Knowledgeable skiers and hikers realize the socks they wear are as important as the other pieces of gear they choose. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recognizes numerous foot pathologies, such as blisters, toenail injuries and infections, can be avoided if athletes select the appropriate socks for their chosen activity.
Sock Fibers
Hydrophilic fibers are those that absorb moisture, while hydrophobic fibers are those that repel moisture. Cotton is found to be a highly hydrophilic fiber, while CoolMax® and polypropylene are hydrophobic. In the middle range, wool and acrylic tend to have an intermediate level of absorbency. The theory behind hydrophilic fibers is they draw water away, or “wick” moisture, from your foot and then, with the aid of a breathable shoe, the water vapor evaporates from your foot and keeps you dry. The hydrophobic sock, on the other hand, repels water to the point that wicking does not occur. Therefore, the more breathable a shoe or boot is, the more benefit one receives from a wicking, or hydrophilic, sock.
Compressibility
In addition to the sock's fibers, the compressibility of the fibers impacts the overall wicking potential of a given sock. For example, when cotton and wool socks become saturated, the fibers tend to compress and ultimately limit the ability for the fibers to wick. Acrylic fibers, on the other hand, are less inclined to compress when wet, and CoolMax® fibers are wound in such a way that they offer an increased surface area that promotes better wicking. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine indicates, “when combining hydrophobic qualities and mechanical fiber qualities, the fibers that wick moisture best are, from best to worst: CoolMax®, acrylic, polypropylene, wool, cotton.”
Selecting Socks
The type of shoe or boot worn, along with environmental concerns, is what an athlete needs to consider when choosing a sock type rather than the sport itself. The movements between skiing and hiking are similar enough that they alone would not necessitate a different type of sock. However, the weather encountered as well as the type of boot/shoe worn makes a difference.
Ski Sock Considerations
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends an over-the-calf, acrylic or wool sock for skiing. Thinner socks are purported to be more compatible with today's high-tech ski boot/shells. The thicker the sock is, the more it might allow the foot to move around inside the shell, thus limiting the skier's ability to maintain control. Additionally, a thick sock can make it difficult for the skier to “feel” the snow conditions and adjust accordingly during the sport. Lastly, the thicker the sock is, the more it might inhibit circulation on the top and sides of the foot and ankle, potentially resulting in colder feet.
Hiking Sock Considerations
Since hikers experience a range of weather during their sport, there are more considerations when evaluating socks. Ascending a snow-covered peak requires a heavier, non-wicking sock compatible with a waterproof boot, while traversing a desert plateau in a lightweight, breathable trail shoe would necessitate a thinner, more wicking sock to keep you cool. Hiking socks come in light, medium and heavy weight, and in general, hikers should match the weight of their sock with the weight of their boot and intended activity. A multi-day hike, for example, would favor a heavyweight boot and sock combination while a lightweight sock and shoe/boot team is appropriate for a short day hike.
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