Hiking
to the top is fun. But before you go on your adventures and pick the next trail
or mountain, make sure you’re all geared up. Are your feet protected? Aside
from investing in the right pair of boots or shoes, you’ll want to make sure
you have the hiking
socks to match, too. If you're at a loss as to what you’ll need
to look for, here are some tips to help you pick the best options.
Consider
Liners
If
you have a problem with blisters, then use liners. These socks wick away
moisture from your feet. Moisture is one of the common causes of blisters. If
you expect to do the climb on hot weather conditions, the liner alone should
help. If it’s cold, pair it with another lightweight sock. That will set you up
nicely for your hike.
Think
About the Weight
When
you shop for a pair, you can choose from lightweight, midweight, and
heavyweight socks. Lightweight ones are the best fit if you’re hiking during
warm weather. If you need to hike across fields, or need a bit of extra
cushioning, though, go for mid-weight socks. And if you’re climbing during cold
weather, heavyweight socks are the best for warding off the chills. The last
thing you want are cold feet, which makes for a very uncomfortable time. If you
want to enjoy your climbs, then get socks that match.
Choose
the Material
There
are different materials that you can choose from. Ordinary wool is great but
tends to be itchy. Alpaca wool is softer and much more comfortable for you. If
you have sensitive skin, this hypoallergenic material has zero lanolin so it’s
ideal for you. It works to add insulation while wicking away moisture well. You
can choose bamboo material which is absorbent, wicks away moisture, and is more
breathable compared to cotton. Silk is a luxurious option, if that’s what
you’re going for. It can work as a liner and comes with good insulating
properties.
Assess
the Length
You’ll
want to look for standard crew-length socks. That’s also the usual length when
you shop for socks meant for hiking. Mid-length, though, is ideal since it
keeps your ankles protected from dirt and bugs as well as branches while you’re
off on a trail. If you want to give your ankles a bit of rest, though, or
freedom, no show or ankle socks work. But you might not want to use them for
trails since they won’t offer much in the way of protection.
Pick
an Online Source
When
you shop online, look for a shop that you can trust. How long has the shop been
around? What do the reviews say about it? What are the comments and feedback?
Does the shop reply frequently? Those are all factors. In case there’s a
problem, you want to make sure the shop is responsive to your messages and
won’t ghost you. If there are a lot of negative reviews, it might be best to
seek out socks elsewhere.
