Socks for the Camino de Santiago

socks-for-the-path-of-santiago
Sock / Pixabay

The importance of choosing the most suitable footwear for the pilgrimage is the same as that of choosing the right shoes for the pilgrimage. socks for the Camino de Santiago. Even the performance of footwear is closely linked to the performance of the socks.

Recommendations regarding socks for the Way of St. James

The following are some recommendations on the choice of the socks for the Camino de Santiago. Be careful about the material you select and the other characteristics. Just take a moment to look at the composition shown on the label.

Anti-blister socks

They are socks whose main feature is that a double layer is included. A thicker one on the outside and a thinner one on the inside. In this way, friction is achieved between the two layers and not between the sock and the foot.

Coolmax fabric

Socks should be made of synthetic material. One of the most recommended is the Coolmax fabric, which is suitable for preventing moisture and keeping feet dry.

Lycra and polyamide

In the The composition of the sock should also include lycra and polyamide. They help the sock to adapt perfectly to the foot and to hold it in place, preventing postures that can cause injuries or chafing.

Reinforced heel and toe

The socks should have reinforced heel and toe caps. Special socks are available for this type of activity with padding in the sole area.

Breathable socks

To be good, socks must be breathable and avoid excessive sweating, as well as feeling hot in summer and cold in winter.

Protected or seamless seams

They have to be socks with protected seams or, better still, seamless. Recently, seamless socks have become available, designed specifically for trekking or hiking routes, as they help to prevent chafing.

They should not be so thick

The thickness of the sock is also important, as feet tend to swell from heat and exertion. If they are too thick they will cause more heat and friction against some part of the foot.

Useful tips to avoid blisters

For walking the Camino de Santiago it is not enough just to wear the best types of socks and shoes, it is also necessary to follow some very useful practical tips to avoid the appearance of annoying blisters.

Change socks at about mid-stage or every 3 hours.

In addition to the action of changing the socks, the improvement is due to the other components of the process. This includes airing the feet, changing the temperature, getting them to dry out a bit, also relaxing them with a gentle massage while some dirt can be removed, and they can even be refreshed by using some petroleum jelly.

Use of petroleum jelly or anti-scratch creams

If the vaseline or cream is mentholated, it is better, as it provides both warmth and freshness to the foot. It also prevents the socks from rubbing against the skin of the feet. It is recommended to apply it after showering, when your feet are very dry, and to apply a smaller amount in the morning when you put on your shoes. You will notice that a small amount of the cream or petroleum jelly applied the previous evening still remains on your feet.

Wear shoes that you have worn enough

This means that it is not advisable to wear your first pair of trainers or boots when you are going to to do the Camino de Santiago. It is better to use old ones, but already adapted to the shape of your foot. This way you can avoid problems such as tightness or looseness.

This is because you'll be walking 20-30 km a day, and if you're not used to your shoes, you could get blisters, even if you wear the best anti-blister socks.

The best socks for the Way of St. James

Within the wide variety of socks for the Camino de Santiago available on the market. The following can be highlighted:

Camino de Santiago Socks by Mundsocks

This is a pack of socks that is ideal for to walk the Camino de Santiago. It consists of two anti-blister, anti-bacterial and quick-drying socks to prevent problems in this area of the skin.

Lorpen CoolMax Light Hiker Socks TCCFN

This Coolmax sock is designed for those activities where moisture becomes a problem. Coolmax fibres work by drawing perspiration away from the body to the outside, where the evaporation process is faster, allowing the pilgrim to feel more comfortable and cooler.

X-Bionic Trekking Evolution Socks

These are anti-blister socks for trekking and hiking. It has the special feature of a 2-layer sock "Sock in a Sock". The second layer of the sock avoids the friction caused by long hikes or intense exertion.

Conclusion

With the above information, you can now set about choosing the best socks for the Camino de Santiago. You have also seen some tips on how to prevent blisters and some of the main socks that are available on the market.