Hiking Socks

[1ADAM12]

My wool hiking socks are beat and I need more before the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons begin. What type of wool hiking socks do you all recommend? For the life of me I cannot remember what brand I bought.

Thanks,
ADAM

 

[MadRiver]

I prefer to hike in a wick liner and a standard ragg wool outer sock. Campmor has the ragg wool socks at a reasonable price.

 

[DougPaul]

I've been happy with Smartwool. A light inner and a heavy outer.

Doug

 

[carole]

Smartwool - hands down (or feet?)

 

[tonycc]

Adam,

I've been using merino wool socks that I bought from the Brand Name store on the main drag in Watkins Glen a couple of years ago. At the time they were some ridiculous price like 3 for $10. I need to make another trip up there soon since the entire family has taken to wearing them on a daily basis, very comfortable and quite durable.

Tony

 

[sapblatt]

socks

It took me forever to get used to a wicking liner but I finally did (and my blisters have ceased). I like the smartwool stuff with a wicking liner. I think I use the Wigwam brand...they are a bit pricey at REI (well over $10/pair). I noticed while shopping the other night at REI the newer techno hiking socks are pushing towards $20/pair...kind of crazy. You are are still going to be sore at the end of the day.

 

[ADackR]

Smart wool all the way.. i have mid-heavy weight.

mid weight is used during the 3 season

heavy weight is used in the winter

i have used a wicking liner twice and each time they gave me crazy blisters so, never again will i use them....sara though, seems to never have an issue with them...

to each their own

 

[twigeater]

I used to use the liner/regular wool combination, but now use no liner and smartwool. I buy the heaviest ones and wear them exclusively year round. LLB factory store sells them for $8-10, which is about half the price that the retail store sells them.

 

[pbernard]

I"ll endorse Smartwool, a bit expensive but well worth it.

 

[Pucknuts61]

A pair of poly-pro liners and Thorlos. They have a numbered system depending on use. 1 Light (summer), 2 Medium (fall/spring), and 3 Heavy (winter). Again you should figure on $10-13 a pair.
I have to be careful with wool due to allergies so I need to make sure that some type of synthetic is in the fabric and they're not 100% wool.

 

[TonyL]

Smartwool

Smartwool is the way to go. You will be very happy with the performance and they hold up nice in the wash.

Please let us know what you decide.

 

[arghman]

Smartwool or other wool-blend socks. I stopped wearing cotton socks completely when I tried my first pair about 4 yrs ago. LL Bean outlet stores have "irregulars" at a discount (not sure what that means other than the word "IRREGULARS" is printed on them with white ink that washes off with a few washings), places like Sierra Outfitters also have discounts on wool socks.

I do wish they were stronger on the back of the heel though, that's where the holes seem to develop. On cotton socks I wouldn't notice since they're so cheap, I just wish I could repair my wool ones.

 

[Rob S]

Another endorsement for Smartwool. They will outlast most (if not all) other wool socks.

Not really that expensive if you consider how many years they will hold up.

 

[1ADAM12]

Adam,

I've been using merino wool socks that I bought from the Brand Name store on the main drag in Watkins Glen a couple of years ago. At the time they were some ridiculous price like 3 for $10. I need to make another trip up there soon since the entire family has taken to wearing them on a daily basis, very comfortable and quite durable.

Tony

Tony,

I live just outside Corning over the border in PA. I am like a 30 minute drive from Big Flats....very cool! When you head back up to Watkins let me know and I will tag along

Thanks all for the great tips I appreciate it!

ADAM

 

[Ken999]

I am another who wears Merino wool 365 days a year. I've had some good luck with Woolrich Merino found at the local Walmart and have some Smartwool as well. I have been toying with the Wigwam poly liner and don't see a huge difference when combined with wool, so usually just run the woolies without liners.

 

[Maddy]

Smartwool for me to. The expedition socks in my Limmers with a or the Adrenaline with a very light weight Bridgdale liner.
I do have a few pair of Bridgdale socks and I like them very much but they are harder to find. The one I have I purchased up in Stowe last summer but*they had run out of the expedition style.

 

[jfb]

For hiking, I use Wigwam Coolmax liners and wool/nylon Ragg outers. I like to use liners because they keep moisture away from my skin. For everyday, I use Wigwam Lakota socks, which are a blend of Merino wool and other stuff. I have some Smartwool Trekker socks, but don't like them because they are too tight. Check out socks at www.thesockcompany.com

 

[Gris]

The Smartwool merino socks tend to be less stretchy in the foot section than the Bridgedale merinos. That can be a good or bad thing depending upon whether you have a low or high volume foot. Personally, I prefer the Bridgedale (and I don't use liner socks, they give me blisters).

 

[Reekee]

Walmart???

Woolrich expedition socks just 6 bucks at Wallyworld. As good as of my Smartwool socks for 12 bucks! Happy feet.

 

[sapblatt]

Walmart

I also have noticed good prices on some things at Walmart...wicking liner socks were a fraction of the outdoor stores prices...