Buying hiking socks: everything you need to know

Why are hiking socks important?

If your feet hurt, hiking quickly becomes less fun. That’s why, in addition to having the right shoes, hiking socks are also important. They ensure that your feet stay warm in cool temperatures and wick sweat away when it’s hot, which is important for keeping your feet dry. They also cushion your feet, protecting them from blisters and pressure points. Many hiking socks are reinforced on the heels and toes because that’s where the most pressure is. Well-fitting hiking socks also ensure that you don’t slip in your shoes and therefore give you a more secure footing.

Cotton socks are not suitable for hiking. They’re comfortable for day-to-day wear, but aren’t warm for hiking on cold days and soak up sweat instead of wicking it away in hot temperatures, which leads to chafing.

Important information before buying

The hiking socks that are best for you depends primarily on the routes you’ve planned. So, think about:

Various materials

Hiking socks are usually made of synthetic fibres, merino wool or a mixture of both. Merino wool regulates body temperature comfortably; it cools you down when it’s hot and warms you up when it’s cold. Merino wool also has an anti-odour effect. Synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester, on the other hand, are more robust and dry faster. Mixed fabrics offer the best of both materials. The fabric should contain at least 40% wool to make the most of the good qualities of Merino hiking socks.

Mesh inserts, which are a net-like fabric, also provide good ventilation for the feet and reinforced areas – often the heels and toes – depending on the model. They protect particularly injury-prone areas and make the socks durable for hiking.

Which material you choose depends primarily on the type of hikes you go on. Padded socks are important for long trekking tours for extra protection, while thin hiking socks are sufficient for short hikes. It’s also worth wearing thicker, warmer socks for winter hikes, and lighter ones in summer.

Fit and size

When buying hiking socks, even the best socks will chafe if they don’t fit correctly. Therefore, make sure that the socks are comfortably snug around your foot. This means that they tightly enclose the foot, but are not too narrow around the calf and also leave enough space for the toes. At the same time, they shouldn’t wrinkle or slip anywhere.

If you’re unsure, bring your hiking boots with you to try on. You can try on most hiking socks in store. That way, you’ll find out straight away whether your hiking socks and shoes go together.

Care tips: the right way to wash hiking socks

In particular, Merino hiking socks with a high wool content need to be washed carefully. It’s important to use detergent without fabric softener. You should also allow the socks to air dry; don’t put them in the tumble dryer. Read the care instructions on the socks’ packaging.

On a hike lasting several days, it’s worth taking a second pair of socks with you for the evening. These can also be normal cotton socks. For hiking socks, remove visible dirt and air them out them overnight. That way, you don’t have to pack fresh hiking socks for every day and save on weight.

Sometimes, blister plasters can stick to your socks during a hike and leave residue. Don’t just tear them off, as this will damage the fibres and weaken the padding in the heel area. Instead, it’s better to soak the area for about an hour in some mild oil, such as rapeseed oil. Afterwards, you can easily remove the residue.

How can you avoid blisters while hiking?

Despite having good hiking socks and boots, blisters are an issue for some hikers. Here are various tips – maybe you’ll find the one that helps you.

• Wear two layers of socks: while this will keep your feet warm, it can reduce chafing. There are also longer socks especially designed for this.

• Bunion rings: these bandages are designed to cushion the hallux, but they can also be used on the heels. Place them around the area where blisters frequently form in order to protect the area and prevent friction.

• Dry feet: moisture makes the feet swell, softening the skin and making it more sensitive to friction. Breathable socks help prevent this. However, if it’s likely that your shoes or socks will get wet anyway (due to river crossings or rainy weather), waterproof socks may be a good choice.

• Lacing correctly: it’s easy for laces to get loose during a hike. Tighten them on so that the shoe fits tightly – this is important because it reduces friction.

• Blister plaster and balm: it’s best to apply the products on sensitive areas as a preventive measure. While they do alleviate the symptoms, it’s best to try and prevent a blister from forming in the first place.

• Toe socks: socks with separated toes reduce friction. If you’re prone to blisters on your toes, these socks can help.

If, despite all your efforts, a blister develops, try not to pop it. This is because the skin above the blister protects against infection. However, for hikes lasting several days, it’s recommended to pierce the blister with a sterile needle and let the fluid drain away, which leaves most of the skin intact. This is a better option than leaving it to chafe more against your shoes during a hike.