability features | Extra cushion for extra-long hunts
Cons: Not as thick as you might expect | Limited versatility
One of the most popular hunting socks from one of the most popular Merino wool sock brands, these Smartwool Hunt Classic OTC socks may be the standard in Merino wool hunting socks. They are high-performing, extremely durable, and ever-so-comfortable!
The heavyweight Merino wool knit insulates your feet in the stand and allows them to breathe when you track down your shot. They aren’t as thick or lofty as you may expect from traditional winter socks. Still, with the temperature-regulating properties of Merino and design features like an Achilles strap, these socks perform far beyond their weight class (and price tag).
Moreover, Smartwool uses its proprietary Indestructawool™ technology to improve fabric strength and longevity. So, you’ll be able to enjoy these socks for plenty of hunting seasons to come!
And finally, these Smartwool Hunt OTC socks come packed with comfort features. There’s a seamless toe, extra cushioning, stretchy fabric, and a 4 Degree™ fit system to reduce blisters and irritation. I don’t think you can ask much more from a pair of heavyweight Merino wool hunting socks!
Farm To Feet Lightweight Ely Mid-Calf
63% Merino, 33% Nylon, & 4% Spandex | Lightweight | Mid-calf | 1 color | $$$
Pros: Targeted high-density cushioning | Low-bulk knit | Blister prevention
Cons: Sock height discrepancy | Not as stretchy as you may hope
You’ve been missing out if you haven’t tried Farm to Feet socks yet. They create highly technical, high-performing Merino wool socks with some of the most sustainable materials. And, their most advanced hunting sock – the Ely – is one highly technical sock.
However, I like the lighter-weight, mid-calf version of the Ely, slightly better than the original. The mid-calf height (almost over the calf) is better for low-rise boots and warm-weather hunts, while the lighter material breathes and wicks away moisture, keeping your feet comfy & dry even if you’re slogging through the mud. Still, just like the original Ely, you get all the technical features like high-density cushioning, seamless toe closures, and a blister-free fit.
So, if you’re interested in the lightweight Ely mid-calf socks – or any of the high-quality Merino wool socks Farm to Feet offers – head over to their store below. From hunting to hiking, home to the office, they have a pair of Merino wool socks that will work best for you!
Fox River Original Hunt Medium Crew
53% Merino, 38% Nylon, 7% Polyester, & 2% Spandex | Midweight | Crew height | 2 colors | $$
Pros: “Burly-but-soft” material | Versatile construction & weight | Performance features
Cons: Not the warmest socks | Longterm durability concerns
Simple, comfy, and ready for adventure, these Fox River socks are a solid pair of hunting. At first glance, they look like traditional socks. They aren’t the warmest or hardiest, but they do the job. The “burly-but-soft” material is perfect for the backcountry and the backyard. And all at a reasonable price!
But just because these look like traditional socks doesn’t mean they perform like them. These Fox River socks are similar to even the most technical pairs. The toe seam is flat to reduce irritation, memory knit forms around your foot, and arch support keeps you comfy all day. Even the heel and toe are reinforced for durability. Still, if you want to ensure these hunting socks last decades, use the proper Merino wool care products.
If the crew height or medium weight isn’t enough for you, Fox Sox has many variations, including different sizes, weights, colors, and styles. Head over to their store today to see if they have the socks you need!
First Lite Zero Cold Weather OTC Sock
68% Merino, 30% Nylon, & 2% Spandex | Heavyweight | OTC (crew available) | 2 colors | $$$
Pros: Super warm high-loft knit | Full-comfort fit | Ideal for cold-weather stand hunting
Cons: Too warm for mild conditions | Sizing discrepancies
When it’s arctic conditions, and you haven’t had any luck this season, you may think a last-chance hunt will be futile. And your feet will probably be near-frostbite sitting in a treestand. But now, with these heavyweight, thick, super warm Merino wool socks, you no longer have an excuse. Your feet will feel nice and toasty as you put in a last-ditch effort to get that buck.
And when I say these socks are warm, I mean they’re warm. The high-loft Merino knit traps in warm air, insulating your feet against the snow, cold, or whatever Mother Nature throws at you. However, I’d only suggest these First Lite socks for cold conditions, as you’ll sweat buckets wearing them above freezing.
So, if it’s late in the season, the weather is unforgivable, and you’re in desperation mode, the First Lite Zero Cold Weather OTC Sock should be your top choice. Head to First Lite today to check out their vast Merino wool hunting gear array.
Danner Merino Heavyweight Hunting Socks
79% Merino, 20% Nylon, & 1% Lycra | Heavyweight | OTC | 1 color | $$
Pros: Soft, warm Merino wool | Added ventilation features | Made for Danner hunting boots
Cons: Tight calf fit | Potential hot points