What Are The Best Socks To Wear While Hiking?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion.
  • Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew.
  • REI Co-op Merino Wool Expedition Crew.
  • Darn Tough Quarter Cushion Hiker.
  • WRIGHTSOCK Coolmesh II Crew.
  • Balega Silver No-Show.
  • Sockwell Circulator.

Are wool socks better for hiking?

In general, you want to opt for

either wool or synthetic material

for hiking socks as opposed to cotton. Wool and certain synthetics are able to regulate the temperature of your feet and wick away sweat and moisture, keeping feet comfortable and blister-free. They also dry much more quickly than cotton.

Should I wear 2 pairs of socks hiking?

Whether you choose to wear one pair of socks or two is largely a personal preference. When hiking, those who are prone to blisters may choose to wear two pairs; a dedicated liner pair and a

thicker cushioning pair

. This will help to reduce the friction and lift the moisture from the skin, keeping it drier.

What kind of socks to wear hiking in the summer?

So, for hot days, consider choosing a

low or quarter-crew hiking sock made with a thin fabric

. If your hiking boots have a mid-height or tall cuff, you’ll probably be most comfortable wearing a mid- or traditional crew thin sock. A tall height can also help protect you from ticks.

What kind of socks should you wear hiking?


Thin light socks

are the best hiking socks for warm days or on short easy trails. Mid-thickness socks are best for tougher hikes but where it is still reasonably warm. Thick socks are the best hiking sock for tough hikes and colder temperatures.

Do I really need hiking socks?

A hiking sock is

crucial to prevent blisters

. A hiking sock, unlike a wimpy, stinky cotton sock, won’t constantly rub against the back of your foot and provides significant protection against rubbing that your boot might cause.

Why are hiking socks so expensive?

For a piece of clothing that’s so easily forgotten (and lost in the wash), hiking socks are expensive. But they’re also essential. That high price tag is a result of

the technical materials and processes that go into making socks that are suitable for a lifetime of trail use

.

Why are cotton socks bad for hiking?

Never use cotton socks for hiking.

Cotton absorbs moisture and takes forever to dry

. Use wool to stay warm and still wick away moisture. … Use synthetics if your feet sweat a lot because they wick moisture away better than natural fibers.

Are cotton or wool socks better for hiking?

Wool is a moisture-wicking material and

cotton is not

. Cotton absorbs moisture and it takes a while to dry, which is exactly why you should try to avoid cotton socks. Especially for hiking – cotton socks get wet pretty fast, they can bunch up inside the boots, and then constantly rub against your skin.

Why do people wear wool socks when hiking?

Wool: Wool is the most popular hiking sock material and the one that our footwear specialists recommend above all others. It

regulates temperature well to keep your feet from getting sweaty

and it provides cushioning. … It’s occasionally used in sock liners for reliable moisture wicking.

How many socks should you wear hiking?

The ideal number of pairs of socks to bring on a backpacking trip

is 3, and the minimum is 2

. Always have at least one extra pair of socks for a backpacking trip in case they’re needed.

Does wearing 2 socks help prevent blisters?

Double-layer socks

can prevent blisters by reducing friction and wicking away moisture

. … You can also wear two pairs of socks, which is a common tactic for hikers. The inner sock or inner layer of the sock should be of sweat-wicking fabric.

How can I make my hiking boots tighter?

For tighter lacing,

thread the laces through the hooks from top down to create a pulley system

. If you want more freedom of movement at the top of the boot, then you can always tie your laces off at a lace hook lower down. If your laces are too long.

Are cotton socks okay for hiking?

Cotton is one of the most comfortable all-natural fabrics in the world, but because it absorbs moisture, dries slowly, and provides no insulation when wet, 100%

cotton is a poor choice for the outdoors

. Many socks, however, do take advantage of the comfort and provide blends.

What does a crew sock look like?

Crew sock height can vary a lot, though most are about 6 to 8 inches from the heel to the top of the cuff. They look

cute with sneakers and fancy shoes alike

and you see them a lot more in the transitional seasons when you want a sock, but not too much sock.

Which Darn Tough socks are best for hiking?

Eventually we determined that the

women’s and men’s Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion socks

are the best hiking socks for most people. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, these wool socks offer the ideal mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.