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Traveling without good (hiking) socks? That's not an option. At least: not when you take to the paths and avenues at your destination. A sun, sea and beach holiday where you just bask on the beach obviously doesn't require socks. However, are you going to the mountains, visiting an awesome city or taking a long walk on the beach? Proper hiking socks should not be missing. In this article we would therefore like to tell you more about what you should pay attention to when choosing the best walking socks.

Why investing in good hiking socks is a must

Many travelers take the necessary steps during their vacation or trip to see the sights and undertake activities. Whether you stroll through the forest, get to know a town on foot or take a long hike through the mountains, your feet are always your most important means of transport. That is why it is a must to invest in good walking shoes and walking socks. Most people think about purchasing good shoes, but forget the importance of socks for walking. 

That's a shame, because with good walking socks you ensure that, among other things the chance of blisters is smaller. For example, poorly fitting or cheap or ordinary socks can cause friction, which can cause very painful blisters. With good walking socks you are less likely to suffer from this. In addition, your feet can sweat a lot while walking. This not only leads to blisters, but also to unpleasant odors. Good hiking socks are designed to effectively wick away moisture and keep your feet dry. Of course, hiking socks also provide the right support and cushioning.

Hiking socks for travel: pay attention to the material

Although there are several things to consider when purchasing hiking socks, the choice of material is crucial. Many people blindly buy cotton socks for their hiking trips. Although cotton is comfortable, it is a fabric that dries slowly, wears out quickly and does not retain its shape. This means that cotton is not suitable as a material for a hiking sock. It is better to opt for socks made of (merino) wool), a soft and comfortable fabric that dries slowly, but retains its insulating effect when the fabric is wet. Polyamide (nylon) is also an excellent material for hiking socks. This fabric is water-repellent and quick-drying.

Look at the fit of the hiking socks

In addition to the material, the fit is another factor you should look at. With hiking socks, the better a sock fits your foot, the less friction there is. It is that friction that often causes blisters and other forms of pain. For example, a hiking sock should not be too loose, but certainly not too tight. So always look carefully at the size of the walking sock. Hiking socks are always anatomically shaped, which means that they are modeled after the shape of your foot. That is why it is always advisable for women to purchase women's socks and for men to purchase men's socks.

What height of hiking sock are you going for?

Just like regular socks, hiking socks are available in different heights. This height can vary from below the ankles to knee high. In many cases it just depends on what you find most comfortable. Most people will opt for a standard height or an ankle sock. But: it is good to know that you also have to look at the height of your walking shoes. Hiking in damp and/or rugged areas, such as a jungle or rocky terrain, requires hiking boots and socks with a high shaft. In the city, lower shoes and socks are fine. In any case, make sure that the socks are the same height as the shaft to prevent chafing.

The thickness of the hiking sock also plays a role in your choice

Finally, there is one more thing you can pay attention to: the thickness of the hiking socks. Look carefully at the destination. In cold destinations you logically choose socks that are a bit thicker, while in a warm destination such as a country in the south from Europe you might prefer a pair of thinner socks. In practice, most people often find hiking socks too thick rather than too thin. How do you know what you like? By trying out several hiking socks. Just like with walking shoes, this is how you really find out what feels good and what works best for you.

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