Outdoor socks are the unseen heroes of hiking comfort. By padding your feet and keeping them dry, they ensure your feet remain in good trail-walking condition day after day.

Moisture management
Feet can sweat up to a cup of water a day and the primary purpose of a tramping sock is to keep feet dry by drawing moisture away from the foot and into the lining of the footwear, where it is released into the air through the wicking process.

Construction
Socks should fit snugly and stay put when they’re on. Elasticated arches and ankles provide a tight fit and 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.

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

Waterproof socks
Three-layer waterproof socks contain a waterproof and breathable membrane sandwiched between a soft, often woollen, inner sock and a durable outer sock. These socks are designed for cold and wet conditions.

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

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

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

Composition
All socks have different blends of synthetic and natural fibres. The exact mix will determine a sock’s quality, durability and comfort.

Here’s what the various fibres do:

Wool: provides insulation and helps control moisture. Merino is naturally odour-resistant.
Lycra, Spandex, elastane: provide elasticity to keep socks up.
Nylon: adds durability.
Other synthetic materials: wick moisture to keep feet dry.

Bridgedale StormSock Midweight $89.99

A waterproof and breathable sock for when additional insulation is desired. It has a merino terry pad footbed, heel and ankle for warmth and cushioning. There’s a flat toe seam, elasticated arch, four-way stretch and padded shock zones. Outer: 95% nylon, 5% Lycra. Inner: 63% merino, 27% polyester, 7.5% nylon, 2.5% Lycra. Membrane: 100% PU. www.ampro.co.nz

Bridgedale Explorer Heavyweight Merino Comfort Fit $64.99

An all-season sock with thick cushioning for warmth, a soft-knit cuff and impact resistant double density pads. It has a stretchy ribbed cuff, seamless toe, shaped heel cup and elastic arch support. Composition: 48% Coolmax, 30% merino, 21% nylon, 1% Lycra. www.ampro.co.nz

Bridgedale Hike Midweight Performance Fit $57.99

A durable award-winning three-season sock with resilient padding and balanced insulation. It has a flat toe seam, elastic arch and 3D-shaped heel cup. Performance Fit is close and supportive to avoid slip or bunching. Composition 26% New Wool, 18% merino, 38% nylon, 17% Endurofil, 1% Lycra. www.ampro.co.nz

Point6 Merino Hiking Mixed Stripe Medium Crew $49.99

This sock has extra cushioning on the instep and around the leg to protect from pressure points. It has ventilation panels, a deep heel pocket and ankle brace and a smooth toe seam. 37.5 technology moves moisture away from feet. Composition: 69% merino, 26% nylon, 5% Spandex. www.gearshop.co.nz

Point6 Merino Hiking Essential Medium Crew $49.99

A crew-height sock with extra instep and leg cushioning to protect against pressure points. It has ventilation panels, a deep heel pocket and ankle brace and a smooth toe seam. 37.5 technology moves moisture away from feet. Composition: 72% merino, 23% nylon, 5% Spandex. www.gearshop.co.nz

Earth Sea Sky Trekker Socks $44.90

Extra cushioning in high impact zones, durable construction, next-to-skin softness. Streamlined construction prevents bunching and movement on the foot. Made in NZ. Composition: 60% merino, 35% nylon, 5% elastane. www.earthseasky.co.nz

Yank Performance Merino Quarter Sock $35

Colourful performance merino socks made using NuYarn merino technology, which is 50% more durable and five times faster drying than traditional ring-spun merino. Designed to hug the foot, fitted arch, mesh upper, right-left specific fit, seamless padded toe, heel and achilles. Composition: 44% NuYarn, 39% elastane, 17% nylon. www.yank.nz

Norsewear Serious Trekker Crew $34.95

These socks have been a staple of the Norsewear range for many years. They have a low-tension top, Y-heel for secure fit, reinforced cushion sole with anti-blister protection, cushioning at the shin and ankle, an elastic instep, an anti-bunch ventilation zone and a seamless toe. Made in NZ. Composition: 60% merino, 35% nylon, 5% elastane. www.norsewear.co.nz