Many hikers rave about hiking liner socks, but are they really necessary?
Sock liners can work well as a base layer, but you can also wear them on their own. They help keep your feet cool and dry. They can also help prevent blisters. Sock liners should be thin and fit well. These types of socks are meant to conform tightly to your feet when worn with your hiking boots. You can even find sock liners in toe-sock styles for efficient skin coverage, even between your toes.
Whether you choose to wear them alone or with a thicker pair of socks, sock liners are great for hiking in any weather. In hot weather, your feet sweat more. Wearing sock liners helps keep your feet dry and cool, even if it seems counter-intuitive. In cool weather, sock liners have the added benefit of helping to keep your feet warmer. Wet feet are cold feet, and your feet still sweat in cold weather.
Hiking liner socks worn in cold weather pull sweat and moisture away from your skin and also provide an extra layer of insulation for warmth. Alternatively, you can wear hiking liner socks by themselves in warmer weather. They still have moisture-wicking properties when worn alone. Instead of directing moisture and sweat to your outer layer of socks, it will go to your shoes instead.