Summer is here. Are your feet sweating yet? If you need help keeping your cool when things get hot, it’s probably time to get your hands on some new socks. That’s right—even though you’ll probably spend most of the season in sandals, flip-flops, and slip-ons, you still need socks for activities like running, hiking, cycling, golfing, and even hanging out around the house. This summer sock style guide will help you choose the right socks for every summer activity, ensuring breathability, comfort, and odor resistance.
Running Socks for Summertime
If you love getting out and being active in the warm weather, running might be your activity of choice. People tend to focus on finding the right running shoes, but comfortable, densely knit, moisture-wicking socks are also crucial.
Socks for Hiking this Summer
Nothing ruins a mountain adventure faster than sore, blistering feet. To ensure you can easily make it up the trail and back, wear socks that will keep your feet in peak condition (pun intended). Even though it’s summertime, hiking can send you into cooler, more rugged conditions, so opt for quarter, mini crew, or crew length socks. A seamless toe is also essential to avoid irritation while traversing rough terrain.
Cycling Summer Socks
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or simply enjoy the occasional bike ride, wearing the right socks can make all the difference. The best cycling socks are colorful, comfortable, and cleverly constructed to help you keep calm and pedal on. Light cushioning provides the ideal balance between impact protection and coolness on summertime rides.
Socks to Wear When Golfing in the Summer
Whether you’re walking across the green or riding in a golf cart, foot comfort begins with the right socks. Choose a pair with targeted compression and anatomical design to ensure a comfortable, custom-like fit that helps you keep your head in the game. Maximum cushioning is an option to consider for added impact protection as you tee off.
Summertime Socks for Around the House
If you struggle with cold, clammy feet in the summertime, going barefoot may not be the most comfortable option. That’s why you should pick light, thin, moisture-wicking socks to wear at home. Also, look for targeted compression that supports your arches nearly as effectively as any shoe. Bright patterns and designs are always a fun way to show a little personality as well.
When the weather is colder, finding the right pair of socks is a no-brainer. As you prepare to hike through the woods, you know that bulky feel will keep your feet warmer.
Yet, for a summer, things are a bit different, with more factors coming into play, including the type of HIKING BOOTS you’ll be wearing, the conditions of the trail, the weather, and the duration of your journey. So you don’t get too sweaty or start feeling blisters midway through, take these points into account
Avoid Cotton
Even though cotton is a cool, soft material, it quickly drenches your feet in sweat. Once this happens, don’t expect them to dry quickly, either.
When it comes to warm-weather hiking, outdoor experts say to avoid anything labeled “100% cotton,” as this combination absorbs rather than wicks away sweat, gives no insulation, and, while lightweight, rubs against your skin to create blisters.
This isn’t to say you should completely stay away from anything with cotton in it. The lighter feel proves to be an asset in hot and wet conditions, so, instead, look for a sock with a low percentage of cotton.
Go Light
In summer heat, the average pair of feet sweats a shot-glass worth of water a day. To keep things cooler and to reduce perspiration, go with a lightweight sock. Though they’re thin, lightweight socks specifically built for hiking are still designed with extra cushioning in the heel and ball of your foot.
If you normally wear a heavier sock and are switching to something lightweight, pay attention to the fit. Because the lighter sock is taking up less room, you may find that your foot is sliding about in the shoe more than you’re used to. If you feel the fit is too sloppy, you may have to go back to a heavier style, regardless of the heat. The worst scenario is getting blisters because of a poorly fitting shoe.
Sock Height
Crew-length socks are traditionally worn when hiking, as they keep higher boots from rubbing against your ankle. However, if you’re wearing low-top shoes, consider socks that stop just above the cuff, as these will help keep your feet cooler.
Know the Terrain
Choosing the right summer sock also means knowing where you’ll be hiking. If you expect the trail to be mostly hard rocks with little vegetation, like in a southwest canyon, you may want a micro style that doesn’t go above your ankle. On the other hand, if you’re hiking in the bushes, crew socks tend to be the better option.
Backpacking
When you want to conserve space and reduce weight, the same socks you choose for a summer day hike also work here.
Stay comfortable and cool with our stylish socks this summer!