Choosing and caring for hiking socks
Hiking socks are an important part of your hiking footwear. The functions of hiking socks are to protect your feet from your boots, keep your feet dry by wicking sweat away, provide cushioning, provide warmth and to fine-tune the fit of your hiking boots.
The amount of extra space in your boots will determine the thickness of hiking socks you can wear or whether you can wear more than one pair.
The four categories of hiking socks
Hiking socks can be categorized into four parts; wicking socks, summer socks, three-season socks and winter socks.
Each category of hiking socks are meant to be worn either in combination or as a standalone. The main concern when choosing hiking socks is the weather and climate.
Wicking Socks
These hiking socks are lightweight and made from a wicking fabric that draws moisture away from your feet. Keeping your feet dry will them feel more comfortable and prevent unwanted odors.
Wicking socks also prevent blisters and most of them are made of lightweight wool or polypropylene that reduces friction and are less likely to rub.
Wicking socks works great as an inner hiking sock in addition to another sock.
Summer Socks
When it’s hot, you might want to wear only one pair of hiking socks that also keeps your feet cool.
Summer socks are mainly made of wool or a wool-nylon blend. Because wool draws away moisture from the feet very well and also provide a good amount of cushioning it’s perfect for hot weather hiking.
This type of hiking sock is thicker under the sole and heel but thinner and lighter around the ankle and the top of the foot.
Summer socks that contain nylon in the fabric generally last longer than the ones that’s only made up of wool
Three-Season Socks
These hiking socks are also called trekking socks. They are thicker than summer socks and provide more cushioning.
The cushioning in hiking socks are a main contributing factor in reducing the risk of getting blisters. These socks are used by many hikers in the summer for the added cushioning and they’re a good choice for long distance hiking.
Winter Socks
Winter socks are even thicker than three-season socks and should be worn only when temperatures are well below freezing.
Wearing these hiking socks with an inner wicking sock are highly recommended as your feet tent to get hot when you walk especially uphill or on long distances.
It is important to make sure that your hiking boos are big enough to accommodate winter socks as socks that are too thick for the boots can constrict circulation.
Caring for Hiking Socks
Dirty socks can cause overheating, chilling, or blistering. Besides, they smell bad.
To care for your hiking socks, follow the instructions on the label which most of the time include “separate colors”, “turn inside out”, “machine wash warm”, “no bleach”, ‘tumble dry low” and “do not iron”.
Not following the instructions can cause your hiking socks to itch, shrink or even lose it’s moisture absorbing or heat regulating properties.
