The term “moisture wicking” has become popular among clothing brands in recent years, and it’s an important development in the sock world, but what exactly does it mean?
Fibers that “wick” moisture away basically absorb sweat from the surface of your skin and release it to the air, where it evaporates. This process keeps you cool in warm weather and prevents you from having soaked socks, which can cause a bad odor, bacteria growth and even problems like foot rot.
Hikers, runners and other athletes who are hard on their feet benefit especially from moisture wicking socks, but they can really be a big advantage for anyone who values comfort.
The best fibers for moisture wicking include Merino wool, polyester and Olefin, and most of today’s most advanced socks use blends of these for maximum comfort and performance.