Sports outdoors can be rough on your feet, and that is why we recommend a great pair of socks as a first line of defense to keep your feet comfortable, free of blisters, and dry. It may sound funny to call a sock "technical", but you can't deny the great improvement that these high-end sock can give you.
In this article you will be able to compare all of your choices.
Base your socks on the activity
Multi sport socks: This is a broad sock category that can vary greatly from the traditional white gym socks to the higher end socks with extra technical features designed for running and cross-training. Usually these socks offer some cushioning.
Running socks: This sock type can range from thin liners with minimal padding to heavily cushioned running socks. It all depends on your needs. Many runners enjoy minimal padding for an optimal shoe fit while others enjoy extra padding for reduced foot strain.
Walking socks: Walking socks are not very complex, the offer simple cushioning and moisture-wicking attributes for the average walker.
Casual socks: This sock category is easily distinguished by their more casual designs often consisting of strips and varying colors. These are lightweight socks that offer quality performance.
Lightweight hiking socks: Contrary to what you may suspect, this sock category is usually thinner than most. They are midweight socks and can be worn with a liner sock if the wearer finds necessary. They are especially thin on the top to allow for easy breathing and air flow with moderate cushioning at the bottom of the foot to prevent blisters and fatigue.
backpacking socks: This sock category has a greater thickness for those who find the lightweight hiking socks to be a bit too thin. They have even more padding in the ball and heel of the foot than the lightweight hiking socks, and they offer padding on the top of the sock. These can be worn with or without sock liners and will keep you comfortable on longer trails.
Mountaineering socks: These socks are the thickest out of every category with extra bulk for the extremely cold conditions.
Snowboard socks: Snowboard socks are almost always padded around the shin and underfoot to protect the lower leg from bumps and crashes. The rest of the sock is relatively thin as they are not intended to provide you with warmth. Usually, the boot and the emitted body heat is enough to keep the feet warm while snowboarding.
Special Categories
Liner socks: Liner socks are usually worn under hiking socks for an extra layer of comfort and protection. They make moisture-wicking much more efficient to keep you even more dry and comfortable. They are also extremely easy to clean and dry super fast making them a popular choice among hikers.
Waterproof socks: There are two types of waterproof socks. The first is an oversock that is great to wear over your hiking socks in harsher conditions. The second is just a typical sock with waterproof attributes that you wear in place of your normal socks.