Maybe you are a frequent hiker, and you’ve always worn socks, but now you’re wondering if you can skip the socks bit. Even if you are new to hiking, let us explain how socks are not necessary but essential for hiking. Whether you find socks uncomfortable or you don’t mind them, it’s smarter to wear them under your hiking boots.
Although, you might just be looking for hiking boots you can wear without socks due to the comfort they offer for your travels. If you are going somewhere hot, you might want the choice not to wear socks at all.
This article will tell you why you should wear socks with hiking shoes. However, we will also provide alternatives that you can wear without socks. We’ll even tell you some benefits and answer a few more questions you might have.
Go through this article and find out everything you want to know.
Can You Wear Hiking Shoes Without Socks?
Hiking shoes and hiking socks are not necessary, but as we mentioned earlier, they are essential. Both items, especially the socks, will keep your feet dry and prevent blisters from forming. If you get blisters, it might be due to an excess of moisture from sweating, as well as a lack of breathability in your shoes.
If you develop blisters, you might have to take a break from hiking. As a hiking lover, you might wish you had just worn your socks. But, you’re in luck now because you can buy alternative hiking shoes. In the following section, we will talk about our favorite hiking shoes to wear without socks.
Which Types Of Hiking Shoes Work Best Without Socks?
There are different hiking boots, and some can help you get away without wearing socks. You will not form uncomfortable blisters either. They are often made with more breathable, lighter materials while maintaining durability and insulation. Today we will tell you about the Tikal hiking shoes by Garmont.
Garmont recognized the struggle of travelers debating between packing shoes or sandals. Shoes are great for walking long distances, but sandals are much more comfortable in warm weather. And thus, they came up with their Tikal hiking shoes.
Garmont is an Italian shoe-making brand that aims to provide travelers with the best multipurpose shoe. Tikal shoes are lightweight, durable, breathable and comfortable. They are functional shoes made using an Anatomically Directed Design.
The shoes are designed to shape the cuff, lacing system, ankle pads, and toe box so that feet can self-stabilize and absorb shock while walking with ease.
Designers ensured that Tikal shoes were versatile and supportive while comfortable traveling and exploring. They are also great shoes to wear in your daily life.
Tikal shoes make socks optional because they are built not to cause blisters or any discomfort. There are no seams on the inside except the heel. Your feet have nothing to chafe against and develop hotspots or blisters.
Tikal shoes also use coconut hair to prevent odor and bacteria from building up within your shoe. It is woven into the footbed’s core and acts as a natural antimicrobial element that nulls the need for chemical cleaners. It is not only comfortable but convenient too!
You can read more about the Tikal hiking shoes on Garmont’s official website.
Benefits Of Not Wearing Socks With Hiking Boots
There are honestly very few benefits of not wearing socks under your hiking boots and shoes. The first one we can think of is that it could be more comfortable during hot days, only if your shoes are breathable enough. Another benefit would be the fact that you’d have one pair of socks less worth of laundry to do.
Perhaps, if you are traveling, you wouldn’t need to pack as many socks as you usually would if you wore socks every day while you’re away from home. It could save some space in your suitcase or save some laundry detergent, but do not risk your foot’s health! Always get the right shoes if you decide against wearing socks.
Downsides Of Wearing Hiking Shoes Without Socks
As we discussed in previous sections of this article, you could face various issues by not wearing socks. Your feet will sweat, and if the sweat has nowhere to vaporize, it will cause some serious odor to build. At first, you would barely notice the odor in your hiking shoes, but by the time you notice it, it would have gotten pretty bad.
Another downside of not wearing socks is getting painful blisters and annoying hotspots. You would feel better once the shoes are off, but it will hurt to walk for days after. If your shoes have a lot of seams on the inside, please wear some socks – it is worth avoiding blisters.
How Often Can I Wear Hiking Shoes Without Socks?
We would strongly advise you to wear socks much more often than not. Maybe if you are traveling and you have Tikal shoes with you, you could get away with not wearing socks a few times. But if you wear hiking shoes often, wear your socks.
It’s a matter of being hygienic at this point.
Is It Better To Wear Socks?
Yes, it is better to wear socks with your hiking shoes. If you are a frequent hiker, buy yourself some good hiking socks too. They are generally thicker and will protect your feet from blisters and your shoes from odor and bacteria.
Even professional athletes who always wear socks could develop foot fungus. Make sure you wear fresh and clean socks whenever you go for a hike or a long walk in your hiking boots!
Final Thoughts
To conclude, we believe that you should wear socks with hiking boots as much as possible. Once in a while, you can skip out on wearing socks – probably only if you have Tikal hiking shoes or anything similar. You wouldn’t need socks with sandals because your feet can breathe, sweat can evaporate, and there are no seams to cause blisters.
Wearing socks is not only a matter of comfort and preventing blisters, but it’s also for your hygiene. Nobody wants stinky shoes and feet or fungal infections. Keep your feet happy for happier hiking trips!
