{"id":1771,"date":"2021-08-04T23:14:41","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T23:14:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moderndayexploring.com\/?p=727"},"modified":"2021-10-03T07:21:04","modified_gmt":"2021-10-03T07:21:04","slug":"do-you-need-sock-liners-for-hiking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/do-you-need-sock-liners-for-hiking\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need Sock Liners for Hiking?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Sock liners. What are sock liners, and do we need them for hiking? I had never heard of sock liners until I started my hiking journey. Having never heard of them before, I didn\u2019t take much thought into getting a pair, nor what the possible benefits might be. Still, after a couple of harrowing treks, I decided to do a little research of my own into the purpose and benefits of sock liners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sock liners are an absolute must-have for hiking<\/strong> and include the following benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know the comfort and benefits of sock liners, I\u2019m sure you\u2019re itching to get out there and buy a pair. However, there are a few key features you need to take into account before doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An average person has a stride length of about 2.1 to 2.5 feet. To travel one mile takes roughly around 2,000 steps. Hiking is a strenuous and demanding activity, with many ups and downs and often rocky and uneven footing. Having the right sock liners are vital in keeping your feet comfortable and protecting them from blisters on your walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For hiking, choosing the best sock liners is important. Here are four key features to consider before making your purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When buying any article of clothing, one of the first major factors we need to consider is what material<\/strong> it is made of, like any item of clothing you buy, sock liners come in different materials and are made from different fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most sold sock liners are made from either wool (specifically merino wool), polyester, silk, or nylon. This is because of the breathability of these fabrics. It is also essential to choose a breathable fabric and a fabric that feels good on your skin. After all, you will be wearing them for a prolonged period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wool<\/strong>, specifically merino wool, <\/strong>is the most popular sock liner material. Merino wool is fantastic at moisture stripping and is a firm favorite when it comes to sock liner materials in the hiking community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, people may associate wool with being scratchy or itchy. However, the fibers of merino wool fabric are much finer than normal wool garments, and merino wool is essentially itch-free. Wool is naturally antimicrobial and popular because it is not as smelly as synthetic fabrics, and it helps control temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polyester<\/strong> comes in at a close second for best sock liner material as it also has good moisture stripping reputation and is much more affordable than its rival, merino wool. It is sometimes blended with merino wool as this helps with it being fast drying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silk <\/strong>is another material that is sometimes used for sock liners because of its breathability, comfort, and lightweight. It absorbs moisture well and is hypoallergenic. However, silk is not as popular as merino wool or polyester because it is not as durable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nylon <\/strong>is also used for sock liners and is sometimes added to other materials to improve drying time and durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, you need to consider the thickness of the sock liner. When it comes to sock liners, less is more. To avoid unnecessary chunkiness, opting for a thinner sock is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to remember that they are not there to provide insulation; they are a \u201cbase coat\u201d or protective layer between your sock and foot. Adding a thick sock liner to an already thick hiking sock can completely change your shoe shape and, in the long run, will be uncomfortable, sweaty, and make for an unpleasant hiking trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another factor to consider is the length<\/strong> of your sock liner. It is important to choose the correct length to get a comfortable fit with your normal hiking boots. You can choose low-cut liners or mid-ankle sock liners, which are most common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When choosing your perfect size<\/strong>, it is helpful to consider your foot size rather than only your shoe size. Loose-fitting sock liners are best to be avoided. Rather, go for a snug fit around your foot, even if it means getting a smaller size. In this case, same as thickness, less is more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDifferent features of sock liners to consider<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sock Liner Material<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thickness of Sock Liner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Length of Sock Liner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Size of Sock Liner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n