Waterproof socks...NDR...unless the water was really shallow...

Chuck J

Chuck J

Well-known member
Short story long...last winter I started rebuilding the arches in my flat feet. This lead to a lot of research about shoes and orthotics, which lead me to start wearing minimalist shoes for my casual attire, which lead me to searching out a minimalist boots for work. 11 months later, I'm loving it but my footwear choices are very limited, and the boots I have and love have leather lowers, but the uppers are just nylon, and walking through tall wet grass will soak through a pair of socks in seconds. With it snowing outside, I'm thinking ahead to my second favorite outdoor season, and winter hiking and snowshoeing.

Soooo...anyone use any of the waterproof and breathable socks? read into it a bit and the Sealskinz and Rocky (goretex) are leading the pack. I've heard varying opinions on how to use them (how much if anything to layer underneath) and (therefore) various opinions about upsizing to fit as well. I like a nice thick sock (or two) in my boots for much hiking (especially in cold weather) and upsize my boots for such.

Hoping to hear some first hand feedback positive or negative (and possibly some jocular interjection from the peanut gallery too)

Best
Chuck

PS Tod, I have not yet bought any toe shoes...yet
 
Well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, if you really want to rebuild your arches and for that matter toughen up your entire foot, I'd suggest going barefoot. Not only will this eliminate the need for any type of sock, it will eliminate dreaded sock odor. Going barefoot will be 100% breathable.

As a side benefit of going barefoot, you can relive your carefree days of youth every time you walk thru wet grass or wade woodland streams.

Going barefoot will also allow you to hike faster and farther than you ever thought possible. Just think how much easier these activities will be, when you shed those needless pounds of footwear, especially those heavy winter boots.

To make this duck related; going barefoot will also open up your duck hunting opportunities. Much like the barefoot bobcat, you will be able to silently spot and stalk those elusive ducks you seek.
 
Barefoot is best, I've gotten to the point where I'm barefoot around the house most of the time inside and out unless it's cold. At work I need boots, you know all the dangerous chemicals I work with like dihydrogen-monooxide. I do most summer yard work barefoot (except mowing, I leave that for the wife). Snowshoeing might be a problem as I suspect the bindings will chafe.

Russel is a great idea, if they can actually build a custom boot to the customers spec...

You guys are the kind of helpful advise I've come the expect from the DHBP old guard!
 
I don't remember the brand name and there packed away due to a resent move. The ones I used on a canoe trip BWCA this summer were made from bamboo. They worked very well considering we were rained on four out of five days. It rained so hard the first day out the only thing dry were my feet and the middle of my back and I had a full rain suit on. Your feet will feel wet but when you take the socks off there dry. I'll try to get you the brand name.


Tom.
 
Thanks Tom, I'll give them a look. How was the fit? were they easy to get on and off? I've read some of these membrane socks don't stretch much and in order to fit nice when on are quite tight getting there.

Chuck
 
Thanks Tom, I'll give them a look. How was the fit? were they easy to get on and off? I've read some of these membrane socks don't stretch much and in order to fit nice when on are quite tight getting there.

Chuck
Click to expand...

That is my experience. I have exactly one pair of gortex socks and I'd rather have wet feet than wear them.
 
I have and like using a pair of sealskinz socks. They work well for me, but maybe I've just had them long enough to stretch/shape them to fit my feet. I wear them pheasant hunting on the club's hillside property over regular socks and under a military style leather / nylon boot. Not sure that my feet are any dryer at the end of 3 hours due to sweat, but they are more comfortable and definitely work if you have to step into standing water.

Scott
 
Thanks Tom, I'll give them a look. How was the fit? were they easy to get on and off? I've read some of these membrane socks don't stretch much and in order to fit nice when on are quite tight getting there.

Chuck
They go on and off easy, snug fit, very comfortable. Way better then wet feet.
Click to expand...
 
You need a foot condom (peanut gallery comment)

I've used neoprene socks. Not the best. Another thought is to look at what guys wear over cycling shoes for rainy/cold weather. Might work as a sock or might work over your boot. I've used these back in the day and they were great.

Mark W
 
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How's this for a solution...

simcgi118.jpg


I know, not breathable, but I think I have it figured out, I'll leave some bread crumbs in the bottom to absorb the sweat...

Seriously though, good advise (from some). I'll be looking at either the Sealskinz or the Dexshell. I've heard other comments than just Tod's that the Goretex lack stretch.

My boots are pretty similar to Scott's, other than the modern take on a minimalist platform (wide box, low heal drop, thin sole for ground feel...)

IMG_0537.jpg


Thanks guys
Chuck
 
Soooo...anyone use any of the waterproof and breathable socks? read into it a bit and the Sealskinz and Rocky (goretex) are leading the pack. I've heard varying opinions on how to use them (how much if anything to layer underneath) and (therefore) various opinions about upsizing to fit as well. I like a nice thick sock (or two) in my boots for much hiking (especially in cold weather) and upsize my boots for such.

Hoping to hear some first hand feedback positive or negative (and possibly some jocular interjection from the peanut gallery too)
Click to expand...

Interested to hear how this turns out... I jumped on the neoprene bandwagon when they made some socks in the early-mid 90s to try and get more life out of my no-longer-waterproof boots and that made for a miserable experience. Haven't tried anything like that since.
 
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