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.
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.
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.)
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
Hiking in the mountains is amazing. Jagged landscapes, peaceful surrounds, but it can come with challenges. Having the right sock is crucial, especially when trekking at higher altitudes.
Mountaineering socks aren’t just about finding the thickest sock you can buy. Fit, cushioning, insulation and how the sock works with your boots all matter. We’ve spent time in the New Zealand Alps, Himalayas and mountains across Europe. Here is our practical guide to choosing expedition socks for cold-weather hiking & high altitude trekking.
Are toe socks better for running?
We get asked this a lot.
Not necessarily. They’re just a different tool.
Toe socks have some genuine advantages, particularly if you struggle with blisters between your toes or like the feeling of your toes being separated.
But traditional running socks still have some pretty big advantages when it comes to technical performance. So let's break it down.
Do you actually need a running vest? We look at when they make sense, what to look for, how to get the fit right when buying online, and why rucking vests deserve serious respect. Plus, our ongoing investigation into abandoned gel wrappers.
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