Women's Socks
Women's socks for hiking, running and everyday wear, sized for women's feet so they stay put and do not bunch. Our range is led by Smartwool merino, alongside running and everyday styles from Hoka and more.
Merino is the all-rounder for hiking and travel, regulating temperature and resisting odour, while light synthetic socks suit running and hot days. Match the height and cushioning to your footwear, from a low sock in running shoes to a crew or taller sock in hiking boots.
Order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand, or add a few pairs when you click and collect from our Grey Lynn store or Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about women's socks
Why choose women's-specific socks over unisex?
Women's socks are sized and shaped around women's feet, with a narrower heel pocket and lengths that match women's shoe sizes, so they sit in place instead of bunching at the heel or toe. Bunching is one of the main causes of hot spots and blisters, especially in hiking boots. Unisex socks can work if the size range suits you, but a women's sock usually fits more precisely.
What size women's sock should I buy?
Socks are usually sold in size bands matched to shoe sizes, such as small, medium and large, so check the brand's chart against your shoe size. If you fall at the top of one band, the next size up gives a less compressed fit, while the lower size stays snugger. The heel of the sock should sit right on your heel, and the toe should not overhang or be pulled tight.
Which socks keep feet warm in winter without overheating?
A medium to heavy cushion merino sock is the best choice. Merino traps warmth but also breathes and moves moisture away from your skin, so feet stay warm without becoming sweaty and cold. Avoid cotton, which holds dampness. Make sure winter socks still leave room in your boots, as a sock that squashes your foot restricts circulation and actually makes feet colder.
How many pairs of hiking socks should I take on a multi-day walk?
Two to three pairs is the usual answer: one to wear, one dry pair kept in a bag for camp and sleeping, and a spare if conditions are wet. Merino can be worn more than one day without smelling, which keeps pack weight down. Rinse and dry a pair when you can, and always keep one dry pair that only goes on at night. Liner socks are a light extra if you are prone to blisters, as they move with your foot and take friction away from your skin.
Do merino socks shrink in the wash?
Quality merino socks are treated to resist shrinking and wash well in a machine on a gentle cool or warm cycle. What shrinks them is high heat, so avoid hot washes and tumble dryers, and air dry them instead. Skip fabric softener too, which coats the fibres. Treated this way, a good pair of merino socks keeps its fit and softness for a long time.
How long should a good pair of hiking socks last?
A quality pair of merino or technical hiking socks should last many hundreds of kilometres, often several seasons of regular use, if you rotate pairs and wash them gently. Signs they are done include thinning at the heel or ball of the foot, lost cushioning and holes starting to form. Rotating two or three pairs and keeping toenails trimmed both help socks last much longer.
Which socks stay put in low-cut sneakers?
Choose a low or no-show sock with a silicone grip or a raised tab at the heel, which stops it slipping down under your foot as you walk. A snug, women's-sized sock is less likely to bunch than a loose one. For running and walking, a light merino or technical fabric keeps feet cooler in low shoes, while a heel tab also protects your Achilles from rubbing on the back of the shoe.