I'm bringing a pair of flats on my grand European adventure but I'm stuck as to what to use for stockings. At home I just use nude nylon knee-highs but I'm rarely walking more than a mile or so. I don't think they'll provide very good blister protection but socks are too thick. Any recommendations on ultra-thin socks or sturdy stockings?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11362 posts
Smart Wool does make some thin "peds" that I use in some of my shoes. Also, support hose knee highs offer some extra protection because they are thicker yet sheer enough to go into flats. I always wear them on the plane and for long train trips to precent DVT. At least under slacks you can't see them. :-)
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10237 posts
I use thin wool socks in cooler weather and little peds in warmer. You should try a several options before you leave and see what works best for you.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta
796 posts
Hi Shannon. I use a variety of socks for travel. One support hose type, black knee high for the long air travel days, smart wool brand that will be warm or cool, I own 2 weights of those. One is thicker with more cushioning, the other thinner, in funky colors. I also have some runners type socks, very thin 2 layers which prevent blisters, wick away moisture; they dry quickly if I am caught in a rainstorm and after washing. happy feet make a great trip!
Posted by
Land of La
8713 posts
Pricey but worth every penny. Smart Wool socks. Thin and thick. Walked and hiked all over with them. NO blisters ever.
Posted by
Edmond, OK
187 posts
I am a huge fan of Smartwool and all my hiking socks are Smartwool but for travel I love my Tilley socks. They are neither ultra-thin or heavy but a medium weight. I definitely do not like heavy socks with my travel shoes. The Tilley socks dry overnight after being washed in a hotel room. Not cheap but they look brand new and wear well.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5836 posts
You may be better served with "normal weight", i.e. "mama bear" socks, not too thin and not too heavy. If you were doing a walking holiday, hiking or winter travel, wool socks such as the Smart Wool socks would be essential for cushioning and moisture absorption etc. The down side of Smart Wool moderate weight or heavier is the drying time after hand washing. My Smart Wools socks take at least two days even using the "wring in towel" trick. I started bring a mix of Smart Wool medium weight crew socks for outdoor activities (walking, hiking, skiing etc.) and fast drying Cool Max (or similar) socks for walking around town.
Posted by
Germantown, Maryland, USA
2 posts
Target has an incredible selection of ladies' socks: both trouser socks which are thicker than knee hi's and casual socks which are thicker still. 8 pair for $9. Several styles, a lot of black textured patterns too. I was also able to find black crew socks which are thicker still; they are billed as "athletic/hiking" socks with wicking ability. $6 for 3 pair.