Socks may be one of the least exciting items in your pack, but they are also one of the most important because they keep feet dry and blister-free and you tramping on with a smile. 

Moisture management
The primary purpose of a tramping sock is to keep feet dry. As feet sweat – up to a cup of water a day from a pair – the sock draws the moisture away from the foot and into the lining of your footwear. The moisture passes through the lining and is then released into the air.

Seams
Chafe-free seams lay flat against the skin to reduce pressure points and rubbing. 

Comfort
Padding is provided in key areas like the heel, arch, toe and shin to soften the impact of trail walking and absorb pressure from footwear.

Ventilation
Ventilation panels, often on the bridge of the foot, help feet remain cool and dry by speeding up the wicking process.

Fit
Try different pairs to make sure the fit is spot-on as excess material can lead to rubbing which could cause blisters. 

Construction
Socks should fit snugly and stay put when they’re on. Elasticated arches and ankles prevent socks sliding forward and bunching around the toes. The weave – in various thicknesses and knits – creates airspace against your skin to help keep feet dry and move moisture into the boot lining. 

Double-layered socks
A double-layered sock is the modern equivalent of wearing two socks, which reduces blister-causing friction. Waterproof socks also have two layers; a waterproof outer and a normal sock inner.

Composition
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 and helps control moisture. Merino is naturally odour-resistant. Lycra, spandex, elastane: provides elasticity to keep socks up. Nylon: adds durability. Synthetic materials: wick moisture to keep feet dry.

Bridgedale Storm Sock Midweight $79.99
Waterproof boot length sock with a dense Merino terry cushioned footbed, heel and ankle. Inner 54% Merino wool, 36% polyester, 7.5% nylon/polyamide, 2.5% Lycra/elastane. Outer 95% nylon/polyamide, 5% Lycra/elastane. e.ampro.co.nz

Point6 37.5 Hiking Medium Crew $49.99
Extra cushioning on the instep and around the leg to protect against pressure points from footwear, ankle brace prevents sagging, smooth toe seam, ventilation panels. Composition Wool 69%, Spandex 5%, nylon 26%. www.gearshop.co.nz

Point6 37.5 Essential Medium cushion OTC $49.99
Ski and snowboard sock with cushioning surrounding the entire foot and leg to add volume and warmth. ankle brace prevents sagging, smooth toe seam, ventilation panels. Composition Wool 64%, Spandex 2%, nylon 34%. www.gearshop.co.nz

Point6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium $49.99
With extra cushioning on the instep and around the leg to protect against pressure points from footwear, ankle brace prevents sagging, smooth toe seam, ventilation panels. Composition Wool 70%, Spandex 5%, nylon 25%. www.gearshop.co.nz

Bridgedale Trail Run UltraLight T2 Low $29.99
Micro-cushioned impact protection zones, supportive compression improves joint position awareness, close-fitting cuff prevents debris entering, wide reinforced toe box. Composition Merino wool 34%, nylon 51%, Lycra Dry 14%, Lycra 1%. e.ampro.co.nz

Wrightsock Adventure Sock $44.99
Double layer reduces friction, quick-drying yarns, stabilizer zone locks sock in place, mesh panel, extra thick padding, no-blister guarantee. Inner 70% Dri-Wright II polyester, 26% nylon, 4% Lycra. Outer 74% Dri-Wright II polyester, 20% nylon, 6% Lycra. www.wrightsock.co.nz

Bridgedale Explorer Heavyweight Merino Performance $49.99
Expedition sock for extended use backpacking, tramping, walking. Dense cushioning throughout provides warmth and impact resistance. Combination of natural and synthetic yarns for dry, warm, blister-free feet. Composition Merino wool 28%, New Wool 19%, nylon 34%, Endurofil 18%, Lycra 1%. e.ampro.co.nz

Wrightsock Adventure Sock $44.99
Double layer reduces friction, quick-drying yarns, stabilizer zone locks sock in place, mesh panel, extra thick padding, no-blister guarantee. Inner 70% Dri-Wright II polyester, 26% nylon, 4% Lycra. Outer 74% Dri-Wright II polyester, 20% nylon, 6% Lycra. www.wrightsock.co.nz

Macpac Winter Hiker $44.95
Heavy-duty sock designed for multi-day trips in cold conditions. Strategic cushioning, high stretch double cuff elastic top, loop pile cushioning, elastic arch, plain knit channel for breathability, smooth toe seam. Construction 68% Merino wool, 28% nylon, 4% elastane. www.macpac.co.nz

Thorlos Trekking $49.99
For use on multi-day tramping trips in colder weather. Thicker cushioning in ball and heel, medium cushioning at instep and arch, with stretch yarns in the arch and ventilation panel. Composition 44% Thor-Lon Acrylic, 39% wool, 6% hollow-core polyester, 8% nylon, 3% spandex. www.thorlos.co.nz

Macpac Thermal Sock $34.95
Medium-weight sock with elasticated rib top, loop pile cushioning throughout for foot protection and comfort, contrast nylon reinforcing, elasticated arch prevents ride-down, smooth toe seam. Sold as a two-pack. Composition 45% acrylic, 35% wool, 17% nylon, 3% elastane. www.macpac.co.nz

Hunting & Fishing Alpine Trekker $34.99
Comfort zone cushioning, ESS & Paladin pad for advanced technical comfort. www.huntingandfishing.co.nz

Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Performance $42.99
Award-winning three-season sock with Fusion Technology – combining natural and synthetic fibres to optimise performance and fit. Men’s and women’s sizing available. Composition New Wool 26%, Merino wool 18%, nylon 38%, Endurofil 17%, Lycra 1%. e.ampro.co.nz

Earth Sea Sky Trekker $39.90
Extra cushioning in high impact zones, durable construction, next-to-skin softness, streamlined construction prevents bunching, wicks mixture away from foot, made in New Zealand. Composition 70% Merino wool, 24% nylon, 6% elastic. www.earthseasky.co.nz

Thorlos Hiking $39.99
For use on multi-day tramping trips and with thick cushioning in ball and heel, medium cushioning at instep and arch, stretch yarns in the arch and ventilation panel. Men’s and women’s sizing. Composition 87% Thor-Lon Acrylic, 11% nylon, 2% spandex. www.thorlos.co.nz