Get some GOOD SOCKS

bowhunt

Long Time Member
Messages
3,190
I thought you guys would like this, hopefully it is helpful.

A couple of years ago I conducted an experiment with my feet, STUPID, but I learned a LOT.
I had been helping for a couple of days on a Sheep hunt in some rugged Idaho Mountains (normal sheep hunt:))
I decided one day, facing a grueling hike, to try 2 different socks. I put a pair of average merino wool socks on 1 foot, and a very good fitting, very tailored merino wool sock on the other foot:

The differences in these socks was not in the material, they were both:
75% Wool, 15% Nylon, and 10% Spandex.
The significant difference in these socks? The the tailoring, and fit.

Sock A:
A very well tailored Sock had a distinct heel pocket. It was tighter across the back of my heal and the more narrow area of my ankle. It was also a slightly thinner sock, that allowed for this tight fit.
When I tried to stretch this sock, it stretched well, and bounced right back to normal.

Sock B:
A decent sock, but had a far less defined heal pocket. It seemed like a tight sock, until I put it on. I think noticed that I could pull the sock, just above my heal and it would not rebound tightly.

When I tried to stretch this sock, it stretched well, and did NOT bounced right back to normal.
It fit looser through the ankle.

The hunt was a success. My Father in Law was able to harvest a great Bighorn Sheep in the Gem State! YES

The sock test was a certain success!

My left foot did not like the results!

The hikes were filled with side hilling, and steep decent, with large loads.
My left foot, that was home to the looser sock, developed a blister on the back of my heal, just above the heal, and on the back of my ankle. OUCH!!!

The culprit of this blister?
-A loose fitting sock
-A sock that moved too much and created friction
-A stupid person that tested, instead of just hunting:)

Summary:
Get a sock that fits, and is tailored.
Spend a little extra money and go with a sock that does not break down across the back of the ankle.

Suggested socks:
Lorpen, HIGH END VERSION
Kenetrek
Darn tough Socks.

mike
ireviewgear.com
 
Have you ever tried Thorlos? All of my hunting socks have padding in the bottom of the feet. My feet take a pounding and there is nothing better than having extra padding for long days of hiking!
 
Thorlos are nice and I liked the Smartwool socks as well. I learned the hard way with socks and boots over the years.

Thanks for the review. I'll give your recommendation a try next season as I just tossed a couple pairs that were worn out.
 

Click-a-Pic ... Details & Bigger Photos
Back
Top Bottom