How to choose hiking socks?

You probably will not believe this, but even socks for hiking are required to be special. You must choose hiking socks carefully. Thermo socks are synthetic, made of polyamide, polyester, nylon, elastane. The fabric of hiking socks is seamless. Sometimes merino wool fabrics are used to provide maximum thermal insulation. Hiking socks have three functions:

• Temperature regulation
• Sweat removal
• Compression

Let’s talk about each function separately.

Efficient sweat removal

Hiking socks should effectively remove sweat from your feet. The principle is the same as with thermal underwear. Synthetic fabric absorbs sweat drops and distributes them over the maximum surface area, making sweat remove as fast as possible. Besides that, the fabric of high-quality thermal socks has special lines, which guide sweat steam up and make it leave the shoes much quicker. Many of people are familiar with the unpleasant feeling, when the socks are wet and feet start to freeze. Or when in hot weather socks roll down and it becomes very muggy for feet. Wet feet are the main cause of frostbite. That’s why it is important to keep your feet dry.

Hiking socksIn proper socks it will not be cold in winter and hot in summer. Be careful and choose hiking socks that meet these requirements. There are many options from which you can choose, depending on the place and purpose. Also, remember that thicker not always means warmer. For example, ski socks come in a finer fabric, because ski boots have to sit very precisely on the feet. And socks for trekking and mountaineering can be a bit thicker, regardless of thermal properties, to create an intermediate buffer space between feet and boots. It is an important feature during descent, which will prevent your toes from rubbing.

Temperature regulation

Thermal properties depend on the density of the fabric. Usually on the certain parts of the socks there are extra insulations from warmer fabric. They are designed for more efficient thermal insulation. In socks that are designed for especially cold conditions, merino wool is added to the fabric. It significantly increases thermal insulation properties and minimally affects breathable properties of socks. The label of hiking socks indicates weather conditions that they are intended for. Pay attention to the label when choosing hiking socks.

Compression

Compression properties of socks are very important. Fabric compresses muscles in certain parts of socks, which helps to regulate blood circulation. Seamless fabric makes socks more durable and comfortable. Almost all of the modern thermal socks are made this way. Such socks are often used by runners, athletes, triathletes. In these sports, joints and muscles are heavily loaded, therefore additional compression fabric is needed, to avoid injuries and prevent legs from getting tired quickly. It is especially important to have compression in heels and feet.

Hiking socks have left and right sides, which are designed to give the most anatomical shape to feet. It is important to choose the right size of socks. If they are small, your feet will be cramped, it will be uncomfortable to move, and also small socks will block blood circulation. If socks are large, they will roll down and gather between the foot and the shoe, rubbing the feet. In modern socks the size of the foot is indicated, usually within a certain range, for example size 40-43. Keep these in mind and if there is a possibility, try on the socks, to feel how they sit on your feet. You can wear them with your hiking boots, to see how they will fit together. It is also important that the socks are a bit higher than the shoe, so that the tongue of the shoe doesn’t rub your legs.

Care

Hiking socks can be washed in washing machine, just like thermal underwear. However there are several nuances. Water should not be too hot, maximum 40-50 degrees. Wash them in a delicate mode, instead of powder use washing gel. Do not use bleaches and conditioners. After washing, do not squeeze them and don’t put them into the dryer. Just hang them wet and let them dry on their own.

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