12 Best Walking Socks for 2023 – Hike Blister Free

If you’re an adventure enthusiast like me, nothing can stop you from going outdoors (ok well except for a covid lockdown!). But you need to wear suitable hiking clothes to ensure your outdoor activities arent ruined by being wet, cold or worse BLISTERS! Suitable walking socks are an integral part of your hiker’s wardrobe (and key to stopping blisters). 

So how do you choose the right ones? Here are some key factors to consider:

Purpose: Do you need to train for a sport outdoors (running socks)? Or go fishing? Or hike to rugged and difficult terrains? Then, you should look for trainer socks, fishing socks, and hiking socks, respectively. Depending on where you want to go and what activities you plan to do, you should choose your socks accordingly.

Climate and material: How’s the weather of the region where you plan to walk to or hike? Is it cold or hot? Is it at a high altitude or in the plains? Will it rain there? Or are there slush, stream, river, etc.? All these will determine what type of hiking boot socks you’ll need.

For instance, in a hot climate, your feet need to stay cooler. You may be tempted to avoid thick walking socks like those made of wool.  And choose a pair of socks that have wicking properties like a good pair of running socks.  Or why not go all eco in your socks and choose some anit bacterial, breathable Bamboo Walking Socks.

Wool socks help regulate temperatures better so are perfect for wearing on hikes where you know its going to be cold.  However just know if you get sweaty they get saturated a bit faster than synthetic socks.  However if you think there is a chance of rain wearing 100% waterproof sealskinz socks would be wise.

Cost: You should focus on the features, comfort, and durability when buying walking socks. Considering just the cost could make you buy either flimsy varieties or the high-end ones that you may not even use for once. For instance, if you need durable walking socks, Bridgedales’ could be a good choice. Though they cost up to10-15% of the price of your walking boots, Bridgedale socks will last a long time. This makes them a wise investment.

Size: Walking socks that are too short will slide down into the shoe and feel tight and give blisters. But if they’re too long, they’ll huddle together over your toes (blister time). You should focus on manufacturer-specific size information to get the correct size.

Size also covers the style of sock from knee length to trainer socks.  Again look at the type of hike, walk or sporting activity you are doing, weather etc and choose accordingly.  Let’s be honest if you arent sure which walking socks to take then pack a few types as they are lightweight.

Comfort: Your walking socks should meet your individual needs. They should also make your feet happy and comfy. For instance, if you need naturally antibacterial, breathable, comfy, and hard-wearing socks, you can try bamboo socks for walking. Again, if blisters bother you, buying a pair of anti-blister walking socks would be wise.

Sock features: Walking socks with arch reinforcements can prevent arch pain. They can even help you avoid plantar fasciitis that causes severe heel pain. If you’re going to walk on rough terrains, extra padding on the ball and heel of the foot is a must.in your walking socks.

Also i always look for socks that have wicking properties as my feet can bet sweaty on a hike.  Finally I cant stress enough to avoid blisters ruining your walks always look for anti blister socks in all the materials I listed above!