Please sign in to post.

Warm Socks

We are travelled no to Amsterdam in December. I CANNOT wear wool suggestions on non-wool warm socks for ladies. Thanks in advance.

Posted by
1221 posts

I generally have good luck with Thorlos and Lorpens, though you have to check the labels carefully to avoid the fiber of contention in a given sock model. For a bunch of suggestions, try an internet search for vegan hiking socks or vegan socks- lots of lists of socks for people who don't wear wool for ethical reasons, and those lists are easy enough to repurpose by those of use with wool and other animal yarn allergies.

Posted by
1815 posts

Have you tried sock liners? That might give you more sock fiber options.

Posted by
8377 posts

just about any brand of ski socks should fit the bill.

Posted by
5835 posts

You need to look at "technical" materials (not cotton) that wick moisture and do not absorb water. See: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/socks.html

Synthetics: Several materials are often combined or used in select
areas of the sock for greater comfort and fit. Nylon and Lycra®
spandex help socks retain their shape, create a snug fit and, in some
sock styles, provide arch support. CoolMax® polyester, Wickspun™
acrylic and Isolfil® polypropylene are commonly used fibers that wick
away moisture to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

Use socks that are not so thick that they impair blood circulation.

Q: How thick should my socks be?

A: Proper sock thickness depends on the fit of your footwear. If you
have a low-volume foot, you'll probably want thicker socks;
high-volume feet usually require thinner socks. Always try on socks
with your shoes to make sure they fit comfortably.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/survival-skills-4-myths-about-staying-warm-winter

I f one pair keeps your feet warm, then two pairs should keep them even
warmer, right? Nope, your boots were designed to hold your feet and
one pair of socks, not two. The second pair compresses your foot,
cutting of circulation and making your feet colder
than they'd be with a single pair. This impaired blood flow makes your
feet even more vulnerable to frostbite, a major winter threat.

Posted by
173 posts

I like Wright Socks double layer Coolmax. Two thin layers, warm and no blisters!

Posted by
5835 posts

I should add that the boot/shoe materials will likely have more to warm (and dry) feet than sock selection. Full-grain leather with a breathable but waterproof liner will keep your feet warmer than a fabric upper material without a waterproof liner. And all things equal a thicker sole/mid-sole will be warmer than a thinner sole. But that said, Amsterdam is not really all that cold in December statistically speaking.

Posted by
4526 posts

Amsterdam may not be all that cold, but oh my goodness, it can be damp and raw and be worse than cold. So dressing for it is a good thing. As mentioned, the footwear can be as important as the sock.

Posted by
3985 posts

What socks do you wear in December at home assuming you don't live in the tropics? Wool is itchy for my legs/feet so I never wear it. I prefer thick cotton knee highs (with elastic that stays up) that you can get anywhere. Whatever you buy, make sure they will fit the shoes you plan to bring with you.

Posted by
584 posts

I have a pair of Plushfill 360 Cuddl Duds that are 99% Polyester. They are very soft and seem as warm as my other pairs of winter socks. I can't wear wear wool on the rest of my body, but my favorites socks are Alaskan Knits with 10% wool.

Posted by
12172 posts

Just make sure they're non-cotton. There are many decent socks that have no cotton in them, look at the list of materials when you shop. Cotton loses both cushion and insulation when it gets wet and dries slowly. Non-cotton will work much better in all weather and dries fast.