I admit it, I have a thing for socks.
But 14 pairs?!?!? Who does that?
You might quickly guess that I am not going to keep all 14 pairs – at least I don’t think I will. I will be doing some test-driving, and I stocked up because a) there was a sale, and b) I desperately need some new hiking socks for my fussy feet.
So, I thought I would share with you my sock experiences – what I have already tried and what I bought and why. And then I will share some things to look for in your own sock research.
Before I wander down the sock path, though, let me start by sharing with you my footwear choice, ‘cuz I know you’re wondering.
I wear Obōz hiking boots, and I have them in both the waterproof and not-waterproof models. They are super sturdy, and they give my feet, ankles, and weary knees the support they need on the varied terrain of the Camino Francés.
You should know, though, that I didn’t get my footwear right the first time out of the gate. In fact, it took me at least seven years of walking the Camino to land on these boots. And as right as they are, my feet still hurt every day on the Camino if I walk more than 12 kilometers.
In case you want to check them out, here are a few links.
Women’s waterproof Obōz hiking boots
Women’s not waterproof Obōz hiking boots
And a disclaimer: This is what works for me. You have to find what works for you.
How do you find the right shoes or boots for you? Test drive. It’s the only way.
But I’m not here today to talk about boots.
Today is sock day.
My standard philosophy with socks for the Camino is to invest in two pairs of the best hiking socks I can afford. Those two pairs of socks will be my walking socks, and I will alternate between the two pairs throughout each day.
I also take with me a third pair of socks to wear in the evening, after I have showered and at night in bed. For me, this feels like pure luxury, to slide my tired feet into a pair of clean, fluffy socks and kick them up on a bench or chair to rest while sipping a glass of wine, or if it’s really hot, an ice-cold glass of draft beer.
Because I like things simple (and interchangeable), these three pairs of socks will be the same brand and model but, if possible, different colors.
Back to my sock search and how this all began
When I was getting ready for my May 2025 walk on the Camino Francés I discovered a few new, un-initiated pairs of Smartwool hiking socks in the back of my sock drawer. Can you imagine my elation?
But then I started to train for the walk and I discovered that the socks were, um, well, slippery. [Insert big question mark and a perplexed look on my face.]
They were the right size, but my feet were sliding around in my socks, and they were getting cranky.
So I went back to my sock drawer, dug around some more, and found another pair – also new, also Smartwool brand. The cardboard packaging they were wrapped around called them “Hike” socks, and they were nice and cushiony and not at all slippery.
Those socks got to go to Spain.
So now I’m back home and REI has a sale going on. (REI = Recreational Equipment Incorporated, sporting goods chain)
REI has a 100% satisfaction guarantee policy for members, which means that it’s easy to buy boots and socks, give them a test drive, and take them back if they don’t work. I try not to do that too often, but I take comfort in knowing that if I return something in good condition, someone else who might be on a budget will find a bargain in the used gear section.
This return policy is what’s giving me the freedom to do my sock research. Here we go.
I have tried a few different socks over the years, so I already knew I wanted a wool-based sock and crew height. I’ve long been loyal to the Smartwool brand so I knew I would try some of their other styles, but I also wanted to explore some other brands.
And, I knew I didn’t need to try the raved-about Injinji toe socks because I had tried a pair while in Spain, and I didn’t care for those at all. (Who knew toes could be claustrophobic?!?!)
So . . . here’s what I bought:
1) Icebreaker brand Hike Medium Crew Socks (2 pair)
2) Bridgedale brand Hike Lightweight Boot Socks (2 pair)
3) Two pair each of the following Smartwool brand socks:
- Hike Light Cushion Zig Zag Valley Mid Crew Socks
- Performance Hike Light Cushion Tube Stripe Crew Socks
- Everyday Joviansphere Light Cushion Crew Socks
- Everyday Dazzling Wonder Full Cushion Crew Socks
- Outdoor Light Cushion Crew Socks
Ya, okay, so I got a little carried away. But what I really wanted to know was what made one sock a “Hike” sock and another an “Outdoor” sock. Why is another one an “Everyday” sock??? And can I still hike in it if I don’t hike every day? Cheeky, I know.
I am still working through the test drive, but I have already weeded out the two new brands, Icebreaker and Bridgedale. To me, they felt slippery. That leaves the way-too-many Smartwool pairs, which, by the way, are all strikingly similar and all offer at least four of these promises:
>> Stay in place fit
>> Protects from blisters
>> Made with recycled nylon
>> Super breathable
>> Moisture control
>> Odor-resistant
Which leads me to my next topic . . .
How to select your hiking socks
Here’s the thing I want you to take away from this discussion: hiking socks are personal. Your feet are not my feet, and your feet may want something different from what mine want.
The key is to do the test drive.
That said, here is some information to get you started.
Begin by looking for hiking socks, as they are designed to wick moisture away from your feet so they stay dry. Moisture is the enemy, by the way – that and friction are what cause blisters.
Next, look for these features and match them to your preferences:
Fabric
The ideal hiking sock is made from a blend of wool, nylon, and spandex. Don’t worry, though, if you aren’t a fan of wool: there are also synthetic hiking socks that do the same job. The key is to stay away from cotton as it holds moisture and is slow to dry.
Cushioning
The next feature you’ll be looking at is cushioning, or the padding and weight of the sock. In my experience, the heavier the cushioning, the more luxurious the sock feels on my foot, and the more warmth it provides. Warmth is great if you are walking in the colder months, but for the warmer months you may want to select a light or medium cushion.
Cuff height
The third feature is cuff height, which comes down to personal preference. The only guideline I will offer is that you want to be sure the sock comes up on your leg at least past the top of the boot. My favorite are the crew socks, which work with any pair of boots or shoes I might want to walk in.
Size and fit
The final feature for socks is the size and fit. The goal is for your socks to be snug but not too tight. If your socks are too big, they will tend to bunch up, and bunched up socks can cause extra friction and blisters. I am between sizes, and I find that I can wear the smaller size of sock because the spandex in the fabric blend makes the socks a little stretchy.
Sock liners
With any discussion of socks for the Camino, we have to talk about sock liners. Liners help prevent blisters by wicking moisture and providing a second skin. Some people swear by them, and you may want to try them out in your training walks. But I will share with you that I heard from a friend who works at a sporting goods store that modern hiking socks are designed so you don’t need to wear liners. She got that intel from the product reps for the sock companies.
Want to know more?
To learn more about choosing the right boots and socks for the Camino, check out this episode of the YOU on the Camino de Santiago podcast. Available on most podcast players and apps.
And if you would like more assistance making your dream of walking the Camino Francés a reality, come walk with me.