Sock guide

Today, there is a variety of socks in different materials to choose from – classic cotton socks, wool socks and socks in synthetic materials. Many socks are adapted to a specific activity, for example there are specific hiking socks, training socks and ski socks. For the best comfort and experience, choosing the right socks depending on the activity you will be doing is important. But finding the best socks in the sock jungle among high, low, thin and thick woolen and synthetic socks can be challenging. In Outnorth's sock guide, we help you find the right socks for your particular activity.

Hiking socks

When hiking, your feet get warm and you will need socks that transport moisture away from your feet and dry quickly. Avoid cotton and look instead for socks in merino wool or a synthetic material. Merino wool has good moisture-wicking properties, insulates well and does not smell. After a full day of hiking, it is enough to air the socks before they are ready to be used again. However, merino wool is not as hard-wearing and stretchy as synthetic materials. To get the best of both worlds, many hiking socks today are therefore made from a mix of merino wool and synthetic materials. This ensures that you get socks that warms well, even when they get wet, does not absorb odors, has a good fit and last a long time. Many hiking socks are also reinforced at the toe and heel to make them more durable.

For maximum comfort and to avoid chafing, we recommend using two socks when hiking – one pair of thin socks (liners) and one pair of thicker socks on top. This way, the friction between foot and shoe is reduced. For summer hiking it can be hot with thick woolen socks, then there are thinner socks that can be used.

Training socks

During a training session and on a run, you want a pair of relatively thin training socks that fit tightly on the foot and dry quickly. Today, there are many specific socks that focus on the fit and a moisture-transporting ability during usefun for physical activity. They are usually made of synthetic materials such as polyamide, elastane and polyester, but there are also training socks in merino wool.

Training socks are available in varying shaft heights, from low and ankle-high to knee-high. Sometimes the height can have a purpose and function – for instance, high socks can protect your legs and have areas with compression, but sometimes the height of the socks is just a matter of taste. Simply choose what you think is most comfortable and most suitable for your activity! On our website, you can easily filter by shaft height and material, as well as whether the socks should have compression or not.

Ski socks

In the ski slopes, you want high and warming ski socks that do not wrinkle in the boot. The high shaft provides support and keeps the socks in place. Since you are moving around in a cold environment, you will need socks with a moisture-transporting ability while also insulating against the cold. Many ski socks today are therefore made from a mixture of merino wool and synthetic materials – this ensures the sock has a good fit that keeps the feet warm and dry for a whole day in the slopes. The merino wool also prevents the socks from smelling, which can be beneficial if you are away for several days without washing facilities.

Everyday socks

At Outnorth, you will also find everyday socks in a variety of designs. Choose between low and high shafts, as well as between a variety of materials. Many everyday socks today are made of cotton – cotton socks are affordable, durable and suitable for everyday use when your feet don't sweat excessively. However, you should avoid cotton if your feet sweat easily since cotton absorbs moisture, which can cause chafing or cold feet. For dry and comfortable feet all day, we recommend a pair of everyday socks in a synthetic material or in merino wool that have moisture-wicking properties.

At Outnorth, you can easily filter on the type of socks you are looking for, gender, material and shaft height to get a result based on your preferences.

Now we hope that it will be a little easier to navigate the sock jungle!