Socks, specifically boot socks?

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Brian.Evans

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I'm a medic at a pretty busy service. I don't get to take my boots off very often. It is killing my feet. For example, yesterday I put my boots on at 445, I took them off for about an hour at 2000, and then just took them off again at 945 this morning. Needless to say, my dogs are beat! I switched to mid weight wool socks about four months ago, and love them, but it seems like I could fine tune my system a bit more to make me more comfortable. I'm not sure that mid weight socks are the most appropriate for summer wear. I am moving to Haix Airpower XR1 boots in the next couple weeks, so there's that. Might make a difference in your suggestion, might not. I'm interested to hear from medics, fire, leo, hikers, anyone who keeps their boots on for long periods and outs their feet through Hell. Open to suggestions!
 
I wear SmartWool over the calf mid-weights and absolutely love them...am on my feet a lot also.
 
I wear Wigwam merino hiker socks,with sorbothene double strike insoles in my boots for hiking.
 
I worked outdoors for years, hiking in the swampy heat of Arkansas and the scorched earth of SE New Mexico. Not to mention other jobs, like multi-day shifts on drill rigs, and all sorts of construction. I still wear boots everyday, either lightweight safety/hikers or 16" mine boots (about the heaviest stiffest things you could imagine).

My conclusion with socks: The thicker the better. Two pairs are better than one. And liner socks are a huge benefit on hot days.

With the mine boots or long hikes, I wear expedition-weight wool with polypropylene liners. Sometimes I add a pair of merino wool with the mine boots because they're a bit roomy. For around the house and day-work at the lab/office/shop, it's just a single pair of soft merino wool.

Do you wear a boot insert? Those go a long way towards making a boot more wearable for long periods, and help with soreness and foot fatigue.
 
Smartwool PhD's medium weight seem to work well for me. I do quite a bit of fieldwork, walking with a pack, hiking etc. and these socks seem to be the best I've tried. Not cheap but worth it.
 
Lots of good suggestions so far. Thank you.

What's a boot insert? I have true custom made orthotics, but honestly they seem about pointless. I can't see that they do anything past my $20 RedWing brand insoles.
 
I wear Smartwool or Bridgedale socks on duty, usually midweight ones. Summer temps are relative. Depending on how hot it is, I'd consider a lightweight pair. You can get right/left-cut socks with added padding for extra comfort. A ultrathin liner sock from a reputable company goes a long way comfortwise. Don't just wear any inner sock, but a real liner model.They wick away the sweat and transport it to the outer sock, thus keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Vented boots might help too.
 
I have worn Smart Wool socks for a long time, now i am wearing Darn Tough socks out of Vermont and have been very happy with them. John
 
medicevans said:
What's a boot insert? I have true custom made orthotics, but honestly they seem about pointless. I can't see that they do anything past my $20 RedWing brand insoles.
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Sometimes I just use the basic gel inserts for comfort. And sometimes I use the stiffer and more supportive "ProFoot" arch supports to help with plantar fascia problems. Just depends on the shoe/boot.
 
Bob W said:
I worked outdoors for years, hiking in the swampy heat of Arkansas and the scorched earth of SE New Mexico. Not to mention other jobs, like multi-day shifts on drill rigs, and all sorts of construction. I still wear boots everyday, either lightweight safety/hikers or 16" mine boots (about the heaviest stiffest things you could imagine).

My conclusion with socks: The thicker the better. Two pairs are better than one. And liner socks are a huge benefit on hot days.

With the mine boots or long hikes, I wear expedition-weight wool with polypropylene liners. Sometimes I add a pair of merino wool with the mine boots because they're a bit roomy. For around the house and day-work at the lab/office/shop, it's just a single pair of soft merino wool.

Do you wear a boot insert? Those go a long way towards making a boot more wearable for long periods, and help with soreness and foot fatigue.
Click to expand...
I 100% agree with your bolded statement, I wear a pair of plain white cotton ankle socks under my medium weight calf high wool socks, it's the combo that works best for me. I also only wear the white socks about 3 or 4 times max before turning them into rags and replacing them.
 
I wear Smartwool hikers and Red Wing heat moldable insoles. Best combo I have found.
 
I might only be a mailman, but I do walk all day. In the warmer months i swear by the Wrightsock Cool Mesh Running Socks and WrightSock Adventure Hiking Socks. They are double layer -anti blister. They work great in my boots.

Worth a try.
 
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Both Sam's Club and Costco sell wool socks by the three-pack. They are cheaper AND more durable than the aforementioned SmartWool socks. I have been slowly switching over from SW to the others.... i.e. the SmartWool are WEARING OUT, while the others keep on keepin' on. Guess who's not buying SmartWool socks again?
 
I used to wear cotton socks all the time and when I took off my boots they'd be steaming. Now I wear wool. Usually the cheap costco blends. I have some carhartt wool socks, they're good and last a long time too but pricey. I have some smart wool as we'll but they don't last as long as the costco socks. One pair of mid or light weight smart wool I have ended up with holes after only a few months, the heavy weights last a little longer but still don't last long. One of the pairs, that I still have for some reason, the entire surface that my foot contacts has worn through leaving only the thick heavy threads in a sort of waffle pattern, really funny looking :)
For the money it's hard to beat the costo wool socks.



Edit. That being said, good boots make a world of difference too. I picked up a pair of Altima desert boots for summer work and I love the crap out of them. I'm not sure what's allowed for para medics, but if you can find a desert type boot go for it. Also, insoles. Try different styles and find what works. I like the green super feet, tried dr shoals gel whatever's and don't care for them. The people on the commercials looked so happy haha
 
Just a thought but have you considered switching from boots to shoes? I don't much care for boots. They are heavy, uncomfortable, and slow to dry. If you are wearing boots for long periods of time you should take them off to air whenever you can. Wash your feet and change your socks often as well. Preferably a few times a day. Also rotate your boots if you can to give them a chance to dry fully between uses. Trench foot is no fun. Ask me how I know. :(

If safety is a concern I like something like this when doing work around nails and heavy stuff. http://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/jalas-prima-metalliton-turvakenka/24914/
24914c.jpg


As for which sock if I have to wear boots.... I like to have 2 pairs of socks. One slick/quick dry liner sock and a wool sock on top.
 
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I have tried shoes. It's a big no go for me. It's not just nails and heavy stuff. It's more lateral stability under load, not knowing what I'm going to be walking through, stuff like that. Actually, I think our sop states that we have to wear boots, but its kind of overlooked.

I'm switching from Bates to Haix boots. I ordered the wrong size, so I sent them back and am waiting on a refund before I buy the correct size. They are awesome boots though, and I think are going to be insanely comfortable.

I've been wearing wolverine brand wool socks and they really make a huge difference.
 
Danner boots with Costco wool socks.
Maybe look into the zipper insert for quick on and off. Trench foot, athlete's foot, or any other problems are not fun and can make every minute feel like an eternity.
 
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