Are you about to set off to explore the Pyrenees, Belledonne or the Vercors chains alone or with your family? Your bag is ready: backpack, walking sticks, softshell in the bag if the wind picks up, sleeping bag, tent... but have you thought about your hiking socks? All too often, we tend to neglect our dear extremities, which nevertheless prove to be essential when it comes to holding on throughout a day of hiking or during a long trek.
It's decided ! We say stop blisters, overheated feet or on the contrary frozen toes, and we explain to you how to choose your hiking socks!
How to choose my hiking socks?
Choosing your hiking socks is as important as choosing the right hiking shoes because the feet are the first to suffer during a long outing. However, the matter is not easy, because each hiker has his own foot morphology: length, width, volume, but also the alignment of the toes (Egyptian, Greek or Roman foot) or the shape of the arch ( arched or flat)… In short, there is no such foot!
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Here is a brief overview of the different general morphologies of the foot:
We must not forget, moreover, that each impression of the arch of the foot is different since each foot is different! Which is closest to yours?
The friction intensifies, the outside temperature can vary considerably during your ascent and you have to manage different degrees of intensity (during exertion versus post-exertion). It therefore becomes essential to know yourself well and to know both your morphology and your type of footprint in order to best adapt the choice of your hiking socks. We therefore offer you some advice for choosing the right hiking socks... whether for this winter or this summer!
How often do I hike?
The first question to ask yourself before buying your hiking socks, as before any purchase of sports equipment, is the following: for what purpose do I need them? It will thus be necessary to take care of two things: first of all the duration of your outing, and then the intensity of the effort. Practices are often listed in 5 categories:
Activity | Intensity | Detailed explanation |
| Walking | Low | I go for a walk (with family, half-day) with a low drop, optimal approach conditions, this is a small circuit of 1 to 2 hours at most. |
Nordic Walking | Average | I go alone or in a club to do Nordic walking, that is to say a hike at high speed (over the day or half-day), the difference in altitude is moderate and the conditions of approach optimal. |
| Hiking | Average | I am going for a hike with friends, in the middle of the mountains, for example on a plateau (moderate drop). |
| Trekking | High | I'm going on a hike over several days, with a relatively heavy backpack and with one or more peaks to reach (strong drop). |
| Mountaineering | Very high | I perform, at high altitude, summer and winter, ascents over one or more days, in quite extreme conditions (temperature below 0°, foot in contact with ice). |
Second point to judge well: the outside temperature! Indeed, it is essential to have both hiking socks suitable for the off-season and/or summer, as well as specific hiking socks to manage winter conditions! And of course, the more cautious you are, the more you can choose winter ranges even in the off-season.
The different categories of socks
Once your use have been clearly defined, you will then need to opt for a pair of hiking socks that will meet your own technical requirements... but also your own requirements in terms of comfort.
It might sound obvious, but we think it's worth reminding you: hiking socks protect your feet in your shoes. It is therefore necessary that these, in addition to the technical characteristics of comfort, breathability or warmth, are adapted to the shape of your shoe. So there are low, medium and high hiking socks. As you can imagine, you absolutely must not combine low hiking socks with high hiking shoes, at the risk of considerably irritating your skin due to friction. We will come back later in this article to a few key products to choose from depending on your sporting practice.
How to judge the technicality of a pair of hiking socks?
General comfort
When choosing your pair of hiking socks, it is important to check that the seams are flat, especially in the toe area, in order to minimize unnecessary pressure points which all too often generate blisters after a few hours of walking. The upper (rising part of the sock) must also be stretchy enough not to compress your calves. The best way to optimize your comfort remains, however, the choice of a pair of hiking socks that offer an anatomical left foot and right foot shape. The fit becomes much more precise, whatever the shape of your feet and calves.
Strengthening and anti-blister protection
The more intense your use, the more careful you will have to be with the quality of the reinforcements (thickness of the knit and type of mesh) of your hiking sock, especially in sensitive areas such as the heel of the Achilles or the underside of the toes.
- For the heel, the reinforcement goes up more or less, depending on the model. If you have high-cut hiking boots, don't hesitate to take very high reinforcements!
- For the toes, the reinforced zone allows in particular to limit overheating. A good fleece also reduces shocks and bad points of contact with your shoe.
Support
Good support above all ensures that your hiking sock does not slip under your toes or come down on your calf. The presence of an elastic instep guarantees good support, but be careful if you have a strong foot, it can bother you and compress the top of your foot. The presence of elastane also gives greater stretch to your hiking socks while guaranteeing a good lifespan. Finally, choose a height of hiking socks (low, mid-high, high) according to your practice and the temperatures, but be especially careful with the size which depends on your foot AND your calf!
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The materials: how do I judge the degree of warmth and breathability of my sock?
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One last thing to consider before buying hiking socks, and not least, is the question of the compromise between warmth and breathability! This is why it is essential to take a look at the composition and assembly of the different materials. Nowadays, many innovations have emerged, such as the use of hydrophobic fibers to better manage humidity or new generations of wool optimizing the supply of heat.
So be careful: the thickest hiking socks are not necessarily the warmest!
Materials that bring warmth to hiking socks
It is obvious that the warmth is obtained mainly thanks to wool. But don't worry, traditional wool (the one that scratches and prevents your feet from breathing) is less and less present on the market and it is Merino wool that has been on the front of the stage for a few years. . For those who do not know it yet, this wool is obtained thanks to Merino, a breed of high altitude sheep found mainly in Australia. Three times finer than traditional wool, it does not itch, it is more elastic and therefore has silky characteristics that will suit even the most sensitive skin. Icebreaker is also one of the pioneers in the use of this wool, in particular for its very technical 1st textile layers intended for skiing, hiking, trail running and mountaineering.
The more you are looking for a pair of warm hiking socks, the more you will have to be vigilant about the percentage of this famous wool. There are also new processes to optimize warmth: the Lorpen brand uses, for example, a system of two layers of Polartec Power Stretch, a yarn specially designed to maximize warmth while allowing very good freedom of movement thanks to its fine mesh and its elasticity.
Materials that bring breathability to hiking socks
It is well known that it is very unpleasant to feel damp under your feet after a few hours of walking... The innovation market has been able to take this problem into account, and you will find many fiber technologies that guarantee excellent moisture transfer!
For example, we find Natex, a fiber exclusive to the Uyn brand, with exceptional breathability and anti-odor characteristics. This Ricin-based fiber is 100% organic, it is 25% lighter and dries 50% faster than a traditional fiber. We also find components such as Coolmax, a polyester fiber, in a fluted structure which very effectively evacuates the sweat of the feet to the outside, or Tencel, a cellulose fiber from Lenzing (from approved Eucalyptus plantations that respect the environment), in nanostructure which offers a very good regulation and an exceptional drying of the humidity. The presence of synthetic fibers (such as nylon) for your hiking socks is also very popular since it accepts a higher degree of humidity than wool, hence the importance of combining these two materials in order to obtain a good compromise between warmth and breathability!
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Each practice has its own sock!
Now let's go a little more into the heart of the matter. We have just explained to you how to judge the technicality of a sock, now let's take a quick look at the different models of hiking socks that exist on the market, depending on the practices. As you can imagine, there are a multitude of choices! It is therefore often difficult to properly compare models and brands but above all to understand the gibberish of technologies.
Suitable socks on walks
Remember, if you like short walks, there's no need to break your bank in ultra-technical hiking socks. Low hiking socks, adapted to the practice of running will do the job perfectly, if it is a short walk of an hour or two on flat ground! Low socks suitable for running will support your arch of the foot and stabilize your support, while absorbing the vibrations transmitted to the shinbone. .
Not sure which brand to choose? Don't panic, here are a few pairs of socks offered at Uyn and Lafuma that will make your feet happy.
Explorer Low Cut socks - Uyn
For all hikers, the Explorer Low Cut, designed by Uyn, is made for you. These socks are equipped with a compression system that allows optimal support exactly where it is needed, in order to guarantee you very good blood circulation and a good supply of oxygen to the muscles. The Natex fibre offers you very good body temperature management, while making this pair of socks very soft and comfortable.
Set off to explore with peace of mind, thanks to the Explorer Low Cut socks!
Odor Socks Low - Lafuma
Incorporating merino wool into their design, the Odor Socks Low will ensure perfect thermoregulation and bacteria control. Cotton socks, on the other hand, will provide you with all the comfort your feet need to evolve properly in the mountains. Finally, the upper height will be perfect to protect you from friction without getting in your way.
In short, to make the most of your hike, these Lafuma socks will be perfect!
Leaf Socks Low - Lafuma
The Leaf Socks Low are perfect for nature lovers. Indeed, these Lafuma socks incorporate tencel which comes directly from the natural fibers of eucalyptus wood. Resistant and breathable, the Leaf Socks Low will be ideal companions to overcome your favourite hikes. Their upper height, meanwhile, will be perfect to minimize possible irritation.
The Leaf Socks Low are based on the antibacterial properties of tencel, to limit bad smells!
Double Socks Low - Lafuma
The Double Socks Low are hiking socks with a double layer, they combine excellent breathability and increased abrasion resistance. The material of these hiking socks naturally wraps your feet in gentle warmth when the thermometer drops, and prevents overheating or the accumulation of interior humidity when they are put to the test.
The double thickness, abrasion resistance and great breathability optimize the comfort of the Double Socks Low.
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Suitable socks for Nordic walking
Now let's go to the next level. Nordic walking is a very good compromise between a short walk and a hike. Nordic walking is generally practiced in a club (but it is not excluded to do it solo!) and is distinguished from hiking or walking by its dynamism. Indeed, it is not a question of hiking at a slow/medium pace, but of warming up the thighs and strengthening the heart!
The principle of Nordic walking is very simple: you have to accentuate the natural pendulum effect of the arms to propel the body forward, using two sticks. Nordic walking is an endurance sport, at medium to high intensity (the average pace can be over 6 km/hour), which allows you to work 90% of your muscles! How to equip? Nordic walking requires a good pair of low-cut hiking shoes because the ankle must be free during the effort. Therefore, a pair of low-cut hiking socks should also be chosen! The choice of sock is very important, because unlike walking or hiking, the foot will be much more stressed. Friction, sweat ,friction, thickness: multiple parameters must be taken into account.
Explorer Socks Low Cut - Uyn
For all walkers, the Explorer Low Cut, designed by Uyn, is made for you. These socks are equipped with a compression system that allows optimal support exactly where it is needed, in order to guarantee you very good blood circulation and a good supply of oxygen to the muscles. The Natex fiber offers you very good body temperature management, while making this pair of socks very soft and comfortable. Very versatile, these socks will follow you in all your adventures.
Set off to explore with peace of mind, thanks to the Explorer Low Cut socks!
Trail Perf socks -Monnet
Whether you wear them while running or simply on your Sunday walk, Trail Perf socks will protect you from chafing while providing comfort and support.
The Trail Perf will quickly become an essential part of your daily life, because they hold your foot perfectly while having increased resistance to wear. They will accompany you for many years.
Double Polyamide Short Evo Socks - BV Sport
The Double Polyamide Short Evo socks designed by BV Sport are ideal for long Nordic walking outings without ever feeling pain in the feet. The first layer of Double Polyamide Courte Evo will adhere to your feet, while the second layer will adhere to your shoes for maximum reduction of friction and overheating.
Go on an adventure with peace of mind thanks to the Double Polyamide Short Evo!
Falke Tk5 Short socks - Falke
Fans of Nordic walking or trail running, let yourself be seduced by the Tk5 Short from the Falke brand. At ankle height, they benefit from a light reinforcement, allowing direct contact with the shoe. The patented right foot / left foot fit offers an ideal fit as well as effective moisture regulation.
The merino wool blend promotes good thermal insulation. You will therefore be warm and will also enjoy great comfort on a daily basis!
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Socks adapted to the practice of hiking
Your practice is limited to the day or half-day, on various terrains, with a low to moderate drop? There is no need to equip yourself with overly technical hiking socks and break your piggy bank, all you need to do is bring intermediate socks, more or less high, to protect your extremities well.
We have selected 4 different models for you from the brands X-Socks, Icebreaker, BV Sport and Falke.
Trek Outdoor Low Cut Socks - X-Socks
The Trek Outdoor Low Cut designed by X-Socks are perfect for your mid-season excursions, when the temperatures are neither too high nor too low. Bringing together the best of the Swiss brand's technologies, these socks are soft, very comfortable to wear for long hours and dry quickly. They also offer you very good management of your body temperature.
The Trek Outdoor Low Cut provides you with optimal foot stability and protection against shocks, which is ideal for adapting to high intensity efforts.
Trek Evo socks - BV Sport
The Trek Evo socks from BV Sport are ideal for those who want to hike comfortably. Indeed, thanks to their reinforcements at the toes and heels, the Trek Evo ensure optimal comfort by reducing friction and the risk of blisters on your feet. In addition, the Y-Sport system facilitates the flexion of your ankle for greater freedom of movement during your hike.
Bet on comfort during your next hike thanks to the Trek Evo!
Tk2 Crest socks - Falke
Greatly appreciated by hikers, here are the Tk2 Crest socks from Falke! Still benefiting from the advantages that have made its reputation: medium padding contributing to suitable protection for your feet and optimized contact with your hiking boots, combined with excellent breathability. The Tk2 Crest socks are ingeniously made using several materials, including merino wool, which guarantees exceptional comfort and thermal insulation.
So... all you have to do is choose the location of your next hike.
Anatomica Hike Medium Crew Socks - Icebreaker
The Anatomica Hike Medium Crew from the Icebreaker brand will be perfect for exploring Beaufortain or the Aravis massif. Robust and incorporating merino wool, they will perfectly resist odors, for your greatest happiness. Covering the ankle, stretchy and with medium cushioning, the Anatomica Hike Medium Crew provides cushioning and breathability for day hikes and backpacking trips in warm weather.
To enjoy nature in comfort, these Icebreaker socks will be perfect!
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Socks suitable for long-distance hiking
Are long-distance hikes or long treks an integral part of your holiday? We therefore imagine that your hiking shoes are high, which is why you must also bring high socks to avoid any discomfort with the skin, until then, we will not teach you anything.
Which brand to choose? That is the question ! We have selected three types of pairs of hiking socks for you, which will do the trick on your next trips, and we tell you a little more about the specificities of each one. You choose !
Trek socks Outdoor - X-Socks
For all demanding hikers looking for performance, the Trek Outdoor, designed by X-Socks, are made for you. These socks have a ventilation channel system that allows optimal breathability where it is needed, in order to guarantee you very good air circulation throughout your trek. Finally, the various pads will ensure optimal protection for your feet, for increased comfort on technical trails.
Set off to explore with peace of mind, thanks to the Trek Outdoor socks!
Trek Pioneer Light socks - X-Socks
With the Trek Pioneer Light socks from X-Socks, you will now be walking without fear of pain! Comfortable, breathable and protective, the Trek Pioneer Light have been designed to accompany you whatever the conditions of your trek. The different technologies of these socks provide excellent breathability, optimized support and great comfort throughout your hike.
Dry and protected, nothing should spoil your pleasure of exploring!
Falke Tk2 socks - Falke
Falke's Tk2 socks are specially designed for trekking and hiking in light terrain. They offer surprising comfort thanks to their patented fitted cut and thanks to their medium reinforcement, guaranteeing stability and good contact with your shoes. Made from a blend of merino wool, these socks provide those who wear them with optimal thermal insulation.
Armed with this essential accessory, you will be able to brave extreme conditions in the greatest of comforts!
Alpinist Mid Socks - Ortovox
The Alpinist Mid Socks are hiking socks, which will bring a lot of comfort to your feet during your hikes on flat ground, or at altitude. These socks will be ideal for this type of use, largely thanks to the presence of fine merino wool. Indeed, it will retain heat, while freeing moisture and reducing bad odours, which appear when you walk for a long time. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, will increase the life of the Alpinist Mid Socks.
The 360 degree netting system at the instep will be perfect for preventing your feet from overheating!
Socks suitable for mountaineering
T3+ socks Inferno Expedition Polartec - Lorpen
Lorpen T3+ socks Inferno Expedition Polartec will delight anyone who ventures into the mountains at high altitude. Specially designed to be able to walk at high altitude, they have been tested at more than 8,000 meters, they will protect you from extreme cold thanks to the system of 3 different layers of yarn which offers a real cocoon of warmth. As proof, Ueli Steck, nicknamed the "Swiss machine", had also equipped himself with this model to climb the sides of the Eiger!
In short, a real pleasure on the feet for mountaineers or athletes who have an intense practice of the mountain in very cold weather!
PowerSocks Heat Men V2 Socks - Therm-Ic
A day at altitude can quickly turn tragic if you are not well-equipped. Cold, wet feet are the perfect example. The PowerSocks Heat Men V2 are designed by Therm-Ic so that the days always end in style. Thanks to a battery-operated heating system (not included), your feet will always be warm. The PowerSocks Heat Men V2 are also reinforced around the foot to protect the toes and heel, which can be strained in mountaineering boots.
You will finally comfortably enjoy the long winter days in the high mountains!
Set Of Heat Sock 5.0 Toe Cap Slim Fit + Lithium Pack RCB 1200 - Lenz
The Heat Sock 5.0 Toe Cap Slim Fit designed by the Lenz brand, guarantees you complete heat and heating of the toes from above and below, you are therfore ensured optimal comfort throughout your day. The knee height and ergonomic knit of the Heat Sock 5.0 Toe Cap Slim Fit are ideal for narrow feet and legs. Shin guards and other reinforcements on the toes and heel will prevent pressure points. The mix of merino wool and silk will make your Heat Sock 5.0 Toe Cap Slim Fit breathable, quick-drying mountaineering socks that are very comfortable to wear.
The icing on the cake: the heat can be controlled directly at the lithium block or via the free Lenz heat app on the smartphone.
High Alpine Mid Socks - Ortovox
Are you looking for high quality socks that are warm and ideal for long ascents in the mountains? Then the High Alpine Mid Socks designed by Ortovox are made for you. Ideal for mountaineering, those socks in merino wool enable an efficient dealing with humidity to keep your feet dry and avoid the creation of bad smells. With its compression effect, soft and balanced, the High Alpine Mid Socks enable to optimize blood flow in the muscle, avoiding tiering too quickly.
In all, the High Alpine Mid Socks are socks for all mountaineers searching for what is best!
All is now said, you are now ready to choose! The right pair of hiking socks will make one with your foot and your activity! With your new hiking socks you will be able to go and conquer the wildest and more difficult grounds. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our team of expert on the +33 (0)1 84 67 14 24 (free calls) or by sending us a message through our Help Center. We will be happy to answer your questions!
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Crédits photos : ©Uyn, ©Icebreaker, ©pcdazero/Pixabay, ©Free-Photos/Pixabay.