Socks

I'm new here. I tried to search the forums for threads about sox, but I didn't find much. I'll go ahead and apologize for mucking up the thread if I missed something obvious.

I need to get some new socks. I used to have a couple of pairs of Thorlo socks... but seem to have misplaced them (or the dryer ate them one at a time). I have skinny legs with "high and tight" calves. Thus, I tend to have problems keeping my socks up unless they have a lot of spandex in them.

I'm looking for suggestions. I'll be doing most of my hiking in the spring, summer and fall. But I like to ski also, so I need a good winter pair or two as well.

Thank you. I've only been here for about 24 hours and I've already learned a TON about gear and weight consciousness.

I have a similar "skinny leg" complex as you. In warmer conditions, I've had good luck with generic acrylic socks that you would find in most stores. They're cheap, they dry quickly, and they fit just like regular cotton socks. They even look the same too. So, assuming you don't have a problem with standard cotton socks, you shouldn't have a problem with these.

For colder conditions, I like wool and wool/blend socks. I'd try to find a pair that is very plush, but also light and airy. I have a pair of heavy Smartwool socks, but I honestly don't care for them. The weave is far too dense for my likings, and they shrank quite a bit on me as well. Ultimately, they have failed to keep my feet warm on multiple occasions (while wearing monstrous boots), so I've given up on them.

Unfortunately, keeping socks up in the winter has been a steady problem for me. In order to keep my feet warm, my socks (and boots) must not be tight fitting; hence, they tend to slide. It's never really been that much of a bothersome. On the plus side, my feet are always warm. Also, I suggest only wearing one pair, not two.

I'm a bit of an ice fishing nut, so that's pretty much how I've discovered what works for me. Conditions don't get much worse than when you're on the ice. You sweat your butt off hauling gear and drilling holes, then you sit still for hours on end. It's a grand invitation for the cold.

Eric

P.S. These are my monstrous boots. I love them!

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to try to find some info on SmartWool vs Merino wool vs synthetic socks. I want something with some cushion. I like the idea of socks with a mesh top for summer hiking.

You might look up Smarwool's liner socks. I find they're thick enough to keep my feet warm during most spring/fall hiking, and are lighter than regular socks.

For summer hiking I use really thin dress socks. They have good elastic or spandex to hold them up. I have no idea which brands I keep buying, but they're sold at most department stores.

How do your dress socks hold up? I go through my dress socks fairly often (particularly above my big toe and on the heel). Of course, I usually wear them with loose-fitting dress shoes. Plus, they provide NO additional cushioning. I'll try it... but I'm not to confident dress socks will satisfy me.

I have to admit: they don't do much except let my feet breathe, and they wear out a few times a year. I think I can get away with them because I never develop blisters. The main practical reason I tried them was because I have "high volume feet"(i.e. duckfeet, or Fred Flintstone feet) and thin socks make footwear more comfortable. If you have some laying around they might be worth a try on your next hike, and you could bring along a different pair in case they don't work out.

I also use dress socks. The ones that are 100% nylon and have reinforced heels and toes work the best.

I'm still wearing dress socks that I bought from Penny's in the mid 70s. They had a life time guarantee. Orlon, polyester, etc. don't hold up long.

In snow or cold weather I'll wear a neoprene booty over the socks.

Light socks dry very quickly. Thick fuzzy socks take a long time or, in winter, forever.

I wear the gold toe brand nylon dress socks. I am sold.

This is good news. I own a lot of dress socks. That's more money to spend elsewhere.

WallyWorld sells decent thin, nylon socks that I use.

That's where I buy mine. The cheapest, thinnest, Puritan nylon dress socks they sell. Three pairs per pack. You can double them for blister control, and they are still thinner and breath better than one pair of "hiking" socks. I've yet to wear out a pair.