Summer is usually hot, with perspiration, heat, and all that. Therefore, it is a generally known rule that you need to dress light during summer so you don’t experience the discomfort of the heat and sun.
The same thing applies to hiking. When hiking, everything you wear matters, even to your socks and underwear. They just have to be right, so you don’t feel uncomfortable on the trail.
Regarding your hiking boots, you would have heard or read that breathable and lightweight boots are best for summer. This is similar to your hiking socks; they need to be breathable and, most importantly, moisture-wicking.
Breathable enough to not make your feet sweat too much on the trail and moisture-wicking sufficient to prevent moisture from staying on your feet. In addition, your socks need to be light, in material and weight.
Thicker socks only equal more heat, and you don’t need that during summer. But what makes socks suitable for summer?
You will get to know what socks to wear with hiking boots in summer, so you can know what to shop for during the season in this article.
Let’s get into it!
Top 3 Picks for You
If you are in a hurry, here’s the top 3 socks for your dear hiking boots!
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Contents
What Socks To Wear With Hiking Boots In Summer?
You can wear different types of socks with hiking boots in summer. However, one type of socks you should not wear during summer is cotton.
Hiking experts advise that you don’t wear cotton socks or clothes on the trail. Cotton does not wick moisture but rather absorbs it, making your skin irritated.
They are soft and environmentally friendly, but they may not be the best for hiking. Cotton socks will also make your feet stay wet on the trail and lead to blisters. Other times, it can result in smelly feet and boots. Therefore, cotton socks are not the best choice.
Then, when choosing socks for summer, you should also consider hiking boots. The height of your socks should match your hiking boots.
The socks should cover your feet to prevent them from rubbing against hiking boots. However, it should not be too tall so that your leg can remain cool during the weather.
With that said, what kind of socks can you wear in hiking boots during summer?
Wool socks
Many people think you can only wear wool socks during winter but you can wear them during summer as well. For example, Merino wool is totally cool for summer use.
- Strategically placed mesh ventilation zones provide ventilation for temperature and moisture...
- Flat knit durable toe seam
- 3.75" overall height
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The first good thing about these socks is that they are made from natural fiber, and one of the best is Merino wool, obtained from Merino sheep in New Zealand. Wool socks work two ways.
They help to keep the feet warm, especially during the cold, so you can use them during winter as well. And when it is hot, they wick moisture off your feet.
Instead of the moisture staying on the surface, maintaining contact with your feet, and irritating your skin, they draw the moisture to the other side so it can evaporate quickly.
In addition, they handle moisture in hiking boots better than other materials, which makes them one of the best choices for summer.
Therefore, they are suitable for long or multiple day hikes because they help ensure you keep dry feet on the trail and keep blisters at bay.
Some other times, some socks have a combination of wool and other synthetic materials, which helps to reinforce their wicking properties.
So, if you don’t get 100% wool socks, you can get ones with blends of synthetic materials. The good thing is wool socks are stretchy, so that helps to make them fit snugly around your feet.
Pros
- High moisture-wicking abilities.
- Keeps feet dry on the trail.
- Keeps feet warm enough in hiking boots.
- Soft and gentle on the skin.
- Works well for sensitive skin.
- Environmentally friendly
- They are breathable.
- Good for summer and winter.
Cons
- Merino wool is obtained from animals.
- Not fast drying.
Nylon socks
- LIGHTWEIGHT WITH CUSHION - Light and strong with a thin layer of cushioning along base of foot. Our...
- MICRO CREW HEIGHT: A shorter, more concise take on the traditional crew height. Peeks just above the...
- COMPOSITION - Designed and Knit in Vermont with 54% Nylon 43% Merino Wool 3% Lycra Spandex. The fast...
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Nylon is a very light material, which is one of the reasons it is suitable for summer hiking. In addition, this is the first synthetic fiber ever and quite a popular fabric for hot weather.
They are highly moisture-wicking, fast-drying, and breathable for summer hiking. They have a good “cooling system,” which involves preventing moisture from staying in your hiking boots by exposing them to air for evaporation.
This enables your feet to stay dry in hiking boots. Since their material is very thin and light, they allow adequate air to get to your feet. Furthermore, their material is durable, and they don’t slack after a lot of use.
It is also worthy to note that they can be water-resistant, which is good for when you come in contact with water on the trail. This makes them a total package.
They are also nice on the skin and don’t make the skin sensitive when you wear them. When buying socks, you will find different nylon socks blended with other fabric materials, but this does not make them less functional.
You can wear nylon socks for a long day hike, and they are good for multiple days on the trail because they dry quickly. Different socks manufacturers design their socks differently but make sure the one you choose ticks some important features good for summer.
They should be breathable and moisture-wicking.
Pros
- They are very breathable and moisture-wicking.
- Fast-drying material.
- They are lightweight and soft.
- Gentle on sensitive skin.
- They are durable
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Not good for the environment.
Polyester socks
- U.S. made Drynamix moisture management fibers
- Non constricting compression bands
- Sensitive rib top and extra deep heel pocket
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Polyester socks are another synthetic material that is good for hiking. They are some of the best hiking socks for summer.
First, they insulate and ensure that your feet stay warm when on the trail, which can be a lot useful for when summer is over and winter kicks in.
Second, they are moisture-wicking, and they help prevent moisture from staying on your feet long enough to irritate you or cause blisters.
And they are fast drying which doesn’t make moisture stay in them for too long. Furthermore, they are abrasion resistant, which means you get to wear them for a long period.
They are also soft on the skin and good for people with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Very durable.
- Dries up quickly.
- Breathable and moisture-wicking.
- It helps keep feet dry.
- Soft on the skin.
- Good for summer and winter hiking.
Cons
- They are man-made synthetic, so they are bad for the environment.
Spandex socks
- 4 PAIRS IN ONE PACK - Fitted, lightweight, breathable fabric. Even if you wear them once a day is...
- DESIGNED FOR ANY ACTIVITY - Designed for everyday use and boost your performance for any sport...
- COMPRESSION TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION - move faster, react quicker and use less...
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Spandex is one of those materials experts advise that you wear on the trail, and you can wear them in your hiking boots and for hot summer hikes. But in most cases, spandex only makes up a small percentage of other socks materials.
They are usually combined with other fabrics like wool, cotton, silk, and the rest. Spandex is stretchy, so it helps to keep hiking socks in shape and ensure that they fit snugly around your feet.
They are not exactly good at wicking moisture and not really breathable, but they do pretty okay at that. Because to an extent, they help to keep you dry on the trail.
However, the other materials are mixed to help make up for that. Therefore, you can go for hiking socks that have a spandex blend in them for your summer hike.
It will help to make your socks durable and fit snugly around your feet.
Pros
- Fits snugly on the feet.
- They are moderately breathable and moisture-wicking.
- Work well for winter hikes as well.
- Keeps feet dry in hiking boots.
Cons
- Alone, they are bad for summer.
- They are not exactly good at wicking moisture.
Silk socks
- What You Get: A Terramar Sports Adult Thermasilk Mid Calf Sock Liner in either colors Black or...
- Made from a very high quality 80% Spun Silk and 20% Stretch Nylon, this pair of socks will feel as...
- Features: Thermoregulation Terramar Sports Technology that keeps you comfortable in all conditions...
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Silly socks are also great for summer hiking. They are breathable and ensure that your feet get enough air when on the trail, hence, keeping sweating at bay.
They are highly moisture-wicking as well, and they keep moisture from staying on your feet. And their material makes it easy for moisture to pass through them to the other side for evaporation.
In addition, silk is also a nice insulator, so they keep your feet warm enough on the trail. When they wick moisture from your feet, they make your feet cool as well, and the hot temperature in your hiking boots drops a little.
They are also lightweight, contributing to their breathability and comfort in hiking boots. And because they are very reliable at wicking moisture, you will find them in many socks liners for hiking.
Since they tick the breathability box, you should consider wearing them for your summer hikes. They are also natural fibers, so they are environmentally friendly. Even more, they are good at repelling moisture.
However, they are not that very durable. Plus, they can leave sweat stains in your socks which can be difficult to get off. But, of course, this is somewhat dependent on the color you wear.
Pros
- Good water repellent.
- Highly breathable and moisture-wicking.
- Natural fiber.
- Dries up quickly.
- They are nice insulators and good for winter as well.
- Lightweight
- Keeps feet dry.
Cons
- Not exactly durable.
- Sweat stains.
Bamboo socks
- PREMIUM QUALITY ANKLE SOCKS: Using only the finest Viscose Derived from Bamboo available! These...
- S size For School Age (Shoe size 3 to 5.5); M size should fit no problem for shoes size 4 to 8. L...
- SILKY AND SOFT: Comfort with every step. Every bamboo sock has a silk-like feeling, including...
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Bamboo socks are also good for the hot weather. They are made from natural fibers and are good for the environment.
They are also very breathable and allow ample air to get to your feet to keep them dry on the trail. One significant advantage of these socks is that they wick moisture well and can hold three times their weight.
Therefore, if you sweat a great deal, they can be very good for you because they won’t make your feet get wet quickly from sweat. In addition, these socks are extremely soft on the skin, almost like silk, and they don’t irritate sensitive skin.
Since the material is made from bamboo, it is usually antibacterial. They don’t smell or breed bacteria in your hiking boots, and other socks may not have this benefit.
Furthermore, they are abrasion resistant, so they will last a great deal for extended use on the trail.
However, while they may be great at wicking moisture, they are not good at evaporating moisture. But the good thing about them is that they will not make your feet smell, nor will they cause any foot problems due to the moisture they absorb.
Pros
- Great at wicking moisture.
- Very breathable.
- Tear and wear-resistant.
- Doesn’t irritate the skin.
- Prevent feet from smelling and foot problems
- Natural fiber, so good for the environment.
Cons
- It can take longer to dry.
- Do not evaporate moisture quickly.
Linen socks
- Organic Linen
- Thin, Breathable
- Perforated Diamond Pattern
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Linen socks are also good for summer hiking. They are soft on the skin like cotton but stronger.
In addition, linen has been around for a while, and people have trusted it to keep them cool during hot weather. They are very breathable and can help to keep your feet dry on the trail.
We cannot exactly say they are moisture-wicking, but they can absorb moisture from your feet to a great extent.
However, they are good at evaporating the moisture in them. Since they are natural fibers, they are good for the environment, and they don’t make sensitive skin react.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly.
- They are breathable.
- Good for sensitive skin.
- Fast drying
Cons
- Not exactly moisture-wicking.
Conclusion
You need to be careful when picking socks to wear for summer. For example, you can’t wear socks that are too thick or warm that will make you sweat in hiking boots.
This is why you need to be careful when picking your hiking socks material. The most important feature your summer hiking socks should have is breathability and moisture-wicking.
We have mentioned different fabric types that provide these for you on the trail. When picking socks for a summer hike, you should also consider their height and how well they will make you comfortable on the trail.
Ankle socks and crew socks are good for summer. They are high enough to prevent friction and blisters and to ensure your feet stay cool on the trail.
Cushioning is also important, making heavy cushioning unsuitable for summer hikes; medium or light cushioning is cool.