What Kind of Hiking Socks Do I Need?
If you're just getting set for your first hike, finding the right pair of hiking boots is definitely top priority. Finding the right pair of socks comes in a close second. After all, they're a critical part of your boot/foot interface.
There's a reason hiking socks cost so darn much -- they're a world apart from the six-pack of white cotton socks you used to buy in the department store. A good hiking sock will:
Even once you mind these criteria, the variety of hiking socks out there can be bewildering. Here's how I choose what type of sock to use:
Socks and sandals might be gauche in the city, but they're one of the few ways a sandaled hiker can get a little extra warmth and (minimal) protection. I usually carry a pair of light- to mid-weight wool socks to throw on under my sandals if need be, even in the middle of the summer.
Minimalist hiking shoes are all about letting you feel the trail -- but they don't offer much in the way of insulation (or space for thick socks). In fact, many minimalist shoes are built of mesh to save weight and allow for quick drainage if you walk through water. Because of that I usually opt for short, wicking, lightweight socks that will also drain and dry well.
Socks with low-profile padding in the forefoot and heel can make minimalist footwear feel downright cushy -- but if you're uncomfortable without that padding, you should probably look into getting more substantial shoes or boots.
As a general rule the heavier the hiking boot is, the thicker the sock I'll wear with it -- this helps with both comfort and fit. If you struggle with blisters in heavy boots, adding a thin liner sock can help. If you're wearing lightweight, flexible boots that fit you very well, just that liner sock can (sometimes) be enough.
The taller the boot, the taller your socks should be. Even if the boot's ankle or calf collar is padded and doesn't chafe (which it shouldn't), it's still much more comfortable with a sock beneath it.
Got it? Good. You can use this list of my favorite socks (and places to buy socks) to narrow the field even more.
There's a reason hiking socks cost so darn much -- they're a world apart from the six-pack of white cotton socks you used to buy in the department store. A good hiking sock will:
- Provide sufficient cushioning for your choice of footwear.
- Wick moisture away from your skin. This promotes both comfort and warmth.
- Be made of wool or polyester (including proprietary, branded types of polyester), wicking/breathable fabric like CoolMax, or a blend of the aforementioned.
- Have ZERO percent cotton content. Cotton holds moisture -- including sweat -- against your skin, where it both chafes and chills.
- Dry quickly (usually goes hand-in-hand with wicking). The one exception to this is wool socks -- they tend to stay wet longer than wicking synthetics but they also insulate well, even when wet.
Even once you mind these criteria, the variety of hiking socks out there can be bewildering. Here's how I choose what type of sock to use:
Socks for Sandals
Socks and sandals might be gauche in the city, but they're one of the few ways a sandaled hiker can get a little extra warmth and (minimal) protection. I usually carry a pair of light- to mid-weight wool socks to throw on under my sandals if need be, even in the middle of the summer.
Socks for Lightweight Shoes
Minimalist hiking shoes are all about letting you feel the trail -- but they don't offer much in the way of insulation (or space for thick socks). In fact, many minimalist shoes are built of mesh to save weight and allow for quick drainage if you walk through water. Because of that I usually opt for short, wicking, lightweight socks that will also drain and dry well.
Socks with low-profile padding in the forefoot and heel can make minimalist footwear feel downright cushy -- but if you're uncomfortable without that padding, you should probably look into getting more substantial shoes or boots.
Socks for Hiking Boots
As a general rule the heavier the hiking boot is, the thicker the sock I'll wear with it -- this helps with both comfort and fit. If you struggle with blisters in heavy boots, adding a thin liner sock can help. If you're wearing lightweight, flexible boots that fit you very well, just that liner sock can (sometimes) be enough.
The taller the boot, the taller your socks should be. Even if the boot's ankle or calf collar is padded and doesn't chafe (which it shouldn't), it's still much more comfortable with a sock beneath it.
Got it? Good. You can use this list of my favorite socks (and places to buy socks) to narrow the field even more.
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