Ever wondered what to look for when buying walking socks?  Good quality walking socks aren’t cheap and ideally need to be matched to suit the qualities of your boots. It can be easy to simply pick up a couple of pairs without really thinking about what difference they’ll make to your walking experience. The materials are probably the first concern. Most walking socks are made of a mixture of wool and man made fibre, but the ratio of materials and how they’re used in the sock can make a big impact on how they feel and perform. Synthetic fibres will be better at moving sweat away from the skin – known as wicking – good for more energetic use.  Wool is also naturally antibacterial making woollen socks less whiffy than high proportion synthetic material socks.   Some socks have cushioned areas to add comfort and they also end up being warmer as the layers of fibre trap warm air.

The fit across the toe and heel should be snug, with no baggy loose fabric or seams that could rub.  Also, see how the sock feels on the arch of the foot and if it is padded under where your boots lace up.  The way that your boots accommodate the socks you choose should also be an important consideration as it’s the combination of the two that can make the difference between a great day on the hills and a miserable blistery mess.

Finally, make sure your socks have a reasonable grip around your leg. They need to stay up as you move around to keep you warm and supported. Saying that you don’t want them to cut off your blood supply and leave you with uncomfortable sock rings.  Demand as much in technical performance from your socks as you do from your boots and you’ll be on your way to a pair of very happy feet!