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Outdoor Socks & Hiking Socks Buying Guide
There is a very good reason why we don't simply chuck on our shoes over our bare feet before going outside. Acting as an important barrier between our feet and our shoes, socks are an essential part of our wardrobe - especially when hiking outdoors! Whether it is keeping your feet comfortable, free from blisters, keeping your feet dry or more, outdoor socks play an important role when it comes to your footwear. Here is everything you need to know when choosing the best hiking socks in Australia at Anaconda.
Quick Links
- Most Common Hiking Socks FAQs
- What Types Of Outdoor Socks Can I Find At Anaconda?
- What Are The Main Types Of Outdoor Sock Materials?
- How To Choose The Right Hiking Sock
Most Common Hiking Socks FAQs
Why wear wool socks for hiking?
There is a very good reason as to why you should wear wool socks for hiking, and why wool is one of the most popular materials when it comes to hiking socks. It is highly recommended to wear wool socks when hiking because wool is excellent for regulating the temperature of your feet. This means that not only will your feet not get sweaty but they will also stay comfortable throughout the day as well.
What are the best ski socks?
When it comes to what are the best ski socks, it is important to remember one thing: Merino wool. This natural fabric not only will wick away moisture to keep your feet dry but it also has high-tech insulation properties. Other factors to remember are to only wear one pair of ski socks, no matter how cold it is, and never ever wear cotton and always wear clean socks every day.
What are the best hiking socks to prevent blisters?
The best hiking socks to prevent blisters are going to be made from a mixture of wool and synthetic fabric. This is because they will wick away moisture from your feet to keep them dry but also at a comfortable temperature. They will also reduce the pressure and friction caused when walking which will lead to blisters forming.
What Types Of Outdoor Socks Can I Find At Anaconda?
Toe socks
Also known as digital socks, 5-toe socks, glove socks and finger socks, toe socks are a unique type of sock with an interesting design that has been knitted so that each individual toe has its own compartment in the sock, much like fingers do in a glove. Toe socks are also known for preventing blisters when worn hiking because there is no skin-to-skin friction due to each toe being separated when walking.
High socks
High socks are another popular type of outdoor sock that can be worn when hiking in the great outdoors. Unlike regular socks, high socks are typically made out of fabrics such as nylon, and generally go up to the knee in height. High socks are usually worn when hiking with high boots to protect the skin area around the calves and shins. They will also provide additional warmth to the lower legs as well.
Ankle socks
Ankle socks are another type of really popular sock to wear when hiking. Unlike traditional socks that will go up higher past the ankle, ankle socks are designed to sit just below the ankle instead. Ankle socks are worn mostly for comfort, whereas pushing a taller sock down would result in the fabric getting bunched up around the ankle.
Hiking socks
It is important to understand that not all socks are created equal - it all depends on the purpose you are using them for. This is why hiking socks have been specifically designed to protect the foot, provide improved cushioning and wick away moisture to keep the foot dry throughout the day. Another additional is that hiking socks do not bunch up, which can lead to uncomfortable pressure points building up if not addressed.
Thermal socks
When you need to keep your feet warm and dry when hiking outside during the colder months of winter, then you will need thermal socks. Thermal socks are also designed to be worn for long periods of time and feature a main benefit: thermoregulation. This means they will keep your feet warm without allowing them to get sweaty, allowing your feet to breathe and stay at a comfortable temperature.
What Are The Main Types Of Outdoor Sock Materials?
You will find a whole range of outdoor and hiking socks at Anaconda, all created from a range of different materials and blends such as:
- Nylon: Nylon is a great synthetic option that is typically seen as the primary fabric. Nylon can help improve drying times and add extra durability to the sock.
- Spandex: You will find plenty of hiking socks that are made from spandex. This elastic material is great for helping the sock to maintain its shape and to reduce wrinkling and bunching when worn.
- Wool: This is the most popular material used in creating hiking socks. Wool, as well as Merino wool, is highly recommended when considering the best hiking socks because it will regulate the temperature of your feet, has antibacterial properties, has better durability and dries much faster.
- Silk: Silk is very lightweight, extremely comfortable and acts as a natural insulator. The only downside of silk is that it is not as durable as other sock materials.
- Polyester: As another popular type of hiking sock material, polyester is a synthetic material that has the ability to wick away moisture like wool can, insulates and dries quickly. You will commonly see hiking socks made with a mixture of polyester and wool or nylon.
How To Choose The Right Hiking Sock
By now, you may think you have found the best hiking sock for you - so now you have to make sure it fits perfectly. If your hiking socks are too big, they can have wrinkles which will lead to blisters very quickly. But if they are too small, you will be dealing with sock slippage and uncomfortable pressure points during your hike. Here is what to consider to make sure that your hiking socks fit perfectly:
Height
Outdoor and hiking socks will come in a variety of different sizes, so it is important to be wearing the correct size which corresponds to what you will be doing outside. The best way to make sure you have the right height is by looking at the footwear you will be wearing them with. For example, if the cuffs on your hiking boots are past your shin, then you will want to wear high socks to protect them. If they are low hiking shoes, then ankle socks will be a better match.
Cushioning
Another important factor when choosing the right hiking sock is the consider the amount of cushioning it will provide to your feet. For example, if you are hiking during the hot months of summer, then having no cushioning will make the socks ultralight and more breathable - but at the cost of comfort and padding. However, if you are hiking in winter, then heavy cushioning in recommended, such as thermal socks, which are much thicker, warmer and are perfect for hiking over tough terrain.
Fit
And lastly, but most importantly, getting your hiking sock to fit correctly is paramount before embarking on your next outdoor adventure. As mentioned before, if your sock is too small then you will have uncomfortable pressure points - but if it's too big, then you will have wrinkles that will rub and cause blisters. The first step is to know your foot size, which will ensure that you are buying a hiking sock that fits the exact size of your foot. If you find yourself in between sizes, then always opt for the smaller size. When you are wearing the sock, it should feel snug while not feeling overly tight.
Shop The Best Hiking Socks At Anaconda
With a massive range of men's socks, women's socks and kid's socks, it has never been easier to find all the right outdoor socks and hiking socks you need at Anaconda. Explore our entire hiking range and also remember to check out our Adventure Centre for more exciting camping tips, exciting hiking destinations and more, such as:
