Underestimating the importance of a good sock liner is a mistake many hikers make (I know I did for a long time!)
Hiking socks are designed to protect your feet from blisters, but even the best ones can only do this if they are properly cushioned.
A sock liner provides that extra layer of protection, making sure your feet are comfortable even when you’re on the trail for hours at a time. That’s right: no blisters!
There are a lot of different sock liners on the market, and it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best sock liners for hiking, so you can find the perfect pair for your next adventure. 🙂
What are hiking sock liners?
Hiking sock liners are a type of sock that is worn underneath your regular hiking socks.
They are usually made from a thin, breathable material like synthetic wool or merino wool, and they help to wick away moisture from your feet. This prevents blisters by keeping your feet dry, and it also helps to keep your regular socks from getting too sweaty.
There are a few different types of sock liners on the market, but the two most popular are crew sock liners and ankle sock liners.
Crew sock liners come up to your calf, while ankle sock liners only come up to your ankle. Which type you choose is purely a matter of preference, but many hikers prefer crew sock liners because they provide more coverage and protection.
5 Reasons to invest in good sock liners
There are many reasons why it’s important to invest in high-quality sock liners:
1. They prevent blisters
The main reason to invest in a good pair of sock liners is to prevent blisters. By wicking away moisture, they keep your feet dry and comfortable, which reduces the risk of blisters.
2. They extend the life of your socks
Another benefit of sock liners is that they help to extend the life of your regular socks. Since they wick away moisture, your regular socks will last longer because they won’t get as sweaty or stinky.
3. They keep your feet warm
If you’re hiking in cold weather, sock liners can also help to keep your feet warm. This is especially true for ankle sock liners, which help to prevent heat from escaping through the top of your socks.
4. They’re comfortable
Sock liners are also very comfortable, and they can be worn with any type of shoe. This makes them a great option for everyday use, even if you’re not hiking.
5- They’re affordable
Sock liners are very affordable, and you can usually find a good pair for less than $20. This makes them a no-brainer investment for anyone who loves to hike or be outdoors.
Types of sock liners
As we mentioned before, there are two main types of sock liners: crew sock liners and ankle sock liners.
If you’re hiking in cold weather, you may also want to invest in a pair of insulated sock liners. These are made from a thicker material, and they help to keep your feet warm by trapping heat inside.
Material
The material of your sock liner is also important to consider.
The most popular materials are synthetic wool and merino wool, but there are also some cotton and nylon options on the market.
Synthetic wool is cheaper than merino wool, but it’s not as breathable and can cause sweaty feet.
Merino wool is more expensive, but it’s a great option for anyone who wants a breathable, comfortable sock liner.
Cushioning
Another factor to consider is the amount of cushioning in your sock liner. This is important because it will affect the comfort of your feet while you’re hiking.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking, you may want to invest in a sock liner with more cushioning. However, if you’re only going on short hikes, a less cushioned sock liner will be just fine.
Fit
The fit of your sock liner is also important because it needs to stay in place while you’re hiking.
If it’s too loose, it will slide around inside your shoe and cause blisters. If it’s too tight, it will be uncomfortable and may cut off circulation to your feet.
The best way to find the right fit is to try on different sock liners until you find one that feels comfortable.
Top 7 Best Sock Liners For Hiking
Now that we’ve gone over the different factors to consider when choosing a sock liner, let’s take a look at the seven best sock liners for hiking.
It is essential to say that they are not in any particular order, and the best sock liner for you depends entirely on the type of hike or activity that you plan on doing and also on the kind of shoes you will be wearing.
Fox River Outdoor Wick Dry Alturas Ultra-Lightweight Liner Socks
These sock liners are some of the most popular in the market. Made from a blend of merino wool and synthetic fibers, they’re designed to wick away moisture and help keep feet dry and comfortable, no matter what the temperature.
They’re also very lightweight and comfortable, making them a great option for any type of hike.
Smartwool unisex-adult Classic Hike Zero Cushion Liner Crew Socks
If you ask me, you can never go wrong with Smartwool. It is one of my favorite brands and their socks have saved me on many hikes (even the Inca Trail!).
These sock liners are made from a blend of merino wool and nylon, and they offer moderate cushioning. They’re also designed to wick away moisture, making them a great option for anyone who wants a comfortable, dry hike.
Injinji Liner Crew NuWool Socks
Injinki sock liners are unique due to their five-toe patented design, made specifically for hikers and runners.
These sock liners are made from a blend of merino wool and the coolest thing about them is that you can easily wear them with hiking sandals as well as boots.
Realtree Lightweight Liner Mid-Calf Tall Boot Socks
These liner socks are especially great for winter hiking. Due to their length, you can easily wear them with high hiking or snow boots without adding any bulk.
They are made with 98% Polypropylene, and 2% Spandex and help to keep feet clean, cool, and dry for odor protection
ArmaSkin Extreme Anti-Blister Hiking Crew Socks
ArmaSkin technology is heavy-duty!
The secret is that they are made of two layers: an inner one that temporarily sticks to the skin and an outer one with smooth fabric that reduces friction and allows the shoe to glide seamlessly on top.
Their socks are perfect not only for hikers but also for endurance runners, extreme athletes, and even soldiers. No chance of getting blisters with these ones.
Terramar Merino Wool Liner Sock
Terramar socks are made of 79% Merino Wool, which makes them ]perfect for a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions, on their own or underneath a heavier sock to keep you dry and comfortable.
Other hiking essentials you should pack
In addition to good hiking liner socks, there are a few other items you should pack for your hike. Here are a few of our favorites:
Hiking boots
Good hiking boots are the absolute foundation of a comfortable hike. The important things to look out for are a good fit, waterproofing, and support.
Some brands that make excellent hiking boots include Salomon, La Sportiva, and Merrell. Personally,
Suggestion: Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is an absolute delight to hike with.
Hiking pants
Hiking pants are a great option if you want more coverage than shorts but don’t want the extra heat of full-length pants. They’re also usually quick-drying, which is essential for comfort on the trail.
Some brands that make excellent hiking pants include Columbia, Athleta, and Outdoor Research.
Suggestion: Libin’s Cargo Joggers Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Pants are not only extremely comfortable but also look very cute.
Hiking shirts
Hiking shirts are designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool on the trail. They’re usually made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon.
Some brands that make excellent hiking shirts include Patagonia, REI, and Columbia.
Suggestion: The BALEAF Women’s Long Sleeve Shirt with UPF50+ Sun Protection is great.
Hiking backpack
A good hiking backpack will help you carry all your gear on the trail. It should be comfortable, durable, and have enough space for everything you need.
The size of the ideal backpack for you will depend on the length of your hike and how much gear you need to bring. For day hikes, a small backpack like this one from Osprey will do the trick. For longer hikes, you’ll need something bigger, like this REI Co-op Trailbreak 60L backpack.
Suggestion: This Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Backpack is affordable and really good quality for the price.
Hiking poles
Hiking poles can be a great addition to your hiking gear, especially if you’re carrying a lot of weight or hiking on uneven terrain. They provide extra support and stability on the trail.
Some brands that make excellent hiking poles include Black Diamond, Leki, and Komperdell. Personally, I always recommend starting with affordable ones so that you can get used to them before investing in fancier equipment.
Suggestion: Aihoye Hiking Trekking poles are great hiking poles for beginners! Also, you can’t really beat the price.
Wrap-up: The best hiking sock liners
That’s a wrap! The right pair of liner socks can make a big difference on the trail.
That’s a wrap! now that you know what to look for in a hiking sock liner, and you’ve seen our top 10 picks, you’re ready to choose the perfect pair for your next hike. So get out there and happy hiking!
