Hunting Socks
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Cold feet end cold-weather hunts early. Three merino hunting socks chosen on review reputation, from a heavyweight over-the-calf sock for long sits to a heavy-cushion value pick from Point6.
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The Picks
Wear the socks you will hunt in when you try on boots.
Kings XKG Merino Socks
Dark Forest / Lightweight Crew / L
$19.99
Women's XKG Midweight Merino Socks
Grey / Boot / M
$26.99
Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Heavyweight Hunting Socks
The warmest sock here, with full cushion and an over-the-calf height that keeps tall insulated boots from rubbing your shins on a long cold sit. Rated 4.9 from 581 reviews on Darn Tough's site (women's 4.9 from 200).
Retailer reference $34.95
See At OpticsPlanetOut of Stock
Darn Tough Hunter Boot Heavyweight Socks — Men
The same heavy full cushion at boot height, a good fit for most 8 to 10 inch elk boots and the most-reviewed sock here. Rated 4.8 from 936 reviews on Darn Tough's site (women's 4.9 from 302).
Retailer reference $31.95
See At OpticsPlanetOut of Stock
Kenetrek Canada Midweight over-the-calf socks
Tan/Green, Large, KE-1502 Lar
$29.95
Out of Stock
Kenetrek Montana Midweight merino socks
Tan, Extra Large, KE-1228 XL
$25.95
Kenetrek Canyon boot-height socks
Green, Large, KE-1227 Lar
$19.95
Out of Stock
Kenetrek Ultimate Liner socks
Tan, Large, KE-1627 Lar
$19.99
Out of Stock
Kenetrek Glacier heavyweight merino socks
Green, Large, KE-1225 Lar
$26.99
Out of Stock
Darn Tough 2104 Hunting Boot Socks
Darn Tough style 2104 hunting socks in boot height. Match the sock weight and height to your boots.
$31.95
Socks By Conditions
| Conditions | Sock | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Long sits, teens F and below | Heavyweight over the calf (Top pick) | Most cushion and warmth; the tall cuff stops tall boots rubbing. |
| Cold days, 8 to 10 inch boots | Heavyweight boot height (Solid pick) | Full warmth without extra sock above the boot top. |
| Cold days, tighter budget | Heavy cushion mid-calf (Best value pick) | Warm, fast-drying merino at a lower price. |
| Wet snow, multi-day hunt | Two pairs and swap at noon | A dry pair at midday warms your feet more than a thicker sock. |
Socks Work With Your Boots and Layers
The elk hunting boot guide covers what goes over them, and the cold-weather layering guide covers the rest of the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What socks work for cold-weather elk hunting?
Merino wool hunting socks with a heavy, full cushion. Merino stays warm when damp and resists odor over several days. Pick over-the-calf height for tall insulated boots.
Heavyweight or midweight?
Heavyweight for long, cold glassing sits. Midweight if your boots are snug or you hike hard, because a sock that crowds your boot cuts blood flow and makes feet colder.
Do I size boots for thick socks?
Yes. Try boots on with the socks you will hunt in. Your toes need room to move; a tight fit with a thick sock is colder than a loose fit with a thinner one.
How many pairs do I bring?
At least one pair per day plus a spare. On cold hunts, change into a dry pair at midday and dry the wet pair inside your jacket.
More: elk hunting boots, cold-weather layering guide, merino base layers, high-country hunt fitness Hunting Gloves and season gear.
Cold Hands On Long Sits?
See the Hunting Gloves: a Top pick, Solid pick and Best value pick, chosen on review reputation, with dated prices.
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