Buying Guides: Walking Socks

Nothing can ruin a day's walking more than problems with your feet. Rubbing, chafing, blisters, coldness or overheating are enough to turn your day out into a true endurance test.

Wearing the right pair of boots is vital. However, equally important, is ensuring that you team them with the right socks.

What to look for

Fibre Composition

A sock is only as good as the fibres that go into it. The fibre composition SHOULD be stated on the packaging.

Moisture Management

Because dealing with perspiration is a big concern, many 'technical' sock manufacturers have created their own 'Moisture Management' systems. If the socks have a good mix of wicking AND absorbtion yarns, then they should be a good buy. However, one without the other is not so adventageous.

Staying Dry

Step 1 - Wicking
Wicking is the active movement of moisture away from the skin. The wicking process is seen as an ESSENTIAL FACTOR for keeping feet dry, channelling perspiration to the dry areas of the sock. Synthetic fibres are considered best for their wicking properties. Good wicking yarns include polyster and polypropylene.

Step 2 - Absorption
If there is active movement of moisture, the logical question is where is it going? It is accepted that there are limitations to the breathability of footwear. For this reason, it is considered a big advantage if the sock can absorb the perspiration, as well as wick it away. Many users find that a sock with good wicking properties, but poor absorption, has an uncomfortable 'clammy' feel.

Natural yarns, such as wool and cotton, are the best fibres for absorption. However, wool is eight times more absorbent than cotton. Wool can also hold 30% of its own weight in moisture and still feel dry to touch! In addition to the wicking action, wool plays a huge role in keeping feet dry.

The 'Smell' Factor

Wool tends to be a lot more hygienic than synthetic fibres and cotton. For the reason, it is likely to be less smelly and much more suited to multi-day trips.

Durability

Every sock needs nylon, as this is what holds it together. The amount of nylon a sock contains is a good guide to how long it should last you. The higher the nylon content, the more durable the sock will be. So steer clear of any design with less than 10% nylon.

Sizes and Fit

Choose socks that are the same as your normal shoe size. Most socks will fall into a size bracket (eg UK 6-8). If a sock contains elastane (Lycra® is one brand), then it will offer an even closer fit within the size bracket.

Cushioning - The Comfort Factor

To get a really good look at the sock, turn it inside out. A good design will have a solid layer of cushion loops (similar to towel loops). These should be short and dense. Long loops tend to flatten, offering less cushioning and, therefore, less comfort.

Padding - The Protection Factor

The sock SHOULD have additional padding in certain areas. The heel and the toe are the main impact points and need more protection. Socks for heavier boots should have padding along the whole leg. The heavier the boot the more padding there should be.

Designs for Women

Some brands feature designs specifically for women. This is worth considering because, generally, most women have slimmer feet than men. The usual unisex designs can often be too wide, which may result in unwanted bunching and gathering of material when boots are pulled on.

Gore-Tex Endorsement

Certain brands and styles of socks carry and endorsement from the Gore-Tex company. This is not to say that the socks themselves contain the Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable membrane, but that they are particularly suited to use with footwear containing the Gore-Tex lining. But note that these same sock styles will work just as well with all other types of footwear. Gore-Tex approval is, however, one way of identifying a good 'technical' design.

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