I just bought a pair of merino wool hiking socks that are super comfy and breathable, but after a couple of hours on the trail, they keep bunching up around my ankles inside my mid-height hiking boots. I've tried adjusting my boots tighter and even folding the socks differently before putting them on, but no luck so far. I really want to avoid blisters and discomfort on my upcoming 3-day hike, so having socks stay put is important. Has anyone dealt with this sock-slipping problem before? Are there specific sock brands or styles with better grip? Or maybe some tricks like adding elastic bands or sock liners that actually help? Would love to hear what’s worked for you!

On 02/06/2026 at 5:25 PM, hikerkind said:

I just bought a pair of merino wool hiking socks that are super comfy and breathable, but after a couple of hours on the trail, they keep bunching up around my ankles inside my mid-height hiking boots. I've tried adjusting my boots tighter and even folding the socks differently before putting them on, but no luck so far. I really want to avoid blisters and discomfort on my upcoming 3-day hike, so having socks stay put is important. Has anyone dealt with this sock-slipping problem before? Are there specific sock brands or styles with better grip? Or maybe some tricks like adding elastic bands or sock liners that actually help? Would love to hear what’s worked for you!

Hey @hikerkind, I’ve definitely been there with socks slipping and bunching up mid-hike - so annoying! One thing that helped me was switching to socks with a bit of built-in arch support or extra elastic bands around the midfoot. It really helps keep the sock anchored in place. Brands like Darn Tough and Smartwool often have those features, plus reinforced heel and toe areas that reduce bunching.

Also, have you tried sock liners? A thin synthetic liner underneath your merino socks can create a bit of friction and keep everything from sliding around. It’s a small extra step but made a big difference for me on multi-day hikes. Worth a shot before your trip!

Totally get the frustration with socks slipping, especially merino which can be a bit slick inside boots. One thing that helped me was switching to socks with a bit of spandex or elastane mixed in - the stretch really keeps them hugging your ankle without cutting off circulation. Also, some brands have a ribbed cuff or a silicone grip band inside the top that prevents slipping.

Another trick I picked up is layering a thin liner sock under the merino pair. The liner adds grip and reduces friction, so the outer sock stays put better. Might be worth trying if you don’t mind the extra layer. Good luck on your 3-day trek - blisters are the worst, so keeping those socks in place is definitely worth the experiment!

On 02/18/2026 at 11:20 PM, xh486 said:

Totally get the frustration with socks slipping, especially merino which can be a bit slick inside boots. One thing that helped me was switching to socks with a bit of spandex or elastane mixed in - the stretch really keeps them hugging your ankle without cutting off circulation. Also, some brands have a ribbed cuff or a silicone grip band inside the top that prevents slipping.

Another trick I picked up is layering a thin liner sock under the merino pair. The liner adds grip and reduces friction, so the outer sock stays put better. Might be worth trying if you don’t mind the extra layer. Good luck on your 3-day trek - blisters are the worst, so keeping those socks in place is definitely worth the experiment!

@xh486, I’m with you on the spandex blend - those socks really do hold their shape better on long hikes. The silicone grip band you mentioned sounds like a game-changer; I’ve only seen that on a few brands but it’s definitely worth seeking out.

One thing I tried recently was layering a thin sock liner underneath my merino socks. It adds just enough friction to keep the outer sock from sliding, without making my feet too warm. Might be worth a shot if tightening boots isn’t cutting it for you.

@FrugalGuru, you nailed a key point about sock material and fit. I’ve found that merino wool socks can be slippery inside boots if they lack some sort of elastic or ribbing around the cuff. One trick that helped me was layering a thin synthetic liner sock underneath the merino pair - it adds grip without sacrificing breathability.

Also, some brands design socks with silicone grip strips inside the cuff or even around the arch to keep them anchored. If you’re open to trying different brands, look for those features. Otherwise, a snugger boot fit combined with a sock liner might be the simplest fix before your hike.