Table of Contents
Are you looking for the best hiking socks in the UK? Perhaps you are wondering why you should even be taking up hiking in the first place.
Hiking outdoors has numerous benefits. Besides the fresh air and gorgeous views, you are also taking in the sounds and smells of nature.
Hiking is a great way to exercise all your muscles in a fun way. It’s one of the best cardio workouts you can think of it lowers your risk of heart disease and improves your blood pressure and blood sugar levels as well.
Hiking also boosts bone density. This is because walking is a weight-bearing exercise. It builds strength in your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and the muscles in your hips and lower legs. Hiking is also a great way to strengthen your core.
You will also find that it improves your balance and helps control your weight. The benefits of hiking go beyond the physical, it also helps boost your mood.
Research shows that hiking has a positive impact on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
As you prepare to set out for your hike, it is helpful to know the trail you will be hiking. Check the weather, so that you know what to pack and also what to wear.
You do not want to be stuck on a wet trail with shoes or socks that let water in. If there is a possibility of storms, pack accordingly. Make sure to follow the trail marks and paths at all times.
Adventure is good but you also want to stay safe. Checking on the trail and the weather will also help you know what to wear.
Socks are one of the most underrated pieces of hiking gear and yet they are very important. In this article, we explore all you need to know about the best hiking socks on the market in the UK. Let us get into it, shall we?
In a Hurry
Here’s a quick guide to knowing what socks to buy when going hiking. Most people think there isn’t too much thought that needs to go into this purchase, but on the contrary, quite a bit of thought needs to be put in.
One of the first things you will need to know is the size of the foot that will be wearing the socks.
When socks that you will wear hiking do not fit properly they can cause a myriad of foot problems including blisters.
Make sure the socks fit and also that they are made of the right material.
Take into consideration the weather and the climate that you will be hiking in. This will help you choose weather-appropriate socks.
If you will be hiking in wet weather, then you need waterproof socks, and if you will be hiking in warm weather then you need socks that are breathable and not too hot.
Check on the sock blend and make sure that it is compatible with the environment you have in mind.
Our Top Pick
Jeep Terrain Walking Hiking Socks
Our Reviews of the Best Hiking Socks UK
Jeep Terrain Walking Hiking Socks
We may know the brand from areas other than clothing, but Jeep is certainly a brand that most of us will recognise. They have been producing products for adventurers since 1941.
These socks are a continuation of that legacy. The first thing that you will notice is how prominent brand placement is on the socks.
It covers the entire calf region. This is not something that everyone will appreciate. Some would prefer a more subtle take at branding. Now, onto the features of these socks.
You will not miss out on cushioning, as they are cushioned from the heel to the toes. This is important for the protection of your feet when hiking. It becomes even more important when you are on a long hike.
The pressure on your feet is more significant over that period. Having cushioned socks will go a long way.
Even before you put the socks on, you will be left in no doubt as to their thickness. They are heavyweight socks. This makes them a good pick for long-distance hiking as well as for when the temperature drops.
From a material side of things, they comprise of 80% cotton, 17% polyester and 3% elastane.
As you can tell from his composition, they are quite cotton rich. Beyond the warmth that we have already mentioned, they also work to wick moisture from the feet, keeping your feet dry.
You will also find that they can be washed in a machine without incident.
Pros
- The socks are perfect for walking boots.
- They keep your feet warm.
- They have wicking properties to keep feet dry.
- They provide great cushioning for the foot.
- There is no doubt as to their quality.
Cons
- They do not dry out easily.
- Not ideal for day to day use.
YUEDGE Wicking Breathable Cushion Anti Blister Casual Crew Socks
For a brand that we were not familiar with, Yuedge makes great socks. There is a little character to their design than there is to the socks above.
However, we still have that same critique about the prominence of the branding. Anywhere, that is neither here nor there. Let us go on to consider the features that the socks have.
There are two key things that they wanted to achieve with the fabric. That is to create a product that provides both softness and comfort. It may sound straightforward, seeing as they go hand in hand.
It is not that simple in practice. Anyhow, these socks provide your feet with a cool and dry environment that they can thrive in while hiking. This is down to the exclusive moisture-wicking management that they offer.
The breathability combines with elasticity quite seamlessly. There are rubber bands placed in the welt and foot arch that ensure that the socks do not slide down your calves.
In fact, they fit quite snugly around your feet. You will often find that after a while you do not even feel them. They seemingly become an integral part of your being.
They make use of the Y-Heel design that features the ribbed arch reinforced cushion. This improves the durability of the socks and makes them more comfortable as well.
When combined with the high-density texture of each sock and their elasticity there is a reduction of impact and friction when you are hiking. That means fewer blisters.
Pros
- The socks are very comfortable.
- They are great for use with walking boots.
- They provide sufficient padding and cushioning.
- They are undoubtedly well-made.
- The toe and heel areas are reinforced.
- You can choose from several colours
Cons
- They sometimes run tight.
- The heel area does not take well to friction.
Kooogear Outdoor Sports Running Hiking Ankle Crew Socks
Do 3 pairs sound about enough for your next hiking trip? Someone, please say ‘bang for the buck’. At the price that these come at, you usually get a single pair of socks.
These are made to provide you with socks that can be used in any season throughout the year.
They feature highly dense knitting fibres which always ensure durability. The padding is enhanced to ensure that friction is reduced.
The inside of the socks features whats is described as “full fluffy Terry”. This is created to ensure that the socks are very comfortable. The compression band that is used to provide arch support stretches liberally.
From a performance side of things, these socks are designed to protect your feet from common injuries including tendon injuries and blistering.
They have moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet free from sweat. The stretching of the material also ensures that the air can move in and out with ease.
Another key aspect that the manufacturer considered was fatigue. These socks are designed to ensure that blood circulation is not hindered by the compression.
Feet fatigue is therefore kept to a minimum due to fresh oxygen being delivered regularly into the region.
You will be pleased to find that these socks are ideal for both men and women. The sizing is done in such a way that you would not find it difficult to make a selection.
There are a variety of colours to choose from. These should match both male and female tastes of all sorts.
Pros
- These socks are very comfortable.
- They keep your feet dry.
- They are quick drying after a wash
- They do not restrict blood circulation.
- They are highly breathable.
- They provide great cushioning.
- You can get them in male and female sizes.
- There are various colours to choose from.
Cons
- They do not stretch as easily as other socks do.
- They can be tight for some users.
1000 Mile Men’s 3 Season Walking Socks
Not many socks could stand by the claim that they are ideal for all 3 seasons of the year. Well, these ones are. They are a single-layered, mid-weight sock.
The first thing that may come to your attention is the contrasting colours around the socks. Especially the grey that you will notice in various area.
This is to mark the key contact zones in which the socks face the greatest pressure when in use. What the manufacturer has done is to provide more padding for these areas.
It may seem like a no-brainer. Except it is not done often enough, so it clearly takes some ingenuity to put in place. The key areas covered by this additional padding include the ball of the foot, heel and the Achilles region.
From a material perspective, these socks are made of 80% Merino wool, 19% Polyamide and 1% Elastane. This is quite a common combination for hiking socks.
Merino wool is known for its ability to wick moisture away from the foot. This is always a welcome feature. Speaking of sweat.
You will be pleased to know that these socks are machine washable. Their fastening is of the slip-on variety, which is not uncommon.
All of their features point to socks that are designed to provide a great experience for those that like to be on the move. This is what makes them perfect for hiking.
This is driven home by the arch brand and mid-foot support that they also provide.
Pros
- These socks are very comfortable.
- They are reinforced in key pressure areas.
- They can be machine washed.
- They provide midfoot and arch support.
- They have moisture-wicking properties.
- They are suitable for 3 seasons of the year.
- They are very durable.
Cons
- Some issues with the toe line have been noted.
- Sizing can be a little tricky.
DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks
Our final pick is another multi-pack. This time it features 3 pairs of socks. They share some features with the socks above them.
The manufacturer has ensured that extra padding is provided to the key areas of the socks that would usually face the most pressure when you are hiking. These socks are made out of Merino Wool.
You will appreciate how well it handles the thermo-regulation side of things. It ensures that your feet are kept warm in the colder months of the year and cool when the weather becomes warmer.
They have ventilation mesh lanes that allow for moisture to be wicking away from your legs. Dry feet tend to be less prone to blisters. There are a few colour options as well.
As you may have denoted from the name, these socks are designed in Copenhagen. Most of the manufacturing takes place in Portugal.
They have been tested by elite mountaineers to ensure their suitability for high-pressure conditions. Beyond all of the features that we love about these socks, our favourite part is that the company cares.
They provide incredible customer support and care after your purchase.
Pros
- There are various colours to choose from.
- These socks have heat regulating features.
- They provide extra padding for your feet.
- They keep your feet dry.
- The design minimises blisters.
- It is an ergonomic design.
Cons
- Durability is not consistent.
Buyer’s Guide
There are a couple of factors to consider when you are looking to buy a good pair of hiking socks. Make sure that the socks you get, help you get the ultimate hiking experience you are after.
They not only need to fit right but they also need to be comfortable and minimize injury.
Good hiking socks also need to be taken good of. When you know how they are constructed, it is easier to do this.
Hiking socks are different from your everyday socks, this means you can not interchange them and expect to get the same results that you would from hiking socks.
Can I wear merino socks when hiking?
The material your socks are made of is extremely important. This is what contributes to your socks’ attributes and the features you need.
Merino socks are made of merino wool and they have different characteristics that make them great for different reasons. The wool is soft and finely crimped.
It is measured in microns and the lower the micron the finer and more expensive the wool is. Regular wool can be 40 microns or more however merino is much finer.
It normally starts from 24 microns to 15 and below. Merino is not itchy or rough on the skin because of its unique thin construction. This makes it a great primary feature in the merino socks.
Merino wool has the great advantage of offering warmth and temperature regulation. This is an important feature of hiking socks.
You will encounter various weather conditions on your hikes, and keeping your feet at the right temperature can make all the difference in going further.
Merino wool is also pretty great at moisture wicking and breathability. It is these features that make merino socks great for hiking.
Are merino socks durable?
Lightweight socks made of 100% merino wool are not as durable as those made of other materials, or blends.
Especially for heavy-duty use such as hiking. The way to get the best out of Merino socks is if they are blended with other materials that will counter this demerit of lack of durability.
How do you wash hiking socks?
Most hiking socks are blended with wool. Washing woollen fabrics is a process that may need specific instructions. Make sure you check to see if the socks can be machine washed or if they need to be hand-washed.
For example, socks made of Angora wool, should not be washed in a washing machine, the agitations can cause them to get damaged.
You must exercise care and caution when washing woollen socks, otherwise, they can lose their shape. Unlike cotton socks, they do not have to be washed too frequently.
Conclusion
When going hiking, it is vital to know the characteristics that are needed in a good pair. Look out for both safety features and those that will make you more comfortable.
Hiking socks are a delicate balance between socks your feet can breathe in but also socks that will protect your feet. Hiking socks, therefore, come with different features that make your time on the trail much more enjoyable.
We hope that our reviews help you find your perfect hiking pair. Happy shopping!
If wool is just not for you, make sure you have a look at our Best Non-wool Hiking Socks.
- How wide should the toe box of a shoe be? - January 7, 2022
- Can you run a marathon in trail shoes? - January 7, 2022
- What running shoes do ultra runners use? - January 7, 2022
