Matt Warren
Walking the South West Coast Path (SWCP) is an adventure like no other. With 630 miles of rugged coastline, stunning views, and plenty of challenges, it’s essential to have the right gear. One of the most important, and often overlooked, items on the list is your socks. If you’ve ever walked for hours, you’ll know how much a good pair of socks can make or break your experience.
We’ve been on our fair share of training walks, and we’ve tried numerous socks to find the best options for long-distance hiking. As vegans, we needed socks that are not only comfortable and durable but also free from any animal-derived materials (so, merino wool was off the list). After a fair amount of testing, we’ve found three perfect pairs of socks that we highly recommend for walking the SWCP.
The Best Vegan-Friendly Socks for Walking the SWCP
Here are the socks we’ve tried, tested, and loved — all of which are vegan-friendly and ideal for long-distance hiking.
These are my personal favourites (Matt here!). I tend to suffer with tight calves, so compression socks have become a bit of a secret weapon for long-distance walking. The UZISER Compression Hiking Socks offer great support for your legs and feet, helping to ease fatigue and keep swelling at bay. They’re noticeably thicker than some of the others we’ve tested, which adds a welcome bit of warmth — perfect for those chillier days along the coast.
We both really appreciated the breathable, moisture-wicking material that kept our feet dry and comfortable, even on the longer stretches of the SWCP. The seamless toe is a nice touch to avoid any irritation, and the cushioning around the heel and arch is great for reducing pressure and impact on those hard-working feet. So far, throughout all training I’ve had no blisters and no sign of wear. And, at £13.99 for 5 pairs, I’m very happy.
2. Hilly Unisex Twin Skin – Anklet – Min Cushioning Running Sock
The Hilly Unisex Twin Skin running socks were a game-changer for us. These socks feature a double-layer construction, which helps to prevent blisters by reducing friction between your feet and the sock. This is especially important when walking long distances on varied terrain like the SWCP. The minimal cushioning provides just the right balance of comfort without being bulky, making them perfect for long walks in warm weather. The ankle cut is also great for breathability and flexibility.
We loved how well these socks kept our feet dry, thanks to their excellent moisture-wicking properties. They fit snugly without being too tight, offering the perfect balance of comfort and support. These little beauties helped me (Matt, Hi again!) through marathons and trail runs many years ago, and they’ve been my go-to ever since. Highly recommended — even with the slightly higher price tag, they’re well worth it.
3. More Mile Preventer Double Layer Women’s Running Socks
The More Mile Preventer Double Layer socks were another great find. These socks are Traceys’ faves and feature a double-layer construction similar to the Hilly socks, but they come with a bit more cushioning for extra comfort. The double layer helps to reduce friction and prevent blisters, which is crucial on long hikes like the SWCP.
The socks also offer good breathability, so your feet stay dry even on warm, sunny days. The cushioned design is perfect for absorbing shock, and they’re available in a variety of colours, so you can choose the style that suits you best. Also, they come at a much more reasonable price than the Hilly socks – £9.99 for 3 pairs.
The Most Comfortable Socks After a Long Day of Walking
After a long, exhausting day walking, we’ve both found comfort becomes even more important. That’s why we recommend DANISH ENDURANCE Cushioned Running Socks. These socks are designed specifically for long-distance use and are great for recovery after a challenging walk.
Not only do they offer excellent cushioning to reduce foot fatigue, but the sweat-wicking properties ensure your feet stay dry and comfortable. What makes these socks even better is their incredible durability — and if you happen to get a hole in the first year of use, they’ll send you a new pair free of charge! We are going to take on that challenge 🙂
Why These Socks Work for the SWCP
Here’s why we think these socks are the best options for walking the South West Coast Path and have kept our feet in good health so far:
- Blister Prevention: The double-layer and compression designs are perfect for reducing friction, one of the leading causes of blisters during long-distance hikes.
- Moisture-Wicking: The moisture-wicking fabrics in these socks keep your feet dry, helping to prevent discomfort and blisters caused by sweat.
- Comfort and Cushioning: Each of these socks provides the right amount of cushioning and support, especially for long walks on uneven terrain.
- Vegan-Friendly: As we’re both vegan, it was crucial to find socks that are free from wool or other animal-derived materials, and these options tick that box perfectly.
Conclusion: The Best Socks for Your SWCP Journey
Your socks can make a big difference on a long walk and after testing several pairs, we’ve found that the UZISER Compression Hiking Socks, Hilly Unisex Twin Skin socks, More Mile Preventer Double Layer socks, and DANISH ENDURANCE Cushioned Running Socks are the best choices for comfort, blister prevention, and durability. Whether you’re facing hot, sunny days or chilly coastal winds, these socks will keep your feet happy and healthy.
If you’re preparing for your own SWCP adventure, we highly recommend giving them a try. And if you’d like to support our journey, check out our JustGiving page. We truly appreciate all the support!
