Tips for Selecting the Best Hiking Socks

• Right socks mean no blisters for hiking kids
• Know types of hiking socks to ensure you select best one for your trail
• Know your fabrics to select best hiking sock
• Three simple rules for buying hiking socks
• How to select the best socks for hiking kids

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

3 Great Tips on Hiking Kids’ Footwear

• How to select the best hiking boot for kids
• How to select the best socks for hiking kids
• When to replace your kids' hiking boots
• BONUS: Five great quotations for hiking kids

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Select best boot for weather you’re hiking

Depending and when or where you hike, your feet have different needs to protect them and to ensure they can easily handle weather conditions. While some avid backpackers have multiple hiking boots to meet different situations they encounter, for most day hiker that’s impractical. The challenge then is to find the right boot that works best in the conditions you most frequently hike.

Here are descriptions of the ideal hiking boot and sock for various terrain.

Cold-weather hikes
For the northern United States, winter as well as early spring and late autumn require cold-weather clothing. Hiking boots will need to be waterproofed, and if snow is present you ought to consider wearing mountaineering socks as well as having insulated boots. Always bring extra socks and even shoes to change into after the hike. Boots likely will get wet on a cold-weather hike, and if children are with you, they will need dry socks so they don’t have to suffer through cold feet on the drive home.

Wet-weather hikes
Always wear a waterproof boot during rain. As you’ll encounter mud, you’ll want boots with taller lugs to give you increased traction. You may want to consider wearing gaiters – a separate piece that can be strapped over the boots and your lower calves to cover the ankles and lower legs. Combined with waterproof hard shell pants, your feet will stay extremely dry.

Dry, hot summer hikes
Sneakers and cross-trainers are fine if the trail is flat and smooth. If not, get a boot that is lightweight and breathes to keep sweat from pooling in your boots. A lightweight wool sock is good as well; don’t fall for the temptation to wear cotton socks, however.

Cooler, autumn hikes
So long as the weather is dry, you can wear a lightweight breathable boot for most of autumn. Combine it with a thicker wool sock, however, to ensure your feet stay warm. If the weather is wet, go with waterproof boots that have tall lugs to keep your boot out of wet leaves and mud.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Select best boot for terrain you’re hiking

Different hiking boots work better on different terrain.

Depending and when or where you hike, your feet have different needs to protect them and to ensure they can easily cross terrain.

While some avid backpackers have multiple hiking boots to meet different situations they encounter, for most day hiker that’s impractical. The challenge then is to find the right boot that works best in the conditions you most frequently hike.

Here are descriptions of the ideal hiking boot and sock for various terrain.

Desert trails
In the desert, you’ll want footwear with ankle support, that breathes, and that has a soft, flexible sole to ensure traction. To that end, wear lightweight, breathable hiking boots. Sandals will expose your skin to sunburn, thorns and sharp rocks while running shoes lack the ankle support needed for crossing rocky terrain.

Easy, dry trails
For flat, smooth, dry trails, sneakers and cross-trainers are just fine. If you really want to head onto less traveled roads or tackle areas that aren’t typically dry, though, you’ll need hiking boots.

Muddy trails
In some parts of the United States, such as the Pacific Northwest, trail sections will be muddy even after a few days of dry weather have passed. Sneakers quickly will become soaked and unable to traverse mud. Hiking boots with taller lugs will provide increased traction.

Snowy, icy trails
Waterproof boots that are insulated work best. About 400 grams of insulation will keep your feet warm in 20 below F conditions. If you snowshoe, make sure the boots are snowshoe compatible. If going above the tree line or onto glaciers, you’ll want the boots to be crampon compatible as well.

Rocky, steep trails
Once you start doing any rocky or steep trails, you’ll want hiking boots that offer rugged tread for handling the rough terrain. The boots also should be durable to withstand bends caused by uneven footfalls and so that sharp rocks can’t press against or pierce the leather.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Items to consider when buying hiking boots

Our feet mark the most important “piece of gear” any hiker can have. After all, if your feet are sore, the hike quickly will become a death march rather than a pleasurable activity. This is even truer for children, who typically lack an adult’s ability to resist physical pain to achieve a goal. Given this, selecting a good boot and being aware of footwear issues is vital for any hiker.

Choosing a good hiking boot is hardly a simple matter, though. While the mechanics of the foot are essentially the same for every person, individual shape, gaits and preferences means that a hiking boot one person swears by will be a nightmare for another to wear.

To make the best possible decision for purchasing hiking footwear, you’ll need to know a little about the types, cuts, sizes, and parts of a hiking boot. Understanding a little about socks also is useful.

But ensuring your feet are taken care of on a hike isn’t just a matter of selecting the right boot and sock. You’ll also want to know a little about taking care of your boot following a hike and how to avoid and treat foot-related injuries when out on the trail.

During just the past few years alone, I’ve hiked well over a few thousand miles on trails with surfaces ranging from hard asphalt to desert sand a few inches deep, from perfectly dry, compacted paths to muddy, root-laden routes. Because I approached each of those hikes with footwear at the forefront of my planning, my feet neither were uncomfortable nor suffered an injury. I hope you’ll approach your footwear with same zeal so that when hiking you can focus on the reason you hit the trail – the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

How to keep your feet warm when hiking

As an extremity, your feet likely will get cold before any other part of your body. That chill can make for an uncomfortable walk and quickly sap your energy. Combine it with wet feet, and you've got a potentially dangerous situation, especially in winter, as hypothermia or frostbite can set in.

Keeping your feet warm and dry during a hike starts with how you dress. Always layer your foot with a wool sock – not cotton, which is a poor insulator and retains moisture, actually worsening the chill – and a waterproof boot over them.

In addition, make sure there is no gap between the boot top and the bottom hem of your pants. Wear mid-cut hiking boots with waterproof pants – rather than denim, which doesn’t dry quickly – with elastic bands that can be rolled over the boot top. This will keep snow and rain from dripping into your boot and will help block the wind from striking the lower calf.

For infants and toddlers who you’re lugging in a child carrier, consider insulating their feet with merino wool socks and a down bootie. Also watch for a gap between their boot and pants, as this is more pronounced when one is sitting.

If your feet tend to sweat, wear a different sock and shoe when driving to the trailhead. Once you arrive, towel off your feet then change into your wool socks and waterproof hiking boots so that you start the hike with dry and warm feet.

Finally, keep a pair of dry wool socks and a hand towel in your backpack. Should your feet get sweaty or chilled during the hike, you then can switch out your socks. Before changing, take the socks out of your backpack and tuck them into your shirt against your body so that they warm up.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Select ideal hiking boot for trail conditions

Rocky terrain requires hiking boots with rugged tread. 

Depending and when or where you hike, your feet have different needs to protect them and to ensure they can easily cross the terrain.

While some avoid backpackers have multiple hiking boots to meet different situations they encounter, for most day hiker that’s impractical. The challenge then is to find the right boot that works best in the conditions you most frequently hike.

Here are descriptions of the ideal hiking boot and sock for various conditions.

Cold-weather hikes
For the northern United States, winter as well as early spring and late autumn require cold-weather clothing. Hiking boots will need to be waterproofed, and if snow is present you ought to consider wearing mountaineering socks. Always bring extra socks and even shoes to change into after the hike. Boots likely will get wet on a cold-weather hike, and if children are with you, they will need dry socks so they don’t have to suffer through cold feet on the drive home.

Desert trails
In the desert, you’ll want footwear with ankle support, that breathes, and that has a soft, flexible sole to ensure traction. To that end, wear lightweight, breathable hiking boots. Sandals will expose your skin to sunburn, thorns, and sharp rocks while running shoes lack the ankle support needed for crossing rocky terrain.

Easy, dry trails
For flat, smooth, dry trails, sneakers and cross-trainers are just fine. If you really want to head onto less traveled roads or tackle areas that aren’t typically dry, though, you’ll need hiking boots.

Muddy trails
In some parts of the United States, such as the Pacific Northwest, trail sections will be muddy even after a few days of dry weather have passed. Sneakers quickly will become soaked and unable to traverse mud. Hiking boots with taller lugs will provide increased traction.

Rocky, steep trails
Once you start doing any rocky or steep trails, you’ll want hiking boots that offer rugged tread perfect for handling the rough terrain. The boots also should be durable to withstand bends in the boot caused by uneven footfalls and so that sharp rocks can’t press against or pierce the leather.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Three simple rules for buying hiking socks

A good-fitting sock is as important as a good-quality boot on a hike. 

Even if you have the best hiking boot for your foot, a lousy pair of socks will ruin the walk.

When purchasing a pair of socks for a hike, follow these three simple guidelines:
g Select a material that best fits your foot’s needs for the trail – This requires gauging how the sock’s thickness and fabric will hold up against the hiking conditions. The colder the weather, the rougher the terrain, and the longer the hike, the thicker the sock should be. Wool always is the best option for a fabric, but short walks on smooth trails in hot weather lends itself to simply wearing a liner.
g Ensure there’s enough cushioning – Give your socks a shakedown cruise by wearing them with your favorite hiking boot in a walk around the block or through a city park. If spots on your foot rub against the boot, you may not have enough cushioning there. The solution is to either go with a thicker sock or to find another brand with extra cushioning in the troubled spots.
g Get the right size – Socks are sold to fit a range of shoe sizes, so know the latter number. The right-sized sock will fit snug against your foot. Buy too large or too small of a sock, and it will bunch up, leading to abrasion and blisters.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Know your fabrics to select best hiking sock

A variety of fabrics are used to make hiking socks. Photo courtesy of Photoree.

When purchasing hiking socks, you’ll likely face a number of fabric options. Knowing a little about each of the materials can help you decide which sock is the best for you.

Generally, hiking socks are made of four types of fabrics:
g Wool – This is the most popular fabric because it’s warm, offers maximum cushioning, and nicely wicks moisture away from the foot. These characteristics are enhanced in modern wool by synthetic materials weaved into the natural fabric. In addition, opt for merino wool over ragg wool, as the latter can be itchy.
g Synthetics – Several brand names such as Hollofil, Thermax and Thermastat have been designed to be as warm as wool yet to dry more quickly and to be more abrasion-resistant. Other synthetics, such as polypropylene and CoolMax, typically are woven into wool socks or used in liners, primarily because of their superior wicking ability. Stretch nylon and spandex also often is blended into natural fabrics to help the sock retain its shape; without it, the sock would bunch up or wrinkle, resulting in abrasion.
g Silk – While comfortable and lightweight, silk isn’t so great at preventing rubbing. Because of this, it typically is only used in sock liners, mainly for its wicking power.
g Cotton – Though extremely comfortable, cotton absorbs moisture and dries slowly, making your feet vulnerable to blisters on the trail. If blended with other materials, however, cotton can be worn for short, easy walks on days with moderate temperatures.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

How to avoid trench foot on hike with kids

To avoid trench foot, have children change out of wet socks and shoes.

A rare but potential malady children can suffer during a day hike is trench foot. The problem occurs when feet get wet and remain so for many long hours. The result is numbness with the skin turning blue (or sometimes red). If out on a camping trip, wet feet for several days can lead to gangrene.

Avoiding wet feet is easier than it sounds where children are concerned, for any mud puddle or stream offers a fun place to stomp and splash. Begin by ensuring children wear waterproof shoes or boots. Also have them don wool socks, which better wick moisture from the body than do cotton socks. Next, ask children to walk around puddles and to step over tiny streamlets rather than through them.

Should children’s feet get wet, having them change into a dry pair of socks and hiking boots kept in your backpack is a good idea. At the very least, keep an extra pair in your vehicle, so that once you return from the trail, they can change.

So long as the day is warm, having children take off their socks and boots to air their feet can be helpful as well, especially if their feet sweat. Gently massaging wet feet to encourage circulation also is beneficial.

Should you notice a change in the skin color of a child’s feet after they’ve been wet for a long period, immediately seek medical treatment.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Prepare your feet to avoid injuries on hike

Most hikers will agree that the most important piece of gear and equipment they have for the trail is their own feet. There’s good reason for such an attitude: If your feet are sore, the hike will become a death march rather than a pleasurable activity. This is even truer for children, who lack an adult’s ability to resist physical pain to achieve a goal.

Fortunately, you can take some simple steps with your feet and those of your children to ensure the hike remains enjoyable.

Before the hike:
g Trim toenails – Long toenails will place pressure on the toe as they push against the boot. Toenails shouldn’t catch on socks, either, or they’ll wear a hole in them, which can lead to blisters. Trim straight across the nail rather than round the corners.
g Smooth calluses with a file – Blisters can form under large calluses, resulting in an infection. Calluses usually occur because of ill-fitting shoes.
g Rid inside of hiking boots of lint and small stones – This debris only will rub against your feet as they eliminate the spacing between your sock and hiking boot.
g Replace frayed shoelaces – Ripped laces won’t tie properly, creating pressure points on the top of your feet and preventing the boot from fitting snugly, which can lead to twists and falls.
g Replace the insole – Use a thinner pad if the boot fits too tightly or a thicker pad if the boot fits too loosely.
g Apply baby powder to inside of boot – This helps absorb moisture and keep the foot dry. Excessive moisture from sweat can lead to cold, wet feet.

When putting on boots:
g Wear wool socks – Cotton socks don’t absorb moisture as well. Wool socks also tend to be thicker, providing more cushion.
g Smooth socks around feet – Socks that are bunched up lead to friction and blisters. They also may expose part of the bare foot or leg to the boot, which definitely will be uncomfortable and lead to skin burns.
g Tie laces properly – The laces should ensure that the boot is snug but not tight. If laces dig into the foot, they will be uncomfortable.

Also be sure you know how to treat blisters and have the materials for doing so in your first-aid kit. While the above tips should prevent any problems, being able to address any foot issues during the hike will help tremendously.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

Layer clothing when hiking in cold climates

Whenever hiking during winter, you face two challenges: staying warm and staying dry. To beat both, your best bet is to layer your clothes.

Wearing multiple layers of clothing will provide various levels of protection against sweat, heat loss, wind, and potentially snow (As often the case with kids, they love to tramp through and fall in it!). Layering works because the type of clothing you select for each stratum serves a different function, such as wicking moisture or shielding against wind. In addition, trapped air between each layer of clothing is warmed by the child’s body heat. Layers also can be added or taken off as needed.

First three layers
Generally, both you and a child need at least three layers and if really cold four layers. Closest to your skin is the wicking layer, such as long-sleeved synthetic material like polypropylene (This can be found as modern long underwear, both bottoms and tops), which pulls perspiration away from the body and into the next layer, where it evaporates. Exertion from walking means you will sweat and generate heat, even if the weather is cold.

The second layer is an insulation layer, which helps keep you warm. This layer probably also should cover the neck, which often is exposed to the elements. A turtleneck works fine, but preferably not one made of cotton, as this won’t wick moisture from the skin when you sweat.

The third layer is a water-resistant shell that protects you from rain, wind, snow and sleet. Depending on the temperature, could be a wool sweater, a half-zippered long sleeved fleece jacket, or a fleece vest. Any windbreaker worn should be breathable and water-resistant/waterproof.

Fourth layer
You also might even add a fourth layer of a hooded parka with pockets, made of material that can block wind and resist water. Gloves or mittens as well as a stocking cap or ski mask also are necessary on cold days.

For your feet, use a synthetic sock liner with a wool sock. This then can be covered with your hiking boots, to give your ankles the support they need when walking. Since you’ll be walking over and possibly through snow, wear winter boots over your hiking boots to keep them dry.

Finally, don’t forget sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

Winter clothing essentials for day hiking kids

Now that autumn is here, you’re probably dressing your day hiking children in jeans, jackets and other warm clothes. But more clothes alone won’t be enough once winter arrives. To ensure your children stay comfortable and safe from the elements, winter hiking requires some additional steps that summer (and even autumn!) often don’t require:
g Socks and boots should be weatherproof – Put kids in wool socks that will better wick moisture from their feet and ensure their boots are waterproof so snow and moisture can’t get inside them.
g Don’t forget accessories – Stocking caps, mittens and scarves all are needed, even on sunny days, as winter air largely is dry and holds warmth poorly.
g Dress in layers – The layer of cloth next to the skin ideally should be made of polypropylene, the middle layer of bulky fleece, and the outside layer of waterproof material; this will ensure children stay warm and dry. Getting wet can lower their body temperature, raising the risk of hypothermia.
g Stay preventative – Put on clothes before kids start shivering; on warmer days or in southern climes, put on rain gear before the drizzle starts. Once cold and wet, no amount of clothing can reverse that condition.
g Keep change of clothes in vehicles – Kids are kids, and some will find a way on a hike to get wet despite your best efforts. Dry clothes they can change into in a warm vehicle after the hike can make the drive home comfortable.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

How to select the best socks for hiking kids

Socks can make all the difference in ensuring you're
comfortable during a hike. Photo by slettvet Photoree.

When day hiking with children, don’t throw on any old pair of socks sitting in the drawer.

Remember that socks serve two purposes: to wick sweat away from skin and to provide cushioning.

Cotton socks aren’t very good for hiking, except in extremely dry environments, because they retain moisture that can result in blisters. Wool socks or liner socks work best.

You’ll want to look for three-season socks, also known as trekking socks. While a little thicker than summer socks, their extra cushioning generally prevents blisters.

Also, make sure kids don’t put on holey socks; that’s just inviting blisters.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

How to avoid, treat sore feet during a hike

There’s no more important piece of gear to a hiker than his feet. Once his feet are sore, the hike is over.

Hopefully, your sore feet are due to muscles and connective tissue overstressed by excessive walking or carrying too much weight. Other problems, such as obesity or flat feet, could be the cause, and to resolve those issues, you should see a doctor.

Avoidance
Among the best ways to avoid sore feet is not wearing tight-fitting shoes or that are tied too tightly. This will help eliminate bruising and pain. In addition, wear wool socks that wick sweat away from the feet rather than cotton socks, which become swampy, and can lead to blisters or fungal infections.

Also, carry less gear into your backpack. Usually your knees will the first to buckle under the pressure of excessive weight, but your feet will soon follow.

You also may need to walk a shorter distance. Each of us has our limitations, so there’s no shame in only being able to do a mile. Rest assured, the more frequently you walk what you can handle, the farther you’ll be able to go with each passing week.

Take a look at the quality of the trail as well. Uneven surfaces, especially those with a lot of stone or scree, can quickly wreak havoc with your legs and ultimately your feet. Seek trails with level grades until you build up your leg strength.

Treatment
To treat sore feet on the trail, begin by removing weight from your backpack. Also, change into dry socks if possible. Finally, select a different, easier route if possible.

Once home, try a foot bath by soaking your dogs in warm water mixed with epsom salts. Afterward, stretch your feet, especially with a runner’s stretch. Massaging your feet also can be beneficial; apply gentle thumb pressure to the sore areas and use lotions or oils

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Dress kids properly for cold-weather hikes

For the northern United States, winter as well as early spring and late autumn require cold-weather clothing.

Besides layering with thicker clothing or even adding a fourth layer, you’ll want to wear gloves or mittens. The latter is better for children as they keep the fingers grouped together and so warmer. Scarves or mufflers are needed to the cover neck.

Always bring extra shirts, socks and even shoes to change into after the hike. Shoes likely will get wet on a cold weather hike, and children will need new socks so they don’t have to suffer through cold feet on the drive home.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Prevent, treat children's blisters on hikes

A blister is a small, painful pocket of fluid that builds in the upper layers of the skin.

You can avoid blisters by wearing good-fitting, broken-in boots and socks that provide cushion and wick moisture from the skin. If certain parts of a foot are prone to blistering, pretreat the area by placing mole skin or an adhesive bandage over it. Long and sharp toenails can lead to rubbing against a shoe and boot and thus blisters on the toes. Always remove tiny stones and twig pieces from a shoe. As soon as your foot or that of your kids’ feels any pain, check the foot for a “hot spot,” an area of inflammation that is on the verge of becoming a blister.

Always treat a hot spot as soon as you feel it by placing an adhesive bandage over the affected area. While you generally shouldn’t pop a blister, do so if hiking. Then clean the blister with antiseptic and dry it to help relieve pressure and to prevent the blister from spreading, which will occur if your keep walking. Place a piece of mole skin over it, secured by an adhesive bandage, so it does not continue to rub against the boot.

As a side note, place a little foot or baby powder in your boot before hiking. While this won’t prevent blisters, it’ll help reduce moisture on the foot, making the walk more comfortable.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Right socks mean no blisters for hiking kids

Socks serve two purposes: to wick sweat away from skin and to provide cushioning. Because of this, cotton socks aren’t very good for hiking, except in extremely dry environments, as they trap moisture that can lead to blisters.

Wool socks or liner socks work best, so you’ll want to look for three-season socks, also known as trekking socks. While a little thicker than summer socks, their extra cushioning generally prevents blisters.

Also, make sure kids don’t put on holey socks; that’s just inviting blisters.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.