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What To Wear On Your Feet On Safari
It starts with comfortable, practical footwear. Closed walking shoes are a top packing essential for navigating uneven ground on bush walks and walking safaris. Always pack high-performance blister-free socks. Double-layered socks with breathable, wicking yarns will keep you pain-free and comfortable in warm-weather conditions in Africa. If walking is one of the safari activities on offer, a pair of ankle gaiters are a useful addition to keep shoes debris free and to protect you from ticks and insects.
Safari Socks & Safari Gaiters FAQs
What socks should I wear on safari?
The best socks for safari are made from wicking, high-performance yarns that keep your feet cool, dry, and comfortable. Blisters can also make every step very painful, which is why we recommend anti-blister socks in a double-layered design - perfect for long distance walking safaris or short daunts to explore on foot.
What are the best brands for socks?
You don’t get better than anti-blister socks in double layered designs from Safari Store USA. Double-layered construction works to achieve blister prevention, while thoughtful designs and performance yarns go the extra mile to ensure comfort.
Are cotton socks good for safari?
Cotton socks are not the best choice for safari. One of the main reasons for this is that cotton is not the greatest material for moisture wicking, which means they retain sweat and moisture for longer - increasing the risk of blisters, odor, and discomfort. Instead, go for double-layer socks in high-performance yarns.
How many pairs of socks should I pack for a safari?
Make sure you pack enough pairs of socks for your safari by using this guide - and check out our comprehensive safari packing list for more on what to pack. Quick-drying yarns allow you to wash and wear with ease so, if you're not on a walking safari, this is something to keep in mind when working out what to pack, but look at packing 3-5 pairs as a minimum.
- 9-day safari: 4 pairs of blister-proof socks for walking safaris.
- 14-day safari: 7 pairs of blister-proof socks for walking safaris.
- 21-day+ safari: 10 pairs of blister-proof socks for walking safaris.
Should I wear long or short socks on safari?
This ultimately comes down to personal preference, but we recommend wearing longer socks on safari to prevent having exposed ankles. This protects ankles from insects, scratchy vegetation and thorns, and works with ankle gaiters for the best ankle protection when walking in the bush.
What features should you look for in safari socks?
The best safari socks have the following features:
- High-performance yarns that are breathable, wick moisture, and dry quickly.
- Double-layered designs are great for preventing blisters and keeping you comfortable.
- Clever construction. Look for socks with designs that incorporate cushioning and elastication for support and comfort. These features will come in handy for long days on your feet in hot weather conditions. Socks specifically designed for walking give consideration to minimized friction in common areas like toe seams - another feature that reduces the risk of blisters.
What are ankle gaiters?
Ankle gaiters are protective coverings that you wear over shoes and boots for comfort and protection on trails, bush walks, trekking, and walking safaris.
What are the benefits of wearing ankle gaiters on safari?
They prevent debris from entering socks and shoes while walking on trails or in wilderness on walking safaris. They also offer protection from insect and tick bites.
Do I need ankle gaiters for a safari?
You won't need to pack ankle gaiters for every safari. For game drive only safaris, this is an optional extra. If you are going on walking safaris or bush walks and trekking are included in your safari activities, they are a useful addition for extra protection.
What features to look for in ankle gaiters for safari?
- Durable materials: We recommend strong cotton canvas, which is hardier than nylon in sometimes rugged walking conditions.
- Lightweight: Your walk doesn't need to be a workout. Ankle gaiters in cotton canvas are lightweight for packing and comfortable walking.
Do gaiters go over or under pants?
The elasticated top of the gaiters is supposed to go over your pant leg to seal the openings. This also helps to keep the hems of your pants clean and dry.
Can I wear gaiters with trail shoes or only with boots?
Many gaiters are compatible with both trail shoes and boots. The styling of the ankle gaiters from Safari Store USA allows them to be worn with both. The elasticated top and velcro back fits over many hiking boots, while the clips secure to the laces.