Another sock question

[wildernesswanderer]

This is a little more specific than just you normal sock question.

I'm a diabetic and as such can have foot irritations and problems, I have a major hassle just finding shoes that feel comfortable and it took a trip to 5 different hiking shops to find a pair of boots that when I put them on the just felt right.

So now I have to find socks but obviously I can't go trying on every pair in 5 camping stores so I hope that some may have some ideas.

First of all I require cushioning under the ball of my feet and the sock has to have seamless designs so they don't irritate my toes. My everyday socks that I wear are made by a company Karma Soles. But they are cotton, which is fine for normal everyday but not for hiking. So can some give me any ideas on what brands may make a sock for hiking that are suitable for people with foot conditions.

Thanks

[north-north-west]

Possum? I'm pretty sure they do seamless socks, and the bushwalking sock has heaps of extra cushioning.

[frenchy_84]

This will sound weird but I would recommend socks that I don't actually like myself. Macpac have a summer merino sock that sounds like it fits ur needs. It's has quite a lot of soft merino for the balls of your feet while having a smooth thinner top. If u do look at getting them, if ur between sizes pick the smaller of the 2 as there sizes are generous. They do have a slight seam at the toes. I don't like them because while my foot was in the middle of the range they are to big, perhaps to warm for a summer sock and *&%$#! expensive for a pair of socks. However if they fit ur foot better than mine, they may suit ur needs.

[nq111]

I really don't know enough about your specific issue.

But in general Darn Tough Vermont make a very good sock with a very fine, high quality weave layer after layer. Some say the best. Could be worth a try (need to order from the USA). Google them.

[corvus]

I can recommend Wilderness Wear Australian made Merino Fleece Socks with flat seams and 'terry'cushioning throughout the sock and best of all you can buy them for around $18.00
corvus

[Pongo]

I really don't know enough about your specific issue.

But in general Darn Tough Vermont make a very good sock with a very fine, high quality weave layer after layer. Some say the best. Could be worth a try (need to order from the USA). Google them.

I'm fairly certain I saw some "Darn Tough" socks in my local safeway a few days ago. I passed them off as cheapo made in China jobs as I'd never heard of them. Worth a look in.

[corvus]

I really don't know enough about your specific issue.

But in general Darn Tough Vermont make a very good sock with a very fine, high quality weave layer after layer. Some say the best. Could be worth a try (need to order from the USA). Google them.

I'm fairly certain I saw some "Darn Tough" socks in my local safeway a few days ago. I passed them off as cheapo made in China jobs as I'd never heard of them. Worth a look in.

Darn Tough work socks were on "Fathers Day " special in Woolies for around $6.95 a pair looked ok but were cotton.
corvus

[nq111]

Darn Tough work socks were on "Fathers Day " special in Woolies for around $6.95 a pair looked ok but were cotton.
corvus

I would be shocked if they were genuine Darn Tough Vermont. They retail about $20 a pair in the USA so expect $40-$50 if retailed here. They are mostly wool.

They are very well reviewed. Roger Caffin (BPL) reviewed them, and if i recall correctly noted that he used to work on wool sock design as a textile scientist for CSIRO (exact detail may be off), and rated them as the best constructed he had seen.

Mine haven't seen enough use to get a longterm sense - but they do ooze quality - far better than the wigwams, smartwool etc i have had before. Having said that, until recent years I only used holeproof heros

[norts]

On my second pair of Darn Tough, first pair I could wear for days, very good socks. Would recommend them.
Only problem is finding somewhere that sells them and has cheap freight. I once saw them in Paddys in Launie.

Roger

[Tortoise]

Not sure if they have what you're after, but I found these people very helpful - very good service, happy to answer oodles of questions, wide range of socks. And yes, i'm happy with the 3 pairs I got from them.

http://www.socksforliving.com

Last edited by Tortoise on Sat 01 Sep, 2012 8:17 am, edited 1 time in total.

[MotoStv]

A quick google shows Redddog & Spearpoint had a small selection of Darn Tough socks but both are in NSW, not VIC.

http://www.redddog.com.au/motorbike_socks_17.html

http://www.spearpointtechnology.com.au/products/products/Products/DarnTough_Vermont.html

[Rob A]

It might also be worth having a look at greenfeet. Cheap in the scheme of things.

[wildernesswanderer]

Thanks all for the info. Who would have thought there is so many sock brands for hiking.

[andrewa]

It comes down to whether you have any neuropathy or not. Being diabetic per se doesn't require special care with socks/ footwear etc UNLESS you have nerve damage as well, in which case it's very important. If you're not sure, your GP/ diabetes specialist will advise you as to whether you have any nerve damage, and whether you need to take special care.

On the other side of the coin, if you have diabetes, AND it's not well controlled, and you get a cut/blister etc, it is more likely to get infected. However, if your diabetic control is good, this is unlikely to happen. Bugs like growing when look sugars are elevated. A bit like plants grow better with food.

Andrew A ( a GP )

[wildernesswanderer]

Hey Andrew,

Thanks for the info, my sugars are fine now, took a while to work it all out and my body to adjust to everything that needed changing. My feet are short and wide and it takes me ages just to find shoes that don't irritate them. Socks I find have to be seamless and extra cushioning, just for the protection and comfort factor.

Ended up buying a pair of Falke socks from Macpac that have extra cushioning in the ball and heel and are seamless in the tow, they feel great, see how they are after a day hike

Keith

[andrewa]

As long as you keep your diabetes under good control, you shouldn't get nerve damage ( neuropathy).

There are apparently some great insoles available from chemists for diabetic feet, which mould to your foot shape. Perfect for all of us, diabetic or not!

A