How to use liner socks for hiking

What sock liners do

Most rubbing in boots happens when the sock grips the skin and moves with the boot. With a liner, the slippery inner sock tends to stay with your foot while the outer sock moves with the boot, so some of that movement happens between the two layers. Liners also pull sweat away from the skin and pass it to the outer sock, which can keep skin drier.

They add a little warmth and let you wash the thin liner more often than the thick hiking sock on long trips.

How to wear them

Putting liners on properly is what makes them work. Wrinkles defeat the purpose by creating new rubbing points.

1. 1

   Pull on the liner first, smoothing it from the toes up so there are no creases.

2. 2

   Make sure the heel of the liner sits on your heel, not above or below it.

3. 3

   Pull the hiking sock over the liner, again with no wrinkles.

4. 4

   Check the liner cuff sits inside the hiking sock cuff.

5. 5

   Put on your boots and lace as usual, checking for new pressure points.

How should liners and socks fit?

The liner should be snug, close to the skin like a second layer, without cutting in at the cuff or squeezing the toes. The hiking sock should be your usual size and not stretched tight over the liner. If the combination feels tight in your boots, use a thinner hiking sock rather than going without toe room.

Hiking socks in general should be close-fitting but not tight: snug enough not to bunch or slide, loose enough not to leave deep marks.

Do liners fit in your boots?

A liner adds a little volume. In a boot fitted with a thick sock, that can mean less toe room and pressure on the instep. If you plan to use liners, try your boots with the liner and the hiking sock together. A slightly thinner outer sock usually restores the fit.

If your boots already feel snug, our guide on how walking boots should fit helps you judge whether a different size or a roomier boot would help. Our best walking boots for wide feet includes higher-volume options.

See walking boots for wide feet →

When liners are worth trying

Liners are worth trying if you get hot spots on long walks despite well-fitting boots, if your feet sweat heavily, or if you are doing a multi-day trail where you want an easy sock to wash each evening. They are less useful on short walks or in very hot weather in tight boots.

Liners will not fix boots that are the wrong size or shape. If rubbing happens in the same place every time, check the fit and lacing first. Our article on blisters from walking boots covers common causes.

• Long days and multi-day trails.
• Feet that sweat a lot.
• Recurring hot spots in well-fitting boots.
• Winter walks where a little extra warmth helps.

Caring for liner socks

Wash liners inside out on a cool cycle and air dry them; they dry quickly. On trips, rinse them each evening in cool water. Replace them when they thin at the heel or lose their shape. Our guide on how to wash hiking socks applies to liners too.

Frequently asked questions

Do sock liners prevent blisters? They can reduce friction on the skin, which helps many walkers, but they do not fix poorly fitting boots.

Are hiking socks supposed to be tight? Snug enough not to bunch or slide, but not so tight that they leave deep marks or squeeze your toes.

Can I wear two hiking socks instead of a liner? Two thick socks usually take too much room and can create pressure. A thin liner under one hiking sock works better.

Are merino or synthetic liners better? Synthetic liners dry faster; merino liners resist odour and stay warm when damp. Both work.