Believe it or not, the socks you put on for a hike can make or break the experience for you. Keeping your feet comfortable is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for a hike.
After all, if they aren’t happy walking around you won’t be either. That is why we only wear hiking socks when taking a trip down the trails.
Hiking socks were designed to keep your feet comfortable during long walks, but they are also lightweight enough to be breathable. Most hiking socks don’t weigh very much, so they are still comfortable to wear during the summer months. Most hiking socks weigh less than 3 oz a pair.
Are Hiking Socks Thick?
The wonderful thing about hiking socks is that they are thick but still feel lightweight. Hiking socks are available in various ranges of thickness. If you do most of your hiking in the summer then there are thin hiking socks that are very breathable in the heat.
However, if you’re planning to go out for a hike through the snow then you may want to choose a thicker hiking sock and double layer it.
Many hiking socks may seem thicker at first glance, but this is only because there is an extra layer of padding on the bottom. This extra padding provides protection for the toes and heel since they are the most vulnerable areas of the foot during a hike. Better quality hiking socks will provide just enough protection without being too hot.
Benefits of Hiking Socks
Extra Cushion
That extra padding that was meant to protect the toes and heel makes the hiking socks more durable. No matter how long or rocky your hike is, your feet likely won’t be throbbing during any uphill climbs. That extra cushion keeps your feet happy.
No More Blisters
Hiking socks are designed to stay in place on your foot. Many other socks (especially lightweight socks) slide around against your foot as you’re walking. This can cause those painful blisters that turn some people off of hiking. Good quality hiking socks paired with the proper footwear can prevent blisters from forming.
Stay Dry
Dampness inside the sock can cause all sorts of problems for the foot. If you get sweaty during your hike you don’t have to worry about your feet. Hiking socks are able to absorb any sweat from the foot and keep it in the sock instead. No more damp and stinky feet.
Right Temperature
A good quality hiking sock is thick enough to keep your feet warm when it’s cold out. However, the material is strong enough to keep those toes cool once it gets hot. You see, on top of absorbing sweat, the material is also able to act as a guard to prevent the sun from seeping through and heating up your toes.
What Are the Lightest Hiking Socks?
A lightweight hiking sock can make your hiking trip a lot better. Your feet are doing a lot of work so they need all the cushion they can get without any additional heat. The right pair of hiking socks will make your feet happy. These are some of the lightest hiking socks available:
- Balston Lightweight 81 % Merino Wool Hiking Socks- 2.8 oz
- Darn Tough Hiker 1/4 Socks- 2.3 oz
- Darn Tough Men’s Hiker- 3.2 oz
- Swiftkick Pursuit Hike Six Light- 2.89 oz
- Fits Light Hiker- 2.68 oz
We recommend these 1/4 hiker socks by Darn Tough Hiker. They fit slightly above the ankle, are very lightweight (2.3 oz), and are made from wool, nylon, and spandex to bring one of the most comfortable hiking socks available.
The average weight for lighter hiking socks is 2.77 oz. While Darn Tough is one of the most popular brands among hikers, their men’s hiker sock is slightly heavier than other lightweight socks. During long trips, you’ll always be more comfortable if you wear a lighter sock. These socks are the best-reviewed for keeping feet comfortable and dry.
Most of these socks are made with Merino wool. It is the best material to use for hiking socks because the fibers are able to detect a person’s body temperature. They can work to help cool a person down before they even begin to sweat.
Should I Wear 2 Pairs Of Socks While Hiking?
Since hiking socks are relatively light, most people can double up when going for a hike without overheating. Wearing 2 pairs of socks while hiking could provide your feet with extra protection. For one, you will have double the cushioning. This can help to ensure your feet stay comfortable and free from blisters.
Having 2 pairs of socks on can also do a better job at preventing moisture. There’s extra material to absorb moisture from sweat so your feet will remain odor-free. The second pair of socks also helps to protect your feet from insects and other creepy crawlers in the woods.
When it comes to long hikes, your feet appreciate every extra bit of protection they can get. With normal socks, doubling up can make it hard for your feet to breathe. Luckily hiking socks weigh less, so you can get twice as much padding without feeling like you’re wearing multiple layers.
Why Are Cotton Socks Bad For Hiking?
Some people think that cotton socks are great for hiking because they are cushiony, but these socks weigh too much to be an adequate choice. Actually, cotton socks are one of the worst types of socks to wear hiking. As you’re moving, it’s important for your body to remain at its natural temperature. This is why you sweat so much during a hike.
When you get sweaty, what you’re wearing will absorb the sweat. Cotton absorbs moisture, and as you sweat it becomes heavier. All the moisture will remain around your foot, which could lead to foot fungus or other bacterial problems. The sweat also causes more friction which could lead to blisters.
Since cotton retains heat, your feet are more likely to stink after a long hike. Hiking socks are never made with cotton because this heavy material isn’t friendly to the feet.
Do I Really Need Hiking Socks?
If you don’t mind hiking in sweaty socks that have zero paddings to stop blisters, then you don’t need hiking socks. Hiking socks are your foot’s best friend when it comes to preventing blisters. A blister can easily take your hiking journey from enjoyable to unbearable. Remember, you will still have to walk back with that blister.
When feet can’t breathe they feel suffocated, which is exactly what happens when people hike without hiking socks. This causes the feet to become sweaty, and since the sweat just sits there it opens the door to bacteria and many other issues. Even during the hike, this could cause the foot to become itchy.
Some people think that a heavily insulated sock provides the right amount of padding for a hike. However, it won’t take long before that heavy sock has their feet soaking with sweat. Hiking socks are light, but also have padding to protect the feet.
Final Thoughts
On average, the best quality lightweight socks weigh 2.77 oz. Any hiking socks that weigh under 3 oz are the ideal choice for a day on the trails.
We recommend Darn Tough Socks as they are some of the most comfortable and lightweight socks around.
If you treat your feet to the right socks, they will keep you happy in return. Don’t allow your hike to be ruined by choosing the wrong socks.
