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There’s nothing like hiking in the wilderness. But for you not to be uncomfortable, it is necessary to take seriously the choice of clothing for the hike. In this article, we will discuss such an important thing on a hike as socks.
Beginning hikers before going on a hike plan the necessary equipment. They do not forget about such things as a gas burner, backpacking tent, etc., but they overlook such seemingly unimportant little things like suitable hiking socks. And this is a big mistake because socks can affect the quality of the hike.
Such a seemingly ordinary thing can depend on the success of your hike and the emotions that you get out of it.
What type of socks is best for hiking?
Many hikers believe that wool socks are the best type of sock for hiking. Wool is a durable and breathable material that helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable, even when you are sweating. It is also good at regulating temperature, which can be important when you are hiking in both hot and cold weather.
What Are the Features of Socks for Hiking?
Specialized clothing, including socks, which are used in active activities: mountaineering, trekking, hiking, hiking has its own characteristics. In the extreme conditions of long journeys with variable weather and considerable load, the legs are particularly exposed to stress and fatigue, as well as the impact of the external environment. They experience high mechanical stress, get wet, freeze, or, on the contrary – sweat from high temperature and humidity.
As a result, shoes rub the skin of the feet, blood vessels suffer, and muscles become very tired. In order to reduce or eliminate such negative effects, there are specialized socks.
Models of socks for outdoor activities are created from combined materials, which combine either natural and synthetic fibers, or different types of synthetic fibers. They dry quickly, keep warm, protect the feet from mechanical damage, and, depending on the model may have compression properties, in order to reduce the load on your feet.
Socks for outdoor activities have a high resistance to abrasion and tear in critical areas: the toes, ankle, and heel – in order to exclude the appearance of blisters, and – many models have a special soft inner special layer, which is located in the foot and provides comfort for the sole during intense and prolonged movement.
Another feature of such socks is that the upper, fixing them – wide. This is done to ensure that during long routes, the blood both easily penetrated the feet, and easily poured from them, that is so that the “rubber band” does not squeeze the blood vessels.
Therefore, if you’re into tourism or outdoor activities, specialized socks are a must-have in your arsenal.
What’s the Difference Between Hiking Socks and Regular Socks?
Hiking socks are made of thicker fabric than regular socks and often have special features like reinforced heels and toes. They are designed to protect your feet from blisters and other problems that can occur when hiking
8 Best Hiking Socks for Men: Reviewed
- innotree 3 Pack Men's Full Cushioned Hiking Walking Socks – Top Pick
- MIRMARU Men's 5 Pairs Hiking Outdoor – Premium Choice
- Saucony Men's Multi-pack – Best Price
- Darn Tough men's Hiker Merino Wool
- Moisture Control Crew Sock 4 Pack
- FEIDEER Men's Hiking Walking Socks
- Alvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks
- DANISH ENDURANCE 3 Pack Merino
innotree 3 Pack Men’s Full Cushioned Hiking
- 【MATERIAL】 50% Cotton, 45% nylon, 5% Lycra spandex. Blended material to enhance strength and durability. SIZE: M (Men: 7-9.5 US Size).. Each pair hiking socks weight 0.2lb/92g.
They are ideal for hiking, trekking, walking, rock climbing, camping, mountaineering, and other outdoor sports. The socks are also comfortable to wear with fine gauge knitting that provides compression, arch support, and reinforced heel and toe.
The innotree 3 Pack Men’s Full Cushioned Hiking socks are a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, comfortable sock for outdoor activities. These are some of the best socks for winter hiking for men.
- Cushioned and soft;
- Good arch support;
- Comfortable to wear.
- May be too thick for some shoes
MIRMARU Men’s 5 Pairs Hiking Outdoor
- ✅ QUALITY AND SUPPORTS-- MIRMARU brings you another sock gem, this time in the superior-quality, thick sport socks 5-pair bundle pack for outdoor adventures! Achilles support, arch support and shin protection, they’re everything you’ve ever wanted in sports hiking socks.
They’re also super-breathable and moisture-wicking, so your feet will stay dry and fresh even after a long day of hiking or other outdoor activities. Plus, the socks come with a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting a quality product.
- Superior quality;
- Thick and warm;
- Perfect ventilation.
- Only available in one size
Saucony Men’s Multi-pack
- Run Dry Moisture Management Provides Superior Moisture Transport with our Ultra Wicking Fibers. So, Whether you're in the Gym or on the Road, your Feet Stay Fresh
The sock is made from a polyester and spandex blend that is both breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping your feet dry and comfortable no matter how long you wear them.
The targeted arch support provides stability and prevents bunching, while the mesh ventilation construction ensures that your feet stay cool and dry. Whether you’re in the gym or out on a run, these socks will keep your feet feeling great all day long. These are some of the best hiking socks for men for low shoes.
- Good arch support;
- Made with moisture-wicking fabric;
- Have mesh ventilation to keep feet cool.
- May does not stay in place for those with high arches
Darn Tough men’s Hiker Merino Wool
- Midweight with Cushion - A warm and extremely comfortable choice when conditions demand it, this fine gauge knitted sock provides mid-level cushion density under your foot. True Seamless technology allows for an undetectable seam fusion for an ultra-smooth, invisible feel.
What’s really impressive about Darn Tough socks, though, is their durability. Thanks to their fine gauge knitting, these socks can take a lot of wear and tear. And if they do start to show signs of wear, don’t worry – they’re still covered by Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee.
So if you’re looking for a sock that will keep you comfortable on even the longest hikes, look no further than Darn Tough. With their unbeatable comfort and durability, they’re sure to become your go-to sock for all your outdoor adventures.
- Unprecedented durability;
- Fine gauge knitting.
- High cost
Moisture Control Crew Sock 4 Pack
- Moisture-Wicking Performance: Stay dry throughout your day with our advanced half-cushion moisture-wicking technology. Designed especially for active men, these socks effectively pull moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet comfortable and dry.
The half cushion moisture-wicking material ensures that your feet will stay comfortable all day long, while the comfort top provides an extra layer of cushioning. With a size fit of 10-13, these socks are sure to fit a variety of foot sizes.
- Soft cotton blend;
- Arch support;
- Moisture-wicking.
- Comfort top might be too snug for some people
-Comfort top might be too snug for some people
FEIDEER Men’s Hiking Walking Socks
- 85% cotton, 12% polyester fiber, 3% spandex. 5 pairs per pack. Socks height about 3.94 IN. One size fits for the most men’s socks size 6.5-10.5 (US).
The mesh ventilation zone allows your feet to breathe, and the cushioned footbed helps absorb impact and protect your ankles. Whether you’re hitting the trails or simply running errands, these socks are a great choice for any activity.
- Help your feet breathe;
- high cotton content.
- May be too thick
Alvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks
- MAKE HIKING A COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE These Merino wool hiking socks are built to provide you with total support and comfort during your hiking trips, no matter the weather. Each pair of these hiking boot socks is ideal for the rugged terrain, allowing these to be great mens or women's hiking socks
What makes these socks so special is the fact that they’re made from itch-free material. The wool is blended with nylon to promote a comfortable, itch-free experience, which is essential for anyone who plans on spending a lot of time outdoors. Additionally, the socks are super comfortable and won’t cause you to pause in your step to scratch at your foot or readjust the calf-height sock.
Another great feature of the Alvada socks is their ability to keep your feet warm during cold winter hikes. With these socks, you won’t have to worry about the cold or moisture seeping in and ruining your hike. The socks are also great for preventing fatigue and pain in your feet, thanks to the superior cushioning in the footbed.
When it comes time to wash the socks, they can be easily machine washed on cold and air-dried. There’s no need to worry about special care instructions or worrying that the socks will shrink in the wash.
Overall, the Alvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, comfortable, and durable sock.
- Comfortable;
- Warm;
- Superior cushioning.
- Can wear out quickly in high-use areas
DANISH ENDURANCE 3 Pack Merino
- Merino Wool for comfortable & dry feet: Our lightweight socks with thermoregulating merino wool and sweat-wicking ventilation lanes ensure that your feet stay fresh, dry and comfortable in any weather
This means your feet will stay comfortable in any weather, whether it be hot or cold. The socks also feature sweat-wicking ventilation lanes which will keep your feet dry even if you are sweating. Additionally, they have targeted cushioning to reduce the risk of blisters and sore feet.
This makes them ideal for hiking, trekking, or any other outdoor activity where you will be on your feet for extended periods of time. Finally, they are ethically produced in Portugal and are machine washable for easy care.
- Lightweight and cushioning;
- Great for hiking and outdoor activities.
- May is not as durable as some other options
Buyer’s Guide For Choosing The Best Hiking Socks for Men
There is a great deal of variation in both the style and function of Men’s Hiking Socks. With all of the different options available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which pair is right for you. This buyer’s guide will help you to understand the different features of Men’s Hiking Socks and how to select the best pair for your next hike.
Hiking socks are typically made from a blend of different materials, such as wool, synthetic fibers, and/or cotton. The material of the sock will affect both its durability and its ability to wick away moisture. Wool socks are often the most durable, but they can also be the heaviest and warmest. Synthetic fibers are usually lighter weight and can wick away moisture more effectively, but they are not as durable as wool. Cotton socks are the least durable, but they are usually the most affordable.
The weight of the sock is another important consideration. Hiking socks are available in a variety of weights, from light to heavy. The weight of the sock will affect both its warmth and its breathability. Lightweight socks are typically best for warm weather hikes, while heavyweight socks are better for cold weather hikes.
Hiking sock comparison table
SOCK | PRICE, $ | MATERIALS | CUSHION | HEIGHT |
---|---|---|---|---|
innotree 3 | 18 | 50% Cotton, 45% nylon, 5% Lycra spandex | Light | Quarter |
MIRMARU | 33 | 57% cotton, 38% coolmax polyester, 3% lycra, 2% polyurethane | Heavy | Quarter |
Saucony | 16 | 95% Polyester, 3% Rubber, 2% Spandex | Light | No-show |
Darn Tough | 25 | 61% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex | Light | Crew |
Moisture Control | 20 | 68% Polyester, 26% Cotton, 2% Other Fibers, 2% Rayon, 1% Other | Light | Crew |
FEIDEER Men's | 24 | 85% cotton, 12% polyester fiber, 3% spandex | medium | Crew |
Alvada | 15 | 80% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Spandex | Light | Crew |
DANISH ENDURANCE | 30 | 30% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 33% Acrylic and 1% Elastane | Light | Quarter |
Now that you know the different features to look for in Men’s Hiking Socks, you can narrow down your choices and select the best pair for your next hike.
How to Take Care of Socks
For your socks to last you a long time, you need to take proper care of them. The rules for caring for thermal socks are the same as for any thermal underwear:
- Socks should be washed in a washing machine at +30-40 ° C;
- Can be washed by hand with soap and water;
- Do not use bleach or detergents. Wash with a liquid detergent that does not contain any fragrance;
- No need to spin your hiking socks too hard;
- They will dry quickly as it is.
You shouldn’t dry your trekking socks on the radiator, much less iron them (yes, yes, that happens). This will lead to a loss of yarn properties or weave disruption – and thus a loss of thermal sock properties.
And then your socks for trekking and hiking will serve you long and happy, supporting your feet in the most difficult and happy moments of life – on the way to beauty, summit, victory – and just a shining joy of being!
Hiking Socks for Men FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best socks for hiking men in cold weather?
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone’s feet are different and what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some factors to consider when choosing socks for cold weather hiking: material (wool is often a good choice because it is warm and breathable), thickness (thicker socks provide more insulation), and whether or not the socks should be waterproof (for crossing streams, for example).
What Are the Best Men Hiking Socks?
Some people prefer socks that are thick and cushioned, while others prefer socks that are thin and breathable. The best way to determine which type of sock is best for you is to experiment with different types and see which ones you find to be the most comfortable.
Should Hiking Socks Be Thick or Thin?
It depends on your preference. Some people prefer thick socks because they provide more cushioning and support, while others prefer thin socks because they are less bulky and more comfortable in tight-fitting shoes.
What Material Hiking Sock Is Best?
Some people prefer wool hiking socks as they are more comfortable and breathable, while others prefer synthetic materials as they are more durable. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what material hiking sock is best for them.
Conclusions
Over the past decades, such seemingly trivial thing as socks for hiking, and traveling – has evolved significantly. Fifty years ago, boots or stiff mountain boots were the norms for any hiking trip. Then they gave way to thin socks and special shoes with insoles for different activities – from the lightest running shoes to serious mountaineering boots for high-altitude climbing.
And so, by the early 80s of the twentieth century, when tourism presented itself as a mass phenomenon, and in the textile industry has appeared a lot of innovative materials, such as special socks for long hikes began to appear on the market. At first, they were just socks with reinforced heel and toe, which were warmer than usual and dried faster. But later, the technology of production was becoming more and more perfect. The terms thermal underwear, and thermal socks appeared.
Here, perhaps, it should be noted that thermal socks – is not the sock that is warm, it is the one that wicks away moisture, keeping your feet dry, thus keeping them warm. So, in fact, a hike can suit any thermal socks, but trekking has its own characteristics.
Modern trekking socks (or thermal socks) are not only durable but also have the function to support the foot, prevent the development of bacteria and odor, “breathe” and draining the moisture, minimizing the likelihood of blisters. They have become more specialized.
Dozens of varieties of trekking socks – from lightweight synthetic models of polyester or polypropylene to thick wool socks or combination socks – catch our eye on the store shelves.
However, a great choice is also a great deal of thought. I hope this article has helped you understand and choose the right socks for you. If you still have questions, you can ask them in the comments.