Best socks for Tassie Walking

[Fishinmad]

Does anyone have any hints as to which socks are the best all purpose socks for walking in Tassie conditions? Any ideas would be much appreciated.

[flyfisher]

My favourites are wigwam lite hikers which although expensive ($30 +)don't burn my feet or give me blisters.
This is fantastic after years of nylon burns from explorers etc. The toes and heels are made from merino wool
FF

[tasadam]

Go with what works for you.
I walk with 2 pairs of explorer socks - one long pair that I've had for years that I wear against the skin, and a shorter pair - generally a fairly new pair, outside that.
If I have long johns on I tuck them between the long explorers (that come up to almost my knees) and my shorter ones (normal length).
I used to do my boots up too tight but have learnt about the importance of getting the right tension in the boot laces.

Of course, if you are going to use 2 pair of socks, you have to have the room in your boots.

[Singe]

+1 for two pairs of socks. I've never had blisters since I started wearing a thinner pair of socks under my explorers.

[Nuts]

Yes, and (i think iv'e mentioned before but) these are the ultimate thing to go under those explorers....
http://www.injinji.com.au/
No joke, was given a pair to try, bought five!
They feel a bit ...odd at first but it's impossible to get blisters and no cruddy toe gunk even after days.

Give em a go

[Son of a Beach]

Yes, and (i think iv'e mentioned before but) these are the ultimate thing to go under those explorers....
http://www.injinji.com.au/
No joke, was given a pair to try, bought five!
They feel a bit ...odd at first but it's impossible to get blisters and no cruddy toe gunk even after days.

Give em a go

I'll have to try these. The only place I get blisters is where my second toes overlaps and crushes my little toes. I've seen these before, and they look like they should solve my problem.

[johnw]

Yes, and (i think iv'e mentioned before but) these are the ultimate thing to go under those explorers....
http://www.injinji.com.au/
No joke, was given a pair to try, bought five!
They feel a bit ...odd at first but it's impossible to get blisters and no cruddy toe gunk even after days.

Give em a go

I'll have to try these. The only place I get blisters is where my second toes overlaps and crushes my little toes. I've seen these before, and they look like they should solve my problem.

I'm currently trialling a pair of the mini-crew performance running socks version of these. Was given them for nothing by an outdoor gear store I use, who know I do some running. Not complaining, as they retail for about $30. I've run distances over 10km in them a number of times without blisters. They are strange things to put on though and take longer than normal socks. I've also found that they lack cushioning on the soles. Both from an impact and moisture-wicking perspective I see this as a disadvantage (particularly for running). Othwerwise they seem to perform well. The odd feeling goes away after you wear them for a few minutes. I am considering getting some for bushwalking, but I would get the coolmax liner version and wear normal socks over the top.

My bushwalking sock configuration of choice for the past few years has been Wigwam Ultimax Lite-Hikers teamed with either Mund or Bridgedale Coolmax liners. I have a collection of other socks but this combination seems to works best for me across a wide range of conditions including Tasmania.

[norts]

Darn Tough socks from Vermont at the moment. So far really good.
Really happy with them. Before those it was Thorlos. My first pair were great and lasted for ages.

Only time I have ever worn 2 pairs of socks was when I use to work in FNQ. Helped keep my feet dry(from the sweat) in my work boots.

Roger

[Nuts]

I'll have to try these. The only place I get blisters is where my second toes overlaps and crushes my little toes. I've seen these before, and they look like they should solve my problem.

. Not complaining, as they retail for about $30.

I can't recall where I got them, I think they were around $10us. I see they are now making them outa all sorts of stuff:

http://www.rei.com/brand/Injinji

Heck, the'll make them outa RECYLED bottles next...

[walkinTas]

I bought a pair of pure merino socks last year. I went for a two day walk and took four pairs of sock (as per usual). I wore the merinos all day one. They were lovely. I set out on day two with clean explorers. Half way through the day I put the merino on again. Now, if you knew me, you would know I never where the same socks twice without washing them in between. That how good the merinos are.

Now I own five pairs of merino socks and will never walk in explorers again.

[flyfisher]

Now I own five pairs of merino socks and will never walk in explorers again

I would totally agree.

[Joe]

to anyone who wears explorers....grab some merino socks. explorers have to be one of the worst socks you could wear nowadays. back when i was in highschool they were the shizzle being quite a good blend of wool. they are totall synthetic now and not in a good insulating/wicking way. they will rub your feet and create hotspots. I swapped over to wearing merino recently and could not believe the difference. even cheap merino socks are millions of times better. for hiking ive been wearing a WigWam Comfort Hiker which so nice. Also got a pair of light hikers which have the thinner section across top of foot...for warmer walks this is better as my feet expand a bit and this stops them becoming uncomfortable across the top of foot.

[Son of a Beach]

to anyone who wears explorers....grab some merino socks. explorers have to be one of the worst socks you could wear nowadays. back when i was in highschool they were the shizzle being quite a good blend of wool. they are totall synthetic now and not in a good insulating/wicking way. they will rub your feet and create hotspots. I swapped over to wearing merino recently and could not believe the difference. even cheap merino socks are millions of times better. for hiking ive been wearing a WigWam Comfort Hiker which so nice. Also got a pair of light hikers which have the thinner section across top of foot...for warmer walks this is better as my feet expand a bit and this stops them becoming uncomfortable across the top of foot.

ah, see, I thought I remembered adds where explorers were wool inside and synthetic outside. But if they're now totally synthetic, that would explain why my feet smell so much worse the last few walks than they ever used to. Synthetics are always worse than wool for smelliness.

I'll have to switch to something else, I think. (I've got some hand-knitted wool socks from my mother-in-law... maybe I should try them).

[rcaffin]

Darn Tough socks from Vermont at the moment. So far really good.
Really happy with them. Before those it was Thorlos. My first pair were great and lasted for ages.

Agree. We even went so far as to import several pairs from the mill and pay for them - which is saying a bit considering how much gear I get free for review.

Wigwam Gobi liners inside them - also imported direct at a fraction of the local price.

Cheers

[frank_in_oz]

Yes, and (i think iv'e mentioned before but) these are the ultimate thing to go under those explorers....
http://www.injinji.com.au/
No joke, was given a pair to try, bought five!
They feel a bit ...odd at first but it's impossible to get blisters and no cruddy toe gunk even after days.

Give em a go

I'll have to try these. The only place I get blisters is where my second toes overlaps and crushes my little toes. I've seen these before, and they look like they should solve my problem.

Ok,
not sure if this counts as advertising and very happy to have the post removed if I have broken the rules but.....

My wife Sue had terrible problems with here feet while hiking. (same as Nik's) She tried everything including a visit to a podiatrist to get a professional opinion. She blogged about it here if anyone is interested in here tales of woe!! http://frankinoz.blogspot.com/2008/01/b ... tries.html

She also told her tale on this post: http://frankinoz.blogspot.com/2008/04/b ... eally.html

We have an "advertising" deal with injinji where we have received 3 free pairs of socks for an advertising spot on the blog (which reminds me the 6 months is well and truely up!!)

Anyway , anyone who orders a pair of socks quoting "Franksblog" in the promotional code area will receive a 10% discount on the order. We receive NO COMMISSIONS from this 10%, it is purely a discount between you and http://www.injinji.com.au/

[NickD]

I have used Teko brand socks - they are majority merino wool and I liked to support them because they used Tassie merino only. Now they are switching where they get their wool from so I probably wont buy them again despite them being REALLY good.

I have recently been using Horizon brand socks - the Wool Trekkers are really good all season socks and their premium sock $45 (ouch) Outlast socks are awesome winter socks.

Merino is the best all-rounder though, I swear by them.

[Son of a Beach]

not sure if this counts as advertising and very happy to have the post removed if I have broken the rules

It's borderline, but because you're a good contributor to the forums, I'll say it falls on the OK side of the line. It certainly wouldn't be acceptable for a first post from a new member.

[Nuts]

Especially seeing as how Nik is now off to buy some through your site

[frank_in_oz]

Especially seeing as how Nik is now off to buy some through your site

Nik will get looked after........ ................................... the same as the rest of you "Nuts" on this site - 10% off, nix to me!!

[Son of a Beach]

Especially seeing as how Nik is now off to buy some through your site

heheh... maybe one day

[Fishinmad]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Sounds like merino socks plus a liner is the go to try first.

Thanks again, M

[ollster]

A vote here for the Wigwam "Hiking Outdoor Pro"...

I've got 6 pairs (actually they're Ultimax, that's what they were called prior to Wigwam changing the name or whatever happened).

I used to spend $10 per multi-day bushwalk just taping up my feet... not anymore. The Ultimax (Wigwam) socks stay foot-shaped and don't deform when they're wet, which was what used to kill my feet. The socks are also padded in all the rights spots, and they tend to dry out fairly quickly too.

I've got 4 or 5 other people onto them too... it's getting hard to be sure which socks are mine though!

[Robbo]

I use MD socks. While these are good, I have found that inners are the key to keeping my feet in good condition by the end of the walk. There are various inner types I have tried, but the all have one thing in common - virtually no seams to rub against my toes or heels.

Tony Robinson

[rohjoe]

Totally agree with previous comments about Thorlos. I have the 100% acrylic "Thor-lon" midweight hiker variety and they are excellent. Incredibly hard wearing, no blisters, no need for liners. Get 'em cheap on Ebay.
RJ

[tas-man]

I have been very happy and blister free the past few years with these NZ hiking socks - http://www.thetinshed.co.nz/ProductDeta ... tID=100697
They are a blend of Possum fur and Merino wool, and I purchased them from Allgoods in Launceston. Used them as my inner socks with explorers on the outside with leather boots. Have done extended trips up to 10 days and found this combination the best so far, even with seven days of rain and wet feet on the South Coast Track last Easter. Tried Thurlows a few years back - good, but wore them out over a few long trips - their all synthetic fibre just didn't go well with my boots - possum fur & merino combo still going strong .

[Kainas]

stupid me bought 6 pairs of $20 cotton socks when I bought my hiking boots!!

Oh I do love a good 'small town camping store' but there is nothing like buying from someone who *will* steer you in the right direction.

[sirius Tas]

Hi All,
Virtually all my working life I've gone with exactly the same setup as Tasadam...2 pairs of Explorers. As they're made with either cotton or wool inners with an outer nylon shell...I've always gone with the pure wool inners with no problems what so ever. But as always..it's what works best for you. I've become so accustomed to wearing two pairs of socks that I even do so around home.
I like the look of tas-man's merino and possum fur combo and will definitely try these with one pair of Explorers.