Wool Socks for Diabetic Feet

Would sock liners be an option? They are usually a thin extra layer then you add another sock layer on top. Add a pair of waterproof hiking shoes / boots and that should keep her feet warm. If she needs new shoes I would make sure she wears all the socks when she is trying on shoes so they aren’t tight and she doesn’t get blisters. Also wear a lot before the trip to break them in. For me waterproof shoes immensely help keeping my feet warm.

I've never heard of sock liners before, actually! I read somewhere here a minute ago about wool insoles so I might look into that too.

Thanks for the idea!!

PQ

Although I do have an old pair of fleece sock liners, sometimes I also just double up on socks during the winter. Our floors are all tile in the living areas, so we love how cool they are in the summer, in winters they are cold all the time. So maybe that would be something else to take with you in case there is wet weather

While I don't have specific recommendations, I'd say that merino wool is better than other wool for diabetic feet.

Having spent a lot of time standing around Christmas Markets in recent years I have settled on a combination of innersoles, sock liners and wool socks. The innersoles are made in Canada by Volant James: volantjames.com and have a "two fold aluminum insulating shield" with fleece on top of that. Can't remember the price but they were not terribly expensive purchased from a local shoe store in New Brunswick.

Darn Tough now makes a line of wide calf wool socks if that would help avoid ankle restriction: Wide Open Socks

I have low, muscular calves and regular over-the calf socks are too constricting. In general, wool quarter socks that come just over the ankle work better for me.

Good luck, and I'm sure you and your mom will have a wonderful time!

These hand warmers were recently recommended (I don't know where). I bought them on Wednesday for $15 because there was a coupon. It expired, but you have time, so I would watch them to see if they make that offer again.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC19PD7L?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Hi. I suggest Costco extra fine merino wool socks for women. They are very soft and roomy. A bargain at $16.99 for four pair. Excellent ratings.

You might consider Sockwell's Relaxed Fit & Diabetic Friendly Socks. Depending on the sock, they are made of equal parts Merino Wool and Bamboo Rayon with Stretch Nylon and Spandex in slightly different percentages. The link is to the women's socks.

https://sockwellusa.com/collections/relaxed-fit-socks?uff_i640td_tags=Women

I have worn this brand of sock with a similar material combination in the knee-high compression version for many years. In combination with my waterproof mid hiking boots similar to these, my feet have always been dry and warm or cool as needed for the season.

I wear those boots for stability on cobblestones and in slippery situations. I've worn them for years and they have helped to prevent turned ankles and falls on rough terrain, which can apply to cities. I could blame my need for them on my current age of 78, but I had near misses at a much younger age.

My boots are the lightweight mesh ones. I would never get the heavy leather ones. There are many styles of Keens that might work for your mom. If you go to the "these" link you can read much more about them. I have never needed to wear more than one pair of the socks at a time and I've never had a blister or hot spot anywhere on my feet with that Sockwell Keens combo.

I'm recommending the footwear as well as the socks because I'm assuming that the Christmas markets you're going to will be in Germany. Based on my 3 years in Nürnberg, I'd expect it to be cold, wet and snowy, but who knows these days. ;-)

Have a great trip and if Nürnberg is on your itinerary, you're in for lots of treats including Nürnberger bratwurst, lebkuchen, gluhwein and my favorite schaüfele.

Thank you SO much everyone!! This is all awesome information and has given me lots to look into. I found a couple pairs of Columbia wide width waterproof hiking boots on sale for $60CAD each so I've ordered those now too. I'm going to look into the rest.

Thanks again! We are so excited to be traveling again after a 1.5 year lull due to life getting messy so I really, really appreciate all your help.

PQ