Hiking Sock Comparison Table
| Sock | Price | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Darn Tough Micro Crew | $24 | 61% merino, 36% nylon, 3% spandex |
| Smartwool Run Zero Cushion | $19 | 46% merino wool, 51% nylon, 3% elastane |
| REI Coolmax EcoMade Lightweight | $14 | 77% Coolmax EcoMade, 22% nylon, 1% spandex |
| Darn Tough Hiker Full-Cushion | $27 | 66% merino wool, 32% nylon, 2% Lyrcra |
In this post
What type of sock is best for hiking?
Hiking Sock Fabric Type
Wool: Wool is the most popular hiking sock material and the one that our footwear specialists recommend above all others. It regulates temperature well to keep your feet from getting sweaty and it provides cushioning.
What’s the difference between hiking socks and regular socks?
Hiking socks are essential to ensure you have the most comfortable hike possible. Unlike a regular cotton sock, hiking socks will keep your feet dry, less sweaty and cushioned, which in turn stops painful blisters from forming as your shoe rubs against the back of your foot while you walk.
Are Compression Socks good for long hikes?
Many hikers swear by wearing compression socks when they hike. These socks can help improve circulation and can prevent leg pain and swelling on long hikes. What is this? Everyone can benefit from these socks, but they’re especially helpful for individuals with varicose veins or other circulation problems.
Why do hikers wear two pairs of socks?
However, wearing two socks can help. The inner sock helps reduce friction with your foot. There is still friction occurring – it is just between the two pairs of socks and not your skin and the sock. The inner sock also helps wick away moisture from the foot.
Do you need to wear wool socks for hiking?
Tips for Buying Hiking Socks
In general, you want to opt for either wool or synthetic material for hiking socks as opposed to cotton. Wool and certain synthetics are able to regulate the temperature of your feet and wick away sweat and moisture, keeping feet comfortable and blister-free.
Are Toe socks better for hiking?
Toe socks are known for their blister prevention, as each toe is separated so there is no skin-to-skin friction. Toes can also splay naturally in toe socks, which helps provide stability while hiking.
Do you need special hiking socks?
A hiking sock is crucial to prevent blisters. A hiking sock, unlike a wimpy, stinky cotton sock, won’t constantly rub against the back of your foot and provides significant protection against rubbing that your boot might cause.
Can I wear running socks for hiking?
So long as you’ve got the right size, they’re on correctly and they aren’t inhibiting blood flow, then it’s fine to wear your compression socks all day.
What should hiking socks be made of?
Hiking Sock Comparison Table
| Sock | Price | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Darn Tough Micro Crew | $24 | 61% merino, 36% nylon, 3% spandex |
| Smartwool Run Zero Cushion | $19 | 46% merino wool, 51% nylon, 3% elastane |
| REI Coolmax EcoMade Lightweight | $14 | 77% Coolmax EcoMade, 22% nylon, 1% spandex |
| Darn Tough Hiker Full-Cushion | $27 | 66% merino wool, 32% nylon, 2% Lyrcra |
Which brand of compression socks are best?
Best Overall: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
Physix Gear Compression Socks are our best overall pick because of their overall quality, performance, value, comfort, and durability.
How many hours should I wear compression socks?
You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning. You should be given at least 2 stockings, or 2 pairs if you’re wearing them on both legs. This means you can wear 1 stocking (or pair) while the other is being washed and dried.
Should you walk in compression socks?
Conclusion: Compression stockings have a synergistic effect with walking in the late afternoon thus reducing edema of the lower limbs.
Why should you not wear two pairs of socks?
“The second pair compresses your foot, cutting off circulation and making your feet colder than they’d be with a single pair. This impaired blood flow makes your feet even more vulnerable to frostbite.”
How do you prevent foot blisters when hiking?
Prevent blisters from forming: Get good-fitting boots; wear a thin liner sock under your hiking socks and take care of any hot spots right away, covering them with a padded blister bandage, Moleskin or tape.
Do thicker socks help prevent blisters?
Research: Research shows thicker socks reduce the chance of blisters and can be considered as a blister prevention sock feature.
Are bamboo socks good for hiking?
As bamboo fibre is a tough, yet wonderfully soft fibre, your feet will be well protected while on your weekend treks into the wilderness. Keeping your feet cool and dry is also pretty important if you are doing physical activity, like hiking, treking or any outdoor activity really.
Why are hiking socks tight?
Compression. As mentioned, hiking socks have a tight fit. They typically have lycra and/or nylon integrated into the weave to help with elasticity and they conform to your foot and leg quite well. This not only helps to reduce friction and therefore blisters but also helps with blood flow in your legs.
Is merino wool best for hiking?
Merino wool is known for its breathability, temperature regulation, odor-resistance and soft, non itchy feel. Because of that it’s highly appreciated among hikers, mountaineers and other outdoor enthusiasts who need high performance clothing for their demanding trips.
Are cotton socks good for hiking?
You should absolutely stay away from cotton. Cotton is not a good material for a hiking sock because it absorbs moisture, it doesn’t dry quickly, it is heavy and has poor insulation properties, especially when wet.
Are thick socks better for walking?
Are thick socks better for walking? Thick walking socks generally have more cushioning than thin socks, so they may feel more comfortable when you’re walking. However, thick socks may cause your feet to overheat and sweat in warmer weather, so very cushioned socks may not be a good choice for summer walking.