socks

smart wool

I raised the same question some time ago; here's a link: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes/more-questions-about-socks

I like the Thorlo socks; but I haven't tried Smartwool.

I've never had a significant blister problem (but do carry moleskin and Band-Aids just in case), but I believe in taking precautions. Before my last trip I read an online suggestion to use deodorant on one's feet because it will reduce perspiration and help prevent blisters. I did that religiously, but since blisters are so rare for me, I can't say that the deodorant made a difference. Don't see how it could hurt, though, and it's something I was carrying with me anyway.

I used to love Thor-Lo socks, switched last year to Costco Kirkland brand wool blend socks which I now wear all year (when I am not in sandals.) My husband made the switch too.

Also have some Smartwool and Darn Tough wool socks, bought at REI on sale, but Costco's regular price beats them.

In traveling thru Europe for 13 of the last 14 years each summer for a month, I wear either Smartwool or ExOfficio travel socks depending on the weather and have never had a problem with blisters, or anything else that has affected my feet. I think a lot of is has to do with wearing a very good pair of walking shoes - I wear Clarks AirMovers which, unfortunately, are no longer made in England.

Recommending "Smartwool" socks these days is like recommending a "Patagonia" jacket or "LL Bean" shoes. When I first started using Smartwool socks there were basically a couple of weights of crew socks (e.g medium and heavy) and a couple of colors. Smartwool socks are so specialized these days they have three weights of Nordic Ski Socks and it seems a sock for every athletic or sporting activity (biking, running etc) except swimming.

Use lamb's wool from Costco year around. However, the sock and the shoe should be fitted together. If use to using a thin cotton sock with your shoes, shifting to a heavier wool sock could cause problems.

I have tried Smart Wool and Darn Tough. I prefer the Darn Tough. Purchased both at REI.

I love my Sockwell Compression socks. They are similar in fiber content to Smartwool but, in my experience, much better made. They come in men's and women's styles, medium and large sizes, and lots of cute/pretty/interesting patterns. I have had 2 pairs for almost 2 years, wear them constantly, and they have held up very well even with washing and drying in the machines.
REI carries them, and I have been lucky enough to find them on sale twice. (I have 4 pairs total.)
I wouldn't leave home without them!
As to blisters, I like to bring what are called "callous cushions" for blisters. These surround the blister, thus taking the pressure off, and allow it to heal. Dr. Scholl's makes a great one, but they are now hard to find. I like the Walgreen's brand ... the adhesive is strong enough to last a couple of days. (The CVS ones are awful!)
Have a wonderful tour!

As to blisters, I like to bring what are called "callous cushions" for
blisters. These surround the blister, thus taking the pressure off,
and allow it to heal. Dr. Scholl's makes a great one, but they are now
hard to find.

Sharyn, thanks for your suggestion. I tend to always get blisters - no matter what I do. I found the Dr. Scholl's Callus Cushions on Amazon.

Pilgrim -- the callous cushions come in 2 sizes, smaller oval ones and larger round ones. The larger ones work better for me. And it's good to know they are available on Amazon. Thanks for that.

Another vote for Smartwool. I switched years ago and now only have Smartwool socks. As others have pointed out, they have many styles, varying in thicknesses, lengths, patterns, etc. They are not cheap (anywhere from $15-$20 for one pair) and don't last nearly as long as cotton or synthetics, but they perform far better in terms of comfort and of course, most importantly, keeping your feet dry. They also dry fast when you wash them. They also perform well in terms of odor control. Zappos sells them by the three pack and you save a little money but of course, all three will be of the same style and color.

I have found that Smartwool socks wear out the fastest where the Achilles is. I have tried to minimize this wear by making sure my shoes are completely unlaced and loosened up before putting on/taking off the shoes. I also use a shoe horn to put on my shoes to minimize the wear on that part of the sock.

SmartWool worth every costly penny you spend on them. Been using them for years. Not one blister ever but the absolute best thing about them, no odor even after 5 days of wear on a trail.

I like Smartwool medium-weight and also Wrightsocks, which have a double layer and it really works to keep the friction away from your skin, yet they're not bulky at all. Both dry easily overnight and wear well for years. Whatever socks you choose I caution you to notice if there's a seam across the toes--that can cause horrible irritation over hours and miles of walking depending on your shoes.

Even though I am confident I have the proper socks and shoes or boots, I still bring a small foot emergency kit--some big bandaids, blister bandaids like Compeed, ointment, toe tubes, roll of tape (perfect to cover a small rub and stop it from becoming a big problem or holding on bandaids) and a small Body Glide for high-friction areas. My "perfect" boots turned on me one trip and I was hobbling all over Vienna looking for blister bandaids, never again!

...and another thing regarding wool socks, whether they are Smartwool or any other brand, be sure to look at the materials content. Not all wool socks are made the same, look for the percent of wool vs. cotton/viscose/etc. Even Smartwool might not be 100% wool, usually it's blended with another material. Obviously the higher the wool content the better the performance.

Another vote for the merino wool socks! I have Smartwool no show socks for summer and wear the Costco Kirkland brand of merino for winter.

The Costco ones are pretty inexpensive however you may not be able to find them this time of year. I will also tell you I am ending the 2nd winter with the same 6 or 8 pr from last year and have had over the past couple of weeks had repeated sock failure. I've worn thru the bottom (ball of foot and heel) of at least 3 pr. and have thrown them out. I love them and since they come out to $3-4 a pr, am OK with failure after 2 winters of hard wear.

I did wear the Smartwool ones 2 summers and have not had any failures with them.

You can get SmartWool at Sierra Trading Co. for lower price than REI or other brick and mortar retailer. Also other specialized travel gear for less. Sign up for email and you'll get coupons, too.
No, I'm not affiliated with Sierra Trading, just have bought a bunch of socks from them! They say some of their stuff is irregular but I've never had issues with anything purchased from them.

I was in Costco yesterday and checked on the merino wool sock situation. My store only had women's left and the price was $8.97 for 4 pr. Even though I have experienced recent sock failure, I got 2 packs, so 8 @ $2.24+ a pr. I am sure they were either $12.97 or $13.97 previously. These should take me thru the next 2 winters...which in N. Idaho is Oct thru April or so!

BTW, SIL has recently had sock failure with name brand Smartwool socks (also 2 years old).

Currently at Sierra Trading Post, there's a Deal Flyer discount of additional 35% off; socks are included--Thorlo, Smartwool, and others. I believe it's through Memorial Day weekend.

I prefer Thorlos but also use an REI silk sock liner for really heavy walking days.

On our recent Villages of South England tour, I alternated two pair of Thorlo socks, and was well pleased. One of the pair developed a weak area near the top, right after I bought them, but they're holding up well. The padded socks were welcome since I brought heavier walking shoes on this trip, anticipating longer walks on Dartmoor and the Downs, as well as treks up to St Michael's Mount and Tintagel Castle.

Late to the conversation. My go-to socks are double layer coolmax running socks by WrightSocks. They provide non-bulky blister protection & are moisture wicking. Available from Amazon.

Does anyone else find socks are the hardest clothes to get dry when you sink wash? I usually bring some older pairs, wear those ones at the beginning of the trip and toss them as we go.