Terrence Kennedy
Fall is here! For many, this is the perfect chance to get out there and go on a nice, long hike. Not too hot or too cold, the weather marks that perfect balance. If you haven’t gotten out to hike yet, you should do so while the weather is nice.
With that said, if you're going to take a long hike, or even a short one, you should come prepared. Get yourself some trail mix, water, some nice hiking boots, a coat in case the weather gets cold, and most importantly, socks.
Many of us take our socks for granted. We would like to think that the pair we’re wearing right now should suffice. However, more often than not, our socks don’t have the comfort needed for a strenuous hike. If it gets cold, your socks may not warm your feet enough, and you may get frostbite. If you’re walking too much, you may get blisters.
That’s why buying a pair of socks designed for hiking is important. They can protect your feet, can last a long time, and are resistant towards sweat, rain, and the elements.
When buying a pair of socks, you may need to spend a bit more. You may be confused why a pair of hiking socks costs $20 or more when you can get a pack of socks for half that price. However, you do indeed get what you pay for, with hiking socks lasting a long time and preventing you from getting blisters and other nasty surprises. These socks are designed to fit comfortable, give your feet breathing room, and are built to last. They are worth the extra price.
With that said, what are the best pairs of socks money can buy? We’ve collected some socks from around the Internet that you should check out.
DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Socks
This pair is for those on a budget. Ranging from $8.99-$20.00, they are quite affordable, but effective. They come in various colors and sizes, and are good for both sexes, so you can bring your wife or significant other with you during the hike.
The main material these socks are made from is merino wool. In summer, they will keep your feet cool, and vice versa. It gets rid of sweat and can cushion your feet so they don’t blister or chaff. The sock boasts the endorsement by a former Navy SEAL, who claims it’s one of the best socks money can buy. It’s Danish made and manufactured in Europe, making it an ideal sock for many different situations.
Finally, you can buy these socks in packs of one or three. Buying in bulk saves money and is a good idea if you have a family of adventures, or you just want more for yourself. The socks are risk free, and being affordable, you can’t go wrong.
<<Find it here>>
MIRMARU Men's Multi Performance Outdoor Sports Hiking Trekking Crew Socks
At $22, they’re a bit more expensive than the last pair mentioned, and they don’t come in flashy colors, but they have a performance that is unmatched. The sock is suited for all sorts of activities, and not just hiking. You can use them for winter sports, running, and anything else involving physical activity.
These socks are made from combed cotton and polyester, and the fibers are designed to handle the toughest hikes and be able to handle anything else life throws at it. You don’t have to worry about blisters when you're hiking in these. They’re made for compression, meaning that they will support your entire foot and ankles and keep your feet from the elements.
Like the last pair of socks, the company is confident with what they have, and there is a 60 day return policy. You can send it back for a full refund, so it’s definitely worth it if you're still unsure. We suggest buying a pair and giving them a try.
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SEOULSTORY7 Men's Bio Climbing DryCool Cushion Hiking/Performance Crew Socks
This is a true man’s socks. It’s in the $20 range, making it a mid-budget pair of sock. As the name implies, it’s a five-pack, so you can get a good amount out of it. It comes in a variety of sizes, able to fit most pairs of feet.
What’s unique about this sock is its DryCool yarn. This yarn is designed to dry fast, making it a good water resistant sock as well. If you're traveling in the creek, or hiking in the rain, it’s definitely worth trying out.
It’s also anti-bacterial, meaning that your feet won’t smell like death once you get done hiking. Instead, you’ll come home feeling refreshed and ready to hike some more. Finally, there’s the Y-Heel Tab. This unique feature makes it easy for you to put the socks on and off. Sometimes, slipping on socks can be frustrated, so this is a unique touch.
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Smartwool Trekking Heavy Crew Sock
Nothing beats a nice pair of wool socks. Well, except for a nice pair of Smartwool socks. These are mid-range socks that are made from Merino wool. As mentioned before, it can keep your feet dry and warm during winter, cold during summer. They’re a comfy, cushy pair that’s recommended for plenty of situations, from hiking to relaxing at home. It’s a pair of socks we do recommend checking out.
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Farm To Feet Damascus Lightweight Hiking Sock
Whether you're taking a trek in Damascus or just hiking, Farm to Feet is a brand that can handle even the toughest of jobs. They are incredibly comfortable and made from Merino wool as well. It’s a mid-budget sock that should do the job just fine. However, the manufacturer's warranty is limited, so make sure you want this pair and have the correct size before ordering! Despite this, Farm to Feet is worth the buy.
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FITS Light Performance Trail Quarter
This pair is great for some moderate hiking. It’s filled with many unique features that set it apart from your average hiking sock, which is always a plus. First, it’s vented in many different places to keep your feet nice and dry. It boasts a Contact Cuff to keep your leg snug and warm. The toe cup it has can wrap around your toes and give them room to breathe. At $18, it’s a sure purchase.
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Premium Large Crew Wool Socks Merino Wool Hiking Trekking Crew Socks Made in USA People Socks
At $35, these are socks for a higher budget. However, it’s well worth the price. First, they are American-made, meaning they are pure quality. The socks are primarily made of Merino wool and are designed to be itch-free and as comfortable as possible.
Best of all, they are machine washable. With that said, you should wash them in cold water and hang them out to dry in order to get the most out of it.
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Waterproof Trekking Socks
If you're truly serious about hiking and the outdoors, you cannot go wrong with this one. It’s a pair of sock for those who can splurge. At almost $40, it’s a higher end of sock, and there’s a reason for that.
First, it’s mid-calf length, meaning it’s good for almost all situations. With its terry loop cushioning, your feet will feel in heaven regardless of the situation you’re in. However, one big reason we love it is because of its waterproof capabilities. Not only is this sock amazing for hiking and other outdoor adventures, but you better believe it’s good for being waterproof.
Let’s face it: it’s nasty whenever you step into some water. Not only is it uncomfortable, but you're susceptible to mold, mildew, and blisters. Unless you're hiking in a desert, you may deal with a creek, rain, or mud. It’s worth it to get a pair of socks that can stay dry when life is wet. This is why we recommend these out of all the other pairs. If you have the budget for it, get them!
The Waterproof Trekking Socks are some of the best hiking socks money can buy, but all the above socks are great as well. If you're a hardcore hiker, we recommend having a whole drawer of them. What are your favorite socks? Which socks didn’t work out? Tell us.
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