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For boots to do their job well, the right socks are necessary. Go to the store and you will find multitudes of socks to choose from. The material and construction of your socks are very important considerations. Cotton, Ragg wool, merino wool, acrylic, and polypropylene, are some of the materials used in socks. They each have their strengths and weakness, which I will cover briefly here.
No cotton! Cotton is a wonderful fiber for many things, including socks for everyday use. However, it is a mistake to wear cotton or cotton-blend socks while hiking. Your feet sweat and cotton absorbs and retains moisture, keeping your feet damp and causing the skin to soften. Add to that the friction caused by hiking and conditions are ripe for blisters.
Ragg wool is the classic choice of fiber for backpackers’ socks and is still a solid choice. Ragg wool wicks moisture away from the foot, keeping the foot much more comfortable. It doesn’t mat down as quickly as some of the terry-looped socks available on the market, providing some welcome cushioning for your feet. The main problem with Ragg wool is that many people are allergic to wool. One way to get around this is to wear polypropylene liners under wool socks.
Another nuisance with Ragg wool is the special care they must be given. As a ranger, I wore wool socks with liners through all seasons. They took good care of my feet and I never got blisters – even with new boots!
The problem I found the most difficult was laundering them. After a few months, the socks would be so tight with their elasticity gone that it was difficult to get them on my foot. I ended up replacing them after only a few months of use, even though the socks themselves were in good shape.
- See size chart in additional images which shows you can buy from size 6 to size 14
- Our wool socks are hand finished and made of 100% boiled organic Austrian wool in a small family factory in the Dachstein Mountains of Austria.
- These sports socks are essential for comfort in any weather since wool absorbs 30% of its weight in water and maintains its insulating qualities while...
- Use as Hiking Socks, Athletic Socks, Fishing Socks (in your waders), Walking Socks, Climbing Socks, Hunting Socks, and Running Socks.
- Women's Sock Sizes and Men's Socks sizes and offer Red Socks, Grey Socks, Blue Socks, Green Socks, Purple Socks, Pink Socks, Navy Socks, Turquoise...
- Flat toe seam
- Arch support
- True rib construction
- Merino wool blend
- Made in USA
Merino wool is my favorite choice for socks. High-quality merino wool has all of the good characteristics of Ragg wool without the problems. There is one brand in particular that I find exceptional—SmartWool.
Not only is the fiber of superior quality, but the construction of the sock is wonderful as well. One major problem with finding good socks is finding some that fit your foot snugly, not too tight, and not too loose.
SmartWool socks fit beautifully with just the right amount of elasticity to hug my foot. Many people who are allergic to wool can wear high-quality merino wool. Another benefit of these socks is that they can be laundered without losing their elasticity. I still don’t put them in the dryer.
- Light Cushion: The ideal cushion for varied trail and road terrain
- Flat knit toe seam
- Elasticized arch brace
- Sock Height: Crew
- Style: SW0SW129
- FOR THE TOUGHEST TREKS: Put on your boots slip on your socks and head out in pure comfort. With a heavyweight knit Trailhead wool hiking socks cushion...
- WARMTH YOU’LL RELISH : Brave the chilliest weather. Our men’s hiking socks are not only fully thermalined they are also made of soft merino wool...
- DURABILITY IS IN OUR DNA: A testament to the legendary Fox River ruggedness. The heel and toe are reinforced with nylon to withstand constant wear and...
- SOCKS THAT STAY IN PLACE: Focus on the adventure; not on constantly adjusting your socks. Thanks to a contoured rib top made of spandex, these...
- AMERICAN MADE SINCE 1900: We’ve been a part of the lives of hard working folk and outdoor lovers for well over a century and we continue to exceed...
- Light Cushion: The ideal cushion for varied trail and road terrain
- Sizing clearly indicated on the sock - Knit in USA of Imported Yarn
- Flat knit toe seam - Elasticized arch brace
- Sock Height: Crew
- Style: SW0SW293
Acrylic and acrylic-blend socks are also good choices for hikers. Although they do not last quite as long as wool and tend to be hotter as well, they do wick moisture away from the feet.
The synthetic socks I find the most comfortable and that fit me best are Thorlos, but there are other brands to choose from that may fit your feet as well. Some of the synthetic socks have nice cushioning in areas that get the most impact. Again, the fit is extremely important.
- Maximum comfort and protection for day hikes or extended backpacking.
- Features Thorlo legendary padding in the heel and forefoot
- Padding is clinically shown to reduce blisters, moisture, pain, and pressure
- Cushioned instep and arch for better fit, more support, and less pressure on feet
- Exclusive Thor-Lon fibers wick moisture to keep your feet dry
- Durable. No Blister
- Dry Feet. No Odor
- Midweight designs are constructed with dense cushioning in multiple areas of the sock like shins and soles or the entire foot of the sock.
- CREW LENGTH: A sock that extends beyond ankle length, but not beyond the largest part of the calf. Typically 9 in. to 12 in. in length.
- Lifetime Warranty
Polypropylene is primarily used in liners – thin socks worn under the thicker main socks. The purpose of liners is to wick moisture away from the skin and out to the main sock, where it is dispersed.
Liners can also be used as a protective layer to keep wool from touching the skin of sensitive individuals. They can also reduce friction between the foot and the boot. If your boots are a little big, liners can fill in some of the extra space so your foot doesn’t slide around.
- NEXT-LEVEL COOLNESS: Beat the heat with Coolmax Polyester on your feet This high performance four channel fiber moves moisture & speeds up the...
- YOUR FEET STAY DRY: Experience the power of our exclusive Wick Dry technology It removes moisture build up and keeps feet dry reducing hot spots and...
- BOOST YOUR PERFORMANCE: Fox River sock liners help control your foot temperature and add comfort with soft smooth fibers And thanks to the barrier...
- EXPERIENCE THE VERSATILITY: These aren’t just sock liners for hockey They’re perfect as hiking liner socks or liners for work socks to make...
- AMERICAN MADE SINCE 1900: We’ve been a part of the lives of hard working folk & outdoor lovers for well over a century And we continue to exceed...
- Fox River's Patented Wick Dry Health System Is Designed To Help Keep Feet Dry And Comfortable, No Matter What The Temperature.
- High-Performance Socks Protect Feet Against Cold Or Excessive Heat And Assist The Foot's Own Temperature Regulating Function.
- Fox River Uses A Combination Of Natural And Synthetic Fibers To Help Keep Feet Dry And Comfortable
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Weave type: Knit
Silk is also used in liners for the same purpose as polypropylene. It feels wonderful but must be pampered somewhat when laundering.
- 80% spun silk, 20% nylon
- 80% spun silk, 20% stretch nylon
- Light weight, no bulk
- ec2 Quik-Dri Thermoregulation Comfort Technology
- Hand wash, machine wash, delicate
- Adds a layer of warmth
- Fits shoe size: Small- 7-9; Medium- 9 ½-11; Large 11 ½-12 ½; X Large 13-14
- 50% silk/50% nylon. Machine wash. Imported
Construction is nearly as important as the material used in socks. Features to look for are:
- Flat seams, especially above the toe. Bulky seams can create areas of sensitivity where blisters are likely to form.
- Snug, not tight, fit. I prefer socks with good elasticity that hugs my foot comfortably, preventing the material from bunching up.
- Thick socks that provide cushion for the ball and heel of your foot.
Last update on 2021-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API