Socks for hiking are often underestimated piece of gear, but are actually very important. In this guide you will learn how to choose the right ones and what to look out for.
Which material to choose?
When it comes down to socks for hiking, choosing the right material is the key. In general merino wool socks are best as well as socks from performance and sweat-wicking materials. Avoid wearing cotton and cotton blend. Cotton will retain any moist or bacteria and it is more likely to CAUSE blisters. Make sure to check the label because sometimes even if socks are promoted as performance, merino or other, they might actually contain some cotton. If you are on multi-day hike, cotton and cotton blends dry slower than merino or performance materials.
Which thickness to choose?
Socks for hiking come in different thickness and you should pay attention to this and pick the right one for you. The main factors are weather and your level of comfort. For example, if you get warm easily, select lightweight option. The common terms when describing weight of the sock are lightweight, medium and heavy and liner.
What is liner sock?
Liner sock is very thin and it is meant to be put under thick pair for extra warmth in winter. These socks are also ideal for very hot days or for people who get warm easily.
Some people use liner socks as blister and hot spot prevention.
What are other features of sock?
They come at different length – anything from low ankle to knee height. This is personal preference, but if it is very low ankle, it might roll while walking, so test before doing longer hikes.
One feature I like is some socks come padded at places where hot spots occur (ball of your feet, heel) and at the same time they have thinner breathable material at top and bottom of your foot to help with ventilation.
Pro Tip: Look for socks without seams as that will help prevent blisters and hot spots.
What are toe socks?
This is becoming very popular amongst hikers and many claim for these socks to prevent blisters. It takes slightly longer to put those socks on and you should make sure there is no folded material to prevent rubbing = blisters. But they seem to be very effective in blister prevention, especially if the blisters tend to happen around your toes.
Injiji is the most known brand for toe socks for hiking and they offer the socks in different styles and materials. A pair is around 15-20 EUR.
What is the price?
Known brands have socks in the range around 10-20 EUR per pair on average. This is good price for quality socks.
What are waterproof socks?
There are socks for hiking which are waterproof. Sealskinz is the most known manufacturer and they supply good quality. I do not have experience with the waterproof ones personally but I have seen many good reviews. Official website HERE
A pair is around 40-50 EUR, but they do seem to work. They might be great alternative when you dont want to wear goretex shoes and expect some rainy conditions.
What are good quality brands for socks?
- Injiji
- Icebreaker
- Smartwool
- Inov-8
- Mons Royal
- Bergen
- Lorpen
- Silverlight
- Sealskinz
Falke is also popular brand of socks but I do not have personal experience.