HikingIsobaaSocks
Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks review: comfort that goes the distance
Warm, breathable and unbelievably comfortable — proof that good socks really do make great hikes.
✓ Top PickIsobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks
RRP£70 / 3 pairsWeight53g/pairMaterialMerino blend
The good✓ Superb comfort — half-terry sole, snug cuff
✓ Excellent breathability for a midweight sock
✓ Odour resistance holds up well over multi-day use
✓ Great value at ~£23 per pair
✓ Sustainable packaging and production
The not-so-good✗ Premium price if buying just one pair
At a glance
| Brand | Isobaa |
| Model | Merino Blend Hiking Socks |
| RRP | £70 for 3 pairs (~£23/pair) |
| Weight | 53g per pair |
| Material | 38% merino, 38% acrylic, 20% polyamide, 4% elastane |
| Best for | Hiking, wild camping, backpacking, trail running, everyday wear |
| Not for | Skiing, mountaineering |
Overview
Isobaa is a small British brand built around one material: merino wool. The company focuses on natural, sustainable performance clothing designed to keep you comfortable in the unpredictable British outdoors. We've previously tested their Borg Fleece and Merino 200 midlayer, and both impressed. The Merino Blend Hiking Socks follow the same philosophy.
Built from a 38% merino, 38% acrylic, 20% polyamide and 4% elastane blend, they aim to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable whether you're slogging up Scafell Pike or walking the dog on a damp Tuesday morning. At 53g per pair, they strike an ideal balance between cushioning and packability. Sold in packs of three for £70, each pair comes in at just over £23 — well below premium alternatives like Darn Tough's Hiker Boot Full Cushion (£34 per pair).
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How we tested
We put these through several weeks of British weather. First, a mild 18°C run in trail trainers — the fit was snug but never restrictive, feet stayed surprisingly dry despite the heat. Then a multi-day stretch of the South West Coast Path in Salomon GTX boots, roughly 30 miles over three days. The socks stayed fresh and soft across all three days, even worn continuously. Merino's odour resistance genuinely lived up to its reputation — we only changed them out of politeness, not necessity.
Features and performance
Comfort and fit
The half-terry sole provides extra padding underfoot — thick enough to protect from pressure points in heavier boots, thin enough for trail runners. The deep ribbed cuff stays firmly in place across long ascents without creeping down or twisting inside boots. The fit is tighter than average, which sounds concerning but actually eliminates the rubbing and bunching that plagues looser socks over long miles.
Warmth and breathability
As expected from merino, the socks are naturally warm, moisture-wicking and odour-resistant — and these properties work in practice, not just on the spec sheet. They're warm enough for cold winter use yet breathable enough for summer hiking, which is genuinely difficult to achieve at this weight. Even after hours in heavy boots, feet stayed dry and blister-free.
Odour resistance on multi-day trips
Three consecutive days on the Coast Path without any smell developing at all — something that's almost unheard of in synthetic socks. That alone makes these an excellent choice for wild camping or lightweight backpacking where you're carrying fewer pairs. Quick-drying and easy to rinse out overnight for back-to-back wear.
"Three days on the South West Coast Path without a single change — and they still didn't smell. That's the merino difference."
Sustainability
Packaging is recycled, and production is handled in an internationally audited factory that ensures fair and environmentally responsible working conditions — a genuinely welcome detail in an industry where that's far from standard.
Our verdictEasily among the best hiking socks we've worn — and at £23 per pair, a genuinely smart investment.Warm, breathable and outrageously comfortable, the Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks are a strong contender for the best hiking socks available in the UK. Their close fit, odour resistance and durability make them ideal for long days in boots or trail shoes, and their comfort level across multi-day trips is exceptional.For us, they sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the best — Darn Tough included — and come in at a more accessible price point. If you're serious about looking after your feet on British trails, start here.
FAQs
How comfortable are the Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks?Exceptionally. The half-terry sole, snug fit and soft merino blend make them some of the most comfortable socks we've worn. Whether hiking, running or wearing day-to-day, they stay supportive and irritation-free.
How warm are the Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks?Impressively warm for their weight — ideal for cold-weather hiking, yet breathable enough for summer use. The merino blend naturally regulates temperature across conditions.
How breathable are the Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks?Very. The merino blend wicks moisture brilliantly, and even during runs and long treks in warm conditions we didn't find our feet getting clammy.
Are the Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks worth the money?Yes. £70 for three pairs — roughly £23 each — represents excellent value for a genuinely premium hiking sock. These are built to last, and for regular hikers and wild campers they'll pay for themselves in comfort and durability.
