Hiking Socks

Wow, what a boring topic: hiking socks.

Wait a minute! I heartily disagree!

They are one of the fundamentals of hiking.

If you asked me to list the most important gear a hiker must have on every hike, guess where they would be on that list?

Number one, right along with hiking footwear.

OK, I know what you're thinking. Socks and boots - that's TWO items on the list.

Nope, not the way I think of it.

Ready for a glimpse of how I view hiking socks? I must warn you, sox rock!! (Too bad Dr. Seuss didn't write a "sox rox on fox" book...)

Your feet are one of your most precious assets as a hiker. They bear your weight, your pack's weight, sometimes the weight of your child or puppy or a really cool rock you found or your trail buddy's extra weight from an ill fitting pack... you get the idea.

To thank your feet for their endless duty on the trail, you must provide them with fantastically fitted boots/shoes, AND hiking socks.

Notice the "hiking" in front of the socks. You need socks that can stand up to the friction, heat, stress, and swollen feet generated by a hike.

Your $1 bargain bin special won't cut it. Or won't cut it for very long...

Enter the wonderful universe of hiking socks.

I am not an advocate of any particular brand of hiking socks, but I have a few favorites which have been reliably reliable over the years for me. So I will give you the basics of what you should look for in socks, and end with a few suggestions based on my trail time.

The basics: you need two pairs. And they need to be different types.

What?? Two stinkin' pairs? (NOTE: They should NOT stink when you take them home from the store. That comes later.)

Yes, I kid you not. You need an inner and an outer pair. Here's why:

Inner pair: Sock liners, they're called. They have lots of responsibilities. They need to conform to the contours of your foot without sliding around. They must wick your sweat away from your skin, to prevent your epidermis from losing contact with your dermis (OUCH - a blister!). And they should make a reasonable attempt at absorbing foot odors. (Have you smelled your boots lately?)

Outer pair: These are probably what you thought about when you read "hiking socks". They come in all sorts of colors and varieties. Avoid getting sucked into sock overload by focusing on the main thing: will they pad your heels and soles from the wear and tear created by putting all of your weight on your feet, hour after hour, day after day.... and will they not wear out after a few trips? Not a bad bottom line, but believe me, many many sock brands fail this simple test.

Have I convinced you that you need hiking socks? In case you are coming here out of despair created by ill fitting socks, read up on blister prevention. I'll be right here when you get back.

To achieve the ideal condition of liner socks playing nicely with outer socks, and both pairs playing nicely with your hiking footwear, you have to shop around a little. And ask your hiking buddies. And borrow some socks from your significant other. I'm not kidding! I take sock picking very seriously, and you should, too.

What about the material? Nylon and spandex will ensure a well fitted shape, merino wool has good moisture wicking properties, polyester is sometimes blended in to enhance thermal regulation....you have lots of options. Pick a pair that feels nice on your skin, in case you violate my "liners first" rule.

I am a loyal fan of the brands which have served me well over the years. I humbly offer them as a place to start, if you don't have any sock lending buddies to turn to for advice.

For liners, try CoolMax or Fox River.

For an outer pair, try Thorlo or Smart Wool. Be careful here - you want to pick the right type. They will be labeled to indicate how much wear and tear they will stand up to: expect descriptions such as "light" or "expedition". Remember the features you are looking for: cushioning, heel and toe reinforcement, moisture and heat control, and durability. Personally, I choose the "trekking" variety. And even so, I replace my socks every other summer because the heels and toes wear out. So don't expect miracles!

And my apologies in advance for sticker shock. Hiking socks might seem a bit overpriced, but go back to first principles: your feet qualify as important hiking gear.

Hiking socks are just one important hiking fundamental. Browse more here.