The Intro
Socks are a fundamental necessity of outdoor adventure. Whether trail running, hiking, mountain biking or mountaineering socks can take even the best trail, adventure or national park and turn it into a limping, blistering , curse word filled disaster.
Let's start, you are at your local REI shopping the multiple aisles for socks. There are socks from all brands, ready for all types of adventures with well managed marketing names. Let's also be honest, if you are walking into this new to hiking and outdoor adventure then be prepared that socks are an investment of $18-$30 per pair. Queue the feeling of being overwhelmed and breaking the bank on socks that may or may not be what you were hoping for.
I will add that personal preference is huge in socks, we all look for something different. For example, personal feel, branding, comfort to the toes or heal have varied importance depending on the consumer and user.. So when approaching the subject of socks it is best to understand that science does not trump personal preference.
Let's start, you are at your local REI shopping the multiple aisles for socks. There are socks from all brands, ready for all types of adventures with well managed marketing names. Let's also be honest, if you are walking into this new to hiking and outdoor adventure then be prepared that socks are an investment of $18-$30 per pair. Queue the feeling of being overwhelmed and breaking the bank on socks that may or may not be what you were hoping for.
I will add that personal preference is huge in socks, we all look for something different. For example, personal feel, branding, comfort to the toes or heal have varied importance depending on the consumer and user.. So when approaching the subject of socks it is best to understand that science does not trump personal preference.
Fabric: matters to how your foot breathes & wicks moisture during activity
- Merino Wool : Its antimicrobial, durable, fast drying and regulates temperature.
- Synthetic: Found in nearly all socks, helps maintain form, prevent blisters and increase durability.
- Cotton: Rarely used in full, no wicking nor providing durability. best to avoid your tube socks.
The Cut: the height of your sock matters in protecting your ankle and leg from the elements
- No show: Trail runner
- Ankle: Hiking shoes
- Crew: Hiking shoes or boots
- Knee high: Mountaineering
The Weight: Matters to how your feet are provided comfort/ feel and warmth.
- Light-weight: best for warm weather adventure they are designed to keep feet cool and moisture away.
- Best for : mountain biking , trail running and light hiking
- Mid-weight: keeps feet warm and has added layers in the heal and toe for comfort.
- Best for: day hiking, higher mileage hiking
- Heavy-weight: the thick wooly mammoths are not really for performance but strictly warmth
- Best for: mountaineering, camping, cold weather conditions
Helpful hint: Heal Protection
Apply gel deodorant to your heals before an activity to help prevent blisters
Brands:
There are quite a few brands to choose from but for simplicity sake it, these two are top performers.
- Darn Tough: known for their lifetime guarantee, durability and moisture control
- Smartwool: known for their fit, design and quality.
In the end investing in a pair of socks means that you are ensuring your adventure is not ruined by poor performing socks. I have put my feet through trials and tribulations for years and my dresser drawer is catalog of sock brands but at the end today I have found what works for me. I prefer a light weight sock (regardless of season) , crew height that strides to be flexible, durable and keep moisture at bay. Here is my suggestion, buy two pairs: a lightweight and a mid weight, While shopping put your hand and arm into the sock for the feel and seek a sock that provides toe and heel support. This checklist assures yourself a win in a purchase and a win for your next adventure.
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