Think all hiking socks are the same? Never paid attention to how they're made? A poorly chosen pair can ruin your outing. Foot protection is essential to prevent friction and blisters. Several criteria come into play when choosing the right hiking socks.
Key takeaways:
- Synthetic materials offer good breathability, while natural materials prioritise insulation.
- Socks with reinforcements help to reduce friction.
- It is recommended to choose thin hiking socks in warm weather and thicker ones in cold weather.
- Sock height should match the shoe height to provide optimal protection.
Choosing the material
When buying your hiking socks, you may find yourself faced with several available materials. These can either prioritise moisture wicking or focus more on insulation.
Synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon are both stretchy and durable. They have the advantage of efficiently wicking moisture and drying quickly. Synthetic socks are therefore ideal for hiking in warm weather.
Natural materials such as merino wool are thermoregulating and antibacterial. They insulate perfectly in winter, retain warmth in summer, and keep odours at bay. These socks are perfect for intense hikes. If you've ever wondered what clothing to choose for a hike, you'll know that cotton is not recommended. It absorbs moisture, which increases friction.
To get the best of both synthetic and natural materials, we recommend going for models in blended fabrics. The percentage of each material can then help you decide between one pair and another.
Reinforcement zones
Choosing the right hiking socks matters on an intense hike. Your feet take a real beating and deserve the best possible comfort. That's why socks designed for this purpose feature reinforcement zones.
Reinforcement zones are located on strategic parts of the foot. You'll often find a thicker weave or padding on the heel, forefoot, or shin. This addition primarily helps to reinforce the areas most prone to wear, irritation, and blisters.
Some socks also feature a closer-fitting structure around the ankle and a raised knit zone or elastic band across the arch of the foot. These help to keep socks firmly in place for better support and improved comfort.
The thickness of hiking socks
During a hike, moisture management is essential. Just as with the choice between hardshell vs softshell jackets, your socks need to be suited to the conditions of your outing to avoid discomfort.
Thin socks have the advantage of providing maximum breathability and drying quickly. They do, however, offer less cushioning and may not be suited to rough terrain or heavy loads. They're a good choice for light hikes in warm weather.
Mid-weight socks are versatile. They offer good thermal insulation, making them suitable for moderate to cool temperatures. They also provide sufficient cushioning for a moderate hike and are therefore well-suited to standard footwear.
Finally, thick socks are designed for demanding outings, with heavy loads or in cold conditions. Here, the focus is on good cushioning and increased insulation. They are, however, less breathable and take longer to dry.
Sock sizing
Sock height is determined by the type of hiking shoes and the conditions you'll encounter. Indeed, socks must be at least as high as the collar of the shoe to prevent the shoe from rubbing against the skin.
Low-cut socks, or "Low", stop just above the ankle bone, below the ankle. Their low profile means they should only be worn with low-cut shoes.
Mid-height socks, or "Mid", come up above the ankle bone. They therefore effectively protect the ankles. They can be worn with mid-height or low-cut shoes. In the latter case, they can offer some protection against vegetation or the cold.
High socks, or "High", stop just below the calf, protecting it from friction. They are best worn with high-cut shoes.
You now know everything you need to choose your hiking socks. When buying a pair, go for the size closest to your own. If in doubt, size down rather than up to avoid folds forming during activity. To go further, check out our guide to the best hiking socks.
