Hirsch Natur wool hiking socks Trekkies Petrol
Good hiking socks don't need to be neon, technical, or half plastic, as far as we’re concerned. These Trekkies by Hirsch Natur show that things can be done differently: a practical hiking sock made from 100% organic wool, featuring a more densely knitted sole and a high cuff that extends well above your hiking boots.
The deep petrol color is combined with dark blue at the toes and heel. Calm, rugged, and above all, very easy to combine. Great for a sturdy hike, but just as pleasant for outdoor work, travel, or long days when you spend a lot of time standing and walking.
- Made from 100% organic virgin wool (KbT)
- Densely knitted sole for extra cushioning
- High cuff that extends above many hiking boots
- Petrol with dark blue toes and heel
- Breathable and moisture-regulating
- Suitable for women and men
- Made entirely of natural wool, without synthetic yarns
- Made by Hirsch Natur in Germany
Also take a look at all 100% wool hiking socks or compare this hiking sock with our other models in the complete wool sock buying guide.
What makes the Trekkies true hiking socks?
A hiking sock should fit nicely around your foot, be sufficiently high, and not bunch up inside your shoe. That’s why the Trekkies have a longer shaft with a ribbed knit and a more densely knitted sole. This provides extra protection and light cushioning in the areas where you feel the most pressure while walking.
The heel and toes are also clearly shaped so that the sock fits better around your foot. The reinforcement consists of a denser and firmer knitted structure of wool. No strong polyamide or acrylic yarns have been added.
This makes the Trekkies different from many technical hiking socks. You get the comfort of pure wool, but you must also keep in mind the natural fragility of the material. We’ll explain more about that honestly below.
Wool helps keep your feet more comfortable
While hiking, your feet produce heat and moisture. Wool can absorb moisture in vapor form without feeling immediately wet or cold. At the same time, the fiber retains heat when the temperature drops.
This does not mean that your feet will never sweat in wool socks. The temperature, your shoes, the intensity of the hike, and your body all play a role in that. However, wool can ensure that the sock feels less clammy and stifling than many synthetic alternatives.
A customer describes her experience with these Trekkies as comfortable and dry and reports that the socks did not itch for her. That is a personal customer experience and not a guarantee that every skin or every foot will react exactly the same way.
Do these hiking socks prevent blisters?
No sock can guarantee that you won't get blisters. Blisters are caused by a combination of friction, heat, moisture, the fit of your shoes, your way of walking, and the distance you travel.
A well-fitting wool hiking sock can help absorb moisture around your feet and prevent folds. Therefore, always wear the Trekkies in well-fitting hiking or work shoes and ensure that the sock does not bunch up anywhere.
Never wear just new shoes and new socks for a long hike. Test the combination first during a shorter route. That way, you will notice in time if any pressure, friction, or lack of space arises.
How thick are the Trekkies?
These hiking socks are sturdier at the sole but not as thick as our heaviest Norwegian socks. They are designed to provide warmth and light cushioning without taking up unnecessarily much space in your hiking boot.
Still, it remains important to assess the sock together with your shoe. A thicker sole is only pleasant when your toes have enough space. If your hiking boot becomes too tight because of the sock, that can cause pressure and cold toes.
Therefore, preferably try on hiking boots with the type of sock you want to wear while walking. Do you already have tight-fitting shoes? Then a thinner model might be more suitable.
Important size advice for Hirsch Natur
Hirsch Natur socks generally run large. If in doubt, we therefore usually advise the smaller size. For example, do you wear shoe size 40 or 41? Then take a look at size 38/39 or 40/41, depending on the width of your foot.
With a hiking sock, the right size is extra important. A sock that is too large forms folds and can slide inside your shoe. This causes friction and increases the chance of irritation. A sock that is too small pulls tight at the heel and toes and can limit your toe room.
Use this check after you have put on the sock:
- The heel of the sock sits exactly around your own heel.
- The sock lies smoothly over the instep and under the foot.
- No folds form at the toes, ankle, or heel.
- Your toes can move freely.
- The cuff stays in place without pinching hard.
Then walk for a few minutes with your hiking boots on. Do you feel pressure or is the sock sliding? Then the combination of size, sock thickness, and shoe is probably not optimal.
The cuff and shaft of the Trekkies
The longer shaft extends well above many hiking and work shoes. This prevents the edge of your shoe from rubbing directly against your ankle or lower leg. The ribbed knit helps the sock stay in place while walking.
Tiny elastic threads are incorporated into the upper part of the cuff. These do not touch your skin but help to prevent sagging. The material that lies directly against your skin therefore remains purely natural.
This is not a medical, pressure-free, or supportive sock. If you have persistent foot or circulation problems, please seek advice from a doctor or foot specialist.
Hiking with multiple pairs of wool socks
Are you heading out for several days? Then preferably take more than one pair with you. Rotate the socks and let a worn pair air out and dry well before you put them on again.
Wool retains odors less easily than many synthetic materials. As a result, you do not automatically have to wash the socks after every hike. Airing is often sufficient, as long as they are not visibly dirty and feel completely dry again.
Always take a dry spare pair with you during a longer trip. Even wool has its limits: when a sock has become truly wet from rain, sweat, or a puddle, a dry pair simply walks more comfortably.
Even reinforced wool hiking socks can wear out
The sole of the Trekkies is knitted more sturdily, but these socks still consist of 100% wool. They contain no synthetic reinforcement and are therefore not indestructible.
With every step, the sock rubs between your foot and shoe. Especially at the heel, toes, and ball of the foot, the knit can become thinner over time. How quickly that happens depends on:
- the size and fit of the sock;
- the fit and the inside of your hiking boots;
- your walking pattern and the distances you walk;
- hard nail edges or sharp calluses;
- how often you wear the same pair;
- the way you wash and dry the socks.
Normal wear and tear is not a manufacturing defect and is not covered by the warranty. Check the sole after longer hikes. Do you see a thin spot developing? Then reinforce it before there is a full hole in it.
Read our blog Hole in your wool sock? How to prevent and repair it for an explanation and practical repair tips. Also check out our darning wool, darning needles, darning eggs, and darning mushrooms.
How to make your Trekkies last longer
- Choose a size that fits around your foot without folds.
- Wear them in well-fitting hiking or work shoes.
- Check shoes for sharp seams, stones, and damage.
- Rotate different pairs and let them dry completely.
- Keep toenails smooth and treat sharp calluses.
- Put the socks on gently without pulling hard on the cuff.
- Check heel, toes, and sole regularly for thin spots.
- Repair incipient wear as quickly as possible.
How do you wash wool hiking socks?
Let the Trekkies air out well after use. Hang them in a dry, ventilated place and let them dry completely before you wear or store them again.
Are they visibly dirty or no longer fresh after airing? Then always follow the wash label. Wash them cold or lukewarm. If machine washing is allowed on the label, only use a genuine wool wash program at a maximum of 30 degrees, with little movement and a low spin speed.
Use a small amount of suitable wool detergent with lanolin, such as our Lanalicious detergent for wool and silk. Do not use regular detergent, fabric softener, or a dryer.
Do not wring out the socks. Gently press out excess water, bring them into shape, and let them air dry. Never place wet wool socks on a hot radiator. Heat, friction, and temperature differences can cause the wool to shrink or felt.
Trying on Trekkies in Rotterdam
With hiking socks, the shoe, sock, and foot must work well together. Feel free to bring your hiking boots to our store at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. Then you can feel right away which size and thickness fit best.
Can't come by? Then contact us and let us know what shoe size you wear, what type of hiking shoe you have, and whether you have wide or narrow feet. Then our team will be happy to help you think it through.
