I stand all day and walk. I wear steel toed, slip resistant shoes. The heel of the sock is the first to go. What you recommend. I recently bought a pack of light hiking thorlo socks to see if they will help. Do you have any recommendations?
get circulation socks! they're really good for you if you're on your feet all day.
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My ankles and feet swell when I hike. My boots may be too small because my toes always end up hurting a lot on downhill. I also am about 10 pounds heavier than I should be. Are there hiking socks to prevent the swelling?
It could be the incorrect sizing of the boots. Boots should fit perfectly, where your feet should not slide around in your shoe when you lift it up. When it's too big, your ankles and the back of your feet may end up rubbing against the shoe. You don't want them to be too small, either.
When coming downhill, tie your boots a little tighter. This is to prevent your feet from sliding forward, banging your toes toward the front of your boots, which causes that pain.
To prevent ankle swelling, try stopping and resting more often, taking off your boots during hikes, lightening up your pack, and doing shorter hikes. The swelling maybe your body's way of telling you that there's too much stress. You may also want to buy some hiking poles, so you can transfer some that stress away from your ankles and knees.
Happy hiking.
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I walk 1hr each day for work and want to treat my feet
I have Hawkshead socks, and they're amazing and thick but don't make your feet too hot
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I personally don't like to wear sock liners, as they are called. If your boots are well broken in and fit properly then there isn't any reason why you should get blisters.
It could also be the type of "hiking" sock you are wearing. Some people wear regular cotton tube socks, others where synthetics or wool. I prefer a light merino wool sock because it still provides a good amount of cushioning but isn't too hot. Also, the wool wicks moisture from your feel and doesn't smell.
I know people who wear only the liners and use them as their only sock. Others I know, instead of paying a lot for liners from a outdoor store they by regular nylon dress socks, like you would wear with slacks, they`re slick and prevent blisters and cost a 1/4 the price of actual liners.
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I heard that synethetic material socks are better - or are cotton socks good enough?
What about 2 cotton socks (on each foot) to offset any blistering?
Cotton is not preffered. Cotton gets wet from sweat and rubs giving blisters. You are better off with hiking socks that are designed to wick away moisture.
However if you are on doing recreational hiking here and there regular socks are ok.
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I am going on a long day hike in the el yunque rainforest in August and would like to find a hiking sock that is breathable, but supportive enough to be comfortable. Does anyone have any experience with a particular brand which works well in very high humidity?
winter or summer, I wear merino wool socks with polyester liner sock underneath
they keep my feet more comfortable than anything else I've ever tried
cotton is definitely NOT the way to go
Smartwool, Fox River, and L.L. Bean are the brands I prefer
I know wearing wool socks in hot, humid conditions sounds weird but my feet like it
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=38194&sc1=Search&feat=sr
http://www.rei.com/product/604587?vcat=REI_SEARCH
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39301939&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1
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Get yourself a few pairs of Merino wool WigWam socks. WigWam socks are made for comfort on the trail. They are also customized to different sports and jobs. These are the socks for you. I'm not sure if they have their own website, but I know they're available at www.mec.com (Mountain Equipment Co-op).
Happy Trails!
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http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___19872
Smartwool Outdoor Classic Series merino wool socks - Hiker
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Blisters happen when your foot moves in the boot. This is a sign the boots do not fit you correctly. They are either too large, too loose or the wrong shape for your foot. Get athletic foot beds custom fit for your foot to wear in your boots. This is much the same problem we have with ski boots. Custom Boot service in Seattle does a wonderful job. You must get to a top boot fitter to do the job correctly. The foot bed/ orthotic is great for making your feet happy when you are on them 6-10 hours a day. I wear them in my work boots and a different type in my ski boots.
Take your boots to a top boot shop and have them checked against your foot size and shape. The pain from blisters is not worth putting up with.
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Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That dedication and effort have been rewarded by fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national parks systems. In honor of their efforts, let's break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of those dirt trails.
Here are 4 steps to an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide to take you.
1. Know the area you will be going into. Although many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether it's a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect.
2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren't prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find this out as well. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the morning.
3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions. There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:
- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet. - Also, go for layers to keep yourself warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm. - The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don't underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes and socks. Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head.
Smartwool Kids Hiking Light Sock 10-191
4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need to be prepared with a first aid kit that matches the hiking you will be doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store. Or you can build you own, which should include these basics: - Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes. - Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools. - Suntan lotion. - A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance). - Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications. - Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread. - A cell phone can come in very handy in emergencies. It is recommended that you pack all of this in a waterproof bag or container.
These tips should ensure a comfortable, short hiking adventure.
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