Hiking can be a very strenuous activity, especially on your feet. Whether you’re going out for a short, easy walk in the woods or undertaking a serious backpacking trip, taking care of your feet on hikes is crucial for preventing injury and maximizing your stamina on the trail. While most people know the importance of a solid pair of hiking boots, choosing the best hiking socks is also essential. Keep reading to learn how to distinguish the best backpacking socks from the ones that’ll leave you with sore feet and blisters.
How to Choose Hiking Socks: 3 Considerations
Whether you want to know the best material for hiking socks or the ideal cushioning for cold-weather treks, you’re in the right place. Here are three things to consider when shopping for the best socks for hiking boots.
Sock Height
You’ll first want to be sure you’re looking in the correct height category. Eliminate no-show options and ankle socks from your list. While women’s ankle socks and men’s ankle socks are ideal for running, they don’t rise to the top of any hiking boots and will leave your ankles open to painful abrasion. The best type of socks for hiking are crew length, ending a couple of inches above the ankle bone but leaving your calves free to breathe.
Sock Cushioning
Another factor when choosing the best hiking socks is cushioning. Cushioning is more critical for hiking than any other activity, but it must be balanced with other features depending on your needs. For example, hiking socks with light cushioning may not be the best for long-haul backpacking trips, but they are typically better at moisture wicking and breathability. However, if you’re backpacking in the cold, you’ll want the warmest and most cushioned socks. Often, the best type of socks for hiking is a happy medium. Additionally, socks should have left and right fits to ensure they conform to the foot for proper anatomical support.
Fabric Types
When it comes to the best material for hiking socks, wool reigns supreme because hiking and backpacking socks need to provide comfort and durability. Wool’s temperature-regulating power and antimicrobial ability make it very popular, and wool is often blended with synthetic materials to improve durability and moisture-wicking capabilities.
Feetures premium hiking socks are made from our proprietary Merino 10 material, which blends merino wool with the synthetic, sustainable fiber TENCEL. You can experience the difference in our women’s merino wool socks and men’s merino wool socks. They are exceptionally soft, hard-wearing, and built with hiking and backpacking in mind.
Happy Hiking with the Best Hiking Socks from Feetures
If you’re a backpacker or hiker looking for socks as tough as your trails, Feetures has the answer. Our men’s hiking socks and women’s hiking socks are designed specifically with hikers in mind and can help ensure your safety and comfort while trekking through nature. Made from the best material for hiking socks, each pair is durable and breathable. They help keep your footing stable, provide extra cushioning, wick sweat away and keep your feet feeling fresh. With Feetures' high-quality hiking socks in your shoes, you can enjoy happy hiking without the worry of blisters or uncomfortable slippage.
Want to try the best socks for hiking boots, but don’t know where to start? Take our quick quiz to drill down on which of our eco-friendly, expertly engineered sock lines will take your outdoor activity to the next level.
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