It takes a real boss to go the distance on a ruck march (a.k.a. “loaded march”, as military grunts call it).
Between the heavy load of the pack on your back, the wildly varied and unpredictable terrain, and the fast speeds, your feet are in for quite the beating over the course of long hours.
Blisters, sores, sweaty feet, slippery insoles—all of these can make your ruck march quite the painful experience with the wrong boots. Or, just as likely, the wrong socks.
The right pair of rucking socks will protect your feet from friction and moisture and even reduce impact. You’ll be steadier on your feet, less likely to trip or twist your ankle, and have better grip on the inside of your boots.
After testing out all the pairs I could get my hands on (or get on my feet), I’ve assembled a list of the five best rucking socks on the market to maximize your comfort and protection on your next long-distance loaded march.
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How Did I Come Up With My List?
I’ve never had the privilege of serving in my country’s military. But I was fortunate enough to be part of a rucking training event at the local CrossFit box I was attending.
CrossFitters have adapted the military’s exercise (loaded march) and created rucking, hiking or running across rugged terrain while wearing a loaded backpack.
The two weeks I spent training for the ruck race gave me a whole new appreciation for the mental and physical toughness required of our armed forces. And a full understanding of just how important the right socks are.
Day 1 of my training, I rubbed my feet so raw my blisters had blisters. That was when I knew I had to switch out from my usual cotton socks to something better suited to the task. I dove deep into the research, testing, and interrogating my fellow ruckers to find out what socks would suit me best.
All of my investigating led me to the five rucking socks below. I tested each pair personally and read countless reviews, and am pleased to say that after wearing them, I got through the entire two-week event blister-free.
I’ve organized my list by starting with the pair I found best overall, followed by the runner-up socks that I believe will suit a specific need.
5 Best Rucking Socks for Long Marches
Best Overall: Camel City Mill Lightweight
The Camel City Mill Lightweights were the socks I ended up wearing most often during my CrossFit training event for a few reasons: they were lightweight enough I barely felt them, breathed amazingly well, kept my feet dry and cool (and that’s saying a lot because I’m a heavy sweater), and had just enough cushioning in the toe and heel that I felt fractionally less impact with every step.
All that, and I didn’t get a single blister while wearing them.
The socks are made using a high-density fabric that blends the natural breathability, thermoregulation, and odor-resistance of Merino wool with ultra-tough nylon and stretchy spandex. The cushioning in the underside of the socks is ribbed to not only flex and bend with your feet as you step, but also allows for air flow from beneath to keep both your feet and socks dry.
There’s even light compression in both the socks’ arch and shaft to improve circulation. All in all, they were my favorite pair to wear when rucking, or just for hiking, running, trekking, or mountain climbing.
What I Like
Amazingly breathable and kept my feet cool and dry over long hours of marching
Didn’t smell bad until Day 3 of consecutive use
Light compression in the shaft/arch did wonders for my leg and feet circulation
Socks are backed by a 10-year guarantee
Lightweight but incredibly sturdy
What I Don’t Like
The price tag is a bit higher than I’d like for a pair of socks. But seeing their premium quality, I understand it’s “you get what you pay for”
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers who’ve tested the CCM Lightweights seem to love them as much as I do. Most of the positive reviews praise their durability, breathability, comfort, light weight, and how well they resist both odor and dirt.
The only negative reviews I’ve managed to find were from users who weren’t too thrilled by the higher-than-average price tag. However, most added a grudging admittance that “They’re worth every penny of the premium cost” once they tried them on.
The Verdict
Having tested these socks myself, I can say they’re the best pick overall for any long-distance, heavily loaded march. Between their light weight, supreme breathability, natural resistance to smell (thanks to the Merino wool), and the flexible ribbed cushioning on the sole, they’re a truly hard-wearing and ultra-comfortable pair of socks built to keep up with you.
Made in the USA from Merino wool, these work socks really are something else in terms of quality. They feature compression through the arch and calf which helps your feet recover after a long day. Plus, because they're Merino wool, they're breathable and help reduce foot sweat.
Best in Coyote Brown: Fox River Safe to Fly
Whether you’re gearing up for boot camp or a CrossFit event, the Fox River Safe to Flys are a great pair of socks to pack. Their coyote brown colorway means they’re approved to wear in all three branches of the U.S. military as well as law enforcement. They’re also USAF certified safe to fly and Berry compliant (made in the USA).
Beyond that, however, the socks themselves are a tough, hard-wearing choice down to their fibers. At their core, they’re made using 70% Merino wool, which is naturally sturdy, breathable, and odor-resistant.
They’ve got a bit of nylon blended in for added durability, synthetic nanoglide to reduce heat and friction, and just enough spandex to ensure they stretch and flex to fit any foot shape or size.
Between the cushioned sole and flat toe seams, they’re incredibly comfortable and their medium weight makes them ideal for use in all but the hottest and coldest weather.
What I Like
Excellent cushioning on the sole—thick enough to reduce impact but not so thick the padding gets in the way
Medium weight makes them easy to pack, provide insulation, but still ensures breathability
Very sturdy socks that won’t break or sag
They aren’t too bulky to wear with dress, casual, or athletic shoes
What I Don’t Like
The colorway. The dull coyote brown is not my favorite choice—I’d much rather black or even olive green.
What Other Reviewers Say
Of all the reviews I combed through when researching these socks, the majority are positive. Users love the padding, the fit, the fact that they stay in place, and their comfort. Some reviewers actually said they buy the socks for more than just rucking or marching; they’re versatile and thin enough to wear with regular shoes.
I think the fact that I couldn’t find even one negative review about the Safe to Flys says a lot about just how tough and reliable they are.
The Verdict
For military or law enforcement personnel, these are a great pair of socks. Their coyote brown colorway makes them suitable for all branches of the armed forces, and their construction, fabric blend, cushioning, and breathability ensures they’re up to the challenge of any heavily loaded march or boot camp.
Best for Cold Weather: Camel City Mill Heavyweight
Winters are Canada and the Northern United States can be brutally cold, which makes Camel City Mill’s Heavyweight version my top pick for cold-weather marches. The high-density Merino knit offers excellent insulation against the winter chill.
They’re actually designed to be used in all but the most extreme cold temperatures as well as any tradesman working in steel-toed boots.
The Merino wool blend incorporates nylon for durability and spandex for elasticity, and it has natural thermoregulating properties that will keep your feet cool during the hotter months and warm during the cold months.
The fabric isn’t the only heavy part, but the cushion in the heel and toe is extra-thick for both warmth and padding.
What I Like
Compatible with steel-toed boots in the winter
Excellent breathability, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulation
Very comfortable to wear all day long
Good support with just enough compression to improve circulation without being constricting
What I Don’t Like
These are a bit too heavy to wear for summer hiking
What Other Reviewers Say
Combing through the many reviews I found online, it’s pretty clear that public opinion of these socks is highly positive. Some reviews claim “I’m never wearing any other sock again!” while others say “these are definitely my new favorite socks for working.”
Users loved the padding, the thick fabric weight, and the excellent breathability. They also stay up (unlike their lightweight sibling, reviewed above) and won’t sag or wrinkle.
The only negative reviewers I encountered had the same issue I did: the heavyweight socks are much too thick and heavy to wear over the summer or in hot climates.
The Verdict
For hiking, working, or marching in extreme cold, I have yet to find a sock that offers better value and comfort than these. Tough, well-padded, but beautifully breathable, the Camel City Mill Heavyweights are the winter sock your wardrobe has been missing.
The Heavyweight from Camel City Mill is the best work sock you can get for a steel toe boot. The padding is heavy in the heel and toe, but since it's made with Merino wool, this sock is also very breathable and won't make your feet sweaty.
Maximum Cushion: Darn Tough T4033 Tactical Sock
For heavy guys like me who are carrying an even heavier pack, the Darn Tough T4033 Tactical Sock provides sufficient cushioning to reduce impact and decrease the wear and tear on your joints. Paired with the right hiking boots, they can make even a full day of marching a whole lot more comfortable.
The socks are USAF certified Safe to Fly, Berry compliant, and NAVAIR SOA Approved. They’re crafted for both active military and law enforcement personnel, with the approved black colorway and 11” shaft length that makes them ideal for any boot up to 10” tall.
The military-grade Merino wool blend (including Lycra and Nylon) is even suitable for use beneath flame-resistant combat and utility uniforms. Plus, thanks to the performance fit, they will never bunch up under your feet or slip around inside your boots.
What I Like
Their heavy weight makes them suitable for cold weather, but they’re breathable enough for hot weather
Blisters, bunching, slipping, and sliding are never a worry with these snug-fitting socks
Military-grade fiber is insanely durable
Socks are “Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life”
Compatible with extreme cold weather and high mountain altitudes
What I Don’t Like
For guys with thick calves (like me), they can be a bit too tight
What Other Reviewers Say
Out of hundreds of reviews, the vast majority are positive (hence the 4.9-star rating). Users praise the padding, thickness, and durability. One user actually said, “Wore them nearly every day for about 2 years, then returned them for the rebate when a hole finally did appear.” Now that’s a great pair of socks.
On the downside, some users found the same problem I did, that the socks were too tight both on the calves/ankles and feet. There were a few complaints that they felt more like a tube sock than a well-structured sock.
The Verdict
For long days on your feet, the extra-thick padding integrated into the Darn Tough T4033 Tactical Sock will reduce strain and fatigue. The fact that Darn Tough is willing to guarantee them “for life” tells you a lot about just how reliable and durable they are
Best Over the Calf: Darn Tough T4050 Tactical Sock
These 17” socks are ideal for wearing beneath full-length tactical and combat boots, providing coverage to just below your knee. They’re crafted using a tough, breathable Merino wool blend and a performance fit that will keep them firmly in place on your feet all day long.
As heavyweight socks, they’ll be better suited to cold weather use and do an amazing job of trapping heat close to your body. But they still allow excess heat to escape, wick away moisture, and combat odor.
And, like all Darn Tough’s socks, they’re “Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life” so you can replace them if/when they get damaged. I’d say that makes them well worth the premium price tag.
What I Like
Heavy weight and excellent insulation are great for cold-weather/winter use
Good padding to reduce foot fatigue
Comfortably snug fit around the foot
Won’t smell even after hours on your feet
Great for military, law enforcement, tactical, and firefighting use
What I Don’t Like
After a few uses, the socks began to sag and wouldn’t stay up on my calves
What Other Reviewers Say
Hundreds of reviewers agree with me that these are a great pair of socks to own. Positive comments highlight their comfort, durability, warmth, and value. Users love how snugly they fit on your feet so you never have to worry about them sliding, sliding, bunching, or rubbing inside your boots.
The negative feedback I found largely revolved around the socks’ shaft. Some users thought the compression was a bit too light to offer any real benefits, while others encountered the same issue I did with the socks beginning to sag and slide down their calves with repeated use.
The Verdict
For full-length boots, these are the socks you’ll want to wear to keep your feet comfortable all day long. The Merino wool’s durability, thermoregulation, and natural odor-resistance makes them great for both a ruck march or a long day standing at attention in full dress blues.
3 Things Every Good Rucking Sock Needs
1. The Right Fabric
Merino wool is the most popular choice for rucking socks because it’s naturally breathable, wicks moisture away from sweaty feet, is tough enough to withstand all-day use, and has innate odor-resistant and antibacterial properties.
However, pure Merino wool isn’t the best for rucking socks. Most modern Merino socks use a “blend” that incorporates synthetic fibers for various purposes. For example, nylon is typically blended in for added durability or spandex is blended to increase the socks’ stretchiness and flexibility.
These blends are the right fabric to craft socks capable of keeping up with long days of rucking, marching, hiking, or working.
2. Cushioning
Your feet bear all the brunt of your full day of hiking or marching. Most boots (be they combat boots or hiking boots) will have at least some padding to reduce foot fatigue, but a good pair of rucking (or hiking) socks will incorporate extra cushioning into the sole.
The longer you’ll spend on your feet, the thicker you want the cushioning to be. However, bear in mind that extra-thick padding can also interfere with your grip on the insole. A good pair of rucking socks strikes just the right balance of thickness.
3. Stays Up
If the socks don’t stay up maintain their shape around your calf, over long hours of marching they may begin to slide gradually down into your boot. This causes the fabric to bunch up against the back of your ankle or foot and may contribute to the development of blisters.
Get Ready to March
On your long-distance, heavily loaded trek across unpredictable terrain, you’ve got external concerns enough to keep you occupied. The last thing you want to be worried about is your feet.
The right pair of rucking socks will prevent sweaty and stinky feet, reduce impact, and protect against blisters. Really, they can make any ruck march a whole lot more survivable.
My tests and research led me to the Camel City Mill Lightweight as being the best sock overall. Lightweight enough to use all year long, they’ve got enough padding to stay comfortable, breathe beautifully well, and even integrated compression to improve circulation.
Made in the USA from Merino wool, these work socks really are something else in terms of quality. They feature compression through the arch and calf which helps your feet recover after a long day. Plus, because they're Merino wool, they're breathable and help reduce foot sweat.
For military personnel who want a one-style-suits-all pair, the Fox River Safe to Fly Coyote Brown socks are the top pick. During those freezing-cold winters, the thicker knit and excellent insulation of the Camel City Mill Heavyweights will ensure your feet stay toasty warm.
If you’re looking for a bit of extra cushioning to decrease foot fatigue, you’ll want to give the Darn Tough T4033 Tactical Sock a try. And as a sock to wear with full-length boots, the Darn Tough T4050 Tactical Sock is my recommendation.
FAQs
What type of socks are best for rucking?
The best type of socks for rucking are crafted from a blend of Merino wool and synthetic fibers, feature cushioning on the underside, breathe well even in the heat, and are backed by a long warranty (from 10 years to a lifetime).
Are cotton socks good for rucking?
Cotton socks are terrible for rucking or any sort of hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture and becomes sodden, saggy, and stinky. It also offers little or no insulation. Avoid cotton socks for rucking/hiking whenever possible. Instead, opt for wool/Merino wool for all-season use, or synthetic fabrics if you’re hiking in very hot weather.
Are compression socks good for rucking?
Compression socks are excellent for rucking and long-distance walking or running of any kind. Research has shown that compression socks can purge lactic acid, reduce shin splints, prevent blisters, improve circulation, prevent muscle cramps, and even speed up post-workout recovery. If you’re going to spend all day on your feet (and especially with a heavily loaded pack), a pair of compression socks just makes good sense.
