If you were to take a poll of 100 regular hikers and ask them which items of hiking gear they were most likely to spend their money on, it would be a safe bet that the majority of people would say hiking boots and waterproof jackets. It goes without saying that sturdy boots and protection from the changeable weather are high on most lists.
Out of that 100, how many people would say hiking socks? I’d hazard a guess at less than 10. The average Brit absolutely hates buying socks. They’re that thing that we get as gifts. We make jokes about the holes in the toes, saying that it’s not long until Christmas and they’ll last until then. And if we absolutely have to buy them ourselves, we’ll buy a pack of ten from the supermarket for £5 and proudly state ‘they’ll do’.
But when you’re spending in excess of £100 for a pair of hiking boots that promise to be comfortable and breathable, are cheap supermarket socks really the best thing to be stuffed inside them, or should you finally admit that you might have to spend your annual sock budget on a decent pair of hiking socks?
Let’s have a closer look.
Photo by Darina Belonogova
When it comes to the fabric of your socks, not all materials are created equal. Your everyday cotton socks might feel like a soft embrace for your toes, but they’re basically sponges when you start to sweat. On the flip side, hiking socks are usually crafted from a nifty blend of Merino wool, polyester, and sometimes a dash of spandex. This magical mix is engineered to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry. So, while cotton socks are fine for a Netflix binge, they’re not the best on the mountain.
When it comes to padding and support, your everyday socks are a bit like a basic mattress—fine for a short nap but not something you’d want to rely on for a long trek. They offer minimal cushioning, which means your feet are doing all the heavy lifting, so to speak. Hiking socks are a different kettle of fish. They come with extra padding in key areas like the heel and ball of the foot, offering a level of comfort and support that regular socks just can’t match. Some even offer arch support, which is a bit like having built-in footbeds. So, while your regular socks might be okay for a quick dash to the shops, for anything more strenuous, it’s worth investing in a pair of hiking socks.
Now, let’s chat about heat regulation because nobody likes sweaty feet. Your standard socks might be okay for a casual stroll, but they’re not exactly climate-controlled. They can leave your feet feeling like they’re in a sauna one minute and an icebox the next. Hiking socks are crafted from materials that allow your feet to breathe, helping to regulate temperature whether you’re hiking in the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
Your standard socks might be affordable, but they’re often not built to last, especially when faced with the great outdoors. Hiking socks, on the other hand, are designed with reinforced seams and tougher materials in high-wear areas like the heel and toe. It’s a bit like comparing a sturdy 4×4 to a city runaround; both will get you from A to B, but one is clearly better suited for rough terrain.
After all, quality lasts longer than the memory of the price tag. Check out our guide to Best hiking socks to find out what pair you should pick up next.
