Posted: 1/30/2011 10:43:31 AM EDT
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So I work outside, no matter the weather, no matter the temps, no matter how deep the snow is, I'm in the middle of it all day everyday. I've got a pair of Danner boots that do a decent job of keeping my feet dry, but I can't seem to find socks that keep me warm. I'm currently wearing a thin nylon sock under a Gold Toe wool blend sock. It works for a bit, but after an hour or so, my feet are starting to chill and it's down hill from there.
What about the rest of you? Have you found some decent sock that actually keep your feet warm?? I've tried a few different brands in the past and been dissappointed to say the least. Before I go out and start dropping $10 a pair on a weeks worth of socks, I'd at least like to have some suggestions. |
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Generic/clone of smartwool sox seems to be board fave for cost effectiveness.
You might have to consider boots with more insulation, or perhaps a different style of boots altogether. Sox ony do so much, and the insulation on the boots makes a big difference. 200g insulation is what the mil considers "Intermediate Cold", FWIW. Even if your boots are GTG as far as their own insulation, you can only add so much sock inside before your foot becomes cramped. You did not state your locale/temps/activity level, and all these parameters make a difference. I will say that here in RI, 200G insulated boots with good sox do not make it if one is static. My GI black bunny boots work very well, although they are a bit heavy. I prefer them to my older Sorels, as the GI boots do not need daily wool liner changeout. As far as the black bunny boots go, a good, foam, runner type insole insert (adds insulation) and some thick sox are GTG for most anything except very active running and such. OTOH, a slightly longer and wider version of your current boots, with runner's foam insole added might be able to accept thicker/better sock/liner ensemble. |
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Quoted: Costco 3 pairs merino wool for $9.99. I work outside midnights alot of foot patrol. These and my Danner Ft. Lewis 200 gr and no problems. This. These are much warmer (and more comfortable) than underarmor socks. They have been hard to find at costco lately for some reason. I want to stock up. |
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I like sheep wool socks. Alpaca wool is even better. When I lived in Illinois and hunted from the tree on single digit days, the alpaca socks worked the best. Pricey but they are just the trick! These are good for active wear! |
| I work in NJ, as a .mil instructor. Some days I'm pretty static when ROing the firing line, others I'm walking for hours on end doing land nav. My boots are 200 g boots, so I might look into something heavier. Gotta switch patterns this fall anyway. I'm gonna go check out Costco tomorrow and see what I dig up. |
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Quoted:
I like sheep wool socks. Alpaca wool is even better. When I lived in Illinois and hunted from the tree on single digit days, the alpaca socks worked the best. Pricey but they are just the trick! These are good for active wear! Nice I'm going to have to buy some for my job in ND. To bad all there sweaters there are kind of gay looking bet they would be warm. |
| Wool socks are the best! Even if your feet sweat they will still stay war. There has been many time I come in from outside take off my boots and my wool socks (smartwool/ Omino) look like I stepped in water but my feet stayed warm and felt dry! It might cost to buy good wool socks but it's worth it hell you bought Danner boot spend the money and get good wool socks. |
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Quoted:
Costco 3 pairs merino wool for $9.99. I work outside midnights alot of foot patrol. These and my Danner Ft. Lewis 200 gr and no problems. ive been happy with them too......but I live in NC so im not dealing with sub zero. costcos here only strock then at the begining of winter |
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Quoted:
Sams Club has a 3 pack of Omni Wool merino wool socks for 14.88 - made in USA. I really like them, most comfortable thing I have ever put on my feet. They are great! About as nice as the smartwool if you can find them! I have 6 pair and want more they keep your feet really warm! |
| Covert Threads "Ice" socks are my go-to winter socks. This is my second winter wearing them and I think they're fantastic. |
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Quoted:
Sams Club has a 3 pack of Omni Wool merino wool socks for 14.88 - made in USA. I really like them, most comfortable thing I have ever put on my feet. I wear these as well and would recommend them. I also have several pairs of REI merino wool light hikers. I like them as well and are a little thinner. |
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The same principles that work on your body work on your feet.
Winter, use a thin synthetic boot liner then layer to a heavier wicking sock. The idea is layer, synthetic in so it doesn't overheat allowing the wicking action. Wicking is very important, wrong setup, your feet can be warm as toast then once the sock gets wet, they feel like they will never be warm again. Yes, wool retains some of its insulation properties but it wicks for crap and that some will freeze your butt off if they are wet. Keep the moisture away from your skin. The socks you have are probably pretty good as most boot wool snythetic blends are designed to use the best of both principles. You're probably only lacking a liner. BTW, You can go to the sporting goods department and buy polypro of nylon but if you aren't squemish women socks the same blends are 1/3 the money. Warning, if you do the womens thing, careful the wife doesn't keep them all come laundry day. 
Tj |