1. Fit the Foot
Your feet are the most important part of your body during a hike. If you injure them, the hike may be curtailed, or may become extremely uncomfortable. Hiking socks can help to protect your feet. If your socks do not fit properly, you can develop a blister or suffer an injury due to the loss of traction inside your hiking boots. A proper hiking sock should conform to your foot without restricting circulation and it shouldn't be so loose that the socks sag or display pockets of air.
2. Respect the Demands of the Hike
Consider the difficulty of the hike when you choose your socks. For longer and more arduous hikes, choose a heavyweight sock which can provide more cushioning for your feet. If it's just a short hike, a lightweight or middleweight sock will do fine. Purchase a sock liner if you have sensitive feet, or if you are going on a long and difficult hike for the first time.
3. Material Matters
Socks composed of synthetically engineered wool are comfortable, but durable enough for that long hike. You can find them at most stores that carry camping equipment. You can choose natural wool socks, but they can be scratchy and they often lack durability. If you choose natural wool, purchase a wool-blend hiking sock for the most comfort. Finally, stay away from cotton hiking socks that may shrink after washing and can cause blisters because they absorb sweat.
4. Sock Issues
Do not assume that all socks are equal because size and fit vary depending on the manufacturer and the country from which the hiking socks came. Try on the socks before you buy them to make sure they feel good and fit well. Don't buy socks that are all the same color, so that when you have to make multiple sock changes during a hiking trip, you can easily tell which socks you have already worn. If certain areas of your feet are sensitive, buy hiking socks that have padding in those spots.
Member Comments