For athletes, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, socks are not just a trifle that is invisible to others. Properly selected socks provide convenience, comfort, warmth and dryness of the legs, which is extremely important in the campaign or in competitions. What are trekking socks, how to choose a suitable pair and how they differ from ordinary ones - more about this in the material below.
What are trekking socks?
Specialized clothes, including socks, are used in active activities: mountaineering, snowboarding, skiing, trekking, hiking. In extreme conditions, the legs are particularly susceptible to stress and fatigue, as well as environmental factors. They get wet, freeze, or, conversely, sweat from excessive temperature and pace.
It is with such problems that tracking socks are designed to cope. They are created from a combination of raw materials that combines natural and synthetic fibers. The shape of such socks is also thought out taking into account the load and type of activity of the athlete.
Trekking socks, unlike ordinary products, are able to quickly remove moisture from the skin. They dry perfectly, retain heat and may even have compression properties, which reduces leg fatigue.
That is why if you are fond of tourism or active sports, it is worth getting to know the product better.
Main characteristics
Distinguish this product is extremely comfortable for the legs according to many criteria. First of all, male and female socks differ among themselves, and not only in color, but also in anatomical solutions.
Depending on the type of activity for which the socks are intended, several types of length are distinguished:
- Short. In height do not reach the level of the ankle. They are used most often in fitness, jogging, cycling.
- Medium. Such models are slightly longer in the shafts than standard socks. Medium length trekking socks are the most popular among athletes.
- High. They reach the middle of the caviar and are most often multifunctional. Such socks are used in mountaineering, hiking and skiing.
In addition, a significant factor in the difference is the density of the socks, which must also be selected depending on the type of activity and application.
- Thin. They can be hooked under the second toe or worn on their own. This option is the best summer trekking socks.
- Lungs. They are denser, which means warmer and more durable than thin ones. They can be worn alone and with extra warm socks.
- Medium. Sufficiently warm, very durable and wear-resistant. Most often they have additional insulation in the toes and heels.
- Climbing. The warmest and most durable. Designed for long wear at low temperatures.
In addition to the division into socks for men and women, trekking pairs are usually marked under the right and left legs due to the anatomical design features.
How to pick up your couple?
The choice of trekking socks must be approached carefully and thoughtfully: a correctly chosen thing will long maintain the comfort and health of your legs.
First of all, it is worth determining the type of activity: for what purposes the socks will be used and at what time of the year.
If there is no specific goal, then it is better to choose an average multifunctional model, for example, trekking light socks of medium height. Having such a model in a sports wardrobe, you can use it in a campaign, bike ride or jogging.
It is also important to determine the size. Do not believe the assurances of sellers or reviews from the forums that the socks will stretch or sit down. Good manufacturers of high-quality sportswear very clearly adhere to the dimensional grid. But a thing bought not in size will last less and will not fulfill its functions in full.
Typically, the size on the socks is marked in the range of 3-4 units. Try to choose trekking socks so that your real size is approximately in the middle of the proposed range.
It is very important to inspect and feel the socks before buying. Products of good manufacturers are necessarily stitched outward. You need to probe all the seams and joints so that not a single thread can rub your foot.
Not the last place when choosing good socks for tourism and sports is the choice of the manufacturer. About them a little more.
Top manufacturers
The health and comfort of the legs during a long trip, hike or race can only be entrusted to a manufacturer with a good reputation. These include the following firms:
- Lorpen is a Spanish company that began by selling socks to sportswear manufacturing giants. Later, the company separated and today is the number one manufacturer of trekking socks. The company is known for the combination of natural and the latest synthetic fibers in its products.
- Norveg is a German manufacturer of thermal underwear. The company is known for using high-quality wool and high-tech thermolith material for the production of products.
- DeFeet is an American manufacturer. This company produces various kinds of underwear, gloves and socks for athletes, which provides them with comfort at all stages of training and competition.
- X-Socks is a Swiss company specializing only in the production of socks. The assortment of this brand is represented by the widest selection of accessories for any sport and recreation of excellent quality.
You should not save on your health and comfort - not a single natural ordinary socks can replace professional trekking. Carefully approach the choice of your couple, and it will bring you pleasure for a long time!