This useful blend of materials is backed up by a well thought through construction. There’s another balance struck here, and that’s between lightweight breathability, and durability. The majority of the Hike Lite has a fairly thin and stretchy weave but to prevent it from wearing down (and to stop your skin wearing down as well), there’s reinforcement added in all the necessary places – that’s on the heel and toes. A terry loop weave has been used to achieve this, adding that extra bit of soft cushioning where it’s needed. You can see whether any hiking sock has this knit and where it’s used by turning them inside out.

Turning a sock inside out is a good way of checking the seam closure also. Put simply, the less seams the better. If they’re too pronounced, especially around the toes, there’s a risk of blisters forming. This has been well addressed with the Stance Hike Lite though as the toe box has a completely seamless closure.

Overall the Hiker Lite isn’t a sock to call upon for winter hiking – it’s not made for that kind of stuff. But, for summer, when you want ventilation, quick drying and all-round comfort, a pair of these would serve you well. That’s if you don’t mind the fairly hefty price though.

By the way, Stance say on their website that these should be washed at 40C and that it’s better to keep them out of the drier.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“I’ve always liked using Stance’s hiking socks, and I’ve put in a fair few miles in them over the past couple of years. What I think I like most about them is that they genuinely seem to retain that ‘new sock feeling’ for wear after wear.

“I’ve found this particular model to be great for hikes in mild-to-warm weather. It’s the perfect thickness and blend of materials, offering the right balance of warmth, breathability and protection.

“If Stance partnered up with Polygiene to add their permanent odour control to these, they’d be even better.”