1000 Mile Sock

[Jacquie Cattanach]

Heading out tomorrow (April 14th) for Bilbao and our next month on the Camino del Norte. Backpack is packed and weighs in at under 10% of my body weight - only missing one thing... socks! We ordered 4 pairs of "1000 Mile Socks" from Vancouver, BC, Canada, 3 weeks ago and still no socks. We thought that we'd have lots of time to train in them, but no. The last shipping update was 12 days ago and I contacted the company and they haven't even gotten back to me. Not impressed.

So today, the day before we leave, I will spend trying to find a couple good pair of socks, which will keep my feet dry, no hot spots, NO blisters, quick drying etc. I was really hoping for double layer, but have not found any with Smart Wool and other merino socks. HELP. Any advice on a great sock that I can buy here on the westcoast of Canada?

 

[trecile]

I haven't tried this yet, but I have read where people have had good results using cheap knee high nylons stockings as liner socks. They cost little and weight practically nothing. You could use them under any merino socks.

 

[Richard Ward]

Until my feet toughened up, I used thin, synthetic liner socks under a pair of smartwools while section hiking the Appalachian Trail. For example, https://www.rei.com/product/860633/...-8606330002&CAWELAID=120217890000811136&lsft=

I'd usually bring 2-3 pair, so that I could switch out to dry/clean ones when needed. There are definitely cheaper alternatives to the REI socks, but those are the ones that worked best for me.

After over a thousand miles (and more importantly, after I switched to trail runners), I was able to use just the smartwools.

I AM bringing the liners when I start next week, since I haven't been hiking much lately.

 

[Joodle]

I don't know if "Wright Socks" are available in your area. See if you can find them. They are amazing! I have the "cool max" version. they have a built in inner liner. This is what I am bringing next month along with a padded Marino wool pair to wear with my trekking sandals. Good luck. I ordered some special underwear and hadn't received them. When I went to the site to look up my order, I found that it was still sitting in my order basket !!!Somehow, I hadn't completed my order. I hope they come in time. Good luch

 

[JohnMcM]

This may come in useful for you.

http://stores.millet.fr/24665-sportland-bilbao-vizcaya

Buen Camino

 

[Mark Lee]

I carried several pairs of thin, synthetic runners socks with me on my Caminos.

 

[Dov of the Galilee]

I hope it's ok to post a question within this one regarding Smart Wool. I was given two pairs a few years ago any they are marvelous for keeping warm but I couldn't imagine walking long distances in these especially in warm weather. Are there thinner versions of these or are people more hardy to the warmth?

 

[PeterD1951]

I don't know if "Wright Socks" are available in your area. See if you can find them. They are amazing! I have the "cool max" version. they have a built in inner liner. This is what I am bringing next month along with a padded Marino wool pair to wear with my trekking sandals. Good luck. I ordered some special underwear and hadn't received them. When I went to the site to look up my order, I found that it was still sitting in my order basket !!!Somehow, I hadn't completed my order. I hope they come in time. Good luch

Sorry Joodle but you should know that only British men of a certain age are allowed to wear socks with sandles. Anyone else will be imprisoned by the good taste police and played John Denver albums on a continuous loop until they repent.

 

[James R B]

Sorry Joodle but you should know that only British men of a certain age are allowed to wear socks with sandles. Anyone else will be imprisoned by the good taste police and played John Denver albums on a continuous loop until they repent.

I like John Denver.The only song that would lead to my demise would be "thank God I'm a country boy"

 

[PeterD1951]

I like John Denver.The only song that would lead to my demise would be "thank God I'm a country boy"

Check out Ian Dury and The Blockheads - Socks & Drugs & Rock & Roll or even The Kings of Leon (appropriate hey!) Your Socks is on Fire. Either of these will allow you 2 days of socks with sandals.

 

[James R B]

Check out Ian Dury and The Blockheads - Socks & Drugs & Rock & Roll or even The Kings of Leon (appropriate hey!) Your Socks is on Fire. Either of these will allow you 2 days of socks with sandals.

Oh the humanity!

 

[PeterD1951]

Oh the humanity!

Sorry, I have this brain that does a stream of consciousness thing sometimes. Time for bed I think. Buen Camino

 

[Joodle]

Sorry Joodle but you should know that only British men of a certain age are allowed to wear socks with sandles. Anyone else will be imprisoned by the good taste police and played John Denver albums on a continuous loop until they repent.

I am turning 60 next week, so I am of a certain ageActually, I was told that it is "Camino chic" to wear socks with hiking sandals while on the Camino. (But I would gladly listen to John Denver albums, I loved that little guy)

 

[Dutchwalk53]

Sorry to hear that you didn't get the socks I actually brought a pair of 1000 mile socks with me last year as my "spare socks" To be honest...I didn't like them too much. I prefer my medium thick hiking socks from Thorlo. They stay dry ALL day and give some nice cushioning.They work best for me.....obviously everybody is different ! But that doesn't help you now there you are about to leave !!!! Maybe try some Leukotape before you start walking, now you don't have a chance to buy socks and try them out. Buy it in a pharmacia and just put the tape on your sensitive spots (often heels, little toes and under ball of feet) good luck and Buen Camino !

 

[Mark Lee]

I am turning 60 next week, so I am of a certain ageActually, I was told that it is "Camino chic" to wear socks with hiking sandals while on the Camino. (But I would gladly listen to John Denver albums, I loved that little guy)

You'd be surprised how popular the song "Country Roads" still is in Europe and Asia.

 

[Jacquie Cattanach]

I hope it's ok to post a question within this one regarding Smart Wool. I was given two pairs a few years ago any they are marvelous for keeping warm but I couldn't imagine walking long distances in these especially in warm weather. Are there thinner versions of these or are people more hardy to the warmth?

In my sock hunt today, I found "Smartwool" Ultra Light socks which were more lightweight than any I have seen. Very nice.

 

[Jacquie Cattanach]

I don't know if "Wright Socks" are available in your area. See if you can find them. They are amazing! I have the "cool max" version. they have a built in inner liner. This is what I am bringing next month along with a padded Marino wool pair to wear with my trekking sandals. Good luck. I ordered some special underwear and hadn't received them. When I went to the site to look up my order, I found that it was still sitting in my order basket !!!Somehow, I hadn't completed my order. I hope they come in time. Good luch

Thanks - I loved Wright Socks for running but have had a hard time finding ones that are more than anklets.

 

[Jacquie Cattanach]

Until my feet toughened up, I used thin, synthetic liner socks under a pair of smartwools while section hiking the Appalachian Trail. For example, https://www.rei.com/product/860633/...-8606330002&CAWELAID=120217890000811136&lsft=

I'd usually bring 2-3 pair, so that I could switch out to dry/clean ones when needed. There are definitely cheaper alternatives to the REI socks, but those are the ones that worked best for me.

After over a thousand miles (and more importantly, after I switched to trail runners), I was able to use just the smartwools.

I AM bringing the liners when I start next week, since I haven't been hiking much lately.

Thanks Richard, these REI socks sure had great reviews. In Canada we have Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC), very similar to REI and where I went today and got some Wigwam synthetic liners. I was happy with them when I bought them, then read the online reviews when I got home which were not good, mainly because of bad quality and the toe seam. I tried them on with my merino wool socks and put my boots on. When I took them off, I noticed a hole and run in them already. So, tomorrow, our departure day I am making a trip to REI to buy the ones you have mentioned above. I can honestly say that never in my life have socks been the cause of my stress.

 

[Stellaluna]

I hope it's ok to post a question within this one regarding Smart Wool. I was given two pairs a few years ago any they are marvelous for keeping warm but I couldn't imagine walking long distances in these especially in warm weather. Are there thinner versions of these or are people more hardy to the warmth?

There are thinner versions.

 

[minanni]

I'm sure everything will work out fine for you. Buen Camino

 

[NualaOC]

Heading out tomorrow (April 14th) for Bilbao and our next month on the Camino del Norte. Backpack is packed and weighs in at under 10% of my body weight - only missing one thing... socks! We ordered 4 pairs of "1000 Mile Socks" from Vancouver, BC, Canada, 3 weeks ago and still no socks. We thought that we'd have lots of time to train in them, but no. The last shipping update was 12 days ago and I contacted the company and they haven't even gotten back to me. Not impressed.

Hi Jacquie - hope you have/had an uneventful journey to Bilbao.

I tried 1000 mile socks and I really didn't like them. My absolute favourite socks are the Spanish Lurbel brand - which you should hopefully be able to get in a sports or outdoor shop in Bilbao. There are lots of different styles. If you walk in shoes, I highly recommend the technical trail running ones. If you wear boots, there are longer versions that will hopefully suit you. Buen Camino!

 

[anna pugh]

Heading out tomorrow (April 14th) for Bilbao and our next month on the Camino del Norte. Backpack is packed and weighs in at under 10% of my body weight - only missing one thing... socks! We ordered 4 pairs of "1000 Mile Socks" from Vancouver, BC, Canada, 3 weeks ago and still no socks. We thought that we'd have lots of time to train in them, but no. The last shipping update was 12 days ago and I contacted the company and they haven't even gotten back to me. Not impressed.

So today, the day before we leave, I will spend trying to find a couple good pair of socks, which will keep my feet dry, no hot spots, NO blisters, quick drying etc. I was really hoping for double layer, but have not found any with Smart Wool and other merino socks. HELP. Any advice on a great sock that I can buy here on the westcoast of Canada?

I bought 100 mile socks and even though I didn't walk 1000miles I did walk 12 hour days and never a hint of a blister .

 

[Jacquie Cattanach]

I think I have it covered... One or hopefully all of these should work. If not, we'll be walking a week before we hit Bilbao again, so can adjust with one of the Spanish Sports stores there. Seriously not happy with the customer service at 1000 Mile Socks. Not sure why my socks have still not arrived after 3 weeks, not a word from them or a tracking update for 2 weeks. And I had an order from the Confraturnity of St. James (Posted from England to Canada that took under a week to get here. Leaving for our flight in 4 hours... better pack my socks. Camino del Norte here we come!!!!