Most of the physical work of outdoor sports is done on the feet, whether it is hiking, climbing or skiing... It is especially important to keep your feet happy. Your feet are your first line of defense.
1. Material:
The top and ideal material is Merino wool, which has a unique fiber structure that maintains a high dryness even when your feet are sweaty, allowing for easy perspiration, quick drying, and warmth at the same time . Unlike chemicals, it also naturally resists the growth of bacteria in wet feet. It is well suited for use in extreme climates and geographies.
Coolmax is another outdoor quick-drying, sweat-wicking, functional fabric, a man-made knitted fiber for long-lasting comfort and breathability, lightweight, easy to wash and no deformation. The performance is slightly inferior to wool, but the price is more attractive. This material is often used in sports apparel and sports socks.
2. Weight and outdoor sports
Ultra Light. Suitable for hiking in hot summer areas, mainly low-top, light, breathable and elastic. Such as volcanic climbing in summer in Indonesia (walking through the rainforest).
Lightweight. Generally, the natural thickness is about 1 times that of ordinary cotton socks, which is breathable and not heavy. Due to the need for outdoor hiking, the bottom is usually thickened with a full terry design, while the instep and ankle parts are not. Suitable for outdoor activities in all seasons in non-alpine regions. Such as: mountain activities in summer in Yunnan and Guilin regions.
Medium thickness (Medium). The thicker design provides good technical support for most mainstream hiking activities, reduces the friction of the feet in the shoes, increases breathability and perspiration, and is the right choice for hiking in summer and winter in colder regions.
Heavy, Extra Heavy. The thick model is suitable for relatively high-altitude ice and snow sports such as long-distance hiking and skiing in alpine regions. Thickened wool socks on the soles and tops of the feet have more functional advantages in extreme environments, especially heavy equipment.
3. Other factors:
Tightness: Socks can be a little tighter, which can prevent leg edema and vasodilation caused by long-term walking, but it should not be too tight to cause blisters or blood circulation problems. Be careful to avoid buying socks that are too narrow and dense in the elastic ring of the ankle.
Length: The length of the leg is at least higher than the upper of the hiking shoes, so as not to wear the heel. It is best to have shock absorption and thicken the sole and heel (Cushion or Full cushion).