What are the best socks for long-distance trail walking?
I enjoy walking/hiking long distances (10+ miles at a time) and I'm looking for sturdy socks that can handle the abuse. They'll need to be strong enough that they don't wear thin, sweat-wicking, protect bugs getting to my skin, and above all, comfortable. I've been wearing handknit wool socks and they do a pretty good job, but it's a pain to knit and reknit socks so often. Ideas?
Answers ( 1 )
Hi Jo!
Hiking is one of my absolute favorite activites. Like you, I struggled for years to find the right socks. I would end up with blisters and hot spots that ruined all my fun. I have a few suggestions that might help you out.
1) Sounds like you already know this, but avoid cotton socks. For many reasons, they don't hold up and don't do the job.
2) There are a few brands that have served me well, but it is a bit individual. Merrel socks and Balega socks have helped get me through many day hikes and backpacking trips. They make different thickness and length socks that you can try out. I tend to like the medium thickness, mid length socks. The thickest ones crowd my toes, and the thinnest ones don't do what I need!
3) I am a HUGE proponent of socks liners. I use injini sock liners for every long hike. Those are the socks that have little toe holes, but other brands have sock liners that look normal. With a sock liner and then a hiking sock on top, your foot is protected from blisters because the sock liner protects your skin from rubbing. I even find that with a liner, the outer sock doesn't matter so much. This allows you to mix and match socks for any condition. If its hot, I'll wear sock liners with a thinner sock on the outside. If its cold, I wear my sock liners with a nice thick wool sock.
Hope this helps, and happy hiking!
David