The Importance of Socks – A Guide to Hiking Socks

Posted by Neil | June 27, 2011

Walking socks are an often overlooked part of hiking kit, but are extremely important. Just as you need the correct hiking boots, it’s important to choose the correct socks to go with them. The right socks will keep your feet dry and comfortable; the wrong socks can give you sore feet and blisters.

Top Fact - Did you know that your feet have over 250,000 sweat glands each and can produce around a pint of sweat per day?!



Cushioning – Most hiking socks fit into one of three weight categories: light-weight, mid-weight and heavy-weight. Basically you get more cushioning the thicker the sock. If you are hiking over rough terrain carrying a fully loaded backpack then you will probably want a heavyweight sock to give your feet more protection. In hot weather or for activities like running you probably want some good padding underfoot, but minimal padding across the top.

Temperature Control – Getting a balance between cushioning and temperature is the key. You need enough cushioning to protect your feet but you also need to bear in mind that the heavier the sock the warmer your feet will be so consider what temperatures you are likely to be hiking in.

Moisture Wicking – You want your socks to keep your feet as dry as possible. Moisture wicking socks will absorb sweat away from your feet reducing bacteria build up and the risk of blisters. Avoid cotton socks for any hikes as they retain sweat. Sock liners can also be worn underneath your hiking socks to provide extra moisture wicking. Most modern outdoor socks wick, and usually contain a blend of synthetics/merino suitable for the end use/conditions they’re designed for. (E.g. Heavy winter socks will not wick as fast as a lightweight running sock, but will keep your foot a lot warmer.)

Sock Liners – Wearing good fitting hiking boots and socks you are less likely to develop blisters, but wearing sock liners can also help prevent chaffing and blisters by reducing friction. The liner is worn under your hiking sock which avoids friction being created between the hiking sock and your feet. As they are thin they can be washed and dried quickly. Because liners are in direct contact with your feet instead of your hiking socks it also means you need to wash your hiking socks less often!



Fit – Make sure you get the right size sock. A well fitted sock should have a good all-over contact with your foot. If you have excess material it will bunch up inside your boots and cause discomfort, or if your socks are too tight they will restrict circulation. Most modern outdoor socks have well designed heel and toes sections, if you find that the heel section does not fit around you heel, but is being pulled under your foot, or indeed, nowhere near you heel, try a different size.)

Fabric – What your socks are made from will also affect their performance. Most socks will contain a mixture of fabrics. Here are some examples of materials that are commonly used in hiking socks:

Natural Fabrics

• Merino Wool – soft, regulates temperature, wicks moisture, repels odour


• Regular Sheep Wool – Warm, does not wick very well, can be ‘itchy’.


• Cotton – poor insulator doesn’t wick moisture – just about the worst thing you can put on your feet.


• Silk – lightweight, wicks moisture, ideal for liners.

Synthetic Fabrics

• Acrylic – provides insulation, good moisture wicking, soft


• Nylon/Polyamide – adds strength, durable


• Lycra/Elastane - helps socks maintain shape, adds flexibility


• Polyester – soft, lightweight, durable

Top Tip – Wash hiking socks inside out, it helps keep them more comfortable for longer.

There are many top brands out there producing a great range of hiking socks designed to make your feet more comfortable:



Bridgedale – A market leader in technical outdoor socks. Bridgedale offer an impressive 3 year guarantee on their WoolFusion socks.



1000 Mile – Many of 1000 Mile's socks have a clever two layer design which reduces friction and wear. All 1000 Mile socks are guaranteed for 1000 miles.

Merrell -  Are renowned for their performance outdoor wear, and have now brought their not-inconsiderable experience to the sock market, ensuring  your feet are provided with the protection and comfort they need.

Smartwool – Smartwool have a fantastic range of Merino Wool socks. The PHD outdoor light cushions are my personal favourite. They are the comfiest hiking socks I have ever worn and keep my feet toasty on short winter hikes.
In conclusion the worst socks for hiking are cotton socks. They will retain sweat inside your boots causing bacteria build-up, discomfort and blisters. The best hiking socks will be made from a mixture of fabrics specifically designed to your needs. Most outdoor socks will contain nylon for strength, and elastane for shape. The quantity of merino wool will usually dictate the temperature; the more wool, the warmer they’ll be.

The better the technology behind the sock the better it will perform. It’s worth putting in some thought and investment to get a decent pair of hiking socks, especially if you use Gore-Tex or Event boots, where poor sock choice can (and will) often make it seem like the boot is leaking, when really you’re just stood in a puddle of your own sweat!

View our walking, liner and ski sock ranges.

Posted in Clothing Guide, Footwear Guide, Gear Guide