Best Rucking, Gear, Reviews

Best Socks for GORUCK and Rucking

1 min read

Figuring out what shoes are best for GORUCK is important. Just as important is finding the right socks. In early 2017 with our first annual “Best of Rucking” survey and asked our readers to weigh in on their favorite socks. Below are the survey results.

UPDATE – It has been a few years. Want to know what we currently think? Check out our latest Rucking Socks post. 

Update 2023 – We love the Mudgear Rucking Socks. Snag a pair using the code RUCKING and save 15% on your entire order. Also, check out this cool gear guide on the Best Rucking Socks.

#1 Darn Tough

Number 1 and 2 were close, but Darn Tough won the day. Made in the USA, these wool socks are a great choice for rucking. What could be the best part of Darn Tough socks is their lifetime guarantee. If your socks wear out, just send them in and they’ll hook you up with a free pair. Sounds a lot like another company that has a pretty awesome lifetime guarantee.

Click to shop for Darn Tough socks.

#2 Injinji

Yup, toe socks. It is not ironic that Injinji Toe Socks came in a close second to Darn Tough. The main reason is that most people are using the Injinji’s as a base layer under another pair of socks. That’s right, double layer socks. Why two pairs of socks? The answer is blisters. Having the Injinji as a base layer reduces the amount of rubbing that occurs on your skin and thus reduces the potential for blisters. That’s also the reason for “toe” socks. As your toes rub together during your rucking, the fabric takes the friction and reduces the potential for blisters. (Editor’s note: I made the switch to wearing Injinji socks under Darn Tough socks and I love it.)

Click to shop for Injinji socks.

#3 Smartwool

While not as popular as Darn Tough or Injinji, Smartwool managed to garner enough votes to make our list. At the end of the day, these are just a solid wool sock that will take care of your tootsies.

Click to shop for Smartwool socks.

Honorable Mention

Anything that isn’t cotton. Don’t wear cotton.

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14 Replies to Best Socks for GORUCK and Rucking

  1. This survey was very helpful. I was curious as to why I didn’t see this as an email, but upon investigation it appears my son had unsubscribed to your domain. I am a GRT and would very much appreciate being added to your email list if possible.

      1. Great info…. I too have one kidney 3 …no wife though lol. After 2 very long years I’ve finally been cleared for cancer and plan to start life with a 50 miler in Seattle….,. Socks will be very important!

  2. I love Darn Tough socks. Hands down the best sock I’ve ever owned. I even started wearing part of their “tactical” line as my everyday boot sock while in uniform. A little pricier than your standard issue boot sock but totally worth it.

    1. Also easier to justify the higher price when they will replace them for free if they ever wear out. You’re basically buying the socks for the rest of your life.

    1. I don’t have any experience with them. The conventional GORUCK wisdom is that anything that keeps water out also keeps water in. If you end up fully submerged (which is likely in most events) then the water will get inside the socks and stay there.

  4. Mud Gear compression socks. I’ve been training for a Tough and these socks have been great. No hot spots. Quickly wicks away moisture when wet.

  5. I’ve been looking for an alternative to smartwool and found this post. Figured I’d try your recommendation of the injinji and darn tough. Is there a specific combination you use? Looking for a good place to start.

    1. I go with a thinner injinji and darn tough. Can’t remember which ones they are. I know darn tough has lots of different thickness. I just go with the thinner one since I’m wearing two pairs of socks. Since injinji are toe socks, those go first, then the darn tough, then the shoe. That’s the combo.

  6. When wearing 2 pair of socks, even if thinner, do you find you need to go up a half size in shoes? I’m looking at some new shoes for rucking and am unsure if I should roll with my regular size or up a little, due to socks and swelling.

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