Comfortable socks

C

cuprajake

Trail Blazer
Hi all

Been using smart wool socks , but after a while they have a bit of a cheese grater effect on the foot

I tried darn tough but they were even worse

Can anyone recommend a soft sock?
 
Norrland

Norrland

Thru Hiker
Icebreaker socks. Summer usually use the hike plus variety. Could also look at Woolpower socks. They are designed in different thicknesses from like 200 to 800 or something.
 
edh

edh

Thru Hiker
Perhaps lucky....
I seem to be able to wear most types and am good.
My favourites are thin coolmax though.

Looking after your feet helps. Pumice, nail care, barefoot in the house, and a good foot cream are beneficial for me.
 
JRT

JRT

Ultralighter
Thin coolmax liner socks made a huge difference for me. They wick sweat away and prevent that rubbing effect you're experiencing.
 
One L

One L

Ultralighter
Bridge dale trekkers for me. Never had any issues and they seem a match for my tree root style tootsies.
 
Robin

Robin

Moderator
Staff member
One L said:
Bridge dale trekkers for me. Never had any issues and they seem a match for my tree root style tootsies.
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I use Bridgedale too. Both midweight and lightweight Performance merino. Found they gave my toes more room than Darn Tough
 
tom

tom

Thru Hiker
Thickness ???
Anything more than the very lightest darntough ends up uncomfortable for me (and I tried many). Thickness seems to be the primary issue. Thin/short Defeet cycling socks are good for non-hiking use but too thick for long hiking days...
P.S. I never do any foot care whatsoever on big trails but always shoeless in houses and during hiking breaks in summer
 
Mole

Mole

Thru Hiker
I often use Bridgedale Trekkers for work in winter when I wear boots. But it's starting to get to warm for them now. Thicker socks I use are various HJ Hall models from Rambler (comfy thick loopstitch- very warm) and Protrek models (technical) to Indestructible models ( tough thing nylon).

But for actual hiking I prefer tight fitting nylon running socks. Last few years short ones from Decathlon.

www.hj.co.uk

Men's Socks - HJ Hall Socks - Official Site

Buy Online direct from HJ Hall. The range of HJ socks available to buy with Free Delivery, Free Returns, Next-Day Delivery Available. 6-month guarantee.
www.hj.co.uk www.hj.co.uk
 
C

cuprajake

Trail Blazer
yeah i have a few running socks, there going to be my next port of call, i wear those more casual in trainers but will try on the next walk
 
M

mjh

Trail Blazer
For colder weather or multi-day walks I really like DT socks. For warmer weather or shorter walks I like things like Hilly off road socks or similar reasonably thin, short socks.

Which I guess just shows that everyone’s feet are different so you need to find what works for you.

In general if your feet are getting shredded then are they just not used to going out and/or getting wet? If they’re getting wet (or overly sweaty) are they drying out or staying wet all day?
 
C

cuprajake

Trail Blazer
its our weekly walk that we have been doing for nearly 12m only thing thats changed are the shoes, i use the same socks etc....we average about 6miles
 
One L

One L

Ultralighter
cuprajake said:
yeah i have a few running socks, there going to be my next port of call, i wear those more casual in trainers but will try on the next walk
Click to expand...
If we are now talking about running socks. I find the Moremile London running sock ideal and longer lasting than any other I've tried. Start fitness sell them.
 
C

cuprajake

Trail Blazer
So been out again. 6 miles and ball of my foot is sore, red raw again. Used different socks this time

Could it be that I've changed from zero drop altras to the saucony that now have a drop? Or are they poss to big and letting my foot move more?
 
JRT

JRT

Ultralighter
I wouldn't be surprised if it's the shoes.

I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying it, but for you can't beat full height leather or composite leather hiking boots. No other footwear I own is as comfortable and durable over distances than my various Lowa boots (tightly laced) combined with Bridgedale liner and trekker socks and SF green insoles.
 
C

cuprajake

Trail Blazer
JRT said:
I wouldn't be surprised if it's the shoes.

I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying it, but for you can't beat full height leather or composite leather hiking boots. No other footwear I own is as comfortable and durable over distances than my various Lowa boots (tightly laced) combined with Bridgedale liner and trekker socks and SF green insoles.
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No I can get that, I have bony ankles that hurt with any kinda pressure on them

The ultra were fine, these new shoes are cheese grater's it's really odd.
 
Teepee

Teepee

Thru Hiker
cuprajake said:
So been out again. 6 miles and ball of my foot is sore, red raw again. Used different socks this time

Could it be that I've changed from zero drop altras to the saucony that now have a drop? Or are they poss to big and letting my foot move more?
Click to expand...

Footwear a little too capacious is relatively easy to solve by wearing thicker socks. Are you wearing 2 pairs? Most folk do until their feet get used to it.

You can also reduce the size with thicker insoles.
 
C

cuprajake

Trail Blazer
Teepee said:
Footwear a little too capacious is relatively easy to solve by wearing thicker socks. Are you wearing 2 pairs? Most folk do until their feet get used to it.

You can also reduce the size with thicker insoles.
Click to expand...
Yeah I've just ordered some liner socks to try with my smart wool socks. 👍
 
D

Dickybeau

Trail Blazer
Not everyone’s cup of tea but I’ve been using Vibram 5 finger socks for some time without discomfort or blistering. They’re thinner than the usual culprits (I also have darn tough, Smartwool and icebreaker) but since I started using them I’ve never had a blister. I walked the LDWA Laich o Moray (51 miles in 16.5 hrs) 160 miles on kungsleden fully packed up using trail shoes and umpteen multi day efforts around the WHW, Corrour and Aviemore. I used to get toe rubbing between the smallest and second smallest toes, with skin coming off, on hot days and getting my feet wet just created trouble. Now I prefer non waterproof trail shoes and the socks dry fairly quickly. I wouldn’t wear them with leather boots but I don’t have these any more so it’s moot.
 
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