4 Important Things You Need to Know About Socks and the Outdoors

If you hear the word "hiking," "socks" probably isn't the first thought that pops into your head. It should be! Many people do not realize that socks are really important when it comes to optimizing your performance and improving your experience of a hike. They can get so focused on hiking boots that they forget about the importance of hiking socks.

If you are a novice hiker, or you are someone who has experienced blisters or foot pain after a trek, this guide will help you out. We have laid out the main reasons your choice of socks matters when you're planning a hike. We've also included information about how to select the right sock and which features and characteristics of a sock to weigh in your mind when you're deciding just what sock you should buy to keep you comfortable and uninjured.

When you're done reading our guide to hiking socks, you'll be ready for shopping. And once you have the best socks for hiking, you'll be able to experience the terrain of the Earth like you never have before.

Size Matters

The size of your shoes isn't the only important factor when it comes to hiking footwear. Sock size matters too, and you want to ensure you're wearing socks made for someone whose feet are your size. If you wear socks that are too small, they'll cramp your toes and cut off your circulation. If you wear socks that are too big, they'll likely rub on your feet or crowd your shoes and cause blisters. If you make sure you're wearing the right size socks, you'll be on the right track to the perfect hiking sock.

Consider Height

The height of your sock also matters. You'll want to choose a sock height based on how much coverage your legs and feet will need while you hike. You can often determine this by the landscape or terrain you'll be hiking in. Alternatively, you can consider the height of your hiking boot and how high your sock needs to come up to protect your ankles or calves from getting rubbed by your boot (since rubbing can cause chafing or blisters).

Choose Waterproof Material

Don't just pick a sock made out of any random material because you think it's cute. When you hike, your socks should be waterproof. Not only do waterproof socks help wick water away from your feet keep them blister, peeling, and fungus-free, but they also won't get too soaking wet and ruin your hike if you walk through puddles or encounter swampy or snowy terrain.

Get Great Outdoor Socks at Pike Trail

You're an outdoors sock expert now. You can gauge the destination you're going to, and you know whether you'll need high socks, thin socks, warm socks, or maybe socks you can easily rip off when you get to a fresh, cool water spring. Now, you can buy exactly the socks you need for hiking by shopping at the online outdoors retailer Pike Trail.

Pike Trail is an online outdoor equipment retailer that focuses on selling only the highest quality equipment. Their inventory is small, but they keep it that way because they focus on only the very best goods that are available and that every hiker and camper needs to stay safe and comfortable while away from home.

Some of the best items in the store are their waterproof, breathable socks. Pike Trail's socks offer two benefits: they wick moisture away from your feet so your feet stay dry and you reduce the risk of developing blisters.

At the same time, they are breathable, so your feet can get some air in them as you walk or hike, and you won't feel overheated or suffocated because of what you're wearing around your toes, heels, ankles, and calves. Order some socks from Pike Trail today, then get ready to head out into the great blue yonder. You'll feel like a pro hiker (and a comfortable one!) no time.