Socks are not very exciting pieces in the gamut of outdoor gear. But while they come up way short in “cool factor”, they are vital to any good day of adventuring. Socks are the first line of defense against a long day of roughing it.
Great boots + crappy socks= unhappy feet. It’s just science. Hi-Tec makes stockings for all types of activities, from daily casual wear to your next big mountain skiing/boarding adventure. I tested three styles for three months, and here is what I found:
Mountainscape Crew Sock:
Made with combed cotton, this style features deep heel pockets and reinforced heel and toe areas. Man, do they feel great! For me, a combed cotton fabric is ideal if I don’t plan on getting wet. Wearing these around my house, office and the streets of SLC keeps my feet warm, happy, and comfortable. I never had an issue with excessive sweating, and the Mountainscape socks paired perfect with low profile shoes or winter boots. Plus, one variety has a picturesque mountain scene stitched into the calf area…bonus points for sweet detailing.
Be Active Performance Hiking Sock:
These have a great fit and feel, thanks to the Merino wool and acrylic blend of fabric. My feet didn’t overheat in Performance hiking socks, and sweat wasn’t an issue on warmer days in the hills. At $20 for two pair, it’s tough to find a better deal when it comes to keeping your feet happy when hiking.
Black Cushion Boot Sock:
My first impression of this style was that they would be WAY too thick for wearing as snowboarding socks. However, the Black Cushioned Boot Sock is now in my “go-to” collection for resort riding. They feature full cushioning through the leg area, and arch compression for support and a snug fit. I’ve never really given much thought to the cushioning power of a sock, but I honestly noticed a difference during hard landings while wearing these. Hi-Tec has done a nice job of creating a skiing sock that treads the line between comfort and performance. Also, they are made with a merino wool/acrylic blend, which does a fine job of keeping sweat and odor at bay while you stack up the vertical.
The Good: Comfortable and capable from the lift line to the mean streets.
The Bad: Nothing at all!
The Verdict: If you’re looking for performance socks that handle their biz at a pocket-friendly price, then look no further.