Hiking Socks

Materials: synthetic, merino wool, cotton or silk, plenty of options

The first element to consider when choosing your pair of hiking or trekking shocks is the material they’re made of. Hiking socks can generally be made of 4 types of materials: synthetic, merino wool, cotton and silk.

Synthetic: synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon and elastane, are designed to provide good moisture wicking, dry quickly and offer exceptional durability. Synthetic material hiking socks are perfect for long summer hikes or wet conditions.

Merino wool: merino wool is praised for its cooling properties, capacity to wick moisture and exceptional comfort. An excellent option for hiking in unsettled weather.

Cotton: while cotton is a soft and comfortable material, it has a tendency to trap moisture, which can cause blisters on long hikes. It’s a good idea to avoid it for trekking and backpacking.

Silk: silk can be used as an underlayer to help with insulation and moisture control, however it’s less durable than other materials.

Many manufacturers blend materials to take the best of each and offer maximum comfort and pleasant sensations to hikers.

Low, mid or high: choosing the right sock height

Your sock height depends on your hiking shoes or boots and the type of hike you’re planning.

Low socks: low socks are ideal for short hikes or walks. They’re also generally meant to be worn with low-cut shoes.

Mid socks: mid socks are a good option for moderate to high intensity hikes. They offer better support than low socks and better protection from debris.

High socks: high socks are recommended for trekking or mountain hiking. They offer optimal protection from the elements and are designed to be worn with high ankle hiking boots to provide maximum ankle support.

Thin, intermediate, thick: sock thickness, an important element

The thickness of your socks can have a significant impact on your comfort, depending on the weather conditions. Your choice is influenced by the amount of thermal protection you need.

Light socks: lightweight socks are ideal for summer hikes when temperature and moisture control are critical. They’re generally made of quick drying, breathable materials, such as polyester or merino wool.

Medium thick socks: these socks offer a good balance between breathability and cushioning. They constitute a versatile option for various conditions. You can use them on multi-day hikes or long day trips.

Thick socks: thick socks are ideal for hiking in cold conditions or on particularly challenging routes where additional cushioning is needed. Often made of merino wool, for maximum thermal insulation. Make sure you’ve enough space in your hiking shoes or boots to accommodate your socks without compressing your feet.

Various types of stitching for better comfort

The seams of your socks can seem secondary but they can make the difference in terms of comfort.

Flat stich: flat seams are ideal for hiking socks as they limit the risks of chaffing and blisters. Flt seams means the stitching between the various parts of the sick is done without any gap, for a smooth contact surface against the skin.

Invisible stich: flat stitching is even more comfortable. The different parts of the sock are seamlessly connected and the seams can’t be felt.

Reinforcements and anti-blister protections for better performance

On long hikes and backpacking trips, repeated friction between your feet and shoes or boots can cause blisters, which can turn a beautiful day into a painful experience. Luckily, most hiking socks have specific reinforcements and protections to prevent this problem.

Reinforcements for cushioning and durability

In hiking socks, reinforcements are usually located on areas of high wear or pressure, such as the heels and toes. They’re designed to be abrasion resistant and provide additional cushioning to protect your feet.

A well-designed reinforcement can make your socks last longer and improve your comfort by reducing impacts when walking on rugged terrain. These reinforcements are often made of durable synthetic materials such as nylon or elastane, that are hard wearing without compromising on flexibility or comfort.

Anti-blister protections to enjoy your hikes fully

Here are the most common features found on hiking socks to help prevent blisters:

Flat or invisible seams: like stated above, these stitching methods reduce friction and the risk of blisters.

Precise fit: a sock that fits well prevents the folds and empty spaces that can cause blisters. Some brands offer socks with specific elastic areas to guarantee a precise fit around your foot arch or heel.

Moisture wicking materials: moisture (sweat) can soften the skin and increase the risk of blisters. Socks made of moisture wicking materials, such as merino wool or synthetic fibres help keep your feet dry.

Double socks: some hiking socks have a double layer construction, where an inner layer slides against the outer layer, reducing the level of friction directly against the skin.

Socks with specific padding: socks with additional padding areas, such as around the heel or toes, can help reduce friction and pressure, which can prevent blisters.

Foot anatomy and sock size

The choice of the size of your pair of hiking socks is essential to guarantee optimal comfort, whether its around the toe or heel areas, as well as to prevent blisters.

Choosing the size: hiking socks should fit snuggly but not too tight. If your socks are too big, they’re likely to form folds that can cause blisters. If they’re too small, they can cause uncomfortable compression.

Foot anatomy: some brands offer socks specifically designed for wider, narrow or high arched feet. If your feet have a peculiar shape, look for socks that match your anatomy.

Caring for your socks to preserve their properties

Taking good care of your hiking socks can prolong their lifespan and preserve their performance.

Washing: most hiking socks can be machine washed in cold or warm water. However, some merino wool or silk socks can require hand washing to retain their properties.

Drying: lots of hiking socks, especially those made of synthetic materials, can be tumble dried. However, to make them last longer, it’s preferable to let them air dry.

Storage: to retain their properties, your hiking socks should be stored in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Men, women, kids: make the right choice to fully enjoy your hikes

Choosing the right hiking or trekking socks is a task that may seem trivial but can have a significant impact on your outdoor experience. The wrong pair of socks can turn your day of walking into a true nightmare, filled with blisters, damp feet and pain. On the other hand, the right pair of socks can significantly improve your comfort, enabling you to focus on the joys of exploration and adventure. The choice of hiking socks depends on numerous factors that vary with the type of hike you’re planning and the weather conditions.

Your pair of socks is a critical element of your hiking kit, as important as your shoes or boots, backpack or tent. By paying your feet the attention they deserve, you can expect a pleasant and stress-free hiking experience.

You can count on Glisshop experts to help you make the right choice among all the models and brands available, such as X-Socks, Smartwool or even Therm-Ic.