Blisters are one of the biggest inconveniences when hiking, and, if left untreated, can cause real pain and discomfort. There are key steps that you should take in order to prevent blisters while hiking. This includes choosing supportive boots that fit perfectly, wearing them properly and taking good care of your boots, for example, ensuring that you let them dry out efficiently. Pressure, heat and moisture are the main culprits when it comes to causing blisters. That’s why it’s essential to choose a boot that is breathable and allows moisture to escape, whilst preventing water from entering the boot. In addition to choosing the right boot, one of the most important steps to take in order to prevent blisters while hiking is choosing the correct type of sock.
Why Do You Need To Wear Hiking Socks?
Choosing the right hiking socks is just as important as choosing the correct boot. Wearing thin, ill-fitting socks that are intended for ‘casual’ use is more than likely to result in pain and discomfort. If your socks are too flimsy then they do not create enough protection between your foot and your boot which can cause the foot to rub. In addition to this, if they are not breathable, sweat can build up in the shoe causing discomfort. That’s why wearing the right sock is essential for keeping your feet dry, fresh and cushioned.
What Makes A Good Hiking Sock?
The best hiking socks that will prevent blisters need to be:
Breathability: When exercising, it’s essential that your feet can breathe. This is important for preventing the build up of sweat and making sure that you can stay comfortable throughout your hike.
Cushioning: Cushioning is another key characteristic to look for in good quality hiking socks. In particular it’s important to look for cushioning around the heels and ankles. This is essential for protecting your feet, particularly when exercising for long periods of time.
Height: It’s also essential that your hiking socks are the correct height i.e cover the ankles and past the tops of your boots. This is to ensure that there’s no chance of bare skin rubbing against the edges of your boots.
Fabric: The fabric that your hiking socks are made from makes a huge difference to their comfort, durability and performance. Avoid hiking socks that are made from cheaper fabric and instead choose products that are made from high quality products such as Merino wool.
What Are The Best Hiking Socks For Preventing Blisters?
LOWA Socks
These hiking socks are made up of a combination of merino wool which is known for its anti-odour and anti-bacterial properties, and polyamide which is strong, flexible and stain-resistant. They also feature specially padded sections that are designed to support the ankle and midsole as well as the achilles tendon. A ‘comfort cuff’ at the top of the sock holds it in place against the wearer’s leg, whilst ventilation zones run along the length of the footbed to prevent the foot from overheating.
Bridgedale Woolfusion Trekker, CoolFusion™ TrailBlaze Or Summit
Made using specialist WoolFusion® technology for durable, year round performance, the Bridgedale Woolfusion Trekker socks are relied upon by the police, military and security personnel, however they’re also one of the most high performance hiking socks offered by Bridgedale. Prioritising technical performance and comfort, these hiking socks keep your feet dry, warm and comfortable mile after mile. For hiking in summer, Bridgedale’s CoolFusion™ TrailBlaze Socks feature enhanced ventilation with a mesh side and underfoot panels to aid breathability. For the winter season, Bridgedale’s summit socks benefit from dense cushioning to provide extra warmth.
We recommend wearing these hiking socks with the Bridgedale Coolmax® Liners that are made using fine-knit microfibres that wick perspiration. Providing extra comfort and hygiene, the liners ensure that feet are kept dry and fresh throughout your hike, preventing the build up of sweat which so often leads to blisters.
For more guidance on finding the best hiking socks for preventing blisters, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling +44 (0)1752 344355 or emailing [email protected].
