YerbaJon
04-01-2005, 11:12
Nothing is as hard on my feet as playing Basketball. I quested for a sock that would pull the moisture off of my feet and keep my feet from experiencing friction. Those on this forum (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2050) and others that have settled on the "perfect" sock tend to break down into three basic categories:
1) Thicker Wool/Wool Blend over liner
2) Thinner synthetic over liner
3) Sock alone
There are, of course, more options than the above. Still, the above two (err...three) are replete in writing with the most impassioned arguments and the greatest number of "followers".
My personal biases:
Like WickedLobster and SingleTrack, I wear a coolmax sock with a built in coolmax liner (70% coolmax, 30% nylon; Wright Sock: Coolmesh 'Double Layer': patented anti-blister system: 8$). I hike with two pairs; hike in one while cleaning the other: each night I wash them and carry them in my pocket to dry them if needed. I do not know of a more durable sock than this; I imagine the brands suggested by WickedLobster and SingleTrack are of equal durability or perhaps even better (Injinji Toe Socks & Ingenious Socks); Smooth03 reported that just a liner (ie., not a double layer like I use) lasted over 700 miles. Double Layer/Built in Liner socks will last longer (unless you don't cut your toenails or if your shoes eat socks; under those conditions any sock will fail).
I hike in carbon soled gore-tex trail running shoes, I carry a maximum of 38lbs when I have 8 days worth of food (23% of my body weight). My pack is often below 30lbs. This biases me, perhaps my foot situation is different than those that find wool/wool blend socks with or without liner to be a better choice.
My Question:
Do those that are passionate about wool socks generally wear boots? Anyone out there having success with a built-in-liner coolmax sock with boots?
Would people wearing a heavier pack be better served with wool/wool blend/or synthetic wool like thicker sock?
Does the wool/wool-blend/thicker sock provide a noticable cushioning?
For those that hiked with constant blister problems, what was the sock type/shoe/boot type combination that you were using? Also, what weight pack were you carrying? Any ultra-liters with serious blister problems?
Feet are pretty important on the trail. Socks are part of the equation. I imagine there are benefits to choosing different socks for different feet. Looking forward to everyones input.
1) Thicker Wool/Wool Blend over liner
2) Thinner synthetic over liner
3) Sock alone
There are, of course, more options than the above. Still, the above two (err...three) are replete in writing with the most impassioned arguments and the greatest number of "followers".
My personal biases:
Like WickedLobster and SingleTrack, I wear a coolmax sock with a built in coolmax liner (70% coolmax, 30% nylon; Wright Sock: Coolmesh 'Double Layer': patented anti-blister system: 8$). I hike with two pairs; hike in one while cleaning the other: each night I wash them and carry them in my pocket to dry them if needed. I do not know of a more durable sock than this; I imagine the brands suggested by WickedLobster and SingleTrack are of equal durability or perhaps even better (Injinji Toe Socks & Ingenious Socks); Smooth03 reported that just a liner (ie., not a double layer like I use) lasted over 700 miles. Double Layer/Built in Liner socks will last longer (unless you don't cut your toenails or if your shoes eat socks; under those conditions any sock will fail).
I hike in carbon soled gore-tex trail running shoes, I carry a maximum of 38lbs when I have 8 days worth of food (23% of my body weight). My pack is often below 30lbs. This biases me, perhaps my foot situation is different than those that find wool/wool blend socks with or without liner to be a better choice.
My Question:
Do those that are passionate about wool socks generally wear boots? Anyone out there having success with a built-in-liner coolmax sock with boots?
Would people wearing a heavier pack be better served with wool/wool blend/or synthetic wool like thicker sock?
Does the wool/wool-blend/thicker sock provide a noticable cushioning?
For those that hiked with constant blister problems, what was the sock type/shoe/boot type combination that you were using? Also, what weight pack were you carrying? Any ultra-liters with serious blister problems?
Feet are pretty important on the trail. Socks are part of the equation. I imagine there are benefits to choosing different socks for different feet. Looking forward to everyones input.