Beginner’s Guide to choosing hiking socks

7 years ago

How to Choose Hiking Socks

Socks are an oh so important part of having a good hike! We have a few brands that we love. Of course, the thickness and the fit will differ with the season, but we have a few brands we’re loyal to – and of course, we always go with wool or wool blends. Cotton kills…. heehee. Check out our favorite hiking socks below, and things to consider when choosing hiking socks. Enjoy our mini tutorial on how to choose hiking socks!

Brands

We’re pretty loyal to the following American Made brands –

Smartwool

Socks, and so much more!

Point 6

We first learned about this in our Cairn box, and we’ve been in love ever since. Made in the USA, their website features ambaaaaaasadors.

Darn Tough

These are made, tried and tested in Vermont!

Omni Wool

Made in the Ozarks

FITS

Created by a collaboration of third and fourth generation textile manufacturers

Style

We roll with three different styles of socks

Ankle socks

DD’s fave for summer hiking in summer weather – we don’t recommend wearing these on skree filled terrain, as you’ll get rocks in your shoes! Or – if you do – wear some short gaiters over your shoes! They are super inexpensive and add a bit of fashion to your hiking attire.

Crew

We love this style for all season. You definitely need a few go-to pairs of these! You can wear them under your backpacking boots, or if you’re wearing low shoes, they will help protect your ankles.

Knee-high

Yeah, we know these are super functional, but we wear them for the fashion and the warmth. They are also awesome for chilly days, if you’re wearing tights, to keep the warmth!

Material

Wool: Wool is the most popular hiking sock material and it’s our go-to. It regulates temperature well to keep your feet from getting sweaty and it provides cushioning. Another plus is that wool is naturally antimicrobial. These days most socks are made of merino wool, which is essentially itch-free most wool socks use blends of wool and synthetic

Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic material that insulates, wicks moisture and dries quickly. It is sometimes blended with wool and/or nylon to create a good combination of warmth, comfort, durability and fast drying.

Nylon: This is another synthetic option that is occasionally used as the primary material. It adds durability and can help improve drying times.

Silk: A natural insulator, silk is comfortable and lightweight, but not as durable as other options. It’s occasionally used in sock liners for reliable moisture wicking.

Spandex: Many hiking socks include a small percentage of spandex. This elastic material helps socks hold their shape and keep bunching and wrinkling to a minimum.

FASHION

Of course, you should be comfortable and also fashionable on the trail for your selfies. HAHA. We like to stay within a color scheme when choosing our socks – so for example, I buy black, green, blue, and yellow, while Willow sticks with black, purple, green, and red. Pick a color palate and stick with it! It will make getting ready so much quicker when you’re taking off for a last minute trip!

Do you have any favorite hiking socks? We want to hear!

Happy Trails!

DD + Willow