Possum Socks?

[Cookie]

I'm looking for the warmest possible socks...my feet are always freezing cold, not wet, just cold.
From what i can see possum and merino blend may be the warmest blend?

Any suggestions or advice on best blend, other products or where to buy would be appreciated .

Thanks

[Moondog55]

First question is this. Are your shoes and/or boots big enough to wear really thick socks?
Are your current sock and shoe combinations too tight?

[north-north-west]

Possum Wool is wnderfully warm but not particularly durable. Mine are strictly camp wear.

[Moondog55]

Also if your feet are reasonably warm when moving but cold when you stop then insulated camp slipper / booties are a possible answer or warmer again the better insulated bivvy boots. My warmest socks are from Safeway but they are for sleeping in as they are soft and; like possum fur; not at all durable

[oldpiscator]

Aldi currently have merino blend hiking socks - brilliant.

[Cookie]

Sorry, I should have been clearer about use.

I do long distance and remote off road adventure motorcycle riding.
Most bushwalking gear crosses over for this purpose.

I need the socks to wear with high leather m/cycle boots which are waterproof but still my feet freeze riding in cold weather.

I have the Aldi snow socks and Aldi thick hiking socks but not warm enough.

Thank you all, I appreciate the suggestions

[north-north-west]

Use a vapour barrier (Moondog's beloved bread bag foot solution) with the socks over, then the boots. Makes a massive difference.

Last edited by north-north-west on Sat 13 Jul, 2024 6:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Warin]

When your body core temperature drops then the blood circulation to the extremities reduces leading to cold feet and hands... how certain are you that your warm enought elsewhere? An electric vest running off the motorcycle keeps me warm as toast everywhere even in snow on the motorcycle..

[Moondog55]

My comments on boot size are very relevant then.
Yep in this instance I would recommend the 3-layer solution, a synthetic boot height liner, then the vapour barrier [ Yep bread bags work] then the thick woollen sock and another bread bag on top. And also get some more core insulation or the heated vest option, I wish heated vests had been around 50 years ago.
And work on your gloves system too, sometimes when your hands cool down this is a signal to the brain to get the blood back to the core so the feet get a reduced blood flow too.
I haven't ridden for decades but when I did I wore overmittens in cold weather. British army ECW mitten shells are cheap and I am trialing them this winter for skiing in

[Moondog55]

Use a vapour barrier (Mondog's beloved bread bag foot solution) with the socks over, then the boots. Makes a massive difference.

That's Moondog please

[stry]

What NNW said (rather graciously)

Possum is super warm but I rate it's stand alone durability at zero minus. This is the reason for it usually being blended with other fibres. Might not be as big a problem on a motorcycle as when walking.

[Warin]

I wish heated vests had been around 50 years ago.

30 - 40 years ago ... very expensive.

And work on your gloves system too, sometimes when your hands cool down this is a signal to the brain to get the blood back to the core so the feet get a reduced blood flow too.
I haven't ridden for decades but when I did I wore overmittens in cold weather. British army ECW mitten shells are cheap and I am trialing them this winter for skiing in

Fix to handle bars - wind and rain stoppers - 'Hippohands' -cheap version is 4 l plastic bottles fitted over hand controls
Overmits - belstaff overemits - waxed cotton ... waterproof and abrasion resistant .. last forever!
Electric (again) hand grips - while you can get electric gloves the handgrips replace (or heater element under original handgrips) are more durable. Vince Strang does a kit that goes under the original handgrips...

I have no connection to any of these .. other than using them.

[Moondog55]

Although my overmitts were Barbour; they lasted a long time and really did the job: I think I left them in Feathertop hut about 30 years ago; never tried Pogies but they are supposed to be even better. Mittens are probably one of the easier DIY things too.
I hope this is helping the OP
Going back 50 years the only heated clothing I knew of was a proprietary BMW system

[Cookie]

Thanks all,

I have the 12v heated jacket and gloves which are great, its just my feet. Have got heated grips, not fitted yet.

I'll try the bread bags idea and the hippo hands/blizzards, 4 litre bottles