• Overall Rating

  : 4-5 out of 5

It stands to reason that a sock designed to cope with all distances of run, from short plods to ultra marathons, should also be up to the job on a hill walk. This is most certainly the case with this sock from running sock specialists Hilly. The pair tested – Hilly Supreme Socklet Medium Cushioning – has a trainer sock/anklet style but the same features and medium cushioning are available in a variety of fits up to more traditional ankle length and there’s a lightweight cushioning option in a crew length for those who want a more boot appropriate sock.

From the choice of fabric – a high-tech blend of synthetics and wool, to the knit, shape and cushioning, the attention to detail in this sock is impressive. The wool mix fabric is super soft next to skin yet is genuinely effective at keeping feet dry and comfortable, even in hot, sweaty conditions. The knit of the sock and its shape (with specific left and right feet) mean it stays put within a shoe, gripping the foot securely and preventing any creases or wrinkles from forming. Nanoglide technology in the fabric at the heel and toe helps to reduce friction while moving moisture swiftly away from skin, and the medium level cushioning is ideal for hiking shoes as well as running shoes, giving a very pleasant underfoot feel.

I’ve walked long days in hot conditions in these and found them to be reliably comfortable from beginning to end. Once washed, they bounce back like new too staying soft and pliable.

The design of the top of the socklet style, with a front and rear tab, mean there are no issues with shoes rubbing at the heel or with the sock disappearing underfoot. They stay put yet give maximum bare leg for those who enjoy more ventilation in warmer conditions.

How we tested

Lara wears a UK size 5.5-6 and has a medium width forefoot and a narrow heel. She tested the socks in a mix of weather and in a variety of footwear from lightweight breathable walking shoes to stiffer, lined trekking boots. The tests were mostly lower-level hill walks but with some rocky, boggy and forested terrain too.

This review was first published in the March 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare this to others in our guide to the best hiking socks.