Hiking socks

Often overlooked on the list of essential outdoor gear, hiking socks play a hidden but crucial role in keeping a hiker’s feet healthy. Not only do they reduce discomfort, but they also play a vital role in preventing blisters on your foot. Who wants to walk around with a foot riddled with painful blisters?

Columbia recognises the importance of having a good pair of socks, which is why we have a dedicated selection for your next adventure. With different options like crew socks, low-cut socks, and ankle socks, you’re sure to find your next comfortable pair with us.

At a glance, there may not seem to be much difference between hiking and normal socks. But once you look closely, you’ll notice some distinct differences:

• The first ones are typically made with wool (usually Merino) and synthetic fibers.
• They have toe and heel reinforcements to protect them from injury.
• They’re designed to last longer than regular socks.
• They’re made to wick moisture away from the skin while keeping things cool.
• They are more expensive than regular ones.

Hiking socks come in all shapes and sizes, although the most common are crew cuts. That’s because they’re meant to keep your feet from moving around too much within the shoe while providing additional support to your heels. You’ll also find them in different thicknesses—from thin liners to mid-thickness to thick. Which one to pick depends on the type of hiking you’re planning to do. Thin liners are suitable for gentle day hikes, while a crew-cut thick sock is great for long-distance hikes.

Mountain hiking, or any sort of trekking in general, while wearing normal socks is generally not recommended because of the following:

• Most regular socks retain moisture instead of expelling it, causing odours and other unpleasant effects.
• They don’t have adequate toe and heel support, which leads to blisters.
• When wet, regular socks get cold quickly, which could potentially cause frostbite in lower temperatures.

Even if you’re wearing hiking sandals and are sticking to gentler trails, wear proper socks to prevent problems down the road. If you must use regular socks, consider taking a lighter and shorter trek to protect your feet. Also, take extra precautions to keep your feet dry and safe from blisters.

Typically more expensive than regular socks, so you may wonder if they’re worth the money. The answer is very much yes—proper socks are worth purchasing. Not only do they keep your feet safe and snug inside your shoe, but they also have features that keep your feet healthy.

With Columbia’s socks, each pair comes with the following:

• Omni-Wick® for wicking moisture away.
• Drirelease® for pulling moisture out of your skin, keeping your feet dry.
• Polygiene® Odor Crunch acts as an anti-odour filter to prevent smells from developing.

Think of them as investments for your feet.

If you’re ready to invest in high-quality socks, look no further than Columbia’s selection. Available in different lengths and thicknesses, they ensure you can find the right pair to keep your hikes light and comfortable.

Once you’ve purchased your perfect pair, make sure to shop our selection of hiking shoes, boots and sandals hiking shoes and sandals, all with specialised hiking soles:

• all-terrain shoes
• Hiking sandals for men
• Hiking sandals for women
• Kid's waterproof shoes
• leather hiking boots
• Light hiking shoes
• Long hiking boots
• Low hiking shoe
• Men's hiking shoe
• Women's hiking boots
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Waterproof shoes for men
• Wide shoes for men
• Winter shoes

And if you’re looking to accessorise or add to your wardrobe, check out Columbia’s collection of:

• Hiking clothes for women
• Hiking jacket

Make sure you also check out our collection of hiking tips, such as how to choose hiking shoes and determine your hiking boot size.