If you’ve just started climbing or have been climbing for a long time, you’ve probably seen someone wearing climbing socks and shoes. Some hikers point to this scene and laugh. In style, it’s like seeing someone wearing socks and sandals.
But many experienced climbers swear to wear socks with their climbing boots and we are here to tell you why this happens. Trust me. This is an interesting one, so keep reading Why Climbers Don’t Feel So Good in Small Socks.
This is partly due to the impression he made. It seems silly as a beginner doing something for the first time in rock climbing. But if you look at some older people, you can see them wearing socks.
Interestingly, if you go for climbing shoes and wear socks, you may be advised not to wear them. This happened to many climbers whom we know. They really didn’t know what to do about it. Of course, back then they were new to rock climbing and they had a lot to learn. But don’t socks help get your feet dirty and spoil the smell of your shoes?
It seemed crazy to us that all these athletes don’t rock climbing in socks in any sport that requires shoes. So we needed to figure it out, so we started asking questions. Here is what we found out.

Can I wear socks with hiking boots?
Of course! But you’ll find that nobody actually wears it like some rare climbers do. In fact, sock-wearing climbers seem to be an overwhelming minority these days. To be honest, we recommend you for wearing them.
This is much more convenient. Hiking boots can be very uncomfortable. When you will start wearing socks, it become more comfortable. They provide great softness and hygiene.
The problem is that when you look at these photos in the old climbing days, you can see that everyone was wearing socks and climbing boots. all. This is because socks protect your feet from seams, seams and sharp objects inside the shoe.
We know what you’re going to ask the next time. Doesn’t it affect the sensitivity if you wear socks like that? As you know, your rock climbing performance really depends on the snug fit of your climbing boots. You might think that going without socks will make you feel better with these holds. But if you buy your climbing boots a half size larger, these socks will fit you perfectly, your shoes will fit perfectly, you will have all the comforts of the world, and you’ll have the grip you need to rock on the rocks. Like the La Sportiva Finale, it’s a little hard to put on socks that stick to the skin like rubber gloves, but otherwise, there are a few exceptions, such as the socks on your climbing boots wobbling.
Why do you need to wear socks with hiking boots?
As we said, all climbers suffer from this. Some people will stare at you in public. “See he is wearing Socks! Hahahaha! You are an idiot!” Others mutter “newbies” while rolling their eyes. Everyone has their own opinion on this, but we have to present both sides fairly, so I’ll go.
Some people say that wearing socks makes your boots slippery or the ideal fit is too tight. But if you forget your climbing shoes or go up a rock and force yourself to rent, you will automatically change your mind.
By the way, you should always wear socks when you borrow socks from the gym, even if you think you’re too cool to wear socks with your hiking boots. always. You don’t want those who last wore them to develop strong mold on their feet. Ahh!
Socks provide additional cushioning
It doesn’t matter how well you climb or how long you climb. We are all in a situation where our dog barks so loudly that he cannot keep moving and as we all know that rock climbing shoes don`t really have much cushioning to allow you to have foot sensitivity so you can feel those rocks, cracks, edges, pockets, and all that good stuff we live to get up there for.
Having said that, wearing socks will give a tiny bit more cushioning, which makes all the difference. You can still feel the rock. You still have that flexibility you want. And now, you have it all with extra comfort. This means you can continue to focus on lifting longer. It’s so hard to close when something hurts when going up.
We think wearing socks with hiking boots is a smart solution to get rid of foot pain. Also look at the people who climbed decades before we were born. They all wore socks with climbing boots.
Feet and hiking boots smell less when you take off your climbing boots (and feet!).
Just wearing socks can avoid the stench like a wild beast lying in rotten eggs and cheese.
That stench is hard to get out of rock climbing shoes, or any shoe really. Sure, you can add deodorizer but it still has that subtle stink that never truly departs. As you know, sweat stinks because of the bacteria breaking down the sweat. So when you sweat in your shoes, it’s what’s causing that smell.
When you keep putting your sockless feet into those rock climbing shoes, you`re putting your toes right into nastiness. This realization was the main motivation for putting socks on mountaineering shoes.
Socks add comfort.
The extra cushioning provided by the socks makes it even more comfortable.
Wear socks instead of socks for added cushioning and comfort. There is no tugging burning feeling of hiking boots when wearing socks. My feet are protected from the inside out with seams, this sinister stitching tape, and other parts that gradually irritate me as I sweat and rub my feet all day long.
Once you put your socks on your hiking boots, you will never come back. Much more comfortable than wearing shoes without socks. Your feet won’t smell (especially if you’re using absorbent socks) and you can continue without worrying about how painful your feet will be with every move.

The feel is different.
Let me just say one thing. People who wear stone boots may feel the slip too much. We have heard stories from other climbers who are much more experienced than me. From what we have heard it’s a bit stiffer than the ones newbies use.
Some say it depends on where you climb. If you care about the edges, some of the most famous climbers choose not to wear socks. However, cracked socks are generally very useful for preventing leg pain. And it smells!
There is a solution for those of you who, no matter how hard you try, don’t want to wear socks with your hiking boots. You can get rid of the smell by adding climbing chalk to it. This won’t eliminate all of this, but it will reduce sweating and, consequently, friction on your feet. But socks will save you that kind of effort.
Increase the size for a better fit.
Sock Climbing is a much better way to experience this. However, if your hiking boots are too comfortable for you to wear, you may want a second pair of shoes that you only wear with socks.
The most important thing is to choose half the usual. You can also wear it with socks to make sure they fit perfectly. If you always wear socks with these hiking boots, the fit will be perfect. Keep your current hiking boots to avoid walking around without socks.
There are 5 pairs of climbing shoes suitable for different types of climbing and conditions. Most of the climbers choose what to wear depending on the adventure they are going on.
But there is one thing that doesn’t get in the way when you’re on or climbing a rock wall. This is fashion. To be honest, these climbers don’t care what other climbers or observers say when they wear socks as they don’t try to impress others with my clothes as long as they feel comfortable.

They focus on surpassing myself in all climbing and challenging myself in this sport. Their focus is on the joy and excitement of climbing, in which we all live as climbers. You don’t have to worry about how you look in fashion. After all, it doesn’t really matter, especially when you break it and get the admiration of other climbers.
And even if no one notices your skills, the fashion of climbing is still a controversial issue. Your comfort and safety are important, so do so.
Conclusion
Climbers wore socks in the early days of rock climbing. That has changed and it is believed that wearing socks with climbing boots is a beginner’s move. However, socks can improve cushioning and comfort when lifting without compromising sensitivity. This makes it easier for you to persevere and focus on what you need to do instead of thinking how badly your head hurts your leg as you try to pass the climb.
Rock Climbing is what you do because you love the sport. It’s hard to love when you’re uncomfortable. If your feet keep hurting from cracks, wear socks with hiking boots to feel the soft love for your feet!
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs):
Do rock climbers wear socks?
People have been wearing climbing boots with socks all the time. … Currently, mountaineering shoes are designed for barefoot, and 95% of mountaineers do not wear socks.
Why do rock climbers not wear socks?
Many climbers who don’t wear socks while climbing expect their socks to slip while climbing. But socks do the opposite, they make the shoes fit tighter. This is most important when the shoe is stretched and not as tight as it used to be.
Can you rock climb in barefoot shoes?
You can climb barefoot, but this is not the best option. The shoes are designed to protect your feet, especially when climbing, so that your feet work together and when you put on your climbing shoes, your toes bear the burden of giving you additional support.
How do you wear rock climbing shoes?
To know how to wear a rock climbing shoes, check out this video.
What socks do mountaineers wear?
The socks that mountaineers wear are as follows:
Smartwool PhD Medium
Smartwool PhD Ultra Light
Darn Tough Over-The-Calf Cushion
Darn Tough Medium
Should you be able to walk in climbing shoes?
When climbing, it puts a lot of pressure on your toes. For climbing shoes, all parts of the inside of the shoe must fit snugly on the foot. You can’t go anywhere with hiking shoes.