Do Waterproof socks work for hiking?

Should you use waterproof socks for hiking?

Short answer: It depends. I used them at points on all of the Triple Crown Trails. Would I use them again? Yes - but there are some serious drawbacks.

Why Waterproof Socks?

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is famous for its rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and challenging conditions, making it a tough test for any hiker. In 2022, during my AT thru-hike, I decided to try something a bit unconventional: wearing waterproof socks. Specifically, I used the DexShell Cool Vent Waterproof Socks, which feature a waterproof membrane sandwiched between two layers of synthetic material. These mid-calf socks seemed like a great solution to keep my feet dry during rainstorms and while trekking through muddy conditions. However, after walking over 2,200 miles, I’ve come to some important conclusions about their effectiveness.

The decision to use waterproof socks was motivated by the trail's notorious rain and mud. Throughout the AT, hikers are often faced with wet shoes, puddles, and streams. I thought that by using waterproof socks, I could protect my feet from getting soaked and, ideally, prevent issues like trench foot—a common concern for long-distance hikers in wet environments. Waterproof socks seemed like a logical choice to keep my feet dry inside wet shoes.

The Pros of Waterproof Socks

Durability
One of the standout features of the DexShell Cool Vent socks was their durability. Despite walking over 2,000 miles rotating between two pairs, the socks held up remarkably well. I didn’t notice any holes or significant wear until the very end of my hike, which was impressive given the challenging conditions of the AT.

Protection Against Rain and Mud
For shorter walks in light rain or on wet trails, these socks provided an added layer of protection. When walking through puddles or brief rainstorms, they effectively kept my feet dry, at least for a short while. The waterproof membrane worked as expected, preventing rain from soaking directly into the socks.

Warmth in snow
Using waterproof socks in snow helped keep my feet noticably warmer than when I used conventional hiking socks. Although my toes were still very cold, I did notice a difference compared with days I did not use them.

The Cons of Waterproof Socks

The "Wet Sock" Feeling
Although the waterproof socks kept my feet dry in terms of direct water exposure, they didn't prevent the upper layer of the sock from absorbing water. This created a paradoxical situation: my feet weren’t soaked, but they still felt cold and wet because the moisture remained trapped in the sock. The sensation was uncomfortable, as my feet were essentially enclosed in a damp environment for hours at a time. Over time, this made the socks feel more like a wet sponge than a dry, breathable layer.

Difficulty with Sweat and Vapor Evaporation
The waterproof membrane in these socks did a good job of keeping external water out, but it also had the unintended effect of trapping sweat and vapor inside. Waterproof socks aren’t designed to do this, but I felt that when the sock was saturated moisture from my feet couldn’t evaporate, leading to a build-up of perspiration. This created a clammy and uncomfortable environment inside the sock, further contributing to the sensation of wetness despite the fact that no external water had entered the sock.

Slow Drying Time
One of the most frustrating aspects of using waterproof socks was their slow drying time. Even when I put them in a tumble dryer, they took much longer than my other clothing items to dry. I often had to air them out both inside out and right side out to get them properly dry. After a full day of hiking, the last thing I wanted to deal with was a pair of damp socks that wouldn’t dry quickly, especially in the colder or more humid parts of the trail. Standard socks had a much faster drying time.

Limited Protection in Deeper Water
While the socks were great for rain and puddles, they were not ideal for wading through deeper streams or rivers. The waterproof membrane only went up to the mid-calf, so anything deeper than about 12 inches would seep over the top of the sock, getting my feet wet. This was a notable limitation when crossing rivers or walking through areas with significant water flow.

Heavy and Bulky
Another downside of these socks was their weight. The socks were quite thick and heavy, and when they absorbed water, they became even heavier. This added an unnecessary load to my feet, which, over time, contributed to fatigue and discomfort on long days of hiking.

Hotspots and blisters
I have not had any trouble with blisters or hotspots while using waterproof socks, but some hikers have shared anecdotes of how various brands of waterprof socks caused foot issues due to the trapping of heat and moisture. If you are prone to blisters and hotspots, this migt be a serious consideration for you.

Would I Use Waterproof Socks Again?

After my experience on the Appalachian Trail, I would not choose waterproof socks as my daily driver for another thru-hike. However, I did have them with me for specific situations on each of the trails. They were useful to have in the deep snow of the Sierra Nevada and San Juan Mountains to keep my feet warmer than they otherwise might have been.

While they were durable and provided protection in light rain or puddles, they ultimately didn’t live up to my expectations in the long-term. The wet sock feeling and the difficulty with sweat evaporation made them uncomfortable over extended use. Additionally, the slow drying time and limited effectiveness in deeper water were major drawbacks.

However, every hiker's experience is different, and waterproof socks might work better or worse for others, depending on their specific needs and preferences. If you are determined to try them for your hike, I would recommend doing some testing beforehand to see how they perform under different conditions.

Tips for using waterproof socks

Know when to use them
Avoid using waterproof socks on hot and/or dry areas. This will reduce the potential of foot problems like hot spots and blisters.

Rotate your socks
You can hang your socks on the outside of your pack while you hike wearing a different pair. Once they are dry on the outside, turn them inside out to dry. Swapping out for a dry pair each day will reduce the chances of foot problems like sores and trench-foot, as well as bacteria build up.

Keep them clean
Dirt build up can compromise the fibres, leading to failure. Holes appear more easily when dirt gets into clothing and between the fibres. When dirt repeatedly rubs against the clothing, it acts like sandpaper, causing holes from the abrasion.

Conclusion

Waterproof socks can provide a temporary solution to keep your feet dry in certain situations, and on shorter hikes, but they may not be the ideal choice for long-distance hikes like the Appalachian Trail. For those looking to maintain dry feet on the trail, there may be other options that offer better breathability, comfort, and quicker drying times. Ultimately, it’s essential to find the right gear that works best for your own hiking style and the specific conditions you’ll face on the trail.