Socks

[FOsteology]

BlackTail nailed it squarely on the head.

[Ray]

I stopped using sock liners when I was in the army. Never did me much good. I usually buy a wool or synthetic sock that fits well with my boot. Meaning not much chance for blisters because my foot is snug. I guess that I figured out how to take care of my feet and which socks fit right with me a long time ago and that it is second nature to me. I rarely form blisters.

So I guess that means I could go with some costco special as long as my feet are comfortable.

Boot fit is a lot more important to me than sock setup.

[high country]

once you ge the thorlo mountaineering socks you will find that you are willing to drive 500 miles to pick up a few more pairs.............they're THAT good.

I have tried every sock cabelas and the mountain climbing shops sell and there ain't jack that has made me sway from the thorlo mountaineering.......bout $20 a pair........worth twice that.

[DOUBLELUNG]

I'm in the minority with Ray - prefer a single, well-fitting good quality wool/poly/spandex sock.  THROW THEM AWAY as soon as they start to wear thin at all.  I always carry a second pair in the day pack - love that mid-day sock change.  I've found that the best blister avoidance formula for me.

[rasbo]

wickdry for me.they breath ,wick moisture,and I always change midday anyway.To me a change of socks in the mid day is like sex away from home.Did I say that!

[WACATHUNTER]

Smartwool only here.  I use liners when covering long distances, but usually just a single pair of smartwool, expensive but well worht the $.  I fightfires all summer and in a lot of situations I will be int he wilderness with 1 pair of socks in dust and dirt for up to a week and then pack out heavy packs, one pair of smartwools work perfect for me.
WACAT

[coonhound]

As said earlier start with a quality insole, I use the green Superfeet insole.

The Smartwool socks have always been great for me.  I do differ when it comes to liners, I've tried several different styles and always found it hard to keep them from bunching, I believe a quality sock does not require a liner.

In the off season this year, just out of curiosity I tried several socks that Cabela's offered to see how they stacked up to the trusty Smartwool's.  Most didn't compare to the Smartwool except for one.  Not the most expensive but very easy on my feet, the Cabela's Outfitter socks, 9.99 pr.  I spent 10 days of hard hunting in the high country this elk season, I put on at least 150 miles mostly cross country in steep terrain and never had a single hot spot.

If cost is no concern, Smartwool, if you're in need of a bargain try the Outfitter's.

Coon

[Intruder]

As said earlier start with a quality insole, I use the green Superfeet insole.

Couldn't agree more.  I really like the Cabala's liner sock (the non polypro model with Teflon coating).  They wear like iron and provide decent wicking and friction control.  Out sock I'm always looking the latest and greatest.  Smartwool is good.  I prefer the Patagonia expedition socks but they don't wear as well.  Have tried a bunch of the Cabala's socks with varying degrees of success.

I'm interested in tryin some of the Thorlo's that High Country mentioned.

[columbiaman]

i really liked my Rocky wool blend extra cushion boot fit socks that i had. 


now that my work boots are really broken in i use under armour socks. zero cushion but my boots are already really comfy and my feet dont get too hot.

I ordered my socks from REI. They have good sales from time to time. Wool blend hiking socks are my pick.

[nw_bowhunter]

Just so I understand you wear the line and then place the wool sock over it? Do you find that wearing the liner and wool socks is so snug... What type of insulation are your boots? 200g, 400g? etc?

My feet get cold during the late hunts....but I do not like two pairs of scoks...just never felt right. I guess wearing two pairs of white socks just doesn't cut it..
 

[farmin4u_98948]

Buy your Smartwool socks at sierratradingpost.com    They are seconds but I never can tell where or why. Single smartwools in the summer and double in the winter.

[ICEMAN]

nw bowhunter, in theory, two socks allows friction to occurr between the layers of socks and not against your feet. For cold weather, you really need to loosen the laces in order to get a bit more sock in the boot. More sock = more airgap/insulation. Tight fitting shoes/boots will reduce the insulative value of your sock, as well as reduce circulation in the feet. When shopping for boots, you start by bringing the two layers of socks you intend to wear into the field.

If your boots are a snug fitting boot you wear in warm weather, they will probably not be loose enough to try to make a cold weather boot out of. Make sense? Anyway, for really cold weather, I use an insulated boot with dual socks.

Also of note, normal plain ol' cotton socks can really freeze your feet. Once wet, even from perspiration, they lose insulative value, compress, and help to transfer the cold from your boot  to your foot.

If we look at many of the quality "non cotton" (poly) socks on the market, you will notice that many manufacturers weave the sock in a fashion to create air channels that help to carry moist air up and out of your boot. Other features are increased padding in key areas on the bottom of the foot and thinner areas around the ankle to allow flexing. Add all these features together, and the extra price associated with quality socks is well worth the investment in your feet and your pursuits. Good luck!

[actionshooter]

I do the liner and smartwool medium. I use the green super feet except in my Meindels, I like the cork they use from the factory.
 Its a system that needs to worked out by the individual.