Hiking Guide

Hiking socks are not given much attention. Unlike their partner the hiking boot, which gets noticed all the time, hiking socks are left in the shadow. This is perhaps because they are not visible, so mostly, we just settle for old, rugged, and stretched out pairs, which have walked a million miles. These kind of socks won’t do you any good, much more serve their purpose. It is probably time to upgrade and get a new pair suitable for hiking. 

Everything else these days is being upgraded. Even a simple hiking stick now comes in adjustable, telescopic variety, as opposed to the old run-of-the-mill broken right off the branch ones. So why not hiking socks as well? For hikers like us, who depend so desperately on our feet, that’s definitely a good idea. 

There are a number of benefits a good pair of hiking socks can give. They protect our feet by providing cushioning for them. Moreover, they also whisk sweat away from your foot, and keep your little toes warm. Hiking socks also help fine-tune your boot fit. By wearing hiking socks, you can reduce the friction inside your boot after miles of walking. 

Buying the right pair of hiking socks can be a difficult task, much like buying a pair of boots. There are several factors involved, not least of which is the material. Hiking socks are made from a variety of materials, including Wool, synthetic such as Acrylic, Coolmax, Thermax, or some other type of polyester. Each of these materials have benefits specific to a particular type of foot. 

For instance, if your feet get cold easily, go with woolen hiking socks. Out of all the materials, Wool has the best insulating ability, yet it still whisks sweat away from your feet. A certain type of wool called “merino” has softer, finer fibers than regular wool, perfect to keep your feet comfortable as you go on your hike. 

On the other hand, if your feet are on the sweaty side, a synthetic pair of hiking socks is in order. When it comes to the job of whisking away sweat, synthetics do it better and way faster. 

The next factor you ought to consider when purchasing a pair of hiking socks is the density of the fabric. Whether Wool or synthetic, it doesn’t matter. The only rule is this: the denser the better. One way for you to find out if your hiking socks are dense is to turn them inside out and inspect those little fabric loops. The smaller, and tighter, and denser they are, the more cushioning the sock will have over the long haul. 

Hiking socks should not be overlooked if you want to enjoy your hiking adventure. A good pair will make your feet happy, which in turn can give you more miles of walking. Also, they will protect your feet from any harmful elements in the environment. So, invest in a good pair and have a wonderful time hiking!