Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks review: comfort that goes the distance
Warm, breathable and unbelievably comfortable — Isobaa’s Merino Blend Hiking Socks prove that good socks make great hikes.
Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks
Ideal for: Hiking, wildcamping, backpacking, trail running, every day use
Not suitable for: Skiing, mountaineering
The Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks are mid-weight merino blend socks designed for year-round use. Each 53-gram pair combines merino wool’s natural warmth, breathability and odour resistance with a comfortable half-terry sole and ribbed cuff for a snug fit. Sold in packs of three for £70, they’re versatile enough for hiking, running or casual wear. During testing, we found them exceptionally comfortable, supportive, and impressively fresh-smelling even after multiple days of use — easily among the best hiking socks available in the UK today.
The Good
Superb comfort
Excellent breathability
Odour resistant
Great value
The Bad
Nothing!
Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks review
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 tested plenty of their kit before — including the superb Isobaa Borg Fleece — and it’s fair to say that they’ve developed a knack for turning merino into something special.
The Isobaa 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 53 grams per pair, they strike an ideal balance between cushioning and packability — substantial enough for long hikes, yet light enough to throw a few pairs in your rucksack.
At £70 for a pack of three, they come in cheaper per pair than premium alternatives like Darn Tough’s Hiker Boot Full Cushion (£34 a pair). While Darn Tough still edges it on lifetime guarantees, Isobaa’s offering delivers nearly identical comfort and performance for significantly less money — especially when you factor in the trio pack. For UK hikers after durable, merino-rich socks that won’t empty their wallet, these are an appealing option.
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How we tested the Isobaa socks
We put these socks through their paces over several weeks of British weather — from spring runs to coastal hikes and everything in between.
First, we tried them on a mild 18°C run in a pair of trail trainers. The fit was snug but never restrictive, with enough compression to feel stable without bunching or slipping. Despite the heat, our feet stayed surprisingly dry and comfortable, which immediately made us confident about their breathability.
Next, we wore them on a multi-day stretch of the South West Coast Path, paired with Salomon GTX 5 hiking boots. Across roughly 30 miles over three days, they stayed fresh and soft, even after being worn continuously. Merino’s odour resistance lived up to the hype — we only changed them out of politeness, not necessity.
Features and design
At first glance, these are classic midweight hiking socks — but the details are where they shine. The half-terry sole provides extra padding underfoot, striking an excellent balance between cushioning and sensitivity. It’s thick enough to protect from pressure points in heavier boots but thin enough for use in approach shoes or trail runners. That versatility is something we value highly, especially on long days where comfort is key.
The deep, ribbed cuff ensures the socks stay firmly in place. No slipping, no sagging — just a secure fit that lasts for miles. We particularly noticed this during long ascents, when lesser socks often start to creep down and twist inside your boots.
As you’d expect from merino, the socks are naturally warm, soft, moisture-wicking and odour-resistant. This isn’t marketing fluff — it’s noticeable the moment you put them on. Whether you’re hiking through cold Welsh drizzle or catching a bit of summer sun in the Lakes, your feet feel consistently comfortable.
They’re also quick drying and easy to care for, which is ideal for trips when you need to rinse and rewear. We washed and dried them overnight several times during testing without issue.
Finally, Isobaa deserves credit for sustainability. The packaging is recycled, and production is handled in an internationally audited factory that ensures fair and environmentally responsible working conditions — a welcome detail in an industry where that’s far from standard.
Performance in the British outdoors
Out on the trail, these socks feel just right. They’re warm enough for winter use, yet breathable enough to handle milder days — the holy grail for any all-season hiker. Even after hours of wear in heavy boots, our feet stayed dry and blister-free. That’s a strong endorsement for both the merino blend and the shaping of the sock itself.
The fit deserves a special mention. It’s tighter than average, which might sound concerning at first, but it’s actually what makes these socks excel. That close, supportive feel means there’s no rubbing or bunching, even on steep climbs or fast descents. The half-terry sole then adds just enough cushioning to keep things plush without feeling bulky.
We also can’t overstate how useful the odour resistance is on multi-day trips. On the Coast Path test, we wore them for three consecutive days without them developing any smell at all — something that’s almost unheard of in synthetic socks. That alone makes them an excellent choice for wild camping or lightweight backpacking, where you’re trying to carry fewer pairs.
Value for money
£70 might sound steep for socks, but remember: you’re getting three pairs. That puts each pair at just over £23 — well below the premium end of the market. When you factor in their comfort, durability and versatility, we’d argue they’re excellent value. These are socks you’ll wear for years, not months.
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors — whether hiking, fastpacking or just tramping through muddy fields — they’re well worth the investment. We’d happily pick these over most options from bigger brands, and we’d wager many British hikers will feel the same once they’ve tried them.
Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks FAQs
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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.
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They’re impressively warm for their weight. Ideal for cold-weather hiking, yet breathable enough to stay comfortable in summer. The merino blend naturally regulates temperature, keeping your feet balanced whatever the conditions.
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Very. Even during runs and long treks, we never felt clammy. The merino blend wicks away moisture brilliantly, while the thinner upper fabric helps airflow where it’s most needed.
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Yes. £70 for three pairs represents excellent value given the quality, comfort and longevity. These are socks built to last, and if you hike often, they’ll pay for themselves in no time.
Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks: our verdict
Warm, breathable and outrageously comfortable — the Isobaa Merino Blend Hiking Socks are easily among the best merino hiking socks we’ve ever worn. Their close fit, odour resistance and comfort level make them perfect for long days in boots or trail shoes, while their durability means you’ll get excellent long-term value.
For us, these sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the best — Darn Tough included — and come in at a more appealing price point for those looking for reliable, year-round hiking socks made with genuine care and consideration.
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