Socks are very important for hunters, as hunters spend a lot of time at low temperatures with no physical activity. The composition of these types of socks consists mainly of natural wool fibers; in rare cases, synthetic materials are added to them.
Heat preservation
This is the most important characteristic that you should pay attention to before making a purchase. Good socks should keep the heat of both feet for about 10 hours, even if they are submerged in snow. But, of course, if you plan to hunt in the Alaska area or any other less cold location, such socks will still suit you. To be reinsured will never hurt, agree?
What Guarantees Ventilation and Comfort
The first thing that you pay attention to when buying socks is comfort. No matter how soft or light your shoes are; if you put on uncomfortable socks, any shoes will cause discomfort. Of course, leg comfort is a very subjective, so before you make a purchase it will be better to measure your feet to choose the right size. Anyway, you should know that socks that give a curve and additional padding on high effect regions, for example, the toe and foot sole areas have a tendency to convey almost all people. As far as the materials that are the most agreeable, it’s difficult to beat fleece and silk.
The foot should not sweat, so you should pay attention to the season of socks use when buying them. A soft antimicrobial layer on the sole should protect the hunter’s ankle from blisters and callosities after long transitions. If you buy socks for hunting correctly, then you will forget about the discomfort, cold, and sweat once and for all.
Significance of The Insulation
Any socks should be worn on the bare leg. If there will be no insulation, the temperature balance will be affected, and, consequently, the legs can overheat and overcool. All the socks presented on the website have thermal insulation suitable for hunting. Pay attention to the composition of socks, because the addition of certain fibers in the manufacture of socks-increases the drying rate and insulating properties in comparison with socks made of 100% Merino wool.
Importance of The Breathability
All types of socks for hunting provide high breathability that guarantees the reduction of moisture from the surface of the feet and allows your feet to breathe.The breathability of fabrics depends on the presence of pores: thin and low-density tissues have more of them, while thick and dense tissues have less. On how well the material passes air or water vapor, in some cases, depends not only comfort, but human health. After all, quite often, the lack of proper aeration causes overheating of the body, which is fraught with the development of colds, skin rashes, and cardiovascular diseases. When buying socks, pay attention to the existence of the membrane. It is the main component that guarantees breathability.
Moisture and Odor Prevention
All hunting socks provide good ventilation, absorb moisture well, and dry quickly. This ensures warmth and comfort.
Socks that have a large amount of wool are among the best socks for sweaty feet because of their ability to absorb moisture, which prevents the appearance of odor. Woolen socks are often slightly thicker, but the texture of yarns is not dense. This allows air to move and cool your feet in hot weather and warm them when it’s cold.
When you move a little, we recommend wool in most cases.
Durability – A Matter of No Less Importance
The socks, which have synthetic fibers in the composition of the material, are less subjected to natural wear. These fibers, in addition to effective moisture reduction, have durability, because of their strength. Some models have a condensed sole and heel zones, which determine the special strength of the material in places experiencing increased tension while wearing and guarantee a longer period of perfect wear.
However, even the most durable products will last a shorter period of time in case of intensive, everyday wear, so you should have 2-3 pairs of socks and wear them in turn.
Height and Size of Your Socks
It is important to choose the highest possible socks so that their length is higher than the shoe. Otherwise, after tightening the boot in the shin area, the elastic band of the socks can strongly press the foot, which can lead to a decrease in blood circulation. At best, it will lead to the rapid freezing of the feet.
Thermal socks are usually very elastic, fitting tightly to the leg; they reduce the risk of getting corns. It is important to wear socks that are the correct size. Large socks are worse at removing moisture and can wear out faster; in addition, excess material on foot can create discomfort. Small socks are also unacceptable.
Pay attention to the seams. Their presence is undesirable; in extreme cases, they should be flat and on the outer area of the sock.
What Materials Are Used in Hunting Socks?
In order to choose the best socks for hunting correctly (the choice is especially important in winter), it is necessary to understand what materials exist. The composition of any sock can include both synthetic and natural fibers, in certain proportions (the proportions are indicated above in the description of socks). So, let’s take a closer look at the composition.
The list of natural materials used in these socks is quite limited and includes:
- Wool. Wool is the best material for a very important factor – isolation. Wool will keep your feet dry even in the most unfavorable weather conditions. In case you’re anticipating chasing into colder and wetter conditions, a mid to heavyweight sock made out of wool is the best decision. It perfectly retains heat and absorbs moisture. But it has one significant disadvantage – it takes a very long time to dry. The best wool is made from Merino sheep, it is most often used in thermal socks, along with synthetic fibers. (products with merino wool from the list- Flambeau Outdoor F250 Heated Socks, Pembrook Wool Sport Socks)
- Silk. Smooth, soft, retains heat well but is not durable. (Therefore, silk models are not in the list)
- Cotton. Hypoallergenic and absorbent, but at the same time poorly drying material, besides, it has no thermal insulation properties. This all makes it a good component of summer socks, in addition to synthetic materials. (Flambeau Outdoor F250 Heated Socks, GLOBAL VASION Rechargeable Battery Heated Socks Kit, Autocastle Heated Socks Rechargeable Electric Battery Operated Heat Socks Kit)
Synthetic materials:
Of course, this list of materials is not irrefragable; many manufacturers develop their own materials to determine which fibers can better perform various functions. Among other things, important components are durability, tactile sensations, and antibacterial effect as it prevents the development of unpleasant odors.
FAQ
We prepared a section to answer the most commonly asked questions about socks for hunting.
What Elements Should I Look for When Choosing Socks?
Socks should:
- Be comfortable
- Fit your feet
- Reduce moisture effectively
Socks should be chosen according to the expected weather conditions of the place where you plan to hunt, as well as your physical activity.
How Should I Wash My Socks and Care for Them?
Thermal socks need regular care, the correctness of which depends on the preservation of functional and external characteristics of the item over a long period of time.
- Before washing your socks, turn them inside out to clean the fibers from organic contamination.
- Wash socks by hand, or in the washing machine, on a special set of delicate washing; the water temperature should not be more than 30°C. Use detergents for wool.
- After washing, leave them in the sink and let the water drain naturally. You can gently squeeze the product with your hands without twisting. It is forbidden to wring out socks in a washing machine!
- Dry away from radiators and other heating appliances.
- If there is lint on the socks after washing or wearing, it can be gently cleaned with your hands. When using a special remover, be should be careful, as the wool fiber can easily be damaged.
Why Is Merino Wool the Best Socks Material?
Socks with natural merino wool in the composition have unique features of thermoregulation, high strength, and moisture reduction. Merino wool is the warmest natural fiber. Such socks are universal, and their main distinctive advantage is the preservation of a comfortable, constant temperature on the surface of the skin on foot, both in a warm room and outside, regardless of your activity.
High-tech synthetic fibers (polyamide, polypropylene, nylon), which is a certain ratio, added to the natural wool, provide effective reduction of moisture from the skin without wetting the material, which guarantees the preservation of dryness and the hygiene of your feet, even when wearing socks during the day.
Which Features Should a Pair of Hunting Socks Have?
Socks for hunting have unique features to remove moisture from the legs. Your feet will stay dry and warm for a long period of time, or rather until you undress. That distinguishes them from ordinary cotton and woolen products.
Contrary to popular belief, it is worth noting that the winter socks themselves are not able to warm your feet. They just don’t allow your limbs to cool down and maintain a comfortable temperature for the human body. For this reason, when choosing such products, it is necessary to not choose models that not only reduce moisture but also one that retains heat.
Conclusion
It is impossible to describe how good and high-quality socks are important for hunting. The main thing to remember there are three the most important components of ideal socks – thickness, comfort and their warmth. If you buy socks based on these characteristics, you will get a perfect product!