Socks
Recent Sock Reviews
Fox River X-Static Liner
Best liner sock I've used. Although some folks opt not to use sock liners, I have used them for many years (decades). They tend to reduce the likelihood of blisters in various hiking and mountaineering footwear. I've tried many forms over the years, but the X-Statics are my mainstay. They are lightweight, but hold up well, keep foot odor at bay, dry easily, and are pretty inexpensive. Unlike many liners I've tried that tend to slip down and bunch up, these stay in position well. Full review
Barefoot Company Free Your Feet (Classic Swiss)
Best minimalist footwear available for a true barefoot experience. For a fabric they perform extraordinarily well in terms of minimalist footwear. I own a landscape/hardscape company and I work barefoot quite often, but in some circumstances the terrain does get a bit rough so these are my immediate go-to. On dirt, grass, stone, and other natural surfaces they do excellent. I jump on shovels all day too, so it is nice to not worry about slipping and slicing my foot on the sharp metal sections. On… Full review
Smartwool Expedition Trekking Socks
Have been my “go-to” hiking sock for years! Quality is top-notch and they last for A LOOONG TIME! I have both the Smartwool branded, as well as the now extinct L.L. Bean branded version of these socks. If you compare them side by side the ONLY difference is the branding on them. Smartwool in white. LL Bean written in red. They are fantastic socks. They offer enough padding to protect your feet, while also taking up a little additional space in your boots if you need it. They keep my feet warm… Full review
Bridgedale Hike Ultra Light T2 Boot
A well-cushioned pair of hiking socks that are designed for warmer temps. The cushioning makes for a very comfortable wear, while the non-wool Coolmax fabric (polyester) doesn't quite wick moisture as I had hoped. Still, a very comfortable and durable sock that is best worn during low-to-moderate energy-burning activities. Conditions I’ve worn the Bridgedale Hike Ultra Light T2 socks in a wide range of temps and conditions from April to October in the mid-Atlantic, USA. From cold, wet hikes to… Full review
Bridgedale Hike Lightweight T2 Boot
A well-made pair of socks that have ample cushioning, but run a little warmer than I had expected. The non-wool Coolmax technology has its pros and cons, but is overall favorable. Best worn when hiking in cooler temperatures. Conditions:I’ve worn the Bridgedale Hike Light Weight T2 socks in a wide range of temps and conditions from April to October in the mid-Atlantic, USA. From cold, wet hikes to midsummer humidity, I’ve worn the socks on countless occasions with four different pairs of footwear—sandals,… Full review
Skinners Sock Shoes
Is it a sock? is it a shoe? Yes! Skinners sock shoes might be a new category in outdoor footwear. I recently acquired some Skinners Sock Shoes. What? They are basically a sock covered on the sole with a protective rubber polymer. I believe that this might be new category of outdoor footwear. I'd say they offer more protection that a sock and perhaps less protection than a minimalist shoe. I suppose the closest comparable footwear might be minimalist footwear like FiveFingers Shoes, Merrell Trail… Full review
Bridgedale Hike Lightweight Boot Coolmax Comfort
Lightweight and cool enough for summer use for those like me who have hot feet. Good for hundreds of miles of blister-free walking. After boots, socks are probably the most crucial decision any walker, hiker, or trekker will make yet they are seriously underrated. The humble sock is a vital piece of kit and deserves a great deal of consideration to find the right pair. I learned the hard way… I ended up abandoning a long distance trail after two days because I thought I could get away with a… Full review
NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks
Provides good warmth in wet and cold conditions. I've packed these on my last four years of doing an event that takes you across the Bob Marshall Wilderness in May, but never felt the need to use them, so they stayed in the pack. This year we experienced a lot of cold rain (temps in the 30's and 40's), more snowshoeing than any year past, and with the normal amount (lots and lots) of fording icy creeks/streams/rivers, so I tried them. I used them in conjunction with a very thin merino sock—think… Full review
NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks
Versatile sock for wetshoes and sandals. Fit is good, but fairly thin, so not super warm. Great for mild water conditions. Used these socks in Keen sandals during a three-week rafting trip down the Grand Canyon. On the raft, in the water, on hikes, they did well. Very comfortable fit. Easy to get off and on. They are socks not booties, and have no soles and provide no traction. They are for use inside footwear of some type. The material is fairly thin and isn't intended for cold conditions. A thicker… Full review
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