When you're going hiking long distances, there's nothing as important as what you wear on your feet. It knows Gina Johansen who is an experienced hiker and adventurer. During her three latest challenges where she has hiked all the way across Norway, skied from the North Cape to Sweden and crushed a Russian lake in icy Siberia, she has chosen Gococo on her feet. Something that of course makes us both happy and proud. Now we have caught up with Gina and got her view on socks for hiking. Read and learn!
Socks and hiking
Our feet are the most important thing we have when we are on a trip and a good pair of boots together with the right socks can be crucial for a pleasant trip experience. How do you know what type of socks to choose and how do you treat sore feet on a long trip?
- Socks that you will be using when hiking should be made of wool/merino wool . Wool keeps your feet warm when they get wet, dries quickly and doesn't get that horrible sour smell like other materials when you sweat.
- It should be double-woven at the heel and toe for extra durability. I also think a slightly thicker sock can help on long trips when the feet easily get sore underneath, the extra little protection helps. On warm days, however, thin wool socks are recommended. But on a long trip it is smart to have thicker wool socks in your backpack in case your feet get sore underneath. It helped me on my hike through Norway.
- During breaks, it is important to take off your shoes, take out your insoles and take off your socks to let your feet air out and give sweaty socks a chance to dry out and air out a bit. If possible, it can also be smart to wash your feet in a river during your lunch break.
- To dry your socks in the tent when it's cold, put the socks in your sleeping bag while you sleep and they will dry from your body heat in the sleeping bag.
Low, mid-high socks or knee-high socks?
When you hike with boots, it's between high socks or knee socks that apply. This depends a bit on the base layer you use. I prefer 3/4 base layers that go to the knees and then high socks for that on cold days and warm days or mild autumn days, between high socks is just right as you get some ventilation between the sock and base layer.
3/4 base layers with high socks make it so much more comfortable in the boots because you only have the sock that fits tightly against the leg in the boot instead of a sock that has to go over your base layer in the boot. You also get a “freer” step when you walk with 3/4 base layers and a high sock than with a base layer stuffed into a sock that fits tightly above the knee.
Below I have mentioned my favorites from Gococo that I use on tour and in training all year round.
Skiing sock
This sock is adapted for downhill skiing and cold days on the ski slope but it is a fantastic sock to use in hiking boots both cold summer days in the Scandinavian mountains and autumn days when the temperature starts to drop. It is also a favorite in the tent with a pair of 3/4 base layers. Skiing is my most used sock and a favorite.
Outdoor Sports and Trekking
Are two socks with a little extra padding under the feet to provide some cushioning, warmer socks that fit the hiking boot both cold summer days in the Scandinavian mountains and autumn days when the temperature starts to drop like in winter for cross-country skiing. Read more about Outdoor Sport and Trekking here!
Technical Cushion High Wool
Is a thinner wool sock that is best suited for warm summer days in the mountains and also for running in colder temperatures but also in the summer if you don't want to run with a lower sock. You can read more about Technical Cushion High Wool .
Taking care of your feet on a long trip
Wash your feet in a river every evening. I personally bring some green soap with me to wash my feet. Dry them especially carefully between the toes to avoid the risk of athlete's foot. Bring a nail clipper and keep your toenails short to avoid getting sore toenails that rub. Foot file and softening cream, at least once a week I file away hard skin and lubricate my feet with a softening cream when I'm out hiking. This can be done every day if you get hard skin easily. This reduces the risk of chafing and sore feet. On long trips it's smart to bring an ointment for athlete's foot in case it occurs, this can be bought without a prescription at the pharmacy.
