Let's Talk About Socks

[brunse]

I have tried about four different versions of the merino blend socks and none match my SMARTWOOL. I threw all my cotton socks out a few years ago and wear smartwool EVERY day. I still have two of the first three pairs I received as gifts (probably been worn and washed...150 times so far). I have only worn out two pairs. I rotate through my supply of 12-15 pairs. I LOVE THEM.

 

[SHTF]

Just bought 2 pair of those Darn Tough Socks. 20 a piece and a pair of REI merino socks. 50 bucks for all 3 steep but man well worth it. I bought new Irish Setter Boots full grain and was wearing cotton socks with them. Can you say Blister on heal. Now with the Merino and a aftermarket insole they feel so much better. I plan to completely fill my draw with Merino wool socks. I cant see going back to standard cotton. If anyone can find a good deal on the Darn Tough socks. Let me know.

 

[sk1]

darn tough socks are incredible, started using them last season based on all the recommendations here....and i agree, i love them.

 

[Stephen Lathrop]

Darn tough are great socks and so are Bridgedale.
They are different.
Darn tough runs about 67% Merino 29% Nylon 4% Lycra Noticed more wool feel and support
Bridgedale runs 40% Merino 35% Nylon 24% Poly Noticed a silky feel little less support

I like both. They have a different feel and fit and don't forget the option for over the calf for those who like a 10" boot or have a large calf.

 

[Huntfun]

I have been wearing merino wool for every sock use I have for years...that includes dress socks; merino is truly the best all around sock fabric IMHO. I have pretty much stayed with Smartwool. I have used Lopren but the wool count is too low and also Costco..great price but they wear out too quick. I recently picked up some DTs for hunting after reading their praise on this site. Also picked up some Smartwool liners to give the combo a try. My feet are super fussy! I have become very disappointed how fast Smartwool sock wear out in the areas where your feet make serious contact. I have two drawers full of the just above and below the ankle fit socks that are worn out to the point they are no good. Smartwool has told me to send them in and they will replace them so I guess they will stand behind them. Need to send them back and see what happens. I will say I do like the fit and feel of Smartwool and believe they are among the better merino out there. One thing is for sure, these merino wool socks cost a small fortune so you need to buy smart...not necessarily Smartwool though.

It would be nice if people posted where they find great deals. I bought my DTs from OMC Oregon Mountian Community www.omcgear.com thy had the best price I could find for the ones I wanted.

 

[Ross]

Have had great luck with smartwool, bridgedales and kenetreks late season wool sock for November on.

 

[thru-hunter]

I am with Luke on whatever is CHEAP! I look for minimum 75% merino and that is about it. I may check out some darn toughs this year for my fly out based on reviews. Some socks definitely hold shape better than others which is handy when you wear them 5 days or more at a time but that usually requires more poly/nylon which tends to make them feel clammy. I have quite a few various weight Browning merino, piles of kirklands and a smattering of smart wool and lorepen. The Brownings have performed with zero blisters on my last couple week+ hunts when rotating between 2 pairs per hunt.

 

[Stephen Lathrop]

How about liners how many of you use them? How do you think they benefit you?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I use liners and think they do help, never had an issue with blisters. I use merino liners and darn tough socks

 

[JNDEER]

I lucked out and when I started wearing wool with liners I had a BPS gift card. So I purchased the blue BPS poly liners and redhead hiker wool socks. This combo has worked for my feet for 3 years from 0-108 degrees with no blisters or hot spots.

 

[luke moffat]

How about liners how many of you use them? How do you think they benefit you?

Stephen,

I have never used in liners, in fact never knew they existed. But my feet are pretty tollerant I think. Did last year on Becca's sheep hunt after packing her sheep 8 miles back to the airstrip in and out of a creek with soaked wet feet (we were over the boot tops a lot so no leakage other than I knew I'd get them wet) I pulled my Superfeet insoles out of the Hanwag Alaskans next to the fire to dry them out only to realize I still had the stocker in sole in my right boot!!! Both feet were fine though, just thought it was funny and grateful my feet aren't very picky!

 

[thru-hunter]

My feet aren't that picky either but I also never wear liner socks. I tried them on for about 5 minutes and the liner didn't feel right no matter what I did. I figured I would go without and see how things went. Never been a problem so I have never had a reason to change.

 

[Moose Drool]

Darn Tough for sure, wore them every day on a ten day hunt. Not a single blister. This will be my go too sock for the future. It was pretty warm and my feet sweat bad, but not in these socks.

 

[dreamingbig]

Smart wool base and darn tough over the top for me.

 

[Mckinnon]

I love my Darn Tough socks!

 

[Stephen Lathrop]

Luke that is to funny.. Id guess you have enough depth in the toe box!

The Darn Tough claim you don't need to use liners. I'm telling you some people must!
These poor folks blister when they look at a mountain.
Liners you either like them or you don't. They serve a very useful purpose.
They have the ability to wick moisture and also reduce shear force which cause hot spots and blisters.

 

[thru-hunter]

I broke down and shelled out the ridiculous price for the darn tough hunter socks...... Stupid Rokslide...

 

[Slim Jim]

I broke down and shelled out the ridiculous price for the darn tough hunter socks...... Stupid Rokslide...

Haha I know, I think that I have spent more money this year on gear than ever before

 

[Tiger Rag]

I broke down and shelled out the ridiculous price for the darn tough hunter socks...... Stupid Rokslide...

Lol!

 

[Salmo-Priest]

Lorpen liner, and Walmart merino/wool socks. Tried Smartwool, Dahlgren Alpaca socks, Along with REI and Danner's for years. They all suck compared to the Wally world socks I have now.