Walking socks: how to avoid blisters on the route

If you are buying walking socks for your backpack, here are my experiences with what to look for. What you have on your feet is far from irrelevant when you go far.

Which walking socks should I choose?

The first question you should ask yourself, already while choosing your hiking boots, is which walking socks will suit the boots. Should they be thick or thin? Should they be merino wool, or can you use your good old tennis socks?

I have plenty of experience choosing walking socks and have tested everything from expensive models to five fingers socks, the ones with the toes, and I actually also like hiking in my trusty tennis socks.

You should be aware that there is no right and wrong answer. There are of course socks designed to regulate warmth better, some that do not get nearly as sweaty, and some that are more comfortable on long trips. You need to consider how they sit in relation to the friction that can build up when you are out on long hikes.

Test your way to the right ones

I follow a huge number of national and international forums about hiking. People quickly get a little sharp, and many feel that their own advice is the best. The only right answer, which most people end up admitting, is that only you know what works for you.

You have to test a few different kinds of walking socks on long trips, so you can choose the ones that suit you exactly. Walking socks should above all help you avoid blisters, which are one of the really big challenges on the Camino, for example.

Material and fit

Merino wool is popular because it regulates warmth and smells less even after a long day. Double layer socks have two layers that rub against each other instead of against the skin, and that is one of the best ways to reduce friction and therefore blisters.

Whatever you choose, ideally bring several pairs so you can change into dry socks along the way. Dry feet are half the battle. If we have forgotten to mention something, or you still need answers, remember that you get furthest by testing your way forward before you head out on the big trip.