5 Reasons Why You Should Hike in Toe Socks

When I started hiking, I sort of fell into wearing toe socks. The first year, after I graduated from college and started taking hiking more seriously (you can read my full story here), I borrowed my brother’s toe socks and wore them hiking. He and my father used to do martial arts and would wear toe socks with toe shoes, that was my first introduction to toe socks.

I honestly can’t tell you why I did that, I don’t remember, but since that moment, I’ve only hiked in toe socks. I’ve now expanded that to include snowboarding in toe socks and running in toe socks. Specifically Injinji toe socks.

There are so many benefits to hiking in toe socks, and in partnership with Injinji, I’m going to break down five benefits of wearing toe socks on hikes in this blog post.

Prevent Blisters

One of the biggest benefits of wearing toe socks when hiking is that it helps to prevent blisters. Because every toe is wrapped in its own fabric, it prevents any friction between the toes which can create blisters.

Injinji toe socks are also specifically designed in moisture-wicking fabric to keep your feet dry. Which is another essential of blister prevention Read through this blog post for more info on blister prevention.

Utilizes Your Whole Foot

When your toes are separated, it properly aligns your foot so your weight is distributed evenly. This allows your entire foot to be engaged and utilized when you’re hiking, snowboarding, running, or any other activity.

Since your toes are separated, it will also improve the alignment in your foot. Especially if you have bunions, this can be helpful to correct them.

Enhances Flexibility

Because every toe is separated and is able to move on its own, it increases your foot flexibility. Improving your range of motion in your feet can help keep your feet and ankles strong. It can also prevent any mild foot pain because of the improved flexibility.

Just like when you stretch any other part of your body it feels better, the same goes for your feet! For more flexibility tips for your feet and how to care for your feet on a long hike, read through this blog post.

Improves Balance

Toe socks provide proper body balance by allowing your feet to align correctly and naturally without any restrictions. This improves your posture, but also your balance! Which can help greatly on hikes.

When your body is properly aligned, you feel better, your balance improves, your flexibility improves, it relieves you of any pain, and you can more easily move within your own body.

Hiking is a full body sport, but usually our feet take the most beating, especially on longer trails. They are also the most neglected area of your body.

Reduces Swelling

It’s totally normal for feet to swell on hikes, especially longer ones. Wearing toe socks helps reduce swelling because it improves blood circulation. Since your entire foot is utilized, your toes are separated, and toe socks are seamless, it all helps improve blood circulation which ultimately will reduce swelling. This also improves your athletic performance and reduces foot fatigue because it improves your blood circulation.