Why Use Technical Socks?

Your feet are sweaty. Very sweaty.

In fact, there are roughly 250,000 sweat glands in them, producing around half a pint of sweat on an average day. Luckily, during normal activity levels, most of that moisture evaporates as part of your body’s natural cooling system. However, when you’re out hiking, the amount of sweat produced significantly increases. This is one of the reasons why use technical socks.

When we talk about ‘normal’ socks, we’re referring to the ones made from cotton. Most of these socks are either entirely made from cotton or cotton with a bit of nylon splashed in to increased durability.

These socks are fine for everyday activities for the reason stated above. They’re soft, comfy and cheap, pretty much all you need for meandering to the shops and back.

If, however, you were to pop a pair of these on with your walking boots and head into the mountains for a few hours, you would inevitably sweat far more and eventually that soft cotton would become waterlogged, resulting in blisters, discomfort and general misery.

Why use technical socks? Unveiling the Benefits

Moisture Management:

Darn Tough’s socks, for example, are made using a high merino wool content, allowing them to consistently move moisture vapour away from your feet, without becoming waterlogged. Merino wool can absorb around 30% of its weight in moisture and still feel dry to the touch, keeping you comfortable and blister-free.

Insulation:

Another benefit of merino wool is that it has a natural crimp (the fibres are soft and curly), so it’s able to trap air to provide insulation in cold conditions.

Anti-microbial: Why opt for technical socks

Bacteria that feeds on your skin and sweat can’t cling to the fine fibres of merino wool, meaning you can wear a single pair of socks for days on end before washing is required.

Naturally elastic:

Thanks to those curly fibres, merino naturally sits closer and will conform around your foot more securely than a cotton sock. You’ll almost never find a technical sock ‘bunch up’ like a basic everyday sock would.

Why use technical socks: Cushioning

Again, we’ll focus on Darn Tough because they’re great. Darn Tough’s socks are available in huge variety of different weights and cushion levels. If you’re using a pair of approach shoes, you’ll want something a little thinner with less cushioning. Whereas if you’re more of a traditional walker, you may prefer a thicker, more cushioned option. You can also select your thickness/weight of sock depending on the temperature and time of year.

Durability:

Darn Tough offer a lifetime guarantee with their socks. If (in the unlikely event) you wear a hole through one, simply return for a new pair.