Do Waterproof Socks Actually Work for UK Hiking? What to Know Before You Buy
Yes, waterproof socks work, as long as you use them for the right job. A waterproof sock has a membrane sandwiched between an outer and an inner layer, so puddles, mud and rain that get past your boots or shoes stop at the sock instead of soaking your foot. They are at their best for wet UK walking in trail shoes or boots that have started to leak. They will not keep water out if it pours in over the top of the cuff, and they are not a replacement for sound footwear. This guide covers how they work, how to fit them, and which pairs we stock.
In this article
- How do waterproof socks work?
- Will my feet just get sweaty instead?
- Which waterproof socks suit UK hiking?
- How should waterproof socks fit?
- What else keeps you dry on a wet walk?
- FAQ
How do waterproof socks work?
The design is simple. Sealskinz, who make the pairs we stock, describe a three-layer construction: a durable outer, a waterproof hydrophilic membrane in the middle, and a soft inner. The membrane is what blocks water. Because it is part of the sock rather than the boot, it keeps working when a boot seam gives up, when a stream crossing goes wrong, or when you step into a bog that is deeper than it looked.
On the Sealskinz Bircham, the outer is a polycolon and nylon blend with 4-way stretch, the middle is the Aquasealz membrane, and the inner is a merino wool blend. That inner layer matters, because it is what you actually feel against your skin all day.
The original midweight waterproof sock, ankle length, with a merino wool inner. Works with trail shoes, walking shoes and trainers.
Will my feet just get sweaty instead?
This is the fair question, and the honest answer is: a little more than in a thin sock, but far less than in a rubber boot. The membrane is designed to let moisture vapour out while keeping liquid water out, and the merino inner wicks sweat and helps with odour. Sealskinz say the membrane lets sweat escape, though that is a manufacturer claim rather than independent test data.
In practice, waterproof socks suit cool and wet days best. On a hot, dry summer walk you will be warmer than in an ordinary sock, so save them for the weather they were made for. For everyday dry-weather walking, a standard merino pair such as our HikeWare Premium Merino Wool Socks (from £6.99) is the cheaper and more breathable choice.
Which waterproof socks suit UK hiking?
It comes down to how much of your leg you want covered and what you wear on your feet.
| Sock | Length | Waterproof? | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealskinz Bircham | Ankle | Yes | £37.00 | Trail shoes, walking shoes, trainers |
| Sealskinz Raynham | Mid length | Yes | £35.00 | Walking boots and all-weather use |
| HikeWare Premium Merino | Standard | No (wicking, breathable) | From £6.99 | Dry days, spare pairs |
The Raynham uses the same waterproof construction as the Bircham in a mid-length sock, and Sealskinz describe it as the original, military-trusted design, handmade and hand tested in their Norfolk factory.
Three-layer Aquasealz construction with a merino wool interior and a 4-way stretch outer. A men's and women's sock.
How should waterproof socks fit?
Snug, but never tight. Waterproof socks are thicker than normal socks, so Sealskinz advise sizing up if you sit at the top of a size range. For the Bircham, size M covers UK 6 to 8 and size L covers UK 9 to 11, so a UK 8.5 should go for the L.
Wear them in the house or on a short local walk before a big day out. A sock that bunches inside a boot is a blister waiting to happen, and you want to find that out in the car park, not on the second day of a trip. Wash at 40°C and either tumble dry on low or drip dry, as the Bircham's care label says.
What else keeps you dry on a wet walk?
Waterproof socks fix feet. They do not fix the rest of you, so think of them as one layer in a wet-weather system.
- Your boots. Leather boots drink water once the finish wears off. Our Grangers Waterproofing Wax (£6.25) is a soft beeswax formula for full-grain leather that adds water repellency while it conditions. Apply two or three thin coats to clean, dry boots, working into the seams first.
- Your hands. Cold wet hands make a miserable day. The Sealskinz Harling glove is waterproof and windproof, with a PU suede palm for grip on poles and a touchscreen-compatible thumb and forefinger.
- Your jacket. Outer layers rely on a DWR finish that wears off. Cotswold Outdoor's waterproof buying guide advises reproofing when water stops beading on the surface.
- Your shelter. If you wild camp, a leaking seam can ruin a night. The Gear Aid Seam Grip WP sealant (£10.95) is a clear tent seam sealer and flexible repair adhesive.
Light, windproof and waterproof, with a micro-fleece liner and a grippy PU suede palm. Black, sizes L and XL.
Soft beeswax wax that conditions full-grain leather boots and adds durable water repellency.
Browse more wet-weather kit in our hiking collection.
Frequently asked questions
Are waterproof socks worth it for UK hiking?
If you regularly walk in wet or muddy conditions, yes. They protect you when boots leak or water comes over the top of a shoe, which happens often on British trails. For dry summer walks, a standard merino sock is cooler and cheaper.
Do waterproof socks keep your feet warm?
They block water and wind chill from wet fabric, and the merino inner adds comfort across a range of temperatures. Midweight pairs like the Bircham are built for a wide temperature range, though they are not a thermal sock for extreme cold.
Can I wear waterproof socks in walking boots?
Yes. A mid-length sock such as the Raynham sits comfortably under boots. Make sure your boots have enough room, because these socks are thicker than normal ones.
How long do waterproof socks last?
Sealskinz back their waterproof socks, gloves and hats with a lifetime waterproof guarantee, which covers them if they stop being waterproof through normal use. Washing as directed helps them last.
Are waterproof socks good for DofE expeditions?
They can be a useful spare for wet days, but check your group's kit list first. Our DofE expedition kit collection covers the essentials.
Stop wet feet ending your walk
Pick the pair that suits your footwear and head out in any weather.
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