What To Look For
Hiking liner socks should be lightweight, and they should keep your feet dry. Wet feet and socks that are too thick can lead to painful blisters, which can ruin anyone's hike. Most liner socks are made of synthetic materials, which wick away sweat and moisture more quickly than wool socks.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid using liner socks that aren't designed to line your boots. Two pairs of hiking socks, for example, will crowd your feet, lead to more sweating and probably blisters. If your liner or hiking socks get wet, they should be changed as quickly as possible to prevent blisters and chafing.
Where To Buy
Most quality outdoor stores, such as REI and Eastern Mountain Sports, sell hiking liner socks. You can also find good deals on liner socks at online sites.
Cost
A good pair of hiking liner socks will cost between $5 and $15 (as of September 2010). It's a small price to avoid blisters and a ruined hike.
Comparison Shopping
REI, Injinji and Wigwam make excellent synthetic liner socks. SmartWool has a line of wool socks that also work well as liners. Fox River offers both merino wool and synthetic socks, including recycled polyester.
Insider Tips
Use wool liner socks to provide extra warmth for cold-weather hiking. Synthetic liners breathe better in warm weather.
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