No matter what great adventure you are heading off on, even if it’s just an adventure to the shops, there is a sock for you. At Paddy Pallin, we have a wide range of hiking, mountaineering, running, skiing, travel, lifestyle and thermal socks. We stock both synthetic and wool socks in a wide range of styles. 

FAQs

How do I choose a warm pair of socks?

When selecting a pair of socks for colder climates looks for socks that are thicker all over. Warmer socks will usually have their intended purpose as mountaineering or snow related. Thermal socks made from merino wool will work to retain heat while allowing your feet to breath. Merino is also odour resistant, meaning that you can say goodbye to stinky socks! When buying a thicker pair of thermal socks, make sure that your boots or shoes have enough room to accommodate them.  

How do I choose the right pair of hiking socks?

With a large range of socks, it can be hard to know where to start. There are a few things to consider before you start, like where you’re going, what you’re doing and what shoes you are wearing. Choosing the wrong type of sock for your adventure can lead to a range of issues like cold or hot feet, blisters and hot spots, infections and even reduced circulation. For hotter climates, you will be wanting a sock that is thinner and allows your foot to easily breathe. In colder climates, you will be wanting a thicker sock to keep your foot warm. The activity will also determine what type of sock you will need. Skiing, hiking, running and everyday life will all have different sock types designed just for that activity. For instance, mountaineering socks are thicker and provide more cushioning to keep your feet warm and comfortable all day, ski socks are longer to allow for the high cut of a ski boot, trail running socks are shorter and thinner to allow sweat to easily escape. It’s also important to consider the type of footwear that you will be wearing. In order to be as comfortable as possible, and reduce movement of the sock, the top of the sock should be higher than the top of the shoe. For example, this means that anklets are not ideal to be worn with boots. For more information on selecting the perfect pair of socks for your adventure, check out our blog article all about socks.

What is the difference between synthetic and wool socks?

While synthetic socks can be more durable, wool socks tend to be more breathable and will be less likely to smell. This is due to wool naturally being odour resistant. Merino wool also aids in thermoregulation, meaning that your feet stay warmer in cool environments and cooler in warm environments. 

Do I need a liner sock?

When looking at sock liners there are a few things to consider. If you’re prone to blisters, a liner sock can be a great option to reduce rubbing. It provides an extra layer of cushioning and protection. Injinji liner toe socks offer protection around each individual toe which is a great option for anyone who suffers from painful blisters between their toes.  Synthetic liners can be the right choice for people who are allergic or sensitive to wool. As there are so many benefits of wool socks, including thermoregulation, insulation and odour resistance, a synthetic hiking sock may not be suitable for your adventure. A thin, synthetic liner under the merino sock can help to stop irritations for anyone sensitive to wool socks as the merino wool will not be directly on the skin. Another thing to consider when selecting liner socks is how much room you have in your boot. Most liners are very thin and won’t overly impact the fit of the hiking boot, however, if your shoes or boots are a snug fit you will need to try your socks on with your boot to ensure that you will have enough room to comfortably move your toes around.

Can I wear my hiking socks under my ski boots?

Generally, it is not recommended to wear hiking socks as ski socks. Hiking socks are typically shorter than ski socks, meaning they do not come up above the boot. It is important that the socks are longer than the boot to prevent rubbing and movement of the sock. Also, the padding in ski socks has been designed to specifically fit inside the very specific fit of a ski boot, whereas hiking socks have padding in locations for the boot and for the movement of walking. This will ensure ultimate comfort while pursuing your chosen activity. A good pair of ski socks won’t be too thick, which allows for a better fit in your boot. Any seasoned skier knows how important the perfect fit is. We would recommend looking for merino wool ski socks as merino is great for keeping your feet warm and allowing them to breathe, plus they will be resistant to odour. When you take off your heavy boots at the end of the day you will be thanking us!

What are the advantages of Injinji toe socks?

Injinji toe socks are perfect for anyone who is blister prone, particularly around the toes. As each individual toe is covered, there is no skin on skin rubbing. Injinji toe socks are available in a range of styles to cover you from mountain climbing to trail running. They are also perfect for anyone who loves to wear socks and thongs!

Why aren’t the wool hiking socks pure wool?

We all know that our hiking socks endure a lot when we’re on the trail. To ensure that your hiking socks are durable and last hike after hike, year after year, the wool is blended with synthetic fibres to make the sock stronger and last longer. As wool is still the primary fibre of the sock, you will still get all the benefits of wool in the sock, like odour resistance, breathability and thermoregulation, while also getting the durability and length of life from the synthetic additions!