Wicking Socks for Boots

[whoflungpoo]

Cold feet is something I've struggled with, I'll share something that works for me but YMMV

If I wear an insulated boot, I put on very thin merino wool socks basically sock liners. The insole needs to be insulated to minimize heat loss to the ice while sitting.

My feet sweat easy so the thin merino socks wick and breathe and the boot does its job insulating. Adding a thick wool sock seems to prevent moisture movement and my feet get clammy. I heard some pro skiers don't even wear socks. I know this is my problem because if I don't dry or change thick socks after walking my feet get cold after an hour of sitting.

[1moslab]

you can also spray deodorant on your sweaty stinky feet

[Gillgrabber]

This site has them on sale. Gill grabber, what type did you buy?
[urlhttp://www.socksaddict.com/Categories/344-Darn-Tough.aspx/1/1%5eMen%27s%2c%23A%5eCrew][/url]

I'm not sure which ones they are.  The ones I bought from the Military supply store are heavy, over the calf, OD green colored wool socks.  I wore them today ( -15 below ) and they kept my feet much warmer than I expected in my black leather uniform boots. 

[fishinfiend]

I had the same problem for years, tried all kinds socks then tried Mickey mouse boots.....problem solved! Give them a try I have not had cold feet since I started wearing them

[kpd145]

I use merino wool socks and I am fine, I am interested in trying out the poly blend dress sock underneath. I have had wet feet and the merino wool managed to keep my feet content, not necessarily warm but not bad enough for me to lose interesting once fishing for that day in very cold temps.

I usually tie my boots just enough so they do not fall off my feet. Circulation and starting out with dry boots are key for me as my feet do sweat. I have no issues driving up to an hour with them on my feet and then going fishing.

[Otto]

alpaca socks expensive but worth it

I've used the Smart Wool and merino wool socks for several years, and they work very well for me.  This year I got a pair of Alpaca socks and they are much more comfortable, thinner and warmer than any sock I've ever used. 
Also, I don't wear my heavy boots while driving, I wear a pair of slip ons and change when I get to the lake.  I've never used a liner either. 

[mud_n_fun]

Also, I don't wear my heavy boots while driving, I wear a pair of slip ons and change when I get to the lake.

I do the same. Worst thing to do is start out the day with sweaty feet.

[Whopper Stopper]

Alpaca socks like previously stated, expensive but good 

                WS

[Yooper77]

I do the same. Worst thing to do is start out the day with sweaty feet.

Huge mistake people make, is blowing heat on the floor. I also wear a pair of shoes out and change into my boots when I get there.

[thomasthepikehunter]

I'm one of the lucky ones, its very hard for me to get cold. I just put on some thick socks (any material except cotton) and put it in my boot. I've used regular wool, merino wool, polyester, alpaca, and some other synthetics. The best for me was wool because its cheap. Alpaca was the best, but it was just crazy priced. Like all socks, they are now lost to where all socks mysteriously disappear to.  For deer hunting (sitting still from an hour before light to an hour after light, no lunch break for me) I use synthetic material dress socks, a wool sock, and then a really big wool sock over that. Don't compress your feet with socks, get them plenty big. Also get big enough boots. It should not be a form fit unless your walking 3+ miles in which case you will not get cold.

[thomasthepikehunter]

I had some cold/wet conditions for the last day of the pike season this year. It was 16"+ inches of snow and lots of drifts. Plus we just got a lot of snow, and there was a few inches of water/slush under the snow. All I did was put a plastic bag over my pac boot, and stuffed it in the boot. Then for socks I put on my 100% polypropylene liner socks, and put on my thinnest wool socks. It worked great. Because the boot did not breath, my feet would get sweaty. The polypro socks do a great job staying dry, and wool works even when wet.

[kpd145]

I have started to change into my boots when I get to fishing spot.

A couple days ago I tried out just wearing dress/work socks with my boots because it was all slushy and the boots I wear in slop are waterproof and do not breathe very well. Today I wore my regular pack boots with merino wool socks and my feet were warm all day too.

Warm feet all day in dress socks   

Who woulda thunk it??

[vaughan]

What type of socks should you use for the rubber "Mickey Mouse" boots?  I love mine but by the afternoon my feet get cold and when I get back to the motel my feet are very damp.

Thanks,
Vaughan

[Spider1]

gotta have poly pro sock liners. And stay away from cotton socks. The poly pro liners will wick the persperation away from the skin but it has to put it somewhere. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it which will make your feet cold. Wool, will also hold the moisture, but the thing about wool is, it gets warmer as it gets wet. Silk works almost as good as the poly pro but the poly pro liners are easier to find. For dryer, warmer feet, poly pro liners and light wool socks.

[greenbackhunter]

Yep. What he said. Poly pro liners, heavier wool sock over them. Cotton kills in the winter. If your feet sweat badly, hit them with roll on antiperspirant.closes up the pores, works great!

[hardwater diehard]

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=78989

giving these a try this season ...if they don't work for winter use I will recycle them for turkey season ..been using poly socks for quite some time ...you also gota have a high content wool sock ...getting harder to find wool socks with high content at a fair price .

[Rebelss]

These work for me. Many different wool ones at Fleet Farm.

http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/fox-river-mills-norwegian-crew-socks/0000000053486