Which socks should you choose for summer hiking?

Who hasn’t sung the famous refrain at the top of their voice: ‘A kilometre on foot, it wears you out, it wears you out; a kilometre on foot, it wears out your shoes’? Behind this cheerful ditty, so dear to hikers, lies a truth: when the heat sets in and the distance stretches out, feet become particularly vulnerable. Sweat, moisture, repeated friction, muscle pain: during your summer hikes, these factors can quickly turn a lovely day on the trails into a growing discomfort. Often underestimated, socks – in direct contact with your skin – play a crucial role in preventing these discomforts. Carefully selected, they optimise the foot’s thermoregulation, promote moisture wicking and limit the formation of blisters.

At Therm-ic, drawing on nearly 30 years’ expertise in body temperature regulation, we have therefore developed a new range of technical, lightweight and breathable socks designed for a variety of activities: from fast-paced hiking and active walking to multi-day treks.

How do you choose the best hiking socks for summer? How can you avoid blisters during active walking or trekking? Which materials should you look for to maximise breathability? Find all the answers to your questions in this comprehensive guide.

‘Technical socks optimise foot thermoregulation, promote moisture wicking and help prevent blisters.’

WHY WEAR TECHNICAL SOCKS ON YOUR SUMMER HIKES?

Nothing seems more natural than walking outdoors on the trails. However, this simplicity does not mean you should neglect the careful selection of your gear: being well-equipped does not mean being over-equipped. With this in mind, the choice of socks is absolutely crucial because, even though walking and trekking are gentle activities, they still put your feet under considerable strain.

Heat promotes sweating, moisture weakens the skin and friction increases with distance. The result? Discomfort, irritation and sometimes even blisters. This is where technical hiking socks make all the difference compared to standard socks, which are often too thick and not breathable enough.

In practical terms, here are the benefits of our new range of Therm-ic technical socks, designed specifically for summer hiking:

1/ Optimal moisture management and effective wicking of perspiration.

This is thanks to the technical fibres used and the micro-channels that structure our socks.

2/ Ideal thermal regulation.

Our lightweight Outdoor socks keep your feet at the right temperature – cool and dry – via ventilation zones that promote air circulation.

3/ Reduced risk of chafing

Our mission is to help you avoid blisters, and this is achieved through a left-right anatomical design and the use of reinforcements in the most sensitive strategic areas: the heel, metatarsals, toes and arch...

‘Technical hiking socks make all the difference compared to standard socks, which are often too thick and not breathable enough.’

Hiking Socks - Outdoor Fast Light Off white/Charcoal

New

Hiking Socks - Outdoor Fast Light Off white/Charcoal

15,95 €

Hiking Socks - Outdoor Fast Light Off white/Charcoal

15,95 €

Learn more

WHAT ARE THE BEST SOCKS FOR SUMMER HIKING?

There is no single ‘best sock’ for walking in the warmer months. It’s more a question of finding the model that best suits your needs.

‘Fast-Light’ socks: for fast, dynamic hiking

The ‘Fast Light’ breathable hiking socks have been designed for hikers who prioritise lightness and performance. In other words, for fans of ‘fast hiking’, as they say in the lingo!

Very thin and breathable, these socks are ideal for dynamic outings where maximum ventilation is required alongside minimal weight.

They are therefore ideal for:

Fast hiking
Day-long brisk walks in warm conditions
Hikers who prioritise lightness

The features that make this an excellent outdoor sock:

1/ Its lightness. Thanks to its fine-knit construction and 80% polyamide composition. Its low-cut design (ankle sock, for those in the know) also makes it almost imperceptible to the touch and very discreet visually.

2/ Its optimal breathability. Thanks to its insole inspired by the natural distribution of pressure on the foot: the ‘SoleFlow Breathe’.

3/ Its quick-drying properties. Thanks to its micro-channel structure and the use of synthetic fibres designed to promote moisture wicking.

4/ Its enhanced protection, for lasting comfort. Thanks to reinforced heel support and an ergonomic rear tab that makes them easy to put on.

The ‘Outdoor Light Linen’ socks: a promise of natural freshness

The uniqueness of the ‘Outdoor Light Linen’ linen hiking socks lies in their composition, which incorporates linen. Linen is a noble, natural fibre particularly renowned for its breathable and thermoregulatory properties.

These moisture-wicking socks are therefore ideal for:

Summer hiking in hot, dry climates
Long days of walking in the mountains
Hikers who are sensitive to heat

The benefits of these lightweight men’s/women’s hiking socks, which ensure lasting comfort even in intense heat:

1/ The presence of linen in the composition. This natural, technical fibre ensures excellent breathability whilst reducing unpleasant odours. To top it all off, it also offers a pleasant feel and an unrivalled sensation of freshness.

2/ The micro-channel construction to effectively wick moisture away and improve air circulation.

3/ The ‘SoleFlow Footbed Butter’: an anatomical insole with strategically placed padding zones to maximise cushioning and ventilation.

4/ Available in several styles for even more customisation:

As summer hiking socks with a high or low cut
As outdoor socks for women or men

New

Hiking Socks - Outdoor Light Ankle White/Navy

Lightweight, breathable hiking socks

16,95 €

Hiking Socks - Outdoor Light Ankle White/Navy

Lightweight, breathable hiking socks

16,95 €

Learn more

‘Outdoor Light’ hiking socks: versatility and lightness

The ‘Outdoor Light’ hiking socks offer a clever balance between lightness, breathability and support.

The most versatile model in our Therm-ic Outdoor summer range is perfectly suited for:

‘Classic’ day-long summer hikes
Active walking or light trekking in the mountains in hot weather
Versatile hikers who enjoy a variety of activities

The features that keep your feet cool and dry whatever the activity or conditions:

1/ Extreme lightness. Thanks to its 85% polyamide composition.

2/ Flawless moisture-wicking. Thanks to its micro-channel structure. This effective moisture management is also combined with quick-drying properties.

3/ The ‘SoleFlow Butter’: an insole inspired by the natural distribution of pressure on the foot whilst walking. It features reinforcements under the forefoot to significantly enhance comfort and breathability.

4/ Available in several styles to best suit your needs:

As summer hiking socks with a high or low cuff
As outdoor socks for women or men

Note that the ‘Outdoor Light Crew’ summer hiking socks for women and men feature ‘Zerocuff™’ technology: a deliberately rib-free finish to reduce pressure and improve comfort around the calf.

‘Our summer hiking socks significantly improve comfort as well as breathability.’

‘Outdoor Comfort’ trekking socks: enhanced comfort for long walks

By providing slightly greater cushioning in sensitive areas, the ‘Outdoor Comfort’ hiking socks stand out for their ability to reduce pressure points and ensure lasting comfort.

These breathable hiking socks for men and women are particularly suited to:

Fans of long summer hikes
Regulars on multi-stage, multi-day treks
‘Sensitive’ hikers who regularly suffer from foot pain

Why are our ‘Outdoor Comfort’ socks so well-suited to accompany you on your long summer hikes or multi-day treks? :

1/ Thanks to their natural fibres. Indeed, the combination of breathable Lyocell with soft, absorbent cotton works a treat. Lyocell, a wood pulp derivative, aids moisture management and provides a cool feel, whilst the cotton offers a very pleasant softness to the touch.

2/ Thanks to its targeted reinforcements. Strategically placed padding protects the most sensitive parts of the foot.

3/ Thanks to its ‘SoleFlow Buffer’ anatomical insole, which provides superior cushioning.

4/ Thanks to its micro-channel structure, for impeccable temperature regulation of the foot.

5/ Thanks to its anatomically designed left-right construction, ensuring a precise fit that lasts for miles.

6/ Available in two styles to best suit your needs:

As summer hiking socks with a high cuff. Note that these ‘Outdoor Comfort Crew’ hiking socks feature ‘Zerocuff™’ technology: a deliberately rib-free finish to reduce pressure and improve comfort around the calf.
As low-cut trekking socks, reaching the ankle: the ‘Outdoor Comfort Ankle’