Looking for advice about walking socks

[Barbarara]

I’m looking for a gift for fil’s birthday - he’s one of those impossible-to-buy-for people who already has everything and has a much bigger budget than we have. He walks a lot and buys good shoes but doesn’t seem to have got further than m&s for socks.

So if you know anything about socks can you tell me

1. Are hiking socks worthwhile or a daft waste of money?
2. Can you recommend good ones?
3. I’m thinking that moisture wicking, cushioning and possibly a band around the instep to minimize movement might be things to look for? What else is important?
4. What should I avoid?

I’m aiming for a never-knew-my-feet-could-feel-this-good-life-changed-forever gift rather than well-they-certainly-saw-you-coming so all advice, recommendations and warnings appreciated

I've always used smartwool socks with my walking boots, they seem to keep my feet dry and comfy and I never get blisters.

I bought some different ones this summer (think they were bridgedale) that were cotton/wool blend but I didn't like them - they didn't wick sweat away that effectively and the socks were very damp at the end of the day.

Try 1000 mile socks. They are amazing! Never any blisters

I'm a fan of proper hiking socks with boots, but as they're thicker they probably won't work with his shoes if they fit with normal socks.

I like the coolmax type, either alone with my walking shoes or as liners for my boot socks.

Smartwool do a range depending on the type of walking. You might find something the right thickness.

smart wool socks are wonderful. merino mix. not too thick. Go outdoors and places have them.

Smartwool are good. But you can get moisture wicking BUT WATERPROOF socks called Sealskins. My dd got them for Ten Tors , now we all have them, they are ace and really add to my walking experience. My walking boots are meant to be waterproof, but sealskins have really improved them.
They look like a wetsuit bonded to a pair of socks.

Another for smart wool - merino wool also stays fresher longer (unless you have particularly sweaty feet!)
Other than that I have a robust pair of brasher socks which just don’t seam to age. Very warm.

Seconding merino wool. Or even alpaca - do you have any local producers? Comfortable and silky to the touch.

Maybe yiou could make him a 'walking hamper', nice pair of socks and some Kendal Mint Cake and maybe a compass or other nice accessory?

Also be careful of buying really thick ones (4 season) as if he only walks in the uk, they might be too warm or run the risk of making his boots too tight.

I did a 4 day camp/ hike. I used smartwool socks and they still smelled nice !

Thanks everyone. Lots to think about and some very important considerations about fit and climate that I hadn’t considered.
You’ve all been really helpful

Alpaca

www.thecambridgesockcompany.com/alpaca-socks/walking-socks/the-murray.htm

Another vote for 1000 miles socks. They are fantastic.