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

Moisture management

The primary purpose of a tramping sock is to keep the foot dry by drawing sweat away 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 your footwear lining.

Seams

Chafe-free seams, especially important at the toe, 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.

Ventilation

Ventilation panels, often on the bridge of the foot, help to keep feet 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.

Fit

Try different pairs to make sure the fit is spot on. Excess material can lead to bunching and rubbing, which may 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 Explorer Heavyweight $64.99

An all-season and mountaineering sock with thick cushioning, a soft-knit cuff and flat toe seams. ‘Fusion Technology’ moisture management for warm, dry and comfortable feet.  Composition 45% Coolmax, 30% merino wool, 24% nylon, 1% lycra. www.nz.bridgedale.com

Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Performance $57.99

An award-winning three-season sock with Merino Performance Fusion Technology for resilient padding, insulation, moisture wicking and durability. It has a flat toe seam, an elastic arch and a 3D heel cup. Composition 26% New Wool, 18% merino wool, 38% nylon, 17% Endurofil, 1% lycra. www.nz.bridgedale.com

Point6 Merino Hiking Essential Medium Crew $49.99

A crew-height sock with extra instep and leg cushioning to protect against pressure points. There are 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

Bridgedale MTB Midweight $54.99

A slim-fit mountain-bike sock with an anatomical vibration-dampening footbed and achilles and ankle protection. Composition 34% merino wool, 63% nylon, 3% lycra. www.nz.bridgedale.com

Feetures Trail Max Cushion Mini-Crew $39.90

This sock uses moisture-wicking recycled yarns and, with targeted compression, claims a ‘custom-like’ fit. There’s high density cushioning in impact areas, a seamless toe and nylon reinforcement. Composition 63% polyester, 32% nylon, 5% Spandex. www.feetures.co.nz

Bridgedale Trail Run Lightweight $44.99

A three-quarter-length merino trail-running sock with targeted heel, ankle and ball of foot impact protection. It has ventilation panels, a close-fitting cuff and a seamless toe box. Composition 18% merino, 18% polypropylene, 62% nylon, 2% lycra. www.nz.bridgedale.com

Injinji Outdoor Midweight Crew Wool $39.90

This toe sock features a ribbed leg for a tighter fit, a mesh top for ventilation and a midweight terry footbed. Individual toesleeves reduce skin-on-skin friction, eliminating hotspots. Composition 75% merino wool, 22% nylon, 3% lycra. www.injinji.co.nz