How to choose the best socks for hiking

Are you ready for the big outdoors? The weather forecast looks good, your rucksack is packed and you’ve planned your route? Take a minute to ensure that your perfect hiking day isn’t marred by foot problems. You may have already picked your hiking boots, so now’s the time to give some thought to your choice of socks.

Not all socks are suited to hiking, so it’s important to know what features to look for. The right kind of fabric, fit and cushioning will help keep your feet safe and comfortable.

For a successful hike, nothing’s more important than your feet, so make sure they get the care they deserve. Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing the socks for your next adventure.

Why wearing hiking and walking socks is important

Hiking puts your feet under a lot more stress than regular walking. Rugged ground, inclines and unpredictable surfaces greatly increase the risk of foot injuries. While good hiking boots go a long way towards keeping your feet safe from the most severe shocks, wearing them without the right pair of socks can have painful consequences.

The rigid material that hiking boots are made of lets many a hiking day end with blisters on your feet. They are the result of chafing, which happens when the skin of your feet rubs against the fabric of your boot, often made worse by moisture buildup from sweating. That’s why good hiking socks should keep your feet dry and reduce friction.

While blisters are the most common source of discomfort, there are more serious injuries your feet are vulnerable to when hiking. These include ankle sprains, metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy (tendinitis) among other foot conditions. The right pair of socks can play an important part in preventing these injuries.

How to choose the best: what makes a good pair of hiking socks?

A good pair of hiking socks provides safety and comfort and prepares your feet for the specific challenges of the trail. To make sure you choose the right sock, you should look out for a few key features.

For instance, good hiking socks come with cushioning as this can absorb shocks to the most exposed parts of the foot, i.e. the heel and the forefoot, and also help prevent blisters.

The right fit, height and fabric ensure that your socks are comfortable to wear and give your feet the support they need, even when navigating challenging terrain. Quality and durability are also important factors if you want to ensure that your socks will accompany you on many future hikes.

INFINIRI support socks are an innovative new option that combines all the important features of hiking socks while also being suitable for everyday use.

Features to look for

Height

Crew socks are ideal for hiking, as they are higher than hiking boots and thereby reduce the risk of your skin rubbing against the fabric of the boots.

Fabric

Hiking, walking and trekking socks come in various materials. High-quality materials such as merino wool or organic cotton can improve comfort.

Fit

Well-fitting socks are essential for walking comfortably and offer protection against blisters.

Cooling

While thick socks might seem like a good idea when faced with uncomfortable hiking boots, they can make matters worse as moisture and heat increases the likelihood of blisters. Choose socks that manage moisture and keep your feet cool. The high-quality cushions in INFINIRI support socks ensure that your feet feel comfortable, no matter how rigid your boots are.

Quality

Not only the fabric of your hiking socks should be of a high quality, but also their production and design. INFINIRI socks have been designed with the needs of your feet in mind, with all elements of the sock working together to benefit your foot health and performance.

Durability

Just like your feet, socks are put under more stress than usual when you go hiking. Therefore, it is important to choose socks that are well made with durable materials. INFINIRI health socks are made of high-quality organic cotton and are reinforced in crucial areas, so they last considerably longer than regular socks.

What type of socks are best for hiking?

Not every hiking sock is the same. There are different types of socks suitable for hiking that have with their own advantages and disadvantages.

INFINIRI support socks

INFINIRI support socks are a great alternative to traditional hiking socks. Their innovative combination of cushioning, foot arch support and gentle compression keeps your feet aligned and gives them the support they need throughout your hike.

Made of high-quality breathable organic cotton with cushions of medically certified silicone, they prevent blisters effectively by keeping friction to a minimum. They also provide support for your foot arch, which makes them great for walking uphill. At the same time, they help protect against injuries as they absorb the impact of walking downhill or on uneven terrain.

Unlike previous socks, INFINIRI not only keep your feet safe but also make your shoes much more comfortable, so walking and standing becomes more enjoyable than ever before. Thanks to the silicone foot support, your feet will stay strong and get less tired on hikes or long walks.

Liner socks

Liner socks are light socks that are meant to be worn under a second, thicker pair of socks. They are designed to prevent blisters as they offer extra protection from friction and wick away moisture. Unfortunately, liner socks can sometimes cause blisters themselves if they don’t fit properly.

Double-layer socks

Double-layer socks are made of two layers of materials that move against each other, so the effect is similar to wearing liner socks with an additional pair of socks. While this can reduce friction to some degree, the additional layer of material is also likely to cause sweating after a while.

Merino wool socks

Merino wool socks come with a high price tag, but the material is very comfortable and great for managing moisture. It also reduces odour, which can be a bonus on multi-day treks.

Trainer socks

Trainer socks are comfortable during an easy summer walk in low-cut shoes, but they aren’t a good fit for hiking. As they only reach above the heel, trainer socks leave a lot of skin exposed that is likely to rub against your hiking boots and cause blisters.

Best socks to wear for hiking: Feel free to explore with INFINIRI on your feet

Enjoy your hike without any distractions. The right pair of socks keeps your feet both safe and comfortable. Unlike regular hiking socks, INFINIRI socks are great on and off the trail, as they can be worn in every kind of shoe and situation. Whether you’re hiking, trekking, running or simply walking around the office – INFINIRI is with you every step of the way.

Before you set off on your next trip, learn more about INFINIRI support socks for hiking and everyday use. Visit our shop and experience painless walking.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for advice regarding injuries or discomfort.