Post by: huntnphool on September 04, 2008, 10:09:02 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on September 04, 2008, 10:25:43 AM
The good news is that I don't think that Scent Lok and similar technologies are a requirement for a boot for hunters. If you use a sock with some sort of activated carbon or whatever scent inhibiting technology, that will go along ways to keeping your smell down--esp if your boot is waterproof and doesn't get moldy on the inside. I use boot driers when I'm staying at a friends or in a motel. Newspapers when I'm camping.
A simple test you can conduct is to wear a scent lok sock on one foot and a regular wool sock on another. Take both off after a long day of hunting and smell each one...
This year may be my first year using sock liners--if I make it to the NE for late whitetail season. Go to Cabelas and read about sock liners. They come in silk, coolmax, polypro, etc. I'm curious of those who use 'em what works best. I personally want something that's thin, adds warmth, wicks sweat, and doesn't blister my feet. Is that too much to ask? :tung:
Post by: addicted on September 04, 2008, 11:30:25 AM
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.
Post by: BlackTail on September 04, 2008, 12:27:36 PM
One thing I've noticed with every pair of the liners I've bought is that they have a seam on the inside that runs across the tops of my toes. The first time I wore them they about rubbed by feet raw. From then on I've always turned my liners inside out before putting them on and, problem solved.
They are expensive (liners and socks) but well worth it. I wanted to try these out for a couple years before recommending them to any of my hunting partners. Didn't want to hear my buddies bitching about $25 sock setups that didn't work. Last year I got my dad a couple pairs of liners and Smart Wool socks and he wouldn't stop talking about how comfortable his feet were all day. Now my buddies all asks, "Why didn't you tell us about this earlier"??
Post by: Slider on September 04, 2008, 09:03:20 PM
Post by: jackelope on September 04, 2008, 09:07:17 PM
Post by: cohoho on September 06, 2008, 12:58:29 AM
What Blacktail said!!! I also use Poly Liners and either Thorlo or Smartwool Hiking socks. Mid weight in the early season and heavyweight in the late season.
Another vote for this same set -up. Great- keeps hot spots from occuring, wicks moisture to the outser sock...
Post by: MountainWalk on September 06, 2008, 01:49:02 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on September 06, 2008, 07:33:19 AM
I might add, since we do a bit of snowshoeing, I have researched the crap out of this topic, worrying about the wifes, and the kids feet. Poly liners with a quality oversock is the only way to go.
Another point about feet that could be mentioned is foot preparation for a big trip.
One thing I have learned and posted about elsewhere on the web is; what we should do for our feet prior to a trip. Be sure to trim them damned toenails properly a week before going. If you nick something and make an owie or infection (gross) better to do this one week prior. Also, if you have a tendency for getting athletes foot....if this is you....pre-treat your feet for a week ahead of time, and during the hunt. Foot fungus can blossom in a day, and you wanna beat it back as far as you can before your hunt.
Post by: wastickslinger on September 06, 2008, 11:28:05 AM
Post by: bobcat on September 06, 2008, 11:49:30 AM
Post by: bullcanyon on September 07, 2008, 10:00:42 AM
Post by: archery288 on September 07, 2008, 10:08:02 AM
Post by: WDFW-SUX on September 07, 2008, 10:11:49 AM
Post by: Alchase on September 07, 2008, 03:41:05 PM
If hotspots pop up stop and pad the spot with a bandage, moleskin, or liquid skin (super glue can work in emergencies) before it gets to a blister.
Post by: FOsteology on September 08, 2008, 09:05:32 PM
Post by: Ray on September 08, 2008, 10:33:48 PM
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.
Post by: high country on September 09, 2008, 05:03:35 AM
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.
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on September 09, 2008, 05:58:23 AM
Post by: rasbo on September 09, 2008, 06:47:15 AM
Post by: WACATHUNTER on September 20, 2008, 04:49:10 PM
WACAT
Post by: coonhound on October 02, 2008, 09:17:14 PM
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
Post by: Intruder on October 03, 2008, 08:28:44 AM
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.
Post by: columbiaman on October 07, 2008, 09:02:19 AM
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.
Post by: nw_bowhunter on October 14, 2008, 08:59:34 PM
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..
Post by: farmin4u_98948 on October 15, 2008, 08:09:10 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on October 19, 2008, 03:14:17 PM
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!
Post by: actionshooter on October 19, 2008, 05:57:20 PM
Its a system that needs to worked out by the individual.