Choosing the right hiking socks
Filed under
Hiking Gear
Socks play a huge role in your foots comfort on the trail. A good pair of socks should wick sweat away from your feet and provide extra cushion for comfort. The right socks can keep your feet cool in the summer or dry and warm in the winter.
When Choosing Socks there are a few options that you can choose from.
Wicking Socks
A lightweight sock that is made from a wicking fabric can help draw moisture away from your feet and keep you dry and blister free. When looking for a good inner sock you should look for fabrics that are smooth against the skin like wool or polypropylene.
Warm Weather Socks
Summer Socks are often made with Wool or a Wool Nylon Blend. There are also many new technologies out there such as CoolMax® polyester fibers that will help keep your feet cool and dry in hot environments. A good Summer sock will provide the right amount of cushion while at the same time being light enough to cool your feet in the heat.
Three Season Socks
Three Season Socks or Trekking Socks are often thicker than summer socks and will provide your feet with added cushioning to help prevent blisters. If you are planning on hiking long trails then these are probably the perfect socks to choose.
Winter Socks
Winter Socks are usually made out of wool and provide you with the warmth you need in freezing temperatures. They are often paired with a thin wicking sock.Make sure that they are thick enough to keep you warm but not so thick as to cut off the circulation to your feet.
I have some of the best socks on the market, mostley from REI, which is where I get 99% of my outdoor clothing. I am in the US Army, and serving in Iraq. Let me tell you during 130 degree summer days, NO sock keeps you cool and dry.
Ive had problems with socks in the past, that and boots…. started using trekking sandals when and where i can… much better
Socks are definately important, obviously you want to avoid cotton at all times. I’m still not sure why cotton socks are even made lol. Synthetic blends for the summer and warm weather and wool blends for the colder winter months. I’ve never been a fan of sock liners but I hear some people would never consider a hike without them.