Hiking Socks - Materials, Construction, and Buying Guide
As explained in more detail in our section on Feet & Foot Care, our feet are very complex structures that are both very sturdy and vulnerable. To better protect our feet, we wear socks together with Hiking Boots. In Hiking, the importance of good socks increases greatly. In this section, we will take a detailed look at Hiking Socks.
Hiking Socks - Purposes
Hiking Socks need to be able to perform the same functions that our everyday normal socks do but only much better:
- Hiking Socks should reduce friction between your feet and your boots, thereby minimizing the wear and tear on both your feet and boots and reducing the chance of Blisters.
- Socks should provide your feet with an additional cushioning layer which further protects your feet from bumps, scrapes, and chafing.
- Socks should protect your Hiking Boots from all the possibly damaging materials our feet shed during walking like moisture.
- Socks should help your feet maintain their thermal equilibrium by insulating against heat loss while at the same time letting through excess heat and extracting moisture from the skin surface.
Hiking Socks - Materials & Construction
Just like everything else in Hiking and Outdoor Activities, socks have also greatly progressed in their sophistication. Modern-day socks often combine a number of materials at different parts of your feet to satisfy that foot part's exact needs. For instance, you will often find some combination of strong fibers to deal with the added friction in the toe and the heel. On the calves, more stretchable fabrics are used to guarantee a snug fit for different sizes of calves. Wool, cotton, and silk are some of the most common natural materials found in Hiking Socks. Some common synthetic materials include Acrylic, Polyester, Polypropylene, Nylon, Teflon, Lycra, and Spandex.
Hiking Socks Buying Guide - How to Buy Hiking Socks
Here are some tips in choosing and buying the right Hiking Socks:
- Hiking Socks often come packed in sealed packages and most of the time, you will not be allowed to take them out of the package and try them on. However, many larger outdoor shops will have one pair of the socks for trying so ask them about it.
- As explained in the previous paragraphs, socks often use different material constructions at different parts to cater to the needs of that foot part. In more technical socks, the manufacturer will often have added details about their choices. Read them and ask your sales person for advice, especially if you know that you sweat a lot or have certain Feet Conditions.
- Hiking Socks often come in size ranges rather than exact sizes. In an ideal situation, you would find socks that have a size range where your boot size is in the middle of the range. In that way, you are sure that the sock will not be sloppy or over-stretched.
- When you go out and buy Hiking Socks, you will want to take your Hiking Boots into account. Thicker Hiking Socks can make snug boots too close-fitting, thus increasing the friction and causing discomfort.
These are the basic important aspects of Hiking Socks. As mentioned earlier, it is also essential to think about your Hiking Boots when buying Hiking Socks, since they work together in protecting your feet.
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