THE GOOD SOCKS GUIDE

The 12 best walking socks we know. And why they work so darn well. BAM Technical Bamboo Walking Sock £20

HJ Hall ProTrek Adventure Trek £12.50

Considering that they usually come in as the cheapest socks in our test, there is nothing cheap about these delightful wool-blend socks. We’ve worn these many times over many years and always been impressed, especially on tougher and longer hikes, thanks to their excellent cushioning, reinforced heel and toe, and firm arch support.

Not quite as breathable as merino or Coolmax, but still a pleasure – and a bargain. hj.co.uk

1000 Mile Trek Single Layer £15 (twin pack)

At £15 for two pairs, these merino socks are a real bargain. They’re highly sophisticated, with seamless padding over the toe, around the forefoot and heel, and up the Achilles tendon. Plus there’s great ventilation over the top of the foot. The brand’s thicker double-layer socks (£14 per pair) come with a Blister-Free Guarantee, but for most walks, this lighter, more breathable and better-value option is ideal. 1000mile.co.uk

Lorpen T2 Coolmax Liner £16

The term ‘liner’ is a bit misleading; how many walkers are still doubling up their socks? What Lorpen have really made here is a great lightweight sock that will work all by itself for most walkers: it breathes nicely, keeps its shape and doesn’t slide around. It’s especially good in warmer weather. There isn’t a lot of padding (which I guess is why they call it a liner), but on most days, it’s all the sock you need. lorpen.co.uk

Snugpak Merino Military Sock £13

‘Military Sock’ sounds a little intimidating, but it does give you an idea how tough, resilient and built-to-last these socks are. UK brand Snugpak divide their range between Outdoor and Military; this is now the only sock they make, and I’d imagine it’s as ideal for a two-week exercise on Otterburn as it is for a wintry hike in mid-Wales. A little saggy at the collar and too thick for summer, but otherwise a great sock. snugpak.com

Bridgedale Hike Lightweight T2 Coolmax Performance £15.50

Another exceptional sock from Bridgedale. It’s just a joy to wear, especially on warmer days thanks to its synthetic Coolmax fabric and great moisture management. The name might be complex but the promise is simple: support, flexibility, warmth and breathability in one sleek package. bridgedale.com

Made with bamboo-derived fabric, these are essentially excellent. The only oddity is that BAM make another sock that’s £5 cheaper (just called ‘Bamboo Walking Sock’) which actually feels even smoother and softer than this one, partly thanks to a terry lining that’s lacking here. What makes this one ‘technical’ is a stiffer structure and ventilation over the top. It’s nice, but you could save a fiver and be quite happy in the other one. bambooclothing.co.uk