Experience with waterproof socks

[PaulMCP]

Hi all. Apologies for another footwear question, but I'm interested in hearing what experiences people have had wearing waterproof socks for long periods on rainy days. I bought a pair of cheap Chinese waterproof socks, 110g - seems to be layers of fabric and neoprene - and now wondering whether they'll be useful. Shoes will be fabric trail runners, Camino will be Via de la Plata, Sept-Oct next year. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Bradypus]

I have used Sealskinz heavy duty "waterproof" socks in the past and still own a pair. The waterproof feature didn't seem to last long but they still act like a neoprene wetsuit and provide a good insulation for my occasionally damp feet. I no longer worry about getting my feet wet while walking if I have a reasonable chance of drying them properly at the end of the day. Keeping them warm is far more important to me. I find that wet or dry makes very little difference to me with regard to blisters which I very rarely suffer these days

 

[OzAnnie]

Any advice appreciated

Ok - my opinion ‘for vdlp’ at that time of the year(sep/oct) you might be happy to get your feet wet and cooler.
I’ve never used waterproof socks but have read positive comments about them on this forum. Maybe I’d be tempted to take a light pair in Feb March or April on the Vdlp.
I agree with @Bradypus … getting feet wet doesn’t bother me but it’s not too comfortable in the cooler months.

 

[trecile]

I have used waterproof socks and my last few Caminos. Combined with hiking sandals they have worked brilliantly. One issue though is that when you wash them they take a long time to dry, and can't be put into a dryer. So I wear a pair of regular socks underneath and just knock any dirt off the outside of the waterproofs until I have a couple of clear days available to wash and dry them.

 

[PaulMCP]

I have used Sealskinz heavy duty "waterproof" socks in the past and still own a pair. The waterproof feature didn't seem to last long but they still act like a neoprene wetsuit and provide a good insulation for my occasionally damp feet. I no longer worry about getting my feet wet while walking if I have a reasonable chance of drying them properly at the end of the day. Keeping them warm is far more important to me. I find that wet or dry makes very little difference to me with regard to blisters which I very rarely suffer these days

Thanks Bradypus, interesting. I'd assumed that walking with wet feet would be a major blister risk. I'll have to give it a try and see how my feet respond.

 

[PaulMCP]

I have used waterproof socks and my last few Caminos. Combined with hiking sandals they have worked brilliantly. One issue though is that when you wash them they take a long time to dry, and can't be put into a dryer. So I wear a pair of regular socks underneath and just knock any dirt off the outside of the waterproofs until I have a couple of clear days available to wash and dry them.

Sounds like a good combination, something I hadn't considered.

 

[PaulMCP]

Ok - my opinion ‘for vdlp’ at that time of the year(sep/oct) you might be happy to get your feet wet and cooler.
I’ve never used waterproof socks but have read positive comments about them on this forum. Maybe I’d be tempted to take a light pair in Feb March or April on the Vdlp.
I agree with @Bradypus … getting feet wet doesn’t bother me but it’s not too comfortable in the cooler months.

Thanks OzAnnie, maybe I'll take them along in case of cold weather. Or maybe not if walking with wet feet isn't so bad, particularly in warmer weather.

 

[KDub]

I have used waterproof socks and my last few Caminos. Combined with hiking sandals they have worked brilliantly. One issue though is that when you wash them they take a long time to dry, and can't be put into a dryer. So I wear a pair of regular socks underneath and just knock any dirt off the outside of the waterproofs until I have a couple of clear days available to wash and dry them.

That’s how I used them too, over my regular socks. It is nice to have the extra insulation when hiking in sandals. They worked especially well in the snow up and over O’Cebreiro.

 

[WalkingPadre]

I walked in leather Keen Newport sandals most of the way from SJPP last spring. On the very few days it was very wet, cold, muddy, and/or snowy I wore a pair of inexpensive waterproof socks from China and was happy to have them. I was especially thankful for them on the first day—May 1–over the Pyrenees. I wore a pair of light liner socks underneath. As others have mentioned, they lost some of their waterproofness in time but continued to be worth wearing.

My local REI didn’t have anything comparable so I ordered a pair to try them. With sandals in extreme conditions I recommend them.

 

[Karen Landow]

Hi all. Apologies for another footwear question, but I'm interested in hearing what experiences people have had wearing waterproof socks for long periods on rainy days. I bought a pair of cheap Chinese waterproof socks, 110g - seems to be layers of fabric and neoprene - and now wondering whether they'll be useful. Shoes will be fabric trail runners, Camino will be Via de la Plata, Sept-Oct next year. Any advice appreciated.

Like others have mentioned, I also wear a pair of lightweight wool socks under my sealskinz when there is more than just light drizzle and find they keep my feet dry and comfortable. I have a pair packed for the VdlP in March/April.

 

[woody66]

I have taken Sealskinz on all my walks !
On the Portuguese Coastal had one really heavy rain day walked 6 or 7 hours in them and feet stayed dry. I wore a pair of Darn Tough light hiker socks inside them and had no issues!

 

[lt56ny]

Camino will be Via de la Plata, Sept-Oct next year

Bring alot of sunscreen, get one of those reflective umbrellas, bring at least 3 liters of water a day. I froze one liter every night and carried it to keep my food cold and pour some on my head. (It worked well) I would not walk in shorts or short sleeve shirts. I walked in super light pants and long sleeve shirts that had UV protection. I had my entire face and neck covered. I started my VDLP in late October and it was well over 90F every day for more than the first week. The temperatures that time of year are brutal. There is no shade at all. Waterproof socks are the least of your worries. I really hope you do not mind 100F+ because you will most certainly be walking in that at times. Have a headlamp to walk with before sunrise. I know to each his own but why do you want to walk the VDLP during the hottest time of the year in southern Spain?
Buen Camino

 

[duncanwhyte]

I have used sealskins. They hold off a walk through a shallow stream, puddle or boggy ground. If wearing trail runners you will dry out at some point later. But I expect the socks would eventually get wet if exposed to water continuously.

 

[Tandem Graham]

I used Sealskins waterproof socks during my London to Rome Via Francigena walk, Aug-Oct 2023.

The trouble is similar to the disadvantages of fully waterproof (but not breathable) coats or shoes. They were very useful to wear for the first hour or two on dew soaked grass, but my feet didn't enjoy soaking in their own juices (sweat) for longer periods. Also, they dry slowly, and my impatience led me to wring them, which definitely wasn't good for their waterproofness.

The VDLP in late summer/early autumn is likely going to be much more about coping with extreme heat than about keeping your feet dry.

 

[davebugg]

For wet weather walking, there are a number of thing that I will do and not do. Here are a few that may add to what you are already doing.

• Apply a good layer of goop (there are a number of choices) to your feet to keep a barrier between skin and water. This will help control feet from becoming macerated and more prone to skin damage, including blistering.
• Wear thin, light-cushioned merino wool socks. Thinner padding will not absorb as much water as thicker socks. Merino wool will also keep wet feet warm and comfortable in most seasons and temperature ranges, unless the weather is frigid winter-cold.
• While I prefer merino wool socks, there are some decent synthetic-blend socks, specifically designed for hiking, which can also work well.
• During rest stops which will last longer than 20 minutes, take off shoes and socks to let feet air dry. During that time, I will wring out any excess moisture from the socks, but I will not put on either of my dry pairs (I take three). Putting on a dry pair will mean you will have two pairs of wet socks to deal with. I dry off moisture on my feet and then reapply a goodly amount of goop to my feet to help keep them from becoming macerated.
• Carry an extra pair of insoles. I do not carry other footwear, but I always carry an extra set of insoles. These extra insoles do not have to be the same as the expensive “walking” insoles that you purchased separately. I use the same lightweight pair of insoles that came with the shoes. These will be the barrier between your wet footwear and your dry socks when you are done for the day and if your shoes are a bit damp come morning.
• I find that at days end, I can remove the wet insoles and use absorbent paper or toweling to sop up as much moisture as is possible while I am showering and dealing with end of the day chores. When I get ready to go to dinner or to wander around town, I insert the extra pair of dry insoles into my shoes, put on a pair of dry Merino wool socks, and put my shoes back on. This accelerates drying out the shoes. Depending on the shoe’s material, within a couple of hours the shoes are mostly dry.
• At bedtime, I remove the insoles and stuff absorbent material into the shoes to continue the drying out process during the night. Most of the time the stuffing is not needed, but if the shoes are still a bit damp they will finish drying by morning.

**** I usually make my own 'Goops' from a mixture of lanolin and beeswax that I gently melt and mix together, putting them into my own containers. However, you can find ready made products that have incorporate lanolin and beeswax as a primary ingredient. Examples: HikeGoo, Gurney Goo

Personally, I do not like vaseline/petroleum jelly stuff -- unless mixed with a good percentage of lanolin and/or beeswax -- because it tends to absorb into the skin and wipe away far too quickly. Petroleum jellies are just not persistent enough by themselves.

2Toms is a dimethicone-based product (siliconized polymers) which does work for wet weather walking. I started using it as an anti-friction, blister prevention (it rolls on). During rainy and wet days I experimented by first applying and letting dry the 2Toms product then also applying Goop. I liked that combination.

There is now an enhanced and fortified version 2Toms calls 'Chafe Defender' which is claimed to be 'military grade'. I have not used that version, but if I ever buy 2Toms again, I would chose that variant.

 

[henrythedog]

I used to use Sealskins when climbing in Scottish winter on days 2+ when there was no chance whatsoever of drying my boots out overnight.

Other that that (and the benefit was marginal) I wouldn’t recommend them other than when worn under sandals.

The principle is that they are water-resistant and breathable. They obviously need some fresh air to ‘breathe’ into; which they’re not going to get in an ordinary boot or sock.

I’ve never worn sealskins under sandals so I’m guessing really. (Apologies to the above; but whilst I’m no fashion victim, I simply couldn’t).

 

[mick53]

Hi all. Apologies for another footwear question, but I'm interested in hearing what experiences people have had wearing waterproof socks for long periods on rainy days. I bought a pair of cheap Chinese waterproof socks, 110g - seems to be layers of fabric and neoprene - and now wondering whether they'll be useful. Shoes will be fabric trail runners, Camino will be Via de la Plata, Sept-Oct next year. Any advice appreciated.

When I converted to trail runners I gave up on Gortex as well. So I bought one pair of SealSkins waterproof docks.
They work but eventually if it's too wet for too long your feet get wet - even if it's only from water running down you legs/ pants Into your shoes.
Trail runners get wet but they dry out very quickly, My Altra Lone Peaks even have little holes to help pump the water out as you walk.
You can just let your feet get wet wearing normal socks, then put your SealSkins on in the evening so you have dry feet walking around the beautiful towns and enjoy being a tourist - my wife's bright idea!!




you feet
eventually

 

[mattythedog]

For wet weather walking, there are a number of thing that I will do and not do. Here are a few that may add to what you are already doing.

• Apply a good layer of goop (there are a number of choices) to your feet to keep a barrier between skin and water. This will help control feet from becoming macerated and more prone to skin damage, including blistering.
• Wear thin, light-cushioned merino wool socks. Thinner padding will not absorb as much water as thicker socks. Merino wool will also keep wet feet warm and comfortable in most seasons and temperature ranges, unless the weather is frigid winter-cold.
• While I prefer merino wool socks, there are some decent synthetic-blend socks, specifically designed for hiking, which can also work well.
• During rest stops which will last longer than 20 minutes, take off shoes and socks to let feet air dry. During that time, I will wring out any excess moisture from the socks, but I will not put on either of my dry pairs (I take three). Putting on a dry pair will mean you will have two pairs of wet socks to deal with. I dry off moisture on my feet and then reapply a goodly amount of goop to my feet to help keep them from becoming macerated.
• Carry an extra pair of insoles. I do not carry other footwear, but I always carry an extra set of insoles. These extra insoles do not have to be the same as the expensive “walking” insoles that you purchased separately. I use the same lightweight pair of insoles that came with the shoes. These will be the barrier between your wet footwear and your dry socks when you are done for the day and if your shoes are a bit damp come morning.
• I find that at days end, I can remove the wet insoles and use absorbent paper or toweling to sop up as much moisture as is possible while I am showering and dealing with end of the day chores. When I get ready to go to dinner or to wander around town, I insert the extra pair of dry insoles into my shoes, put on a pair of dry Merino wool socks, and put my shoes back on. This accelerates drying out the shoes. Depending on the shoe’s material, within a couple of hours the shoes are mostly dry.
• At bedtime, I remove the insoles and stuff absorbent material into the shoes to continue the drying out process during the night. Most of the time the stuffing is not needed, but if the shoes are still a bit damp they will finish drying by morning.

**** I usually make my own 'Goops' from a mixture of lanolin and beeswax that I gently melt and mix together, putting them into my own containers. However, you can find ready made products that have incorporate lanolin and beeswax as a primary ingredient. Examples: HikeGoo, Gurney Goo

Personally, I do not like vaseline/petroleum jelly stuff -- unless mixed with a good percentage of lanolin and/or beeswax -- because it tends to absorb into the skin and wipe away far too quickly. Petroleum jellies are just not persistent enough by themselves.

2Toms is a dimethicone-based product (siliconized polymers) which does work for wet weather walking. I started using it as an anti-friction, blister prevention (it rolls on). During rainy and wet days I experimented by first applying and letting dry the 2Toms product then also applying Goop. I liked that combination.

There is now an enhanced and fortified version 2Toms calls 'Chafe Defender' which is claimed to be 'military grade'. I have not used that version, but if I ever buy 2Toms again, I would chose that variant.

Great advice, Dave. I use Vaseline, but now need to try your beeswax/lanolin concoction. I have noticed the vaseline absorbs after a couple hours.

 

[K3Lee]

I walked the Portuguese Coastal Camino in May, and had several days of heavy rain. I used Sealskinz socks, paired with Injinji toe sock liners inside my non-GoreTex Merrell Moabs. I made sure the liners were tucked inside the Sealskinz to prevent water from wicking in. While I did treat my shoes and lycra gaiters with a light waterproof coating, they still got soaked after a while. I chose to wear shorts rather than long pants—I figured wet legs were better than soggy fabric or getting too hot in waterproof pants. My feet stayed completely dry and in good condition throughout, and I’d definitely stick with this system if I knew I’d be walking in rain again.