Foot Care & Socks

[Herm]

I wear merino wool socks, without liners - either REI or SmartWool. Generally, blisters are not a problem, although I occasionally experience a hot spot - moleskin is carried just in case. I will carry up to 3 pairs of socks of varying thickness to use as conditions warrant (light hikers, hikers and expedition weight). It is not uncommon that I will wear a pair for up to 3 or 4 days, without funk. When in camp, I change out of my hiking socks, turn them inside out and let them air dry. If it is warm enough, I will lounge around in my Crocs without socks. If it is cool, then I will will put on a clean pair of socks, and lounge in the Crocs - those serve as my dedicated camp socks, at least until my final day. Washing in stream or lake as warranted. And I prefer leather hiking boots.

Herm

[sparky]

I prefer a thicker padded wool/synthetic sock. I don't use liner socks. Merrel ventilators fit my foot perfect, and are breathable enough when sweat kicks up. I kick off shoes on most breaks and soak my tired dogs in ice cold creeks as much as possible.

I carry one spair pair, they are swapped and washed pretty much as soon as the washed pair drys. Usually one swap a day is good unless its really hot.

The only time I remember getting blisters on the trail was caused by crappy lightweight constrictive socks, sneakers (shoes were great, the tight socks were the anomaly), and a really tough hike. Despite the moleskin and ductape, it was a miserable couple days, and I don't plan on repeating.

[whrdafamI?]

Several years ago I darn near ran out of skin to donate to the science of not getting blisters. What I found that worked for me was liners and Smartwool socks. The liners are my size. The Smartwools are a size too small. Why? A tight fit was the answer. If they are tight going on there is little chance left to get a wrinkle. Putting tape on first in key areas of past unhappiness is a trick I learned from my good friend last year.

[TRAUMAhead]

Category A.

Mainly do weekend trips. Using some random mid or heavyweight Smart Wool socks. If it's a 1 nighter, I'll use the same socks. 2-3 nights, I'll carry an extra pair and swap half way through/mid trip. Sleep with socks off. Even with a pair of boots that were too narrow, never had any problems other than arches hurting occasionally. Never had feet pain until after I got early SEP'ed from the AF. Got stress fractures in my ankles and one knee because of a 1/4 leg discrepancy I didn't know about. The only time I've ever gotten blisters were when I started wearing sandals a couple years ago, but I think they were caused by being too loose.

Currently looking for a new pair of shoes. Went from hiking shoes to hiking boots back to hiking shoes. Debating if I want to test my luck with trail runners.