Peter Macfarlane takes the Helly Hansen Hiking Sock Warm Crew out for rigorous testing – read his verdict now.
The Helly Hansen Hiking Sock Warm Crew is the lightest and thinnest sock on test despite its name. The warmth comes from the mix of merino and polypropylene and the thick terry-looped padding all around the toe and heel.
Peter Macfarlane recommends
An excellent fitting close sock, an attribute which means I’ve even used them as liners under bigger wool socks for cold winter days.- excellent fit
- performances
- very good durability
- very fast drying
- not the freshest after multi day wear
| Quick specs |
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| Price: $35 / £25 (available from Helly Hansen) Weight: 70g (pair, size 42-44) Materials: 37% Polypropylene 31% Polyamide 30% Merino Wool 2% Elastane Features: lower profile sock with zoned padding and breathable areas, asymmetric left/right fit Sizes: 36-38, 39-41, 42-44, 45-47 Unisex www.hellyhansen.com |
The rest of the sock varies in thickness. Underfoot a thickly ribbed section pulls the sock in and improves fit by keeping the heel and tow snug. I can feel this action when I pull the socks on but once in footwear it works without sensation. Topside is a thinner more breathable knit which works well for moisture management but provides little padding – something to consider if you wear footwear where tightly tied laces might exert extra pressure. Another ribbed area opposite the heel cup tightens up the ankle and aids fit. The upper section is a neat fitting, lightly ribbed tube with a soft, wide cuff.
The construction is complicated but it does give an excellent snug fit and I’ve had no issues with wrinkles or ankle slippage. The heel and toes have flat seams and the thicker padding here does add warmth, useful in the cooler seasons. The high synthetic content gives the Warm Crew excellent durability and resistance to stretching. They have an asymmetric left and right design, noticeable around the toes giving an instantly close and even fit without over-stretching the fabric. The fabric mix dries very quickly and manages moisture very well, both from sweaty boots and from bog hopping in trail shoes. The textile mix maybe not the best for multi day use, but I can go two or three days before I need to wash them.
An excellent fitting close sock, an attribute which means I’ve even used them as liners under bigger wool socks for cold winter days.
How we tested
Peter has a size 9UK foot with low-ish volume, a wide forefoot and a narrow heel and ankle. He tested throughout the year from hot summer days in trail shoes to the winter Munros wearing boots and crampons. Weights are from his own scales.
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.
