2017’s best outdoor socks

Good outdoor socks wick moisture and allow your feet to breathe, reducing the chance of blisters and ensuring all-day comfort.

Moisture management
Dry feet are less likely to blister or overheat, but on a hot, long day your feet can sweat more than a cup of moisture. A good sock complements your boot’s lining by creating a gap between foot and boot which allows moisture to be drawn away from your foot, through the lining, to be released into the air.

Comfort
Padding is provided in key areas to absorb pressure from your boots. Areas that are frequently padded are: the heel, arch, toes, and occasionally on the shin.

Ventilation
Some socks have mesh panels which aid ventilation and enhance breathability.

Materials

All socks have different blends of synthetic and natural fibres. The exact mix will determine the quality, durability and comfort of the sock. Here’s what the various fibres do:

Wool: insulates the foot
Lycra, spandex, elastane: keep socks up
Nylon: adds durability
Coolmax or similar: wicks moisture

Construction
Socks are constructed to fit snugly and stay put when they’re on. An elasticised arch and ankle prevents the sock sliding forward and bunching around your toes. The weave – in various thicknesses and knits – creates airspace against your skin to keep feet dry and move moisture into the boot lining.

Seams
Chafe-free seams lay flat against your skin to reduce pressure points.

Now you know what to look for, it’s tie to choose a pair…

DexShell Trekking Sock $79.99
Waterproof sock for tramping in wet conditions, mid-calf length, three-ply construction with patented Porelle waterproof breathable membrane. Composition Outer Shell: 97% abrasion-resistant nylon, 3% elastane/elastic; Inner sock: 40% merino, 40% anti-pilling acrylic, 20% nylon. www.tightlines.co.nz

Bridgedale WoolFusion Summit $49.99
Expedition sock for extended use backpacking, tramping, walking. Dense cushioning throughout, combination of natural and synthetic yarns. Composition 47% New Wool, 34% nylon, 18% Endurofil, 1% Lycra. www.ampro.co.nz

Thorlos Trekker $49.90
For extended trekking in all climates, thick cushioning in ball and heel, moderate cushioning at instep and arch, stretch yarns in the arch. Composition 44% Thor-Lon Acrylic, 39% wool, 6% hollow-core polyester, 8% nylon, 3% spandex.
www.thorlo.co.nz

Bridgedale MerinoFusion Summit $44.99
Mountain and cold weather sock with low tension cuff, Merino wool and Coolmax blend, double-density cushioning underfoot. Men’s and women’s sizing. Composition 48% Coolmax, 30% Merino wool, 21% nylon, 1% Lycra. www.ampro.co.nz

Bridgedale CoolFusion TrailBlaze $44.99
Anti-compression cushioning at heel, achilles and toe, mesh side and underfoot panel, WoolFusion blend of natural and synthetic fibres. Men’s and women’s sizing. Composition: 37% nylon, 31% Merino wool, 31% Endurofil, 1% Lycra. www.ampro.co.nz

Point6 Mixed Stripe Medium Crew $43.95
Cushion surrounds entire foot and leg, ventilation panels for temperature regulation, seamless toe closure, deep heal pocket. 100% compact spun yarns. Composition 67% wool, 3% spandex 30% nylon. www.point6.co.nz

Bridgedale WoolFusion Trekker $42.99
Three-season sock, mid-weight density with padding underfoot, natural and synthetic fibres. Men’s and women’s sizing. Composition 44% New Wool, 38% nylon, 17% Endurofil, 1% Lycra. www.ampro.co.nz

Thorlos Light Hiker $39.90
For day hikes in moderate to hot climates, cushioning in ball and heel, light cushioning at instep and arch, stretch yarns in the arch. Men’s and women’s sizing. Composition 62% Thor-Wick Cool, 19% Thor-Lon Acrylic, 14% nylon, 5% spandex. www.thorlo.co.nz

Thorlos Hiker $39.90
For hiking in moderate climates on varied terrain, thick cushioning in ball and heel, cushioning at instep and arch, stretch yarns in the arch. Men’s and women’s sizing. Composition 87% Thor-Lon Acrylic, 11% nylon, 2% spandex. www.thorlo.co.nz

Macpac Expedition Sock $39.95
Comfort top seals around calf, fully cushioned, elastic arch and ankle support, ventilation channels, smooth toe seam, reinforced heel. Composition 34% Merino wool, 34% acrylic, 17% polypropylene, 13% nylon, 2% elastane. www.macpac.co.nz

Macpac Liner Sock $19.99
Thermolite hollow core fibre, non-cushioned for close fit, Y-heel anatomical fit, elastic ankle, smooth toe seam. Composition: 72% Thermolite, 23% nylon, 5% elastane. www.macpac.co.nz