[A self-paying comparison review without consideration] It's important, but they tend to neglect them. A veteran with 30 years of experience in mountain climbing compared 11 models of mountain climbing socks.
written by Keroppa
Climbing is a mountain that can only move forward with your own feet. I'm so careful about trekking shoes, why don't I pay attention to socks? You can sometimes solve the problem of boots and foot blisters with socks.
So, from a wide range of brands and types, this time I chose socks that could be used for traversing in a tent and tried them out all at once. We hope this will give you a hint to find a pair that suits your feet.
table of contents
- A comparison review of hiking and trekking socks
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- YAMAtune Outdoor Medium Arch Crew 2toe / Crew Length
- Point 6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium Crew
- mont-bell merino wool supportec trekking socks
- SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew
- R×L socks TMW-36
- FITS Medium Hiker Crew
- DARN TOUGH Hiker Boot Sock Midweight Cushion
- Feetures MERINO10 CUSHION MINI CREW
- ROTOTO HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE
- STRIDE Yubi Socks
- mont-bell KAMICO trekking socks
- summary
A comparison review of hiking and trekking socks
Select a comparison candidate
This time, we chose the best socks that can be used when riding in a tent in summer, based on medium weights, popular and standard products in stores, models that I have enjoyed in my past experience, items that I have never worn before (I wanted to try them out), and their reputation online. It wasn't a target, but when I opened the door, it turned out to be a stunning Japan vs. USA brand conflict between Japan and the US. I looked into why quality sock brands are concentrated in these two countries and found it interesting.
- DARN TOUGH Hiker Boot Sock Midweight Cushion
- Feetures MERINO10 CUSHION MINI CREW
- FITS Medium Hiker Crew
- mont-bell merino wool supportec trekking socks
- mont-bell KAMICO trekking socks
- Point 6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium Crew
- ROTOTO HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE
- R×L socks TMW-36
- SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew
- STRIDE Yubi Socks
- YAMAtune Medium Arch Crew / Crew Length
Points of evaluation
- Comfort: Direct comfort, such as the feel when worn, fit, and resistance to rubbing.
- Support: Does it reduce the strain on each part, such as the ankles, heels, arches, and toes, while also supporting proper movement of the lower body? Is your feet not slipping inside the socks so it's easy to walk in, and whether the ankles are tight properly so it's less tiring.
- Cushioning: How much can you relieve the impact when you are acting on a heavy load?
- Heat retention: Whether it will maintain your body temperature well, not only when it is dry but also when it is wet.
- Durability: Whether it is difficult to wear and tear even after washing it over and over again. However, since it is difficult to actually use it to the limit in time, it is only at the level of whether it is likely to tear.
- Moisture absorption: I get a lot of sweat on my feet while hiking, and how efficiently it absorbs and diffuses that sweat, keeping the surface of my feet dry at all times.
- Flexibility: Try actually bending the flexion part of the foot, ankles, and toes to see how the wrinkles are.
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Test environment
The climbing boots I use are trekking boots for three seasons. This model has an all-leather, with a edge for crampons on the heel. The weight of the luggage is expected to be 10kg or more.
Although the field is low, it is also rocky in the Northern Alps, we compared the course, with a 150m difference in elevation, carrying a pack equipped with a tent (approximately 10kg). By the way, my foot size is 26cm for sneakers, 26.5cm for mountaineering boots, and 25.2cm for actual measurements.
Test results and spec comparison table
When it comes to material composition ratios, it's my own sense. If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | AA | A | A | A | A |
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| item |  YAMAtune Medium Arch Crew / Crew Length |  Point 6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium Crew |  mont-bell merino wool supportec trekking socks |  SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew |  R×L socks TMW-36 |  Fits Medium Hiker Crew |  DARN TOUGH Hiker Boot Sock Midweight Cushion |  Feetures MERINO10 CUSHION MINI CREW |  ROTOTO HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE |  STRIDE Yubi Socks |  mont-bell KAMICO trekking socks |
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| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Support | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cushioning | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Moisture absorption | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Flexibility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | |||||||||||
| Fabrics and materials | Wool, acrylic, polyester, nylon, polyurethane | 70% wool, 25% nylon, 5% polyurethane | 56% wool + 24% nylon + 9% polyester + 8% acrylic + 3% polyurethane | 63% wool, 35% nylon, 2% polyurethane | Merino wool, polyester, nylon, polyurethane | 70% wool/22% nylon/6% polyester/2% polyurethane | 64% wool, 33% nylon, 3% polyurethane | 35% nylon, 31% wool, 31% Tencel, 3% polyurethane | 79% Merino Wool, 13% Polyester, 5% Nylon, 3% Polyurethane | 48% merino wool, 21% washi, 29% polyester, 2% polyurethane | 36% polyester + 31% unclassified fiber (paper) + 31% nylon + 2% polyurethane |
| Actual weight (g) | 98 | 88 | 96 | 78 | 89 | 69 | 90 | 52 | 80 | 53 | 109 |
Impressions of each model
YAMAtune Outdoor Medium Arch Crew 2toe / Crew Length
Introducing the truest Japanese trekking socks Supporting power No.1
This is the place
- Incredible support, he is a supporter that is not socks.
- Heat retention
- Tabi socks move your fingers firmly
This is △
- It's so stiff that your feet will get stiff when you wear them
- The heels hurt. Choose who to use it.
A Japanese manufacturer that offers multiple socks for trekking. Purchased size M, measured 20cm.
Material composition of wool, acrylic, polyester, nylon. Is the finer ratio a trade secret? The biggest feature is its support that is unfair. The image is like wearing supporters as well as socks. Super strong support is provided around the arch and heel to provide firm support for your feet.
On top of that, the slurping part has a cracked tip like tabi socks, and the entire socks are made of extremely thick pile knit. It has enough heat retention to be used even in harsh winters. However, it is easy to imagine that the support part is a double-edged sword, which is too strong and painful, and too tight to put on. Personally, I think the Achilles tendon was a bit painful.
Even so, if they can stand out this much, I feel like I want to support them. It's a good idea to try it as one of your options if you keep moving for a long time.
Point 6 37.5 Hiking Essential Medium Crew
This is also a trekking Strength No.1 from an American sock brand.
This is the place
- The rigidity of the material is very trekking socks
- Heat retention
This is △
- Size: American brand is bigger
- It's not a negative feeling because it's strong
An American sock brand, one of the ambitious brands that adds a variety of features. These socks are also a model with 37.5 technology that adjusts temperature and humidity. Purchased size M, measured 21.5cm.
Made of 70% wool, 25% nylon, and 5% polyurethane. The wool is deliberately made from solid, traditional wool rather than thin wool, to create a bulky pile, creating a sense of rigidity.
The pile is made from solid piles from the toes to the opening, but the pile is removed only at the toes and ankles to prevent wrinkles and stiffness. Unfortunately, my feet were a little big and the toe side in front of the arch support overlapped, and in the end it was wrinkled. These socks give a rough impression, but they are well thought out and I recommend them as long as the size fits them.
mont-bell merino wool supportec trekking socks
Everyone knows Montbell wool socks No.1 cost performance
This is the place
- The knitting method is very complicated and the support part works well.
- Hats off to this price for this feature. wonderful.
This is △
- Material composition: We can raise the price a little more, so why not increase the wool ratio?
- It's a little stuffy
You're well-known, wool blend socks from the comprehensive Japanese brand Montbell. A well-thought-out design. Purchased size M, measured 21.5cm.
Montbell wool socks that will come out later are thought to be produced by Takeda OEM. I don't think the material composition is the same, with 56% wool, 24% nylon, 9% polyester, and 8% acrylic, but the way toes and arch support is made is the same. The design allows you to move your fingers firmly is an original Japanese country of tabi, which is different from American brands. The knitting method is complete with pile from the toes to the opening.
The material is also firm and won't let you hit your boots. It has a slightly less moisture absorption and gives off a sweaty feeling, but it seems to dry very quickly. The design gives you a sense of arch support, so there is no feeling of misalignment. With this functionality, the low 2,000 yen range is amazing. I think there is more than enough potential to fight if you add 500 more. I recommend traversing.
SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew
Socks Balance No.1 from American Merino wool manufacturer
This is the place
- An exquisite sense of balance. Just want the part you want
- Suitable for a wide range of boots
This is △
- It has no distinctive features, for better or worse. If I had to say so, half-baked
A specialized manufacturer of materials that proposes clothing made with merino wool. Purchased size M, measured 20cm.
Made of 63% wool and 35% nylon. Of course, it's 100% Super Fine Merino socks are impossible. A hole opens immediately. The soft feel of the material is clearly visible. The design is like nylon covering the weakness of wool. The pile is removed at the instep with excellent cutting, and the pile is designed to remain firmly ventilated while not feeling hit even with a hard boot like this one.
The pile and thickness are suitable, so there are no areas that hurt your feet and it feels good to wear. If you don't want to fail safely, we recommend this item. An honor student who can anyone experience the benefits.
R×L socks TMW-36
Japan's leading running sock brand, No.1 in general low-cut running socks.
This is the place
- Functionality I'm thinking about my feet really seriously.
- It was moisture absorbent and smooth.
This is △
- If you clear that cushion above the ankle, it's the No. 1 review
- Those who understand the design brand's claims are modest, know that
A Japanese sock manufacturer that proposes running socks in a detailed classification. Purchased size M, measured 20.5cm.
Is the secret behind the composition of merino wool, polyester, and nylon material and detailed composition ratio?
There are piles in areas where the fingers move firmly, areas where support is needed and cushions are needed, and areas where ventilation is available are vents.
It is designed with the movement of the feet carefully considered. Personally, I have a few pairs, but this is my first time using trekking. The ankles are almost ideal.
For this traverse, the area above the ankle was lacking in cushioning. This is an item that we would highly recommend if you would like to use it in a low cut style, such as fast packers with legs.
FITS Medium Hiker Crew
American cheerful sock brand, this may be the No. 1 day trip mountain climbing
This is the place
- Soft comfort
- Fits just like the name
This is △
- Too soft and not strong enough
- Durability
An American brand with a wide range of colours and designs. It's from the US, but the size is just right. Purchased size M, measured 20cm.
The entire pile is knitted from the toes to the opening. It has arch support and stretches well for a perfect fit. The material is made of 70% wool, 22% nylon, and 6% polyester, and this pair is made from a large amount of wool, making it a pair that stays smooth until the end, even in the actual mountains. The pile is thick enough so it won't hurt, but with wool so soft, it's actually a concern about its durability.
It is well made with no wrinkles or baggy flexes on the toes or ankles. I feel like a lighter shoe would suit a lot better. I don't think it's an American brand. These are good socks. If you're climbing a day trip with little luggage and have light shoes, you're sure to be in a good mood.
DARN TOUGH Hiker Boot Sock Midweight Cushion
What a generous "The USA" socks. Recommended if it is close to the upper limit of the display size
This is the place
- Lifetime compensation I think it may be a hole depending on how you use it
- Fits upwards from the ankle and the tightness is just right
This is △
- Thickness of the instep: Since it is completely unpiled, it can be hit with a hard boot.
- Loose toe area Large for your own feet
An American brand that advertises lifetime compensation. The size purchased is M and is actually measured at 23cm. The entire sole of the foot, from the heel to the top, and from the top edge of the boot is made entirely of pile knit.
The material is typical of a brand, with 64% wool and 33% nylon. The toes and heels that are subjected to stress are often made of nylon. When used in the mountains, you can feel that it is absorbing a fair amount of moisture, but in my case, the amount of sweating exceeds and I feel a little damp.
The knitting method may be to reduce the thickness of the instep to improve the fit, but with this hard boot, I'm concerned about the touch of the boot. It is thick enough for a cushion, so you don't have to worry about the ankle or the touch.
The concerns are the size and the size around the heel are fine, but the toes are large. At the end of the test, the toes were wrinkled. These wrinkles can cause blisters later, so be careful.
The size issue is unavoidable. If it is actually larger than 26cm, it is surely not a problem.
It also comes with arch support, so as long as the size fits it will be fine. You might be curious if the boots have a stiffer design, but if they are a little softer trekking shoes, I think it would actually give a good impression.
Feetures MERINO10 CUSHION MINI CREW
The new American sock brand is tough to climb, but the most popular socks you'd like to wear everyday
This is the place
- Softness of the material On the other hand, it is not durable
- Fit: The material stretches smoothly and feels good
This is △
- Is it good to use for mountains? Tencel's choice, length above the ankle
- It's not durable, but it feels good
A relatively new American brand that mainly consists of running socks. Purchased size M, the expected size is 24-26cm, and the actual measurement is 16cm. The entire heel is pile, the heel is covered in thin ribbed knit from the heel to the top, and the arch support is strong.
The material composition made of 35% nylon, 31% wool, and 31% Tencel may be aimed at achieving both strength and flexibility. The wool is also made of high quality, so after a few uses, the pilling is severe after being used, and Tencel is made from highly absorbent wood pulp, which is silky-like supple, but as a sock, it slips and the soles of the feet are unsettled. The pile is sufficiently thick. However, the heels were not long enough for this boot, which was not selected because they were not long enough for the ankles. I personally feel unsure if I use it on low-cut shoes when I slip so much.
However, the materials are really comfortable and soft, with little stuffiness. It's the best for everyday wear. Very expensive everyday socks for celebrities.
ROTOTO HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE
If you're going to claim a relatively new brand from Japan, this is the one.
This is the place
- Soft comfort
- A prominent message
This is △
- Overall loose
- thin
ROTOTO is a sock brand that offers several types of trekking socks. Purchased size M, measured 22cm.
Made of 79% wool, 13% polyester, and 5% nylon. The wool is also made from high-quality ultra-fine fibers, making it extremely soft and comfortable to wear. However, the pile is only the sole and heel, and the instep and above the heel are flat, so it was tough to hit in many ways with boots like this one.
I didn't get a clear distorted feeling, but overall loose knitting doesn't suit me personally. If you have a little bigger legs, it might have a different impression. The boots you wear are also lighter, so I think it would be great for day trips such as mountain climbing.
STRIDE Yubi Socks
New Japanese sock brand - Focus on materials - Smooth feel No.1 for running and fast packing
This is the place
- Material composition that keeps you smooth
- Tabi socks are moving firmly
This is △
- It is extremely comfortable to use for running or fast packing, but it is a bit lacking in volume and strength for full-scale climbing boots.
Tabi socks made from a blend of paper fibers and wool. Purchased size M, measured 20cm.
Made of 48% merino wool, 21% paper fibers, and 29% polyester. To be honest, I knew it didn't match the full-fledged trekking boots like this one, but I was interested so I can't help it. Sorry, but when I read it, I'll subtract that and report it for now.
Personally, I have a few pairs of paper fiber socks, but this is my first time mixing them with Merino. Theoretically, it's pretty clear and quite interesting, but I haven't worn them enough to really feel that I can't explain the smallest differences. However, you can feel the smooth feel of the paper fibers just by wearing them, and you can understand the moisture absorption of wool and the quick-drying properties of poly, which is why expectations are high. Only when I was wearing these socks I walked and ran in my train running shoes, but at the time I was incredibly good.
This pair of shoes is great for finger movements and the grip of the socks, so you'll want to try them out on a continuous basis.
mont-bell KAMICO trekking socks
The biggest feature is the material: A smooth feel for trekking with paper fibers.
This is the place
- A smooth feel with a unique paper fiber
- Enough thick
This is △
- It gets stuffy and saturated
- Too loose
Another pair of paper fiber trekking socks from Montbell. Purchased size M, measured 22cm.
Paper fibers are used in training and adventure races due to their high moisture absorption and good skin distancing. It's rare for trekking so I put it in.
The material composition is made of 36% polyester, 31% unclassified fibers (paper) and 31% nylon, and the design is designed to be quick-drying and keeps the skin away from the skin, but the all-leather gore bootie like this one has halved the appeal. You'll probably be able to see how good it is with the breathable non-gore trekking boots. In this case, sweating saturates the moisture absorption. It wasn't about 100% synthetic fiber, but it felt like I had accumulated sweat. I think you'll be able to feel comfortable if you use it for lighter mountain climbing.
summary
This time, I chose midweight trekking socks to try them out on the actual mountain climb, assuming that they were traversing in a tent in the summer. It was brilliantly divided into Japanese and American brands, but when I searched for products online and chose them, I ended up with this. It was very interesting and meaningful to see how the size and design changed due to the culture and physical characteristics.
A brief summary of the rough features of the material is:
- Wool A highly absorbent material that absorbs moisture up to 30% of its own weight without feeling wet
- Nylon - Moisture absorbent, high material strength and is often used for reinforcement purposes
- Polyester No moisture absorption It does not retain moisture, so it is quick-drying and has a reasonable strength
- Polyurethane Stretchable material. Used to improve fit.
Generally, these four are the materials that make up the socks. By limiting the purpose of use, the best ratios will vary.
Designing socks is to add various functions by changing the knitting method to this.
In this case, it is paired with trekking shoes with built-in Gore booties, so it is clear that sweating will exceed breathability. Socks with a high moisture-absorbing wool ratio are more advantageous, but even so, if you wear them for a long time, the moisture-absorbing performance of wool will become saturated and the wool will become hard. In this case, how to get rid of the moisture from the boots and how to vent them becomes important, so the design of the socks will be tested.
Whether the shoes you use are built into Gore or not, and whether the upper is leather or synthetic, the best proportion of material composition will vary, so there are so many types of socks to choose from when you identify them.
This review is my own opinion, but I hope it can be used as a standard when choosing socks.
Now let's have a fun mountain trip with new tools!
Keroppa
It's been over 30 years since I started to wander around the mountains and wander. I didn't join a mountain club, but I was enjoying the book, magazines, and web information by examining it with my own body, and for some reason I started working for a certain outdoor gear manufacturer. The style of playing in the mountains on weekends all year round, and we enjoy not only peak hunting and traverse climbing, but also fly fishing in the basement, river climbing, BC skiing, trail running, fast packing, orienteering, and more, depending on the season. I love gear, and I can't help but sample items that interest me! I was making excuses and bought it, but by chance I decided to write about it here. I am grateful for your continued support in this industry, but I will review it from the perspective of a first user without any consideration. I will do my best to contribute to all the activities that spread out from new gear!
