It's About the Socks
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Hiking Socks
Posted by EcoSox on Aug 15th 2022
Which Hiking Sock Is Right For You?
Your feet are an important part of any hiking trip. Before hitting the trail, take a moment to think about what you're putting on your feet first. Putting on a sturdy pair of shoes or boots is a great first step. But footwear can only get you so far. Without a quality pair of hiking socks, your feet will be tired and sore the next day.
Not sure how to pick out a quality pair of hiking socks? Keep these five things in mind when shopping for hiking socks:
Sock Length
Sock length often comes down to preference. Some people prefer the coverage of a longer sock while others prefer their socks aren't seen above their shoes. Common sock lengths include over-the-calf (OTC), crew (mid-calf), quarter (just above the ankle), ankle (at the ankle), and no-show (below the ankle).
When hiking, however, it's best to choose a sock that will provide additional coverage to your lower leg, such as crew- or quarter-length socks, to help prevent blisters around the ankle and protect the leg from the sun and elements.
Sock Material
The materials used in the socks should help fight friction to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry. Wet feet are a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, so you'll want to search for a pair of socks made with naturally moisture-wicking bacteria.
Bamboo Light Weight Hiking Quarter Socks
Bamboo Half Cushion Light Hiking/Outdoor Socks
Bamboo Full Cushion Hiking Socks
Each material used in EcoSox adds to the quality of the sock. While bamboo is the largest material, these EcoSoxs also include polyester, nylon, spandex, and rubber.
Polyester is a synthetic material that is insulative and moisture-wicking. It also dries quickly, keeping your feet dry and healthy.
Nylon is another synthetic option that adds durability and, like polyester, dries quickly.
Spandex helps the socks hold their shape.
Rubber makes these socks stretchy to help them stretch and keep their shape.
Most of the sock (76%) is made of bamboo viscose. Viscose fibers have a silk-like softness to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day. Its naturally moisture-wicking properties make it a perfect option for hiking socks. Less moisture means odor-free and blister-free feet.
2 Pack Merino Wool Bamboo Blend Outdoor Socks
These full-length crew socks are perfect for everyday wear or for a hike. Featuring a blend of merino wool and bamboo viscose, these materials are naturally moisture-wicking and breathable to keep your feet dry and comfortably warm.
If you prefer hiking in the cold winter months, you may need some hiking socks a bit warmer and thicker than recycled cotton socks. These thick socks are 600% warmer than cotton socks. Blue flame thermals are made with an insulated brush acrylic, which traps and hold heat to keep you warm your entire hike.
EcoSox Recycled Cotton Natural Crew Socks
These eco-friendly hiking socks are made of 49% recycled cotton from various manufacturing sources. The up-cycled cotton scraps are used to make a new thermal sock that will keep your feet warm on any hike. If you enjoy hiking in cooler seasons, these thermal socks may be just what you're looking for.
The cotton makes these socks soft and comfortable while the added polyester and spandex make these socks durable to last you multiple hiking seasons. Polyester is also insulative and moisture-wicking to keep your feet dry throughout your hike.
Sock Cushioning
EcoSox Bamboo full cushion hiking socks are a medium-weight bamboo hiking sock with 360 degrees of cushioning for optimal performance and comfort.
EcoSox bamboo half cushion light hiking outdoor socks provide cushioning underfoot and are thin on top to help with cooling and heat exchange. The half cushion footbed and arch support also helps fight foot fatigue, keeping you on your feet longer. These socks are available increw orquarter cut.
Sock Fit
Having socks that fit right will keep your feet comfortable and blister-free throughout your hiking trip. If your socks are too big, they can bunch up inside your shoe, leading to blisters. Your socks should feel snug, but not overly tight.
EcoSox has an easy-to-read size chart for each of our hiking socks to help you select the right size for your feet.
Socks for Foot Health
When choosing your hiking socks, it's also key to consider your foot health. Some medical conditions - like diabetes, edema, and neuropathy - are known to affect foot health. If you have a medical condition that impacts your foot health, you might consider a sock designed to improve circulation and blood flow.
With these hiking socks, you do not have to let diabetes, edema, or neuropathy stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. Diabetics can be prone to foot ailments. Neuropathy can cause numbness in your feet, and edema can cause swelling. This can make it difficult to detect sores or injuries. It can also lead to your feet healing more slowly.
Diabetic Non-Binding Bamboo Light Hiking Quarter Socks
Diabetic Non-Binding Bamboo Hiking/Outdoor Socks
Diabetic Non-Binding Bamboo Light Hiking Quarter Socks and Diabetic Non-Binding Bamboo Hiking/Outdoor Socks feature a non-binding top to increase blood flow and circulation. The knitted reinforced heel, smooth integrated toe seam, and cushioned footbed provide comfort and durability.
If you prefer medium cushioning socks with a crew cut, check out these Diabetic Non-Binding Bamboo Hiking/Outdoor Socks. If you prefer a lower-cut sock with less cushion, then the Diabetic Non-Binding Bamboo Light Hiking Quarter Socks are for you.
Find Your Perfect Pair of Socks
Having the right height, cushioning, fabric, and fit for the activity you're doing will make all the difference. Foot health is linked to overall health and taking care of your feet starts with wearing comfortable, supportive socks that protect your feet. Next time you're ready to hit the trails, try bamboo hiking socks for dry, healthy, and comfortable feet all journey long.