Whether planning a long hike or a casual stroll, choosing the right sock for your needs is important. Hiking socks take a lot of abuse over a single day (not to mention a months-long backpacking trip), so you want something that won’t give out on you after just one wash.
- Look for a Seamless Construction
Socks are essential to your hiking gear and help keep your feet happy, comfortable and healthy on the trail. Several types of socks available in the market vary in construction, length, and materials. Each of these has its own set of benefits and characteristics.
Hiking socks, for instance, are often made of wool and synthetic materials crafted to increase breathability, durability, and wicking power. They are also constructed to fit well with compatible hiking shoes or boots.
Merino wool, for example, is an excellent material that provides warmth and comfort while keeping your feet itch-free and dry. It is often blended with nylon and polyester to improve abrasion resistance, and it can be found in most sock brands.
The best merino hiker socks feature seamless construction to prevent blisters and hot spots on the toe and foot and a low-tension roll-top cuff for added support along the ankle. It is important to help minimize sock movement and ensure your foot stays secure in the shoe.
Other features of a great sock include a breathable and moisture-wicking design, graduated compression bands that promote blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue, and arch support designed to stabilize your foot and minimize sock movement. They should also be fitted to your foot and not cling to the base of your foot, as this can irritate.
The right sock for you will depend on your needs and preferences, so take the time to find the perfect one. Having the right socks will make all of your hiking experiences better.
- Choose a Tight Fit
Hiking socks are an important part of any hiker’s gear, and choosing the right type can make a huge difference in your experience. The best merino hiking socks can provide all the features you need without being too bulky or constricting.
The first thing you should consider when looking for the perfect sock is your fit. Socks should be snug but not constricting and provide enough support to prevent blisters and chafing.
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing the right fit is your foot shape. A sock that fits perfectly in the calf but is too loose around the ankle can cause problems when walking or climbing. It can lead to pain and discomfort, which will affect your performance.
It would be best if you also considered the thickness of your socks. If you plan on wearing your merino hiking socks in cold weather, it is a good idea to look for thicker constructions that will give you extra insulation and warmth.
One way to ensure your socks are thick enough is to choose a wool/synthetic blend, a combination of natural fibres like merino wool and man-made materials such as nylon or polyester. Typically, these blends range from 70-80% merino and 20-30% synthetics, but the exact percentages vary depending on the product.
- Look for Moisture Wicking
Moisture-wicking socks keep your feet dry by moving sweat and moisture from your skin to the outside of the sock. It makes them more comfortable than socks that keep your feet soaking wet. They also prevent bad odours, bacteria growth, and foot rot.
Hiking and other outdoor activities can put your feet through sweat. That’s why choosing a pair of merino hiker socks designed specifically for outdoor use is important.
Historically, hiking socks were mainly made with cotton and polyester, but merino wool is now the most popular material for hiking socks because it wicks sweat better than cotton or synthetic fibres. It is also a natural insulator and can help regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool and warm in cold weather.
The best merino hiker socks have a high percentage of merino wool, which helps them retain their shape and stay soft after many miles of use. Some merino hiker socks have 85% merino and 15% nylon, such as the REI Co-Op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks (#6) and the Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks (#2).
Another reason to look for a high percentage of merino is that it can reduce your risk of blistering. Most merino socks are machine washable, ideal for easy care and maintenance after long days on the trail.
Some brands, such as Farm to Feet, have been making socks for years, and they’re known for bringing new ideas to the table in areas such as padding and ventilation. Those are important for long-haul hikers with irritated or fussy feet, Spring says.
- Look for Compression Bands
Compression bands are a great way to help improve your circulation. They can increase oxygen delivery and reduce lactic acid, which is important for your body to function at its best. They can also help prevent cramping and swelling.
One thing to be aware of is that compression socks can be quite tight when first put on, but this will gradually become normal as you get used to them. It is also worth ensuring you choose the right size for your feet. You can find compression sock sizes online and in most hiking stores.
Another thing to look for is seamless construction. You want to ensure that there is no seam line on the inside of the sock, as this can cause hot spots or blisters.
Merino wool is a natural fibre that has exceptional moisture management properties. It absorbs and evaporates moisture to help keep your feet dry, regulates temperature, and helps prevent odours.
It is, therefore, a good idea to opt for merino hiker socks made from merino wool. It is because merino wool can provide the perfect balance of durability and comfort, wicking away sweat and keeping your feet feeling fresh.
When choosing merino hiker socks, the compression rating and whether they offer graduated compression is always worth checking. Graduated compression is a great way to boost your endurance and performance while walking and help prevent muscle soreness. Ideally, the graduated compression should be around 15-20 mmHg. It is the level that most hikers find comfortable and effective.
- Look for Comfort
If you’re planning a long-distance hike, you’ll want to choose merino hiker socks that will keep your feet comfortable. They can help prevent blisters, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, bunions, and neuroma, among other issues.
You should also pay close attention to the fit of your socks. They should be snug but not too tight, or they can cut off circulation and make your feet uncomfortable. Try them before purchasing to ensure they will not bunch up in your shoes or chafe your feet.
Some socks have air vents that allow heat and moisture to escape, ensuring that your feet stay dry. Others feature more synthetic fibres woven into the material for increased breathability.
These socks are ideal for hot weather, enabling you to move freely without sweating. They are also highly breathable, so stay cool on warm-weather hiking trips.
They can also be a good choice for warmer-weather hunting, as they will help keep your feet cool by drawing sweat away from them.
Another important factor to consider is the length of your sock. You’ll need to consider your footwear, as some boots only allow you to wear ankle-length socks. It is especially true if you plan to wear a pair of low-cut hiking shoes or boots with these socks.
Socks can range in weight from light to heavy, so you must choose the right ones for your needs. It is especially crucial for those covering distances on long-distance hiking trails, like the Appalachian Trail (AT) or Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Generally speaking, mid-weight socks offer more breathability and comfort while slightly thicker than heavyweight socks.