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By: Andrew Forrest - September 2023
In this guide, we've set out the best hiking socks and the best walking socks of 2024, along with key factors to consider when buying hiking socks, including material, thickness, fit and sizing, construction, cushioning and support of the walking sock.
Choosing the right walking socks is essential. The wrong socks can lead to blisters and discomfort, ruining an otherwise great walk. An average person takes about 2,000 steps for each mile walked, so that's a lot of friction created between your hiking sock and your foot, which is why it's important to choose the best socks for your feet, to ensure that your hike is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
People spend a lot of time and money on choosing walking boots, but socks, insoles and laces are the connection between the boot and the body, so choosing the right ones is important for a comfortable and blister-free walk. Much like walking boots, no one sock covers all types of hikes and walking seasons and weather that we get in the UK, so why not add a range of socks to your hiking gear?
The best walking socks should feel comfortable on your feet, wick moisture away from your skin, provide cushioning to high-impact areas and help to maintain a comfortable foot temperature to avoid excess sweating.
We believe it is worth spending a little more on quality hiking socks that provide this and if they are looked after, should last for many years and deal with the many varied terrains and weather the UK has to offer.
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When there are so many outstanding walking socks available to buy, many people find it challenging to buy the perfect pair for their needs. To help you make an informed decision on choosing the best hiking socks in the UK, we have compiled a list of our best walking socks and best hiking socks for 2024.
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These Darn Tough lightweight, micro crew socks are probably my most used socks. They are great for summer hiking and those warmer spring and autumn days. There are many different similar Darn Tough versions out there, but we've looked at the Sunset Ridge for Men and the Bear Town for Women, but they are basically the same sock.
| Features | 4.5
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| Construction | 4.5
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.5
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Material: 52% Nylon 45% Merino Wool 3% Lycra Spandex
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For summer walking I've come to like the micro crew length socks, as they sit between ankle length and crew length, so sit a good few inches above any low hiking shoes or fell shoes and just above a standard hiking boot.
These Darn Tough socks feel very comfy and feature soft terry loops underfoot with targeted protection over the ankle and achilles.
The performance fit of these socks, means I've never experienced any slipping or bunching of the sock, which can lead to blisters. As with many hiking socks, toe seams are a thing of the past. Darn Tough uses their True Seamless Toe technology for an ultra-smooth, undetectable feel.
These lightweight socks, with their merino wool content, breathe naturally and deliver flexible, all-day comfort for your summer walk.
There's also the fun colourful print of a sunset ridge on the men's socks and a bear on the women's.
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This is a boot-length sock for day hikers and being midweight is suitable for all year-round walking. The merino comfort fusion technology creates a soft, fast-drying, durable hiking sock with a close supportive fit around your foot.
| Features | 4.5
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.5
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Material: 27% Merino Wool , 50% Coolmax® / polyester , 22% Nylon / polyamide , 1% LYCRA® / elastane
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On cooler days in winter, or when I have my full-length Scarpa walking boots on, these are my go-to socks along with my Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Cushioned Cushion socks.
They feel comfortable and supportive and the super stretch ribbed cuff in the sock provides a looser, unrestrictive fit around your calf, so you can wear it up or down.
The merino comfort fusion technology in these Bridgedale Midweight Merino Comfort Boot Socks creates a soft, fast-drying, durable sock with a close, supportive fit around your foot.
An engineered zonal padding system provides extra support and comfort throughout the footbed.
The flat toe seam minimises bulk that could cause irritation in the toe box and thus helps prevent blisters. The sock is kept securely in place with an elasticated arch and a 3D-shaped heel cup.
They are part of the DofE recommended kit.
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A great boot-length sock for winter hiking and walking. With their thick cushioning for warmth, a soft-knit cuff for comfort and double-density pads beneath your feet you'll be set up for a good day's walking.
| Features | 4.5
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.0
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Material: 30% Merino Wool , 45% Coolmax® / polyester , 24% Nylon / polyamide , 1% LYCRA® / elastane
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For winter hiking on very cold days, these boot-length socks are ideal. With their thick cushioning for warmth, a soft-knit cuff for comfort and double-density pads beneath your feet, you'll be set up for a good day's walking as the temperature plummets.
The merino comfort fusion technology in these Bridgedale heavyweight Merino Comfort Boot socks creates a soft, fast-drying, durable sock with a close supportive fit around your foot.
An engineered zonal padding system provides extra support and comfort throughout the footbed.
The flat toe seam minimises bulk that could cause irritation in the toe box and thus helps prevent blisters. The sock is kept securely in place with an elasticated arch and a 3D-shaped heel cup.
They are a reasonable bit thicker than my normal lightweight and midweight socks, so you do need to ensure you have plenty of volume in your walking boots to fit them in. I wear them on really cold days with my Scarpa SLs and they work fine with them.
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These Sealskinz socks feature a three-layer bonded construction that combines a 100% waterproof hydrophilic membrane between an inside layer of Merino wool for warmth and moisture wicking, and a durable nylon blend outer layer with 4-way stretch for great fit and wearability.
| Features | 4.5
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| Construction | 4.5
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| Comfort | 4.0
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.5
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Material: Outer Layer - 62% Polycolon, 29% Nylon, 9% Elastane, Middle Layer - 100% Hydrophilic Membrane, Inner Layer - 36% Merino Wool, 36% Acrylic, 18% Polyester, 5% Nylon, 5% Elastane
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These Sealskinz all-weather mid-length socks are ideal for use in any weather conditions. Their renowned 3-layer construction gives comfort and support in a waterproof sock.
They work well, the only slight downside I've found to these over the years is that I do not find them as comfortable to wear as the non-waterproof socks I hike in, and I have found them a little too warm for wearing in the summer.
The main purpose of these socks is that they are waterproof. This is provided by their 3-layer construction. The waterproof element is provided by a 100% waterproof hydrophilic membrane, which is sandwiched between an inner layer of Merino wool for warmth and moisture wicking, and a durable nylon blend exterior layer with 4-way stretch for great fit and wearability.
The membrane also means the socks are windproof. The merino wool inner provides a level of comfort and warmth and being merino also helps with moisture control by wicking away sweat.
Zonal elastication has been added to the socks, which provides additional support and the flat toe prevents rubbing, so less chance of blisters. There is also additional padding underneath to help reduce pressure and absorb shocks.
These here are the all-weather socks, but if you like the idea of waterproof socks and these feel a little too warm or cold or you want them for a specific time of the year, Sealskinz also do the same mid-length sock in a Sealskinz warm weather sock and a Sealskinz cold-weather sock.
Or, if you maybe want these waterproof socks in a different length, there are also Sealskinz ankle-length socks and Sealskinz knee-length socks available. The ankle-length ones, more suited for summer, also come in a Sealskinz warm-weather ankle-length sock.
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Thanks to their light cushioning and merino wool mix, these ankle-length TK5 hiking socks complement any summer hiking trip where you are wearing fell, hiking or walking shoes.
| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.0
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Material: 40% Polypropylene, 35% Virgin wool, 25% Polyamide
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These FALKE Short TK5 Merino Ankle Length Hiking Socks are lightweight, fit securely on your feet and the merino wool provides some warmth and wicks moisture away from your feet. Note that these are ankle socks, so not suitable for any hiking boots with cuffs above ankle height. They are best suited for fell shoes and low walking and hiking shoes.
These are lightweight ankle socks suitable for more casual summer hikes. I have not included it as a con, as it does affect quite a few lightweight socks, in that the reason they are lightweight is that there is less material, so less cushioning.
I did find that whilst the sole, toe and heel areas did have some light cushioning for stress zone protection, it wasn't a lot, so if you need more protection in those areas, I would go for something more like the Darn Tough Micro Crew Lightweight with Cushioned Hiking Sock or a midweight sock, which generally provides more cushioning.
The 3-layer construction with the merino wool mix does help keep your feet dry, which in turn helps prevent blisters. The socks themselves are shaped slightly differently, so one is labelled L and one R, for your left and right foot.
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These warm and extremely comfortable socks are currently my socks of choice for colder spring and autumn days and even most winter ones. This is Darn Tough's classic midweight hiker sock, which features their iconic fit in merino wool and as usual, this sock comes with their 'guaranteed for life' promise.
| Features | 4.5
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| Construction | 4.5
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| Comfort | 4.5
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.5
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Material: 61% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 3% LYCRA® Spandex
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With these Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushioned Socks being midweight, they are warm and extremely comfortable and are currently my socks of choice for colder spring and autumn days and even most winter ones.
This is Darn Tough's classic midweight hiker sock, which features their iconic fit in merino wool and as usual this sock comes with their 'guaranteed for life' promise.
The micro crew, rather than a crew sock means that they peek just above the top of a standard hiking boot, but a good few inches above a low-level boot or walking shoes.
These Darn Tough socks feel very comfy and feature soft terry loops underfoot with targeted protection over the ankle and achilles.
The performance fit of these midweight socks, means I've never experienced any slipping or bunching of the sock, which can lead to blisters. As with many hiking socks, toe seams are a thing of the past. Darn Tough uses their True Seamless Toe technology for an ultra-smooth, undetectable feel.
The merino wool content in this sock means they breathe naturally and deliver flexible, all-day comfort to your walk. Merino wool has the added advantage that it is naturally odour-resistant.
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These Bridgedale Junior Hike All Season Merino Comfort Boot Socks are designed for junior explorers who enjoy long walks on rugged terrains. It is a tough sock with all the features and performance you'd find in Bridgedale adult socks.
They are also suitable for adults with small feet, as had my tester for these!
| Features | 4.5
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.0
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.5
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Material: 31% Merino Wool , 37% Nylon / polyamide , 31% Endurofil™/ polypropylene , 1% LYCRA® / elastane
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These Bridgedale Junior Hike All Season Merino Comfort Boot Socks are designed for junior hikers, or adults with small feet who don't get along with adult sizes. They have though, all the features and performance you'd find in Bridgedale adult socks.
If you are a Darn Tough fan, I can also highly recommend the Darn Tough Junior Micro Crew Lightweight Sock as a great sock for summer walking in the hills with children.
The merino comfort fusion technology in these Bridgedale Midweight Merino Comfort Boot socks creates a soft, fast-drying, durable sock with a close, supportive fit around your foot.
An engineered zonal padding system provides extra support and comfort throughout the footbed.
The flat toe seam minimises bulk that could cause irritation in the toe box and thus helps prevent blisters. The sock is kept securely in place with an elasticated arch and a 3D-shaped heel cup.
These socks are constructed using Lycra®, which allows their ThermoFit process to ensure the sock returns to its original shape and size after every wash.
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These Bridgedale Explorer Heavyweight Merino Performance Unisex Knee Socks are really expedition socks designed for cold environments. The cushioning throughout provides extra warmth, extra impact resistance and extra comfort.
| Features | 4.5
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.0
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| Performance | 4.5
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| Value | 4.5
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Material: Material: 37% Merino Wool , 14% New Wool , 29% Nylon / polyamide , 19% Endurofil™ / polypropylene , 1% LYCRA® / elastane
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These Bridgedale Explorer Heavyweight Merino Performance Unisex Knee Socks are really expedition socks designed for cold environments. I do have a pair, but have only worn walking once and generally reserve them for when I'm watching outdoor sporting events in the cold in winter when I'm not moving - they are great for that!
The extra cushioning throughout this knee-length heavyweight sock provides extra warmth, extra impact resistance and extra comfort.
The merino performance fusion technology provides resilient padding, balanced insulation, moisture wicking and durability for all-day comfort.
They are performance fit, so the contoured knit ensures the cuff of the sock does not move and is close and supportive, so shouldn't slip down or bunch in your footwear no matter how long the day.
The toe box is closed with an insulated flat toe seam, which prevents cold spots and the elasticated arch and 3D-shaped heel cup keep the sock in place.
Ideal on very cold winter walks or treks and standing watching sports events in the minus temperatures!
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The 1000 Mile Ultimate Tactel® Approach Sock is a double-layered, lightweight summer walking sock.
The theory is that one layer moves with your foot and the other with your boot, reducing friction and helping prevent blisters.
| Features | 4.0
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| Construction | 4.0
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| Comfort | 4.0
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| Performance | 4.0
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| Value | 4.0
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Materials: Outer layer: 54% merino wool, 45% nylon, 1% Lycra® - Inner layer: 100% Tactel®
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These 1000 Mile Ultimate Tactel® dual layer approach socks are designed for maximum comfort with today's technical approach footwear for light, summer walking.
Many moons ago, I went through a period of wearing 2 pairs of walking socks, using the same theory as the double-layered socks, in that one layer would move with my foot and the other with the boot, thus reducing blisters. I found they did that very well.
Then came along double-layered socks. I did wear these for a few years and again in the main they kept blisters at bay. But now I do find that as the technology and materials in socks have moved on, I am generally blister-free using the single-layered socks in this list.
But if you are a proponent of the 2 pairs of socks (and I know many who still are) or do suffer from more blisters than you'd like, then give these a try.
They are light, summer walking socks, where the 100% Tactel® inner layer stays with the foot, wicking away moisture, whilst the soft merino wool-mix outer layer moves with the shoe. This reduces friction and helps to prevent blisters and reduce wear.
They are best used with train/fell/approach shoes rather than in hiking boots. The Heel Power technology in the socks keeps them firmly in place on the foot to stop them slipping and the arch bracing gives additional support.
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These Bridgedale Base Layer Coolmax® Liner Boot Socks provide some comfort and additional warmth for hikes and walks. These liners transport moisture away from the skin out to the main sock so it can evaporate ensuring your feet are kept dry and comfortable, helping to prevent blisters. They are ideal to be worn as a base layer under your walking socks if you like the 2-layer system.
| Features | 3.0
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| Construction | 3.0
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| Comfort | 3.0
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| Performance | 3.0
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| Value | 4.0
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Material: 57% Coolmax® / Polyester, 20% Nylon / Polyamide, 19% Endurofil® / Polypropylene, 4% LYCRA® / Elastane
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These Bridgedale Base Layer Coolmax® Liner Boot Socks provide some comfort and additional warmth for hikes and walks, as these liners transport moisture away from the skin out to the main sock so it can evaporate ensuring your feet are kept dry and comfortable, helping to prevent blisters.
They are ideal to be worn as a base layer under your walking socks if you like the 2-layer system or can create a little extra volume if your shoes or boots are just a little on the large side.
They are designed to be worn next to the skin and used with a second pair of socks. If you are on multi-day walks, you can alternate liners each day (they come in a 2-pack), whilst just using the same pair of outer socks.
They are extremely quick drying they'll be ready and waiting in the morning after a quick wash. The flat toe seam minimises bulk that could cause irritation and blisters.
They are constructed using Lycra®, which allows the ThermoFit process to ensure the sock returns to its original shape and size after every wash.
Please note: this is a twin pack containing 2 pairs of liners.
Investing in the best walking socks is crucial for any outdoor enthusiast. These specially designed quality socks not only provide your feet with the comfort they need but also offer protection from blisters and hot spots while ensuring durability for long-lasting use.
When selecting the perfect pair, it is essential to consider factors such as cushioning, moisture-wicking, warmth, breathability, and the ability to stay up without cutting off circulation.
In this section, we will delve deeper into the three main factors that play a significant role in determining the quality of hiking socks: comfort and fit, protection and durability, and temperature regulation.
An ill-fitting sock in your hiking boots can lead to blisters and discomfort during your hike, which is why comfort and fit are crucial when choosing the perfect hiking sock. The right sock should fit snugly around your foot, without being too tight or too loose. A sock that is too tight can cut off circulation, while a sock that is too loose can cause friction and irritation. The best walking socks are designed with a performance fit that ensures no slipping, no bunching, and no blisters.
In addition to the overall fit, there are many other features available in the best walking socks that can greatly enhance the comfort level and fit of your walking socks. Some key ones to look out for when buying are:
This is a loop within a loop in the sock, that offers additional levels of protection, as found in many Bridgedale socks.
Arch braces in socks are reinforced areas to help support the arch of the foot and keep the sock in place, to help reduce friction. These supplement your hiking boot or walking shoe, which should provide the main arch support. I do find that having the correct pair of insoles, and arch braces in the socks, does help with many foot problems.
Many socks provide added cushioning and protection in high-impact areas such as the ball of your foot, your heel and your toes. I am a little susceptible to bruising under the ball of my foot after walking on hard paths, so generally choose ones with additional padding there.
Fabric is included in layers in the sock, so that the inner layer slides and moves with your foot and the outer layer moves with your walking boot, so in theory, it reduces friction and helps prevent blisters.
Elastic, generally in the form of Lycra Spandex, is built into the walking sock to secure it around the foot and retain its shape, which reduces sock movement and friction, which along with moisture management helps prevent blisters. Securing the sock around the foot helps prevent the sock from bunching under the foot whilst in your hiking shoes or boots.
Heel-shaped support padding also keeps the sock in place to prevent slippage.
Breathable mesh zones on the top of the foot reduce insulation and allow heat to easily escape, which keeps your foot cooler and improves breathability.
Whilst wool is naturally odour resistant, many socks have additional odour prevention built into them, which can help eliminate bacteria and wick away moisture, to keep them comfortable, cool and almost odour-free. This prevention is sometimes achieved by adding silver yarn to the sock, which helps kill certain bacteria.
The flat toe seams or seamless toe box ensures the ends of the socks are comfortable and have no excess bulk that a normal seam would create, so not causing irritation or potential blisters. Ideally, you should never notice this feature because there is nothing there!
So, by carefully considering the comfort and fit of your walking socks, you can ensure a more enjoyable and blister-free adventure.
Protection and durability are also essential factors to consider when selecting a hiking sock, as they should be able to withstand the wear and tear of long hikes. The best walking socks are known for their endurance and durability. These socks are designed to offer long-lasting protection, safeguarding your feet against abrasion and potential injuries.
The choice of material also plays a significant role in the protection and durability of walking socks. Merino wool is a popular choice for its quick drying, moisture-wicking, and antibacterial properties. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, can offer greater resistance to wear and tear, as well as reduced likelihood of stretching or shrinking. We take a deeper look into the different materials in our 'How to choose walking socks' article.
By selecting a walking sock with the right combination of materials and features, you can ensure that your feet remain protected and comfortable throughout your journey.
Temperature regulation is another important aspect to consider when choosing a hiking sock to combine with your walking boots. The right material can help keep your feet warm in cold weather and your feet cool in hot weather. If your feet get too hot, you can get sweaty feet, which can cause blisters.
Merino wool, for example, is known for its ability to regulate temperature, keeping your feet warm in cold conditions and your feet cool in warm conditions. Synthetic fibres, although not as efficient at temperature regulation as Merino wool, can still offer some level of breathability and moisture-wicking to help keep your feet comfortable.
Many socks have built-in wicking properties, which allow the transfer of moisture away from the foot, to keep the foot dry and warm, so helping prevent blisters and keeping the foot comfortable. Some of the fibres also help air to circulate, which helps keep the feet cooler, especially on summer walks.
So you will see many socks being constructed of a few different materials to achieve a balance of the best of both worlds, keeping your feet at a temperature that's neither too hot nor too cold and also providing breathability.
Different weights of socks also play a role in temperature regulation. Thick socks provide optimal cushioning and are typically warmer, making them ideal for winter hiking. Thin socks, on the other hand, offer a lighter weight and increased breathability, making them a suitable choice for summer hiking or warmer temperatures.
By considering temperature regulation in your walking socks selection, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.
When it comes to the best walking socks, the choice of material can greatly affect their performance, comfort, fit and durability. Different materials have their advantages and disadvantages, which is why most hiking socks combine materials to take advantage of what they all have to offer.
The majority of the best walking socks are made from merino wool, synthetic fibres, and blended materials, with cotton not being suitable at all.
Merino wool is a popular choice for the best walking socks due to its exceptional breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and insulation. Merino wool is a natural fibre that is less itchy than traditional wool, making it a comfortable option for extended hikes.
Apart from its temperature-regulating properties, merino wool also boasts odour-resistant and antibacterial qualities, making it a great option for multi-day hikes. Despite its many advantages, merino wool socks can be more expensive and take longer to dry than some synthetic materials. Nevertheless, the benefits of merino wool often outweigh the drawbacks, making it a top choice for many hikers.
Synthetic fibres offer several advantages when used in walking socks. These fibres are known for their durability, lightweight nature, and improved breathability compared to natural fibres like traditional wool. A synthetic sock absorbs less moisture and dries faster than natural fibres, making them a practical choice for hiking in wet conditions or for those who tend to sweat more.
Materials such as Spandex Lycra help maintain the sock's shape, Coolmax and Isofil can wick moisture away from the foot and Cordura makes it more durable. Certain fibres can even make the socks waterproof to cope with wet weather.
Although synthetic fibres may not provide the same level of insulation and temperature regulation as merino wool, they still offer a decent level of comfort and performance.
Blended materials combine the benefits of both merino wool and synthetic fibres, offering a balanced option for hikers seeking the best of both worlds. This merino wool blend provides the breathability, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating properties of merino wool, along with the durability and structure of synthetic fibres.
By choosing a sock made from blended materials, you can ensure that your feet remain comfortable and protected throughout your hike, no matter the conditions.
Walking socks come in various lengths and thicknesses to cater to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts. The three main styles include ankle-length, crew-length, and knee-length, and the three main thicknesses are lightweight, midweight and heavyweight.
Each style offers its unique advantages and is suitable for different types of footwear and hiking conditions. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of each style and help you choose the right sock length and thickness for your needs.
Walking socks come in various thicknesses that are suitable for different terrains, conditions and different climates. One key thing to remember when choosing socks is that the thicker they are, the more volume they will take up in your hiking boot, potentially making your hiking boot or walking shoe feel too tight.
Hiking boots are generally built to accommodate thicker socks that include more cushioning and insulation, whereas trail running or walking shoes with less volume inside, need a thinner sock with some cushioning in higher impact areas.
Generally, the thicker and heavier a sock is, the more warmth and comfort it gives, but remember a thicker sock can make the foot too warm and sweat, potentially causing blisters.
I've always found it to be the case that you just have to try various weights, lengths and brands of socks until you find the perfect balance for you. There is not one answer to 'Are thick socks better than thin ones?', or 'Are thin socks better than thick ones?' - it's a personal choice and dependent on how, where and what time of year you are using them.
Walking socks are generally classified into three weight categories:
Lightweight walking socks keep your feet cool and are great for summer walking. They are generally relatively thin but with some cushioning in areas like the heel, ball of your foot and on the achilles.
If you walk on rougher paths, you may want to try midweight, but I have always found a lightweight sock to be fine for most summer walks in the UK, but maybe that is because I'm used to walking in fell shoes, so prefer the lighter, thinner socks, which keep your feet cooler in warm weather.
Most walking socks fall into this category as they are very adaptable, being able to be worn in warm or cool conditions and provide a higher level of cushioning than lightweight socks. They can be worn on pretty much any day or any mountain walk in the UK, except for extreme heat or cold. Combine this with the right blend of materials to manage your foot temperature, to help prevent blisters.
I use these mainly as my socks for colder spring/autumn and winter socks inside my hiking boots. My overall sock collection is roughly 60% lightweight to 40% midweight, with one pair of heavyweight socks.
These are the heaviest and thickest walking socks, making them the warmest and most cushioned socks. They are designed for tough terrains and extremely cold temperatures and are a bit too much for most UK conditions. They are great for mountaineering and alpine pursuits, or for maybe standing around watching outdoor sports in winter! That said, if you do suffer from cold feet, give them a try.
Some manufacturers call socks of similar length by different names. Darn Tough has also introduced the micro crew-length sock, which lies slightly below a normal crew-length sock in length. We've set out in the image below the common sock lengths.
Ankle-height socks are a popular choice for hikers who prefer low-cut shoes or fell/trail shoes. These socks extend to the ankle, providing additional protection and comfort for the ankle and foot during hiking activities from your hiking boots.
Crew-length socks are a favourite among hikers due to their versatility and comfort. These socks extend to the mid-calf, covering your ankle and providing a balance between protection and comfort that is appreciated by many walkers.
There are also ¾ crew socks, which are halfway between ankle and crew length.
Knee-length socks, as the name suggests, come up to the knee and offer additional support, protection and warmth for the lower leg.
Proper care for your walking socks is essential to ensure their longevity and performance. To keep your socks in the best possible condition, it is recommended to wash them after each use, following the manufacturer's care instructions. For most walking socks, this involves turning them inside out and washing them on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
Do not wash wool socks at a temperature higher than 30 degrees Celsius and do not wash synthetic socks at a temperature higher than 40 degrees Celsius.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the fibres and reduce the socks' performance.
There is no point putting your clean socks back into dirty hiking boots, so ensure your hiking boots and clean and dry as well.
When it comes to drying your walking socks, air drying is the preferred method. Lay them flat or hang them up to dry, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause the fibres to break down over time.
When storing your walking socks, keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. By properly caring for your walking socks, you can ensure they remain comfortable, protective, and durable for many future walks.
In conclusion, finding the perfect hiking sock for your next walk involves considering several factors, including the importance of quality materials, the various styles and lengths available, and key features to look for in a sock. With a range of options, including merino wool, synthetic fibres, and blended materials, as well as ankle-length, crew-length, and knee-length socks, there is a perfect pair of hiking socks for every hiker for every occasion.
By investing in a high-quality pair of walking socks, you can ensure that your feet remain comfortable, protected, and supported throughout your walk. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting, the right walking socks can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures.
Happy walking...
September 2023
