Comments on: For hiking, do I need to buy special socks or are cotton socks fine?

By: Schnurrbart

Schnurrbart — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:11:59 +0000

I find that all I require, with my hiking shoes, are thin 100% polyester or nylon dress socks from the department store. Since switching to those all my specialty hiking socks have been moved to the back of the closet. And of course I don't wear cotton socks, not even for everyday use, because they wear out quickly.
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By: emma e

emma e — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:55:59 +0000

if your feet will sweat, you don't want cotton. cotton is an absorbent fiber (that's why we make towels out of it), and as others here have said, the water (sweat) that cotton socks retain will soften the skin of your feet and this will increase your chances of blisters and raw spots. synthetic or wool socks are much better at fending off blisters. wool is the best choice, but of course it's more expensive than synthetic. i use a pair of ankle-high wool socks made from a very thin merino wool. they don't itch, are very soft, and help me avoid blisters. i find that the thinner and shorter a sock is, the cooler my feet stay (of course you do want the sock to rise above the top of your shoe, but it doesn't need to be any taller than that).
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By: NJGuy

NJGuy — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:16:59 +0000

Cotton absorbs and holds the moisture from your feet. What is desired when hiking is a way to take the moisture away from your feet and allow it to evaporate as you walk. The Best way I know is to wear a pair of sock liners under a pair of thick wool or synthetic socks. Of course, "thick" will have different meanings when the weather is freezing and again in Summer! Check with an outdoor outfitter to get to the right combination for yourself.
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Much hiking and backpacking over many years and had my share of blisters from the wrong socks and footwear!

By: wellbeing

wellbeing — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:50:59 +0000

cotton socks are great. They are natural and help your feet stay dry. Synethetic socks are a sales technique made with chemicals, although they may offer some benefits, cotton is best for your feet and for the environment.
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By: chickey_soup

chickey_soup — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:07:59 +0000

Cotton is not preffered. Cotton gets wet from sweat and rubs giving blisters. You are better off with hiking socks that are designed to wick away moisture. However if you are on doing recreational hiking here and there regular socks are ok.
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