In the Army, we ruck. A lot. And that means we need the best gear to make sure our feet can handle all the miles we put on them.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best rucking socks on the market.
From thick soled socks designed for long-distance marches to thinner, breathable options for hot weather rucking, there’s a sock out there for every type of rucker.
Types of Rucking Socks
There are two main types of rucking socks: thick, cushioned socks and thinner, trail running socks.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type.
Thick, Cushioned Socks:
These socks are typically made from wool or synthetic materials like polyester or nylon.
They have a thick cushion under the foot to absorb impact and protect against blisters.
Thick, cushioned socks are great for long-distance marches or when you’ll be carrying a heavy load.
However, they can be too warm for hot weather rucking and can make your feet sweat more, leading to blisters.
Thin, Breathable Socks
These socks are usually made from lightweight materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.
They have less padding than thick, cushioned socks but are designed to wick away sweat and keep your feet cool in hot weather.
Thin, breathable socks are a good choice for summer rucking or when you’re training in warm weather conditions.
However, they may not provide enough cushioning and support for longer marches or when carrying a heavy load.
The Best Rucking Socks
After trying out dozens of different types of rucking socks, I’ve narrowed it down to my Top 5 favorites. Here they are in no particular order.
- Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks:
These wool/synthetic blend socks offer just the right amount of cushioning and support for long marches with a light load.
They’re also comfortable enough to wear all day as part of your uniform. And at $22 per pair, they’re priced reasonably for a high-quality sock. - Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Micro Crew Socks:
These 100% Merino wool socks are insanely lightweight and breathable.
They’re great for hot weather rucking or when you don’t need a lot of cushioning (like when wearing running shoes instead of boots).
They’re also very comfortable and odor-resistant. However, at $16 per pair, they’re one of the more expensive options on this list. - Injinji Run Midweight Mini Crew Coolmax Toesock
This synthetic/wool blend sock is designed specifically for runners but works great for rucking too.
It has just enough cushioning to protect against blisters without being too bulky orhot in warm weather conditions
The toe design takes some getting used to but prevents blisters caused by friction between your toes while allowing them to move independently (which can help prevent injuries).
The price is reasonable at $15 per pair considering the quality of the sock..
4.”Brite Guys” Merino Wool Hiking Socks:
These 100% Merino wool socks offer excellent cushioning and support thanks to their thicker design
But they’re still lightweight and breathable enough to wear in hot weather conditions.. I haven’t had any issues with these socks piling or losing their shape after multiple washes..
They’re also very affordable at just $10 per pair..
5.”Stance” Fusion Athletic Crew Sock:
This synthetic/wool blend sock is designed for athletes but works great for ruckers too.. It has a compression fit that provides support and helps prevent blisters..
It’s also very comfortable and Breathable making it ideal for hot weather conditions..
My only complaint is that they’re priced on the higher end at $18 per pair.. But overall , they’re an excellent sock..
The Best Rucking Socks For The Army
Rucking can be tough on your feet if you don’t have the right gear.. That’s why it’s important to choose the right type of sock for your needs..
Whether you prefer a thicker, cushioned sock or a thin , breathable sock , there’s an option out there that will work best for you..
Just remember to consider the type of terrain you’ll be covering ,the weather conditions ,and the weight of your load before making your final decision.. With so many great choices on the market ,you can’t go wrong with any of the socks on this list..
So get out there and start rucking!
