Does Double Socks Prevent Blisters

When it comes to preventing blisters while hiking, shoes get the almost attending. Nevertheless, if you don't accept the right socks, you'll withal get blisters. Many experienced hikers vesture 2 pairs of socks to foreclose blisters.

What Causes Blisters?

If y'all want to prevent blisters, you've got to know what causes them in the first place.

The blazon of blisters you become hiking (or doing other sports) are friction blisters. Co-ordinate to the US Military, these blisters occur when:

"An object is repeatedly moved across the skin with plenty force to cause the layers of skin to release heat. The heat causes redness and a separation (or fissure) between the outermost layer of the peel and the rest of the skin layers. The cleft fills with fluid causing a raised area on the skin."

Moisture from sweat but make the problem worse. The moisture weakens the skin, making it more prone to injury.

The Two-Pair Sock System for Hiking

Experienced hikers will swear by this system:

A sparse inner sock (aka sock liner) preferably fabricated from silk, nylon, polyester, or wool.
A thicker outer sock. This sock should exist wool. Smartwool and Merino wool are the best options.

How Does this Prevent Blisters?

No system can completely prevent blisters. Yet, wearing two socks tin help. The inner sock helps reduce friction with your foot. There is withal friction occurring – information technology is just between the two pairs of socks and non your skin and the sock.

The inner sock also helps wick away moisture from the foot. Less wet means that your skin is less prone to damage.

The second outer-layer sock does its role too. It absorbs the moisture and provides some cushioning. Some really proficient hiking socks take padding in areas prone to blisters.

This duo of sock liner + wool sock is truly astonishing for preventing blisters. It is better than just wearing one pair of breathable socks (such as Gore-Tex hiking socks). Even high-tech socks can't wick abroad as much moisture equally wearing two socks.

The 2 sock system fifty-fifty works with dress shoes and other uncomfortable shoes as well.

Why Some People Hate the Two Sock Organization

The caveat with wearing two socks is that information technology can make your feet hotter. Heat is one of the elements which makes your feet vulnerable to blisters.

Another annoyance is that liner socks tin make your boots fit too tightly. A tight fit means that you will be even more decumbent to blisters. Plus, if you lot are wearing liner socks while backpacking, it means more weight on your pack.

How to Choose Sock Liners

A lot of major hiking companies make their own make of sock liners. Some of the most popular brands are Wigwam, Trick River, SmartWool, Bridgedale, and Injinji (which have toes).

Almost Important Is the Fit

Is the fit! If the sock liners are besides big, your pes will slide around in them, creating friction and blisters. Wrinkles in the socks will likewise cause blisters.

Be sure y'all pay attention to the sizing of the liner socks. Near are sized as South, M, or L – non by shoe size. If your shoe size falls between S/1000 or M/L, go with the smaller size. It's ameliorate to accept them fit a scrap tight than take them wrinkly.

Sock Liner Textile:

There are iii main options for sock liner material:

Silk: I personally similar silk sock liners all-time. They are comfortable, easy to slide on your feet, and do a great chore of reducing friction. The downside is that they aren't e'er very durable. Some brands aren't very breathable either, so not suited for warm weather. Silk sock liners for hiking are almost ever with a constructed blend.
Constructed: These are very durable and can do a great job of reducing friction. They aren't always very breathable though, especially the cheap synthetic sock liners. Some brands have their own space-historic period synthetics with special features for wicking away moisture.
Wool: Thin wool sock liners are expert for warm weather hiking. They are breathable and stay dry out. Wool sock liners tend to be pricier though, and might be also thick to wear comfortably in your boots.

Regardless of the material, skilful sock liners volition have a tight weave. You lot won't exist able to pull fibers off of them easily.

Length:

Information technology should be obvious, but retrieve to consider the length of the sock liners. They should exist advisable for the type of shoes or boots you are wearing. Plus, they need to match the length of the outer sock.

Remember: You can article of clothing sock liners that are longer than your outer sock, but can't wear sock liners shorter than the outer sock. When in doubt, go with longer sock liners.

All-time Hiking Sock Liners for Preventing Blisters

Wigwam Thermax Liner Socks

wigwam sock liners

Thermax polyester
Coiffure length
Good for cold conditions hiking
Purchase here

Fox River Wick Dry Alturas Ultra lightweight Liner Socks

foxriver alturas liner sock

Polypropylene and nylon
Made in Us
Lightweight
Coiffure length
Adept for all weather
Buy here

SmartWool Liner Socks

smartwool liner sock

Merino wool and synthetic blend
Crew cut
Made in the USA
Good for libation weather
A bit pricier per pair
Buy here

Bridgedale Ultralight Coolmax Liner Socks

Bridgedale Ultralight Coolmax Liner Socks

Coolmax and Endurofil
Coolmax is synthetic with oblong fibers with grooves that wicks abroad moisture
Endurofil is wool and Merino wool blend
ane yr guarantee
Over the dogie fit
Good for cold and moderately warm atmospheric condition
Buy here

Injinji Liner Crew Toesocks

Injinji sock liner

Polyester nylon alloy
Toe socks
Congenital-in arch support
Mesh top for ventilation
Best for warmer weather
Dry very quickly
Purchase hither

Terramar Thermasilk Sock Liners

terramar thermasilk sock liners

80% silk, 20% nylon
Machine washable but best mitt-washed
Corking for moderate to common cold weather condition
Mid dogie
Pricier choice
Buy here

Be Prepared to Effort Out Many Liner Socks

Keep in mind that every hiker seems to take his or her ain favorite sock liner. Some people swear by one brand whereas others hate it. You might accept to try out a few different types of sock liners earlier you discover your favorite. Luckily, sock liners aren't too expensive.

Resource:

https://melmagazine.com/is-in that location-any-point-to-wearing-ii-pairs-of-socks-7df2168444dd
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-wearing-two-pairs-of-socks-when-hiking
https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/90845/
https://patient.info/health/foot-blisters

Image credits:

"I'grand still waiting for my dress sock spon" (CC BY-NC-ND ii.0) past Josh Mishell,
"Gelato Socks" (CC By-NC-ND 2.0) by sashawerner