Just as I set out, my feet were soaked by stepping into a puddle. What am I supposed to do for the rest of the journey? When you embark on a little-known mountain hiking trail, crossing log bridges, navigating through untouched forests, and scrambling over cliffs, the most important thing is wading back and forth through ice-cold rivers. Honestly, I suggest not playing around in such places too lightly, because it's incredibly addictive.

On such a complex route, can you believe I didn’t even bring waterproof shoes this time? I relied on only one thing to keep me going — LEAKDRY outdoor waterproof socks paired with lightweight trail running shoes! Honestly, I had my doubts before heading into the mountains. Long-distance trekking on an entirely unfamiliar route — can a pair of waterproof socks really be reliable? Compared to traditional waterproof hiking boots, why did I choose such an unlikely combination of trail running shoes and waterproof socks?

As the saying goes, 'For every gram on your feet, it feels like seven on your body.' When we hike long distances, our bodies are especially sensitive to the weight on our feet. These days, even high-performance waterproof hiking boots are striving to reduce weight, but balancing protection and weight remains a difficult compromise. Trail running shoes naturally have the advantage when it comes to weight.

A pair of trail running shoes plus waterproof socks weigh about the same as one traditional waterproof hiking boot. That means my fellow hikers were lugging around the equivalent of an extra bottle of water on their feet! After two long days, it was tough.

Talking about weight without considering waterproof performance is pointless. In terms of lightness, the combination of waterproof socks and trail running shoes wins hands down. But can they really beat traditional hiking boots in terms of waterproof performance? In shallow, calm water, even after soaking for five minutes, the inside of a Gore-Tex lined waterproof hiking boot remains dry. Meanwhile, after the same five minutes of soaking, the trail shoes are predictably soaked through, but inside the waterproof socks, not a drop of water got in. My foot felt just as dry and comfortable as the other one.

But what about more complicated environments? For instance, on our recent hiking expedition, we had to constantly wade through rivers with fast currents and icy water close to freezing. In such conditions, no matter how tough the hiking boots are, it’s hard to prevent water from flooding in over the top. But in these situations, a pair of waterproof socks allows you to cross the river without a hitch. The specially designed seal at the sock cuff effectively prevents water from backflowing in. Even if the water briefly goes over the top of the socks, they will still keep your feet completely dry.

Beyond their impressive waterproof layer, the merino wool inside the socks helps to keep your feet warm. The trade-off between protection and comfort in hiking boots is always tricky.

Sturdy, heavy-duty hiking boots tend to be bulky and stiff, requiring sacrifices in breathability and comfort. But with a pair of waterproof socks and lightweight, breathable trail running shoes, you can free your feet entirely — run and jump with ease, feeling an explosion of comfort.

Of course, what we used on this trip was an ultra-lightweight solution. If you're a beginner and want better protection for your ankles, I still recommend bringing traditional hiking boots and an extra pair of outdoor sandals. Along with LEAKDRY outdoor waterproof socks, you’ll be ready for any water-crossing situation with ease.

Friends, next time you head into the mountains, give waterproof socks a try. Even if you don’t wear them, remember to keep a pair in your backpack. Just like an emergency blanket, they provide solid assurance for your safety and comfort in the outdoors!