Good hiking shoes are only part of the equation — you also need the right socks to go with them. Let's explore together how to choose the right hiking socks.
You have spent time choosing the best possible pair of hiking shoes — the most suited to your level and outings, and the most comfortable, to help you avoid blisters and friction. Know that virtually all your efforts will be in vain if you do not also choose a good pair of socks to go with them. Without suitable socks, blisters and hot spots will be a regular occurrence. More or less comfortable, sturdy, thick, warm or tall — let's look at the different criteria to help you choose the right pair of socks so you can make the most of your outings and minimise the risk of blisters.
In any case, remember to only wear clean socks in good condition — avoid worn or stretched-out socks. Why? Because every part of your foot must be covered so that your skin is never in direct contact with the shoe, and also because your socks must not have any creases that increase the risk of friction. Choose socks with good support, without compressing the foot or calf, that hug the shape of your foot perfectly. Finally, opt for socks that offer good moisture wicking to keep your feet dry and minimise moisture as much as possible.
Also check out our top picks for the best hiking socks.
Choosing the material
The material of your hiking socks has a significant impact on key factors such as breathability, drying speed, warmth and even blister protection. There are many different materials used to make hiking socks; however, it is rare for socks to be made from a single fibre — most are composed of a blend of two distinct materials. Here is an overview of the different materials available on the market:
- Merino wool: chosen primarily for its ability to insulate against the cold. The higher the percentage of merino wool in your socks, the warmer they will be. You need not worry about overheating, however, as this material is also thermoregulating. Suitable for sensitive skin, merino wool is elastic and does not itch (unlike basic wool); it is comfortable, soft and silky. Finally, being a natural fibre, it reduces the likelihood of unpleasant odours. However, compared to synthetic materials, it is less durable, more expensive, tends to lose its shape and wicks moisture less effectively.
- Synthetic fibres: to promote moisture transfer, various synthetic fibres have been developed over the years by different manufacturers. These include acrylic, nylon, elastane and polyester, which wick sweat more effectively than wool, are more durable, provide adequate cold protection and dry quickly. On the downside, synthetic materials have the notable disadvantage of promoting unpleasant odours. An antibacterial treatment can be used to limit this. While synthetic fibres are more resistant and wick moisture better than wool, the latter remains warmer — which is why combining merino wool with synthetic fibres can be a very worthwhile approach.
- Cotton: for hiking, cotton has more drawbacks than advantages and is not really recommended. It is certainly a natural and fairly comfortable material that limits unpleasant odours, but it insulates poorly against the cold, is abrasive and, above all, wicks moisture poorly — in fact, it absorbs it and therefore dries very slowly. Wet feet and moisture mean hot spots, the risk of blisters and even fungal infections. This is why it is always better to combine it with other materials. As a general rule, we recommend limiting its use to short, relatively easy summer hikes.
Choosing the height
Just as there are different shoe heights (low, mid and high), there are three different sock heights — and as you might expect, each sock height corresponds to a shoe height. Simple enough! When choosing your socks, however, make sure they extend slightly above the collar of your shoes so your skin is never in direct contact with the shoe, avoiding friction. Therefore, choose socks of the same height or taller than your shoes. If your shoes are low or mid-height, do not hesitate to go for taller socks for extra protection and warmth. The choice ultimately depends mainly on the type of outing you are planning and the outside temperature.
Choosing the thickness
Your choice of hiking sock thickness should depend on the type of terrain and outing you are about to undertake, as well as the outside temperatures and the characteristics of your shoes.
To summarise, remember that for the same materials, the thicker the socks, the more comfortable they are and the better they insulate against the cold. This also means you are more likely to sweat faster.
If you are hiking in cold conditions or even in snow, opt for tall, thick socks with a relatively high percentage of merino wool. If you are hiking in warm weather, avoid socks that are too thick — which risk making you sweat — but also too thin, especially if you are walking in the mountains where feet tend to knock against the walls of the shoe. Generally speaking, socks that are too thin increase the likelihood of friction. In summer, opt for mid-thickness socks with high breathability and moisture-wicking performance.
The details that make the difference
The material, height and thickness of hiking socks are very important criteria when choosing your socks, but they are not everything. The construction of a hiking sock is far more complex than one might initially think, and there are many other details that should not be overlooked at the point of purchase. Here is a quick overview:
- Overall comfort: it is important that socks are as comfortable as possible and that pressure points are kept to a minimum. What seems like a minor irritation at the fitting stage or during the first few minutes quickly becomes a source of blisters or persistent pain during a hike. This is primarily why seams must be flat, especially at the toes, and the cuff must be stretchy so the calf is not compressed.
Where possible, opt for socks adapted to your foot morphology, which can vary depending on toe alignment, arch, width or volume of the foot. There are also pairs with specific socks for each foot — left and right — which are even better suited to the shape of the foot, but less durable as they are not interchangeable and are therefore constantly subjected to the same stress in the same places.
- Support: while the calf should not be compressed — particularly for blood circulation reasons — the sock must not slip down or bunch under the toes. This is why many socks feature support bands at various areas of the foot. This factor also depends on the material chosen and on the size, which must be correct. Generally, hiking sock sizes are organised in ranges; if your exact size falls between two ranges, opt for the lower one.
- Reinforcement zones: the more you practise, and the more you do so on steep and rugged terrain, the more important it is that your socks feature quality reinforcements. They improve durability, foot protection and reduce the risk of blisters. These reinforced zones are found mainly at the heel — which takes the most strain on climbs (note: the higher the shoe, the higher this reinforcement zone should be) — and at the toes, to prevent hot spots and absorb impacts against the shoe walls, particularly on descents. Also worth knowing: a suitable material that is thick and cushioned, such as fleece or terry loops, significantly absorbs shocks and reduces friction and pressure points.
- Breathable zones: these are essential for wicking away sweat and reducing moisture inside the sock (and therefore the risk of blisters and the development of unpleasant odours).
- Double-skin anti-blister socks: there are double-layer socks known as "anti-blister" socks, made from two superimposed layers of fabric. In this way, friction occurs between the two fabric layers rather than between your foot and the sock. Not bad, right?
- Waterproof-breathable socks: technology never stops advancing — it has made it possible to develop a waterproof membrane adapted for hiking socks. These socks are used with non-waterproof shoes during rainy hikes. We recommend keeping them in your rucksack and only taking them out when it rains, as they are rather rigid and less breathable than regular socks.
