Can You Wear Hiking Boots Without Socks?

I often wonder why some people decide to go sockless when on trail. What is it that hikers find beneficial by not wearing socks? It seems to me the risks far outweigh the potential benefits that some find by going sockless. 

It is a personal preference but yes, you can wear hiking boots without socks. If you decide to go sockless while wearing hiking boots I recommend you still bring a pair of socks with you. It would also be wise to ensure your first aid kit is outfitted with bandages, antibacterial cream (antibiotic cream such as Neosporin), and antifungal cream.

Benefits Of Hiking Socks

Hiking without socks may be your preference, however, there are benefits to wearing socks while hiking. Socks offer a level of protection against the friction of the boot or shoe against your skin. If you go sockless, you will more than likely develop blisters, sores, and even athletes foot. Socks also offer a level of protection against hot spots that become painful due to pressure against a rigid object. Socks, particularly those made from merino wool, offer odor resistance and keep both your feet and shoes from smelling bad.  Another benefit to wearing socks is that they provide protection against minor cuts and scratches from stray trail debris. 

Why Do Hikers Go Sockless

There are a wide array of reasons some hikers actually prefer to go sockless.  I will review some of those objections to wearing socks and offer a rebuttal.

• Some claim that the socks can be too tight and cut off circulation to the feet.  Typically, a hiker may notice swelling or discoloration of the feet if the socks are cutting off circulation. Finding the right pair of socks is important and you should probably start with a pair made from merino wool that is specifically designed for hiking. These types of socks have extra padding to prevent blisters and hug the foot and calf ever so perfectly to strike a balance between comfort and a feeling of support.

• Other hikers swear that not wearing socks can keep the feet and body cooler. Again, it is about finding the right pair of hiking socks. A thin pair of merino wool socks can be surprisingly breathable and assist with keeping your feet cool while hiking. In the summer months it might be tempting to forgo wearing socks.  However, when your feet start to sweat they will start to rub against your shoes leading to sores and blisters. Not to mention, the odor left behind from your feet will reside in your shoes and can be tough to eliminate in the short-term. Merino wool socks are inherently not conducive for bacteria to combine with sweat which, is what causes the odor in the first place.

• Some people have had bad experiences with wearing socks while hiking. However, many times the bad experiences can be attributed to the use of cotton socks rather than those that consist of mainly merino wool. Wearing cotton socks while hiking is often considered a rookie mistake. If you are new to hiking, you may not know this. And without the guidance of a seasoned veteran, you may forgo the use of socks altogether due to a misguided belief; that socks are a hindrance to a good hike.  Well, I hate to play the contrarian but, if you pick yourself a sock engineered for hiking you will not run into the same issues you will encounter with a regular cotton sock.

• Others say that hiking without socks makes the shoe feel like an extension of their feet. Again, wearing socks is a personal preference.  It is one that many prefer due to the issues experienced by the dearth of fabric between their feet and shoes. Ultimately, the decision to go sockless is yours, and if you truly enjoy this feeling then go for it.  But please bring a pair of socks with you.  Moreover, if you enjoy the feeling of going sockless there are thin versions of merino wool socks that I encourage you to try!

• Finally, some hikers say wet socks are uncomfortable and they do not wear them because of the environment they will be hiking in.  Now, there is validity to choosing not to wear socks while crossing a creek bed/a river/shallow water, etc.  You could wear a pair of socks and temporarily remove them when needed and then put them back on as soon as you were no longer in contact with water. If you are hiking in an area that sees significant rainfall then you could wear water-resistant pants over top of your boots and still have a pair of socks on. The water-resistant pants will prevent the socks from becoming soaked and ruining your day. If your socks do become wet you always take a break, start a fire and let them dry near the fire.  Remember, merino wool and synthetic fiber socks will dry faster than cotton socks. Merino wool socks are the way to go for all your hiking adventures.

The Potential Dangers And Pitfalls Of Going Sockless While Hiking

As mentioned earlier, If you decide to wear hiking boots without socks you will want to keep an extra pair in your pack in case you start to develop blisters or notice an unbearable odor from your feet region. Socks act as a protective barrier between your skin and the shoe. When your feet begin to run against the shoe, especially after sweating since the moisture that saturates the skin will allow that skin to break easier, you will notice sores, blisters and lesions that develop on the feet. These abrasions can be painful and even force you to stop hiking and take a break.  By going sockless, you also create a conducive environment for the fungus dermatophyte, which causes athlete’s foot. Always keep antifungal and antibiotic creams in your first aid kits to tend to such predicaments. 

Alternatives To Wearing Hiking Boots Without Socks

If wearing socks just isn’t for you then I suggest you seek other shoe options such as trail runners. Trail runners are inherently breathable and will aid in keeping your feet dry and help keep the stench to a minimum. Of course, these too will eventually start to stink after extended use. Trail runners are also comfortable enough that forgoing socks might not be that unpleasant in terms of comfort. You can even opt for open-toe shoes if you are going on less strenuous hikes where there are minimum elevation climbs and falls and the mileage is reasonable. A lot of hikers have recently switched from hiking boots to trail runners or hiking shoes. Read about the pros and cons of hiking boots here.

Conclusion

When hiking, it is probably best to wear socks. Socks will help prevent blisters and any avid hiker knows that blisters can ruin your experience and in some occasions your hike.  You do not want to take a break from hiking to tend to blistered feet, especially when hiking with others. If you need to go sockless you should keep it a minimum amount( when crossing over wet terrain) or if you insist on going sockless all together please ensure your boots or shoes are broken in and an extra pair of socks are packed in your bag. Finally, the socks you choose should consist primarily of merino wool and be specifically designed for hiking.

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