Outdoor Sock Buyer’s Guide

TEXT AND IMAGES BY JOHN PANGILINAN

When you’re exploring the outdoors by foot, there’s one critical component of your wardrobe that often gets overlooked— the sock. If shoes, boots, or sandals are like the tires to your outfit, then socks would be the suspension. They take the abuse that your body puts it through regardless of terrain, whether it’s hiking through the forest, desert, mountain, or even through a river passing. Socks protect the foot and body by providing support and regulating temperature.

Just like outfitting your rig, you need to make sure you’re prepared for the activity and weather that presents itself. Hiking is the most specialized activity that requires detailed attention to keep your journey safe and blister-free.

“IF SHOES, BOOTS, OR SANDALS ARE LIKE THE TIRES TO YOUR OUTFIT, THEN SOCKS WOULD BE THE SUSPENSION. THEY TAKE THE ABUSE THAT YOUR BODY PUTS IT THROUGH REGARDLESS OF TERRAIN, WHETHER IT’S HIKING THROUGH THE FOREST, DESERT, MOUNTAIN, OR EVEN THROUGH A RIVER PASSING.”

They say the average person takes over 2,000 steps to travel a single mile. That’s a lot of walking, and to keep your spirits high, it all comes down to comfort. Be prepared as these technical hosieries come at a higher price for the quality material and processes that go into creating a sock that’s durable for a lifetime of wear in the harshest of conditions.