Hi everyone,
We recently received a great question from a customer planning a high-altitude expedition. He’s heading up to 6,400m and was looking for advice on how to avoid foot issues during the long trek, as well as how to manage his gear for that final summit push.
His question was simple: "A mate used skinny toe socks under another sock on a previous trip and was very happy with the result. Is this an option? Can you get toe socks in Merino? What are the liners people refer to?"
It’s a fantastic question, and the short answer is: Yes, absolutely.
Why Merino Toe-Sock Liners are a Game-Changer
When you’re pushing for the summit or covering long, gruelling distances, the biggest enemy to your feet is friction.
Traditional socks can lead to "hot spots" where skin rubs against skin, especially between the toes. By wearing a Merino toe-sock liner as a first layer, you are essentially wrapping each toe in a protective "second skin." This eliminates skin-on-skin friction entirely.
Why choose Merino?
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Moisture Management: Unlike synthetic liners that can hold onto sweat, high-quality Merino wool wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry and significantly reducing the chance of blisters.
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Temperature Regulation: Merino is legendary for its ability to regulate temperature—keeping you cool when the pace is high and providing that extra bit of thermal insulation when the temperature drops.
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The "Liner" Advantage: A liner is designed to be thin and form-fitting. When you pair a Merino liner with a thicker, high-cushion outer sock, you create a sophisticated layering system. The liner handles the moisture and friction, while your outer sock provides the heavy-duty cushioning and warmth needed for high-altitude environments.
Gear Up for Your Next Expedition
If you are planning a big trip or just want to bulletproof your feet for your next hike, start with the right base layer.
Shop our Merino Toe-Sock Liners here
(Note: These are available in both Forest and Slate colorways.)
A Note on "Summit Setup"
For those high-altitude pushes, remember that your layering system is only as good as the fit of your boots. If you're doubling up with a heavy summit sock, make sure your boots have enough volume to accommodate the extra layer without constricting your circulation—which is vital when you're dealing with freezing temperatures and high altitude.
Need some hiking socks for that trip of a lifetime? Try these picks.
Got a gear question for your next adventure? Hit reply and let’s get you sorted.
Stay moving,
Jake
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