sock liners + trail runners

assuming your shoes fit with just liners fine, that is you didn't size your shoes for thick padded socks, there shouldn't be any issue.

The liner itself doesn't prevent blisters, it's the combination of a liner and outer sock. This combo basically transfers the friction between your foot and sock to between your liner and sock (liners don't get blisters, just holes).

I usually just wear a pair of dual layer wrightsocks. They're light, breathe well with coolmax and no fussing with multiple socks. They may not last as long as some other options, but I've yet to throw a pair out since I picked some up a couple of years ago.

Thanks Dustin, that was very informative and helpful.

I'm going to investigate those wrightsocks you mentioned.

Sock liners + my trail runners are all I wear for hiking from spring through fall, even for long-distance hikes. I can only think of two drawbacks of wearing liners as socks: your feet might get dirty because dirt can get through the liners, and the socks don't last long. But at least they're cheap.

:-)

Used these (doubled up) for my A.T thru-hike without a single blister for 2,200 miles. Also used them for trail running and biking. They will be coming along with me on an up coming 8 day 215 mile thru of the New England Trail. I think they are awesome. Liner version won't last more than 300 miles of hiking, but doubled up I got around 600 miles with a little added cushioning of wearing two pair at once.

I've used Darn Tough 1/4 mesh socks and the Wrightsocks also – both good lightweight socks. Also try the Asics low cut running socks – used for marathon training and they are nice.