(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best men hiking socks

I always wear boots, because I walk the dog daily. However, I can recommend Altberg Tabbing Boots - it's a lightweight and breathable boot, that's sort of a cross between boots and running shoes.

I also have owned and worn extensively Peacekeeper P1 Aqua, and Sneekers - they're good, but heavier duty waterproof boots. Lovely if you're tramping around in very soggy conditions, but overkill for playing PoGo.

I would also recommend you consider Liner Socks - these are thin, go under your 'normal' socks, but will significantly improve your comfort in all weather - in the cold, your feet will be a bit warmer and dryer, because there's a bit more insulation, and 'damp' is carried away. In the warm, your feet will be cooler and dryer, because the moisture won't sit next to your skin.



To quote:

> “The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.

> Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.

> But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.

> This was the Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness.”


> ― Terry Pratchett, Men at Arms: The Play

Go with the shoe that is most comfortable and more importantly that are broken in. Even if its just a pair of tennis shoes. I'm guessing since the La-Sportiva is in your closet you have used them before and know whether or not they keep your feet from having any hot spots. Yet you say your new to hiking, so I want to make sure you start wearing that shoe daily until your trip. This will get them adjusted to your feet.

Make sure what ever type of sock your going to wear hiking is what you use on your daily walk in these shoes. I actually believe your choice in socks is much more important than your shoes. They do everything from providing cushioning to keeping your feet dry. Go with a good wool or wool blend such as Smartwool socks.

I hope I don't sound preachy, I just want to make sure you enjoy your trip as much as possible. You don't want to be 20 miles in and get a blister.

I have hiked in many different types of sock configurations from my time in the military to now and have tried several different options.

There are those that swear by wearing a thin layer under a padded sock. In the military we would even try wearing ladies stockings (very sheer thin bottom layer) under typical military issue socks. I got blisters.

I tried wearing the "special" hiking socks with the thinner top and beefy padded soles. I got blisters.

Then I started wearing Smartwool PhD socks. In the past year of me wearing them, I have yet to get a blister and have been able to go for up to 3 days of hiking without removing them (an act I don't advise). I have yet to see any blisters, and can safely advocate them. They wick sweat away and are terribly comfortable.

There is indeed a steep initial investment on them, but the ROI (return on investment) is massive. In the past year I've put a little over 800 miles into these socks (the brand/style, not a single pair), and of all my pains - none of them is footwear related.

I can't speak to other similar style socks as I stopped looking after getting these, but Smartwool's PhD socks are definitely a winner. I own both the crew style and the mini style and they're definitely the best sock I've ever owned. I'll be hard pressed to purchase anything else, ever again.

Curious to see what others have to say, but it won't sway me one step.

Here are some other brands on Amazon that seem to have good reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Wigwam-Below-Socks-Black-X-Large/dp/B0044BU7KY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1418245309&sr=8-7&keywords=wigwam+boot

http://www.amazon.com/Pairs-Merino-Hiking-Socks-10-13/dp/B00MTVNJ9M/ref=pd_sim_a_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0214TAD9FXHDCFHJTV73


http://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-Outdoor-Trail-Merino/dp/B009LB8CX6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1418245690&sr=8-4&keywords=merino+wool+mens+socks

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Premium-Merino-Socks-6-pack/dp/B005YPQZAK/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1418245903&sr=8-16&keywords=merino+wool+men+socks


FYI, apparently the price listed on Extreme Outfitters must be a military discounted price for Under Armour as all other sites seem to show the same cold weather sock for around $14.

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/search?q=cold+gear+boot+socks

Handwarmers seem to cost pretty much the same on most sites.

Hope that helps.

Day One I'll have about 35 lbs (15.45 kg) of weight. This is my first time so there are probably several items in there I'll never take with me again, but I'd like to try 'em out once; I also have a shit sleeping bag that desperately needs upgraded. If you want specs, just ask and I'll happily share my spreadsheet!

Edit: The List

The Gear

• Jansport Katahdin 50L
  
• Northstar Tactical Operations Sleeping Bag
  
• Hennessy Explorer Deluxe w/ Hex Fly, Snakeskin, HH2O
  
• New Balance Hiking Boots
  
• Vibram Spyridons
  
• Playpus Big Zip Bladder, 3L
  
• Sawyer 3-Way Inline Water Filter
  
• Rain Suit
  
• Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap
  
• All Terrain Herbal Armor Bug Spray
  
• Wigwam Merino Wool Socks x2 pair
  
• GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Pot/Cup
  
• Outdoor Products Dry Sacks
  
• Energizer 3-LED Headlamp
  
• Lifeline 85-Piece First Aid Kit
  
• 100', 550lb Paracord
  
• Extra Rope
  
• Heavy Duty Trash Bag (as liner; 2 extra)
  
• Couple Books: The Tolkien Reader, J.R.R. Tolkien and Smith of Wootton Major and Farmer Giles of Ham, J.R.R. Tolkien
  
• Cell Phone
  
• Camera
  
• Flashlight
  
• Map
  
• Watertight, hard-shelled container (for electronics/map)
  
• Pocket Knife
  
• Fixed-Blade Knife
  
• Toilet Paper
  
• Stove & Fuel
  
• Hand Sanitizer
  
• Extra pair of underpants
  
• Extra shirt
  
• Several scattered lighters
  
• 2L of water (possibly less depending on availability of water)
  
• Plastic Water bottle (for mixes)
  
• Wash Cloth
  
  The Food
  
  
• Chocolate Chip and Coffee Biscotti (too delicious not to bring)
  
• Backpacker's Pantry, Beans and Rice
  
• Mountain House, Rice and Chicken
  
• Ramen Noodles
  
• Trail Mix
  
• Peanuts
  
• Country Time Lemonade Packets
  
• Snickers Bars
  
• Folgers Instant Coffee
  
• Chocolate Covered Raisins
  
• Tuna Packets
  
• Wraps
  
• Protein Bars
  
• Peanut Butter Crackers
  
• Gushers
  
• Mac & Cheese
  
• Summer Sausage
  
• Nutri-Grain Bars
  
• Hot Cocoa

So a loooong time ago - I worked in a outdoor supply store, and we sold Wigwam, Fox River, Columbia, duofold, ultimax, etc - all the sock brands for hiking and such (some no longer have socks). Thorlo were double the price of everyone else, but I have to say - they were great socks.

I have probably, 8 pair -- they are over 20 years old. worth it for the price, even more worth it as I got them wholesale. (I have 3 pair of just these - from 22 years ago - I wore a pair tonight for working out at the gym -- http://www.amazon.com/Thorlo-Coolmax-Hiker-Walnut-Heather/dp/B0009MZW0C/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1405478222&sr=8-5&keywords=thorlo+mens+crew+socks)

Here - I have 4 pair of these (Fox River Euro) -- they are also 20+ years old - 1 pair JUST last week got a hole in them. nice synthetic sock -- but back in the day - they only cost 5 dollars.

http://www.amazon.com/Euro-Hiking-Khaki-White-Large/dp/B0045DZF6C/ref=sr_1_13?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1405478013&sr=1-13

Not to worry. I will wear them as boots, they will get dirty. I've survived last winter in my Iron Rangers, they have a similar sole. I just penguin walk on packed snow and ice, the rest is fine. I have great Solomon hiking boots for deep snow if it comes to that.

I'll avoid putting a new sole on them for now, them being brand new and all. When it comes time to change it up I'll probably get a nice commando sole for them.

I use these socks with my boots, they keep me warm in the winter and are just very comfortable in general.

I love my Keen boots. I think they are the Targhee II. http://goinggear.com/keen-targhee-ii-mid-men-s-boot.html

For socks I got icebreaker wool socks. http://www.amazon.com/Icebreaker-Mens-Nickel-Black-Large/dp/B002MIIABY/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1382663711&sr=1-1&keywords=icebreaker+socks

These two things I absolutely love. Btw what kind of area will you be in and what type of stove?

Personally these are my favorite https://www.amazon.com/Wigwam-Mens-Cool-Lite-Hiker-Socks/dp/B000TF9OZS


Very comfortable, durable, I love em.

As I said earlier, I am currently wearing Kirkland brand merino wool socks. But if you don't want to buy kirkland, stick with merino wool. I have bought everything from natural materials to synthetic multi part sock systems, and merino wool socks have been the best for days of ruck marching in all sorts of weather. A pair like this is under 9 bucks a pair on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Super-wool-Hiker-Merino-Hiking-Socks/dp/B007O1H7QS/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1478573695&sr=1-2&nodeID=7141123011

In my experience, my most durable socks have been Drymax. I've had some that have lasted for years and look brand new. I bought some Thorlo running socks last year and they are already falling apart. I've never compared them against Darn Tough (which seems to be very popular in this subreddit), but I can recommend Drymax if you're looking for a durable synthetic sock. For your application, I'd recommend these or these.

C'mon OP...

• Bialetti Moka pot
  
  
• Lido 2 hand grinder
  
  
• Lodge cast iron skillets one large one small
  
  
• Lodge enameled cast iron dutch oven
  
  
• All clad copper core sauce pan
  
  
• Miele washing machine
  
  
• Miele C2 vacuum cleaner
  
  
• Vitamix 5200
  
  
• Duralex glasses - tumblers??
  
  
• Zojirushi NS-LLH05 rice cooker - only 1 left!
  
  
• Cuisinart Perfectemp Kettle
  
  
• OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Scale
  
  
• OXO Good Grips Cutting board
  
  
• Corelle winter frost dinnerware set
  
  
• Light my fire titanium fork-spoon-knife - spork?
  
  
• Darn Tough socks
  
  
• Exofficio briefs
  
  
• Felco 2 Secateurs
  
  
• Wahl Peanut beard trimmer
  
  
• Dualit Toaster
  
  
• P38 can opener??
  
  
• Zwilling J.A. Henckels knife set
  

Also - its not just about the boot! Socks are important, too. I wore these through Ranger and since then I've never worn another sock. I still wear some of the pairs I wore through Ranger school, and that was four years ago. Great sock; durable, breathable, and quick drying.

Your friend is probably thinking of the Nike Dri-Fit socks, which are just standard sweat-wicking socks. They're in no way waterproof.

Actual waterproof socks like Sealskinz or Endura are going to be pricey - these are the cheapest I can find, for about $20/pair.

If you don't want to pay for waterproof socks, merino wool is your best bet as others have said. Alternatively, to keep water out of your shoes, you can use gaiters or overshoes, but those can get warm.

http://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Vermont-Cushion-Oatmeal/dp/B008J1ADPO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415659135&sr=8-2&keywords=darn+tough i always get these, have been ordering a pair a month for about 6 months now, sometimes they send me a second pair as a gift =D

I’m glad you responded. I meant to update my post In case someone has the same question later. The saucony you linked look similar to the pree’s which were champs for me.

I ended up buying:

Pree Men's No Show Socks, White,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WQS9W8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Ballston Unisex Lightweight All... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DR5X1ZR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Were the standouts for price/performance. The Pree are thinner smoother socks & the Ballston are a warmer fluffier ribbed texture on the inside.

If they sucked I was gonna upgrade to merino wool or bamboo, but both keep my feet feeling dry, & the pree are cooling. both hold their shape & fit well, both seem like they will last a long time without wearing through.

I’m picky as fuck and & I really hate the feeling of moist socks that I get with cotton. (to the point I use
Neat Feat 3B Foot Saver Roll-On Antiperspirant for Feet, 2.0 Fluid Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AF7602U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_k-nhDb0HSZW3Q anytime I have to wear work boots in summer.)

I bought some thick wool socks from amazon, you might have some luck there.

Also, mfa often recommends these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kirkland-Signature-Outdoor-Trail-Merino/dp/B00KRH8B70/ref=sr_1_16?s=clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1485383974&sr=1-16&keywords=wool+socks

Dont do plain black or white socks with these. These can easily be paired with some cool looking stance socks:

http://www.amazon.com/Stance-Mens-Ramos-Large-X-Large/dp/B009ZHCVHY/ref=sr_1_20?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1404744518&sr=1-20

http://www.amazon.com/Stance-Mens-Calexico-Large-X-Large/dp/B009LLKOX2/ref=sr_1_24?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1404744518&sr=1-24

http://www.amazon.com/Stance-Ganado-Crew-Socks-Black/dp/B00HUVQF9W/ref=sr_1_76?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1404744533&sr=1-76




And of course wool socks always go with J's:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Y9QBYW/ref=twister_B009CCS0HC

I know you said you tried a bunch of socks but I want to suggest these. The key is finding socks that don't contain cotton because cotton absorbs and holds moisture and is what gets stinky. These mostly wool socks are very plushy and comfortable and they wick moisture like high performance sports gear so they keep your feet almost totally dry. I can even wear the same pair of socks two or three days in a row with no smell.

BTW, I'm liking these socks, which have close-as-makes-no-difference the same wool content and are cheaper.

I like Wigwam socks.

If you're looking for wool socks specifically, the CostCo wool socks are recommended a lot—good quality for the price

They've been around that price on amazon for a while http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Y9QBYW/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

I picked up a pack in Dec for $19.50. I run around a size 12.5 and they're a little bit small, but still very comfy.

these are the ones right?