As the line of defense against blisters and tired, sweaty feet, a pair of quality warm hiking socks are on our "must-have" list.
You can't undervalue a great pair of hiking socks: they keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots.
Sock Height 
Crew Socks
Crew sock is the most common hiking sock height, which extends 6 to 8 inches above the heel and at least a couple of inches above just about any pair of hiking boots. We feel that this is the optimal height for hiking: crew socks don't make you excessively hot and offer some added lower leg protection from brush and rocks.
Quarter Socks
Quarter (1/4) height hiking socks cover the heel and ankle but don't extend up the leg as far as crew socks. Minimalist hikers and those out in the heat of summer may prefer 1/4 socks. This style also crosses over well to wear with running shoes.
No-Show Socks
Even lower than quarter-length are no-show socks. If you're wearing low-riding hiking or trail-running shoes, a no-show sock should rise just above the collar and still offer padding and protection between your ankle and the shoe. However, keep in mind that no-show socks have a greater chance of letting in trail debris like gravel or dirt, and a poor fit could lead to rubbing along your heel and ankles. We prefer 1/4 socks for most of our outdoor endeavors simply for the added coverage.
Over-the-Calf Socks
As their name implies, over-the-calf socks rise higher than crew socks to just below the knee. By covering more of your leg, they can be a great option for hiking off-trail through high grass or brush, or in cases where you need extra warmth.