Australian Hiker

Rating

Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Quarter Unisex Socks Review

Having worked outdoors for majority of my working life I have a high tolerance for cold and as such, I don’t need a sock that causes my feet to overheat which can foster sweating and blisters along with it. While I’ve shifted towards using merino socks for my hiking adventures, there are still many hikers who prefer synthetic options which do have advantage; this sock from Wigwam is a great option.

Construction-wise I love this sock and for me it falls into that goldilocks category having the padding where its needed (on the base, toes and heel) and a lighter weight panel on the top of the foot that allows the sock to breathe.  This sock is available in a ‘crew’ version or a longer ‘quarter’ version which I personally prefer. Colour-wise these socks are available in two main colours Black/Grey and Grey/Charcoal which is are neutral colour palettes that won’t upset anyone.

These socks are synthetic and contain no wool which surprised me because many synthetic socks feel like they are synthetic; they just have a ‘manufactured’ rather than natural feel to them. Being synthetic the main advantages the Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Quarter Unisex Socks have is that should they get wet, they tend to dry fairly quickly and they also tend to breathe well so even in hot temperatures my feet don’t overheat. I have wore this sock on the 145 km Canberra Centenary Trail over a three day period in mid summer with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and my feet only had minimal sweating on the top. I have also worn these socks in winter temperatures down to -4 degrees Celsius and have been comfortable; as I said, I have a high tolerance to cold. Having said that most hikers will probably want a warmer sock in really cold conditions. These socks have a seamless toe construction which is pretty typical these days and a feature I find very comfortable.

For me there really is only one down side of these socks and that’s when they get sopping wet (usually from full submersion), they tend to go ‘limp’ and become loose. I find this really annoying but when I have do really long days, I tend to wait until I know I have finished with water crossings and then swap my socks out for a dry pair. If the conditions are hot enough I’ll dry the wet pair on the outside of my pack which usually doesn’t take too long.

So are these socks worth it? What it comes down to is your preference for natural versus synthetic materials. If I’m walking in hotter conditions but still want a sock with plenty of padding that doesn’t make me sweat, then these are a great option. However if I’m doing lots of water crossings, particularly in colder conditions I’ll still stick with my preferred merino choices.

We Like

• Moisture wicking fabric keeps your feet relatively dry on hot days to minimise blisters
• Breathable mesh panels on the top of the foot to minimise overheating and sweating – this also helps to minimise blisters
• Seamless toe limits the formation of hot spots and again, no blisters
• Cushioned soles keep your feet comfortable day after day
• As a synthetic sock they dry quickly

We Don't Like

• A 2.5 season sock not really suited to very cold conditions (for the average hiker)
• They tend to become loose when they get saturated and tend not to tighten up until dry

Best Uses

• A great sock when you’re not wandering snowfields. I use this sock year round in all but the coldest conditions and just vary the sock length

Buy One

You can purchase the Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Quarter Unisex Socks online from Wildfire Sports

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

If you have used the Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Quarter Unisex Socks or if you have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below

Investment

• AUD $26.90 RRP Quarter sock
• AUD $31.90 RRP Crew sock

Other Versions

Wigwam produces a wide range of socks for hiking and other outdoor activities

Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Quarter Unisex Socks in Black/Grey colour

Wigwam Cool Lite Hiker Quarter Unisex Socks in Grey/Charcoal colour

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

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