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How to Choose Hiking Socks
In mountaineering, socks are just as important as the kind of shoes you wear. By choosing socks that are suitable for your intended use and for you, you can not only prevent injuries such as blisters but also enhance the fit with your footwear and achieve greater comfort. We will introduce how to choose hiking socks from a wide variety of options including materials, thickness, and shape.
The role of hiking socks
Cushioning
Enhances fit with footwear and cushions impact on the soles of the feet.
Wicking
Minimizes discomfort due to perspiration.
Insulation
The toes, which are prone to getting cold among body parts, need to be kept warm.
Skin protection
Protects from friction with the inside of footwear, such as blisters.
Construction and Features of Montbell Mountaineering Socks
A. Tapered fit
A tapered design that follows the shape from the ankle to the calf prevents the sock from sagging.
B. L-shaped pattern
A three-dimensional design tailored to the shape of Japanese heels provides an excellent fit.
C. Full Support Fit System
Elastic threads wrap around the entire foot for a comfortable fit.
With no tightness in specific areas, these are designed to be gentle on the skin even when worn for extended periods.
D. Reinforcement
Reinforcement threads are incorporated at stress points specific to each model, ensuring high durability.
Different patterns used for each size
Montbell socks achieve an excellent fit by employing a wider pattern for men's sizes M, L, and XL, and a narrower pattern for women's models and men's size S.
Choose thickness according to use
The required thickness of socks varies depending on the activity and the footwear they are paired with. Montbell offers a wide lineup ranging from ultra-heavyweight (Expedition) for winter mountaineering to lightweight (Travel) that can be worn everyday.
| Expedition | Alpine | Trekking | Walking | Travel | |
| Thickness | Ultra-Heavyweight | Super-Heavyweight | Heavyweight | Midweight | Lightweight |
| Pile |  |
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| Compatible Footwear | ・Boots for winter conditions | ・Boots for winter conditions ・High-cut boots |
・High-cut boots ・Mid-cut boots, etc. |
・Low-cut hiking shoes ・Sneakers, etc. |
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| Key Features | Can be used for high-altitude winter mountaineering and polar expeditions. Provides insulation, durability, and cushioning. | Has cushioning and durability, with insulation capable of withstanding use in winter mountaineering. | Equipped with high cushioning and moderate insulation that performs well in general mountaineering. | Features highly elastic pile in the sole area to support long hours of walking. | These socks have no pile, making them widely useful for travel and everyday use. |
| Product List | Expedition/Alpine Socks | Trekking Socks | Walking Socks | Travel Socks | |
Choose footwear together with socks
When the thickness of socks changes, the fit of footwear also changes, and incompatible socks can cause blisters and other problems. When purchasing footwear, please try them on while wearing the socks you will actually use.
Choosing materials
Montbell hiking socks use three different materials. Choose the appropriate material according to your intended use and desired functions.
Wickron
Excellent quick-drying and durability, absorbs and wicks away perspiration quickly for a comfortable fit.
Merino Wool
Excellent in heat retention and naturally odor resistant properties, making it suitable for cold feet and long trips.
KAMI-ITO PLUS
A fabric with a cool feel that provides a smooth, dry feel even during warm sweaty conditions.
Wickron: Highly quick-drying and durable
Quick-drying
By adopting a proprietary core-sheath structure that wraps the core yarn with a material with excellent wicking properties, moisture can be quickly spread out for faster drying.
Durability for long-lasting use
Features a high-strength core wrapped with a highly cushioning material, achieving both excellent durability and comfort.
Odor resistant
Features odor-resistant properties that remain effective even after washing.
Merino Wool: Excellent heat retention and naturally odor resistant
Superior warmth retention
Made with high-quality wool with long, fine fibers, it provides excellent warmth without the itchy feel typical of wool.
Moisture regulation and naturally odor-resistant properties unique to merino wool
Even during high levels of activity, wool's ability to regulate moisture and humidity keeps the inside of footwear comfortable and provides excellent odor control.
Shrink-resistant treatment
Features a shrink-resistant treatment that prevents shrinking during washing and offers excellent durability.
KAMI-ITO PLUS: Cool-to-the-touch fabric that release excess heat
KAMI-ITO PLUS is a material based on paper yarn made by making paper from Manila hemp or conifer trees (plants that can be harvested in just 2 to 3 years) and cutting the paper into narrow strips and twisting them. By combining it with nylon and polyester for socks, it offers the characteristics of paper yarn while providing the strength and quick-drying properties needed for outdoor activities. Due to its breathability and wicking properties, it releases excess heat and maintains a refreshing, dry feel even when perspiring. It features an odor-resistant property that does not diminish even after washing.
Models with distinctive features and shapes
"Supportec Socks" series that reduces strain on the feet
A. Arch support
By supporting the arch from below, it helps distribute pressure and reduce impact on the sole; it prevents the arch from collapsing even during long-distance walking and supports smooth foot movement.
B. Calf support
Graduated compression provides support from the ankle up to the calf
C. Excellent cushioning and slip resistance
High-contact areas are densely knit to add extra cushioning and durability. Also provides slip resistance and a comfortable fit.
Split Toe Socks
Split-toe socks that make it easier to walk with your big toe engaged. They pair well with tabi-style footwear used in Shower Climbing and are also recommended for sandals with thong straps.
5-Toe Socks
Five-toe socks make it easier to put strength into your toes, allowing you to walk with better grip and stability. They also absorb perspiration between the toes, reducing discomfort.
Socks recommended for other activities
In addition to mountaineering socks, we offer a lineup of socks recommended for daily use and those specialized for various activities.
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For running
Developed for running with higher levels of activity and perspiration in mind.
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For snow sports
Our lineup includes models that fit forward-bent postures, such as skiing, and inner socks.
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