The Best Five Hiking Socks in 2014

You are an experienced hiker or only a beginner. It does not matter. You definitely need good socks which will make your hike enjoyable and comfortable. Hiking socks are different than regular socks. They must provide comfort and durability in extreme conditions. We often say hiking boots are the most important item of a hiking gear but hiking boots are useless without appropriate hiking socks.

First let’s explain the basic information about hiking socks. If you just want to know which are the best hiking socks in 2014 skip the paragraph bellow and continue to the review section.

Hiking socks are distinguished by next properties:

Material:

Hiking socks are usually made of synthetic materials. Socks made of cotton are inappropriate for hiking. Cotton absorbs the moisture and drying takes too long. You definitely do not want to have wet feet all day long. If you sleep over on your tour you also won’t be able to dry the socks. Synthetic materials of which hiking socks are made are polyester, spandex, Coolmax etc. Often used natural material is also Merino wool. These materials are specially designed for sports clothing.

- Spandex gives sock elasticity and it is known by its durability.

- Coolmax is widely used because it provides great breathability and dries quickly. It is made by world known company DuPont which also produces other sophisticated fabrics like Kevlar and Nomex.

- Merino wool is a performance athletic wear made of the Merino sheep wool. Merino wool is not suitable only for cold weather. When worn against the skin it maintains the body’s temperature. It also draws moisture away from the skin and it dries quickly.

Quick drying

Hiking socks must dry quickly. Wet feet cause more friction which results in blisters. When doing longer tours you will also want that your equipment dries quickly not carrying wet equipment and extra weight in your backpack.

Cushioning

Hiking socks usually provide extra cushioning in the hell and toe area. This is achieved by thicker and special fabric in this area which protects your feet.

Keeping natural body's temperature

Materials used in hiking socks are designed to keep you natural body’s temperature. This prevents overheating your feet in the hot weather and frostbites in the cold weather. Merino wool is the fabric which currently leads in this field.

Reducing friction

Hiking boots are designed to reduce friction and prevent blisters. This is achieved by materials described above. Blisters are mainly caused by wet feet which increase friction.

It is hard to choose the best hiking socks appropriate for all year round. The socks listed here can be used almost all year round except in very cold environment. For very cold environment you should choose socks specially designed for cold weather.

So, which are the best five hiking socks in 2014?

Material:

• 59% Merino Wool
• 19% Polyamide
• 17% Coolmax
• 5% Elastane

The Brasher Mountain Master is a very comfortable sock made by British footwear producer Brasher. It is made of the best synthetic materials currently available on the market. The Merino wool will keep your feet warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. The moisture will be drawn away from your feet due to the great properties of the Merino wool and Coolmax. This will also prevent friction which causes blisters. The cushioning is very good. It has high density padding in the heel, toe and calf area. The Brasher Mountain Master is made to fit your right and left foot exclusively. The Brasher Mountain Master is one of the best socks for all year wear currently on the market. The only disadvantage of this sock is that it may be a little too warm for summer wear.

Suitable for:

• Walking
• Hiking
• Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Outdoor activities

Material:

• 53% Coolmax
• 27% Polyamide
• 19% Merino wool
• 1% Lycra

The Bridgedale Merino Fusion Trail is specially designed for hiking in warmer conditions. The mix of Merino wool and Coolmax will provide quick drying and it will keep you natural body’s temperature. The cushioning is good provided with a thick underfoot padding. The upper part is made of a thin mesh material which allows your foot to breath. Because of the sophisticated materials you will not have problems with blisters while wearing this sock. The Bridgedale Merino Fusion Trail is definitely a good choice if you need hiking sock for warm climate. But if you would like to have sock which will also keep your foot warm in cold winter you should consider buying Brasher Mountain Master.

Suitable for:

• Walking
• Hiking
• Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Outdoor activities

Material:

• 71% Merino wool
• 27% Polyamide
• 2% Elastan

The Smartwool Outdoor Light Micro is designed differently than Brasher and Bridgedale socks listed above. The Smartwool Outdoor Light Micro comes to just above your feet. This makes it perfect for walking and easy hiking. But for serious hiking or mountaineering it is not appropriate because it will not fit well on your hiking/mountaineering boots. However, you can wear it with your trail shoes.The cushioning is good especially in the toe and heel area. The sock has extra padding there and provides great comfort. The well-placed mesh ventilation areas provide good ventilation and maintain natural body’s temperature. You should buy Smartwool Outdoor Light Micro if you want good-looking sock for trail running, easy hiking or walking. For mountaineering you should consider buying one of the above or below listed socks.

Suitable for:

• Walking
• Easy hiking
• Trekking
• Outdoor activities

Material:

• 60% Merino wool
• 25% Polyamide
• 13% Polyester
• 2% Lycra

The Teko Light Hiking is comfortable sock appropriate for hiking and all other outdoor activities. The cushioning is good. The sole is well padded and provides you extra comfort. The Merino wool will keep your foot warm in winter and cool in summer. The moisture will be quickly drawn away from your feet, reducing the possibility of getting blisters. The Teko Light Hiking also resists odour which makes it perfect for longer tours. Teko Light Hiking is a good choice if you want multi-purpose, all year round socks.

Suitable for:

• Walking
• Hiking
• Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Outdoor activities

Material:

• 50% Merino wool
• 27% Polyurethane
• 12% Polyamide
• 6% Spandex
• 5% Acrylic

The SealSkinz Waterproof is the most innovative sock of all here listed. It will keep your feet dry even when your boot get wet. It has breathable waterproof membrane. SealSkinz is world know producer of breathable waterproof clothes. The SealSkinz Waterproof is made of 3 layers. The inner layer wicks moisture away from the skin. Then there is the breathable waterproof membrane which allows moisture vapour but prevents water from entering the sock. The outer layer assures durability. The SealSkinz Waterproof also provide good cushioning and temperature management. If you are looking for waterproof sock to keep your foot dry, you should choose the SealSkinz Waterproof.

Suitable for:

• Walking
• Hiking
• Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Outdoor activities