Key information about Hiking socks

Socks

The perfect combination of hiking shoes and socks enrich your activities while hiking on various areas. Quality and materials used in socks decide whether or not your hiking trips will be good or worst. In addition to these, wearing socks that match to your foot, footwear and activities is an essential thing for every hiker.

A hiker concentrating only on footwear and not choosing proper socks may not feel comfortable. It leads to discomfort and finally the hiking becomes uninteresting. So, some key details about hiking socks are focused here for your convenience.

Necessity

The main duty of hiking socks is to minimize friction and possibility of wear and tear on footwear. The cushioning aspects of these socks prevent your feet from blisters, scrapes, bumps and chafing. On the whole, it maintains healthy foot environment.

Parts of socks

Socks constitute several main portions from heel to ankle, namely

• Top

The top layer is mostly made of stretchy material with ribbed design for maintaining the socks from falling down. Top layer is the part of socks which covers above the ankle.

• Instep

Instep encloses from the ankle down to your toes. According to weight and type of socks it provides tuned cushioning.

• Sole

Similar to a shoe, this portion is the base of the sock. Main purpose of sole is to cover and offer cushioning to many sections like toes, ankle, heel and ball of your feet.

• Side Panels

Side panels constitute particular materials for moisture-wicking and air circulation. This section is present between sole and instep and it can be seen only in some designs.

• Arch brace

A part is for grasping the sock in suitable position and it surrounds the arch for good arch support.

Materials

There are mostly two standard materials used in hiking socks namely, Natural materials and Synthetic materials. The qualities of natural materials are superior breathing ability, insulation and strength. Some of the important natural materials that often used in socks are elastic, silk, cotton and wool. Synthetic materials are well known for its enriched cushioning, comfort socking, insulation and moisture-absorbing capability. Acrylic, Nylon, Spandex, Teflon, Polyester and Lycra are the most conventional synthetic materials. Modern socks are designed to satisfy the specific requirements of hikers.

For example, ‘Two-sock system'

These advanced socks comprises of two layers. The inner layer is thin, soft for moisture-wicking and comfortable dry feet whereas the outer layer is thick in nature for extra protection and minimizes friction as well as blisters.