Your hiking boots are an integral part of your hiking gear and should be among the most measured of the decisions you make when putting together your hiking wardrobe. But after finding the perfect pair, you still have to figure out what to wear with hiking boots. 

Like any other outdoor activity, hiking is safer and more enjoyable when you’ve dressed appropriately from head to toe. But if you’re a hiking newbie, you might not know how to dress for the occasion. Fortunately, we’re here to fill you in. 

What Kind of Socks Should You Wear On a Hike?

Just as important as your hiking boots are the socks you slip on before you step into them. Choosing socks that are up to the challenges of hiking helps your hiking shoe perform at its best and keeps your feet warm, dry, and blister-free.

Deciding what socks to wear with hiking shoes begins by keeping the following four aspects in mind:¹ 

• Sock length – Hiking boots typically rise at least to your mid ankle, and your hiking socks should rise at least as high to keep your ankles safe from rubbing and chafing against the upper part of your hiking footwear. Crew-length socks or socks with a higher rise are ideal choices.² 

• Material – Choosing the right material for hiking socks isn’t quite as cut-and-dry as choosing the appropriate length. To an extent, the material depends on the conditions you’ll be wearing the socks in. Cold, snowy weather requires thick material like wool, while you can get away with thinner, synthetic fabrics in warmer climates. In all cases, opt for a pair that offers moisture-wicking to keep you dry. 

• Durability – It’s important to consider durability when choosing hiking socks. Making long treks across rugged, rough terrain puts a lot of pressure on your socks, so be sure you’ve selected a well-made pair that can stand up to the wear and tear.

• Comfort – If your socks aren’t comfortable, there’s little chance that your hiking shoes will be. Choosing the right material and length goes a long way to ensuring that your socks keep you comfy on your day hike.

You’ll probably want to pick up a few different types of hiking socks if you’ve recently become enamored with time on the trail. For example, you’ll surely want thicker, warmer hiking socks during winter than you’d use on a summer day hike that crosses a lot of creeks.

And if blisters and hotspots are a concern, you might want to consider “sock liners.” These very thin socks are commonly made from wool or silk and worn underneath your normal pair to add some warmth and decrease friction.

What Kind of Pants Should You Wear On a HIke?

Many of the same rules for picking hiking socks apply to choosing what pants to wear with hiking boots. In both cases, you should prioritize fabrics that are durable, quick-drying, and comfortable.³ 

Quick-drying pants are essential when you’re hiking. There’s always that chance that you’ll get unexpectedly soaked in the wilderness, and you don’t need a pair of water-logged pants slowing you down. Quick-drying fabrics reduce the chance of wet pants leading to chafing and other discomforts.

Likewise, your hiking pants need to be durable enough to protect your legs from scrapes, cuts, and other injuries caused by natural hazards like:

• Branches
• Brush
• Thorns
• Rocks

It’s also important to keep your own comfort in mind. Largely, that means striking the perfect balance between pants that are roomy enough to promote mobility and flexibility yet form-fitting enough that they don’t snag on branches, rocks, and other protrusions. And if you’re wearing high-cut hiking footwear, the jeans or pants’ bottoms need to be wide enough to fit over them.

Should You Wear Shorts On a Hike? 

Generally speaking, long pants are your safest bet when going on a hike. It’s usually a good idea to have your legs covered and the skin well-protected. 

That said, you can get away with wearing shorts for certain hikes. Shorts are a feasible option as long as your hike doesn’t expose you to dangers like:

• Frigid temperatures
• Mosquitoes, bees, and other insects
• Tall grass or thorny bushes
• Loose terrain

What Should You Wear On Top?

When it comes to hiking tops, the conditions of your hike and your personal comfort should influence your decision-making. For summer hikes, a short-sleeve shirt keeps you cool, but your everyday t-shirt probably lacks the quick-drying, moisture-wicking features that allow sweat to evaporate quickly.³ Instead, choose athletic tops made from materials like:⁴

• Merino wool
• Polyester
• Other synthetics

If you’re hiking in colder weather, a long-sleeve shirt may be the way to go. But again, be sure to choose your fabrics wisely. Keep in mind that you’ll be exerting a significant amount of energy on your hike, so opting for lightweight synthetics that offer breathability can help keep you from overheating, especially if you’re wearing it under outwear.

Likewise, if you’re someone who runs warm, you may be better served by short sleeves, even in wintry conditions. 

Gear Up For Your Hike With Boot World

Regardless of what else you have on, the foundation of an incredible hiking experience is the boots you wear. Fortunately, Boot World is here to meet your needs and defy your expectations—just as we’ve been doing for over 50 years. 

If you need hiking boots for adventuring or a pair of work boots you can wear every day, Boot World has you covered. We offer an impressive selection of hiking shoes in the latest styles from the best, most-trusted brands around, so start shopping today. Your feet deserve it.  

Sources: 

1. Travel and Leisure. The Best Hiking Socks, According to Outdoor Experts. https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/best-hiking-socks 

2. Comrad Socks. Choosing Hiking Socks That Work For You. https://www.comradsocks.com/blogs/journal/which-hiking-socks-should-you-wear-on-your-next-trip 

3. Backpacker. What to Wear Hiking (And What Not to Wear). https://www.backpacker.com/skills/what-to-wear-hiking/ 

4. Expert World Travel. Moisture Wicking Fabrics: Everything You Need to Know. https://expertworldtravel.com/moisture-wicking-fabrics/