When you plan to do the Camino de Santiago, you usually make a list with everything that you will need to overcome this route. It is at this moment that doubts arise (especially if you are facing our first Camino and you do not have experience in routes on foot for several days) on what to carry or not in the backpack to maintain a reasonable weight.

From head to toe, you choose the clothing that we will wear, letting ourselves be advised by someone you know who has previous experience on the Camino or by consulting the internet, especially if it is your first time. Among all the clothes and objects, there is one that usually remains in the background and to which you do not usually give the importance it requires: socks. A poor choice of sock can ruin a good quality shoe, and even worse, it could make the route a nightmare. If you do the Camino on foot, the feet will be the most important part and to which you will have to pay the greatest attention and care, since they will take us to Santiago.

To try to guide pilgrims to choose the best option for their feet, we comment below on the two fundamental aspects that should be checked when choosing the ideal sock: manufacturing material and type of construction.

1- Composition fibres:

As we have already mentioned in previous articles, you should avoid cotton socks (link article: Cotton clothing for outdoor activities). Cotton, although it is a natural and resistant fibre, does not breathe enough and will make the foot damp, either due to sweat or humidity outside. In addition, it does not have a good insulating capacity against cold or heat. A wet foot causes the skin to soften which will facilitate the appearance of blisters.

The other option that abounds in specialized stores are socks made of synthetic materials. These materials, although they can provide great resistance, fit and breathability, do not insulate sufficiently in wet conditions, and produce bad odours. Taking into account that we will be walking for several days and that you will surely share a resting space with other pilgrims, the issue of bad smells is not a minor issue. The use of synthetics in general, not only in socks, makes the air in common spaces unbreathable on too many occasions. The option of washing clothes daily can be somewhat tedious after a long day and you will not always have availability or time to do the laundry.

Finally, there is the traditional wool socks, which have been used since ancient times. Its insulating capacity against both cold and heat, even in wet conditions, as well as its high breathability and the absence of bad odours, make it the ideal fibre for all outdoor activity. Among the wools, we highlight Merino wool, which, due to its great fineness, offers greater comfort against the skin and enhances the rest of the qualities of wool (see more Merino wool advantages). However, a 100% wool sock will also have its downsides. Wool, while tough, may not be tough enough on its own to withstand long walks for days at a time. In addition, the fit will not be as good as socks with elastane in its composition.

For the Camino de Santiago, the option we recommend is a combination of synthetics and Merino wool. We consider that a good Merino wool trekking sock should contain at least 65% wool in its composition (it is important to check the composition labels). To provide resistance to wear and tear, they must contain between 15-30% polyamide-nylon and finally between 3-5% elastane to improve the fit. you must avoid polyester, since it is a lower quality material than nylon and is mainly used to make the product cheaper, in addition to other synthetics such as acrylics, which are synthetic and cheap substitutes for wool.

2- Type of construction:

Although most socks are very similar at first glance, you must check that they meet the technical characteristics required for long walks. First, you will check the seams. These must be flat, without bulges that can cause chafing. Later, you will check the elasticity of the sock. For a good fit, it should have an elastic band that surrounds the arch of the foot, as well as elastic support in the ankle area. In this way you will ensure that the sock does not slip. Finally, you will check that the heel and toe areas are reinforced.

When it comes to terry cushioned areas, there are numerous variants, from models that do not have any type of cushion to those that are completely cushioned. For the Camino de Santiago, our recommendation will be to have padding all over the sole of the foot, including the upper area of ​​the toes and the back of the heel, leaving the instep smooth for better ventilation. This way, you will have extra protection against possible skin erosions and the wear of the sock itself. A plain sock, without cushioning, can be lighter and cooler for the summer months, however, the feet could suffer excessively from the continuous friction with the footwear, especially the feet with little training. We also do not recommend a fully padded sock, the Camino de Santiago runs mostly through low altitude areas, which, added to the aerobic activity, could overheat the feet.

In general, we should look for a sock that fits the foot well but does not press too much, especially in the toe and leg area. To avoid the dreaded blisters, the seams must be flat and it is advisable to have cushion on the sole of the foot, including the toes and the heel. As far as composition fibres are concerned, at Skaapherder we always opt for natural fibres such as Merino wool, although in the case of socks, they must be accompanied by a small percentage of nylon and elastane.