You probably don't put much thought into the socks you wear when you travel. If, like me, you just grab a regular pair from your closet, you are sacrificing a lot of comfort. The right pair of socks can help keep your feet dry, cool and odor-free. 

Here’s a guide on the best socks for traveling, whether you are flying, taking a train or going hiking. 

Compression Socks Are Great for Long Travel 

Compression socks are traditionally recommended for people with health conditions like deep vein thrombosis, diabetes and varicose veins. These socks, also called compression stockings, improve blood circulation in the legs and can help prevent edema and blood clots. 

But experts say that most people should wear compression socks when taking long journeys whether it’s a long flight, car ride or train ride. Basically, any situation where you will be seated for more than 5 hours. 

Wearing over the counter compression socks can reduce tingling, swelling and other symptoms of poor blood circulation. 

Wool Socks Are The Best for Outdoors 

Wool socks are the GOAT when it comes to outdoors, or any other kind of traveling. Merino wool socks have so many excellent properties that make them perfect for traveling: they wick sweat from the skin, they stay dry, they are resistant to odors, they are soft against the skin and they regulate temperature to ensure you are not too hot or cold. 

If you are planning any outdoor travel — hiking, camping, backpacking etc. — getting two or three pairs of merino wool socks is worth it. They are also ideal for general traveling. 

No Show Socks Go Well With Low Shoes

If you have to wear socks for comfort but are worried they will ruin your look (e.g. if you are going on a business trip), then what you need are no show socks. 

These are even more minimalist versions of ankle socks. They are completely invisible even when wearing low shoes like dress shoes or sneakers. 

No show socks are also great for trail running or lightweight hiking shoes, especially for people who find regular socks too abrasive against their legs. 

We don't recommend wearing no show socks with boots or any high shoes since they don't provide any protection between your skin and the boots. They are also not ideal if you are hiking through a trail with lots of undergrowth or thorny bushes and bramble. Wear longer socks that protect your legs, particularly if you are wearing shorts or thin pants. 

Water and Odor Resistant Socks Are Great for Hiking

If you expect rain when hiking or if you plan to cross any streams or swampy areas, we recommend getting water-resistant socks. Combined with waterproof boots, these socks will help keep your feet dry. 

If you can get odor-proof socks, those are also great especially for hiking in wet conditions or if you tend to sweat a lot. They keep your feet from getting smelly. 

The Hercleon HercSocks are both water (and snow) resistant as well as odor-resistant. You can even wear them multiple times without washing, making them great for backpacking and overlanding.  

Wear Cushioning Socks for Walking Tours

Walking tours can be really tiresome and uncomfortable if you don't have the right footwear. So the first thing is to make sure you have comfortable walking shoes on. 

The right pair of socks can also make a huge difference to your comfort. Specifically, we recommend wearing socks with extra cushioning. These socks have extra material on the soles, particularly under the forefoot and heels, to provide extra cushioning when you are walking or running. 

Cushioned socks are great for walking tours, hiking, running or any situation that involves a lot of walking. 

Some cushioned socks also double up as compression socks, so they also provide lots of comfort on long trips. 

Be sure to check the level of cushioning. Extra-thick socks are only suitable for cold weather such as winter hiking or mountaineering.