Need help with socks!!!

[Aussieaussie2]

Hi everyone,

I'm starting my first camino at the start of September this year, I have been reading this forum endlessly for the past few months and about to make some important purchases... My shoes and socks!

I think i have decided to wear a pair of trail runners, either Asics or brooks. Anyone had experience walking in these?

Soo my question is what socks?
From what I have read two layers of sock is the way to go,
First a coolmax liner then merio wool as the outer layer, can anyone recommend some brands?
I have looked at kathmandu socks but don't really know what i need, there is just so many, with different % of wool... Or I could just be over thinking it

Any recommendations would help me a lot

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I'm going with the overthinking!

There are a lot of good brands, so make price a consideration. I slightly prefer merino wool blend socks, but wool blend and all wool have also worked well for me. I use polypro or silk liner socks (silk is expensive, so look for sales) and a medium weight wool blend sock. Heavy socks over-stuff my boots, but I toss in a light wool sock in case my feet expand a bit. So that is two pair of medium weight wool blend socks and one pair of light weight wool blend socks -- about seven ounces of socks in my pack including the liner socks.

 

[Aussieaussie2]

Great thanks falcon.. Yes I'm going with over thinking it as well

Just what I needed to hear, I'll look into a medium wool and a light wool.

Thanks again, you have given me somewhere to start

 

[Kitsambler]

Wool-type socks come in several different weights: light, medium, and heavy. The lighter ones will dry faster but offer less cushioning; the heavier ones vice versa. Try a liner + sock combination and then try on shoes with that combination of socks. It can be a challenge to decide based on the short experience in a store environment, so use your training walks before your camino departure to sort out the details.

Remember that foot lubricant (either dry powder or wet gel) is another important part of your foot-wear system.

 

[richie_a]

Snowgum have their socks on sale at the moment, some good deals. And their coolmax liners are 40% off. I actually bought some new ones a few weeks ago but I went Bridgedale, really expensive in Aus, so try http://www.wiggle.co.uk They have bridgedale and a lot cheaper, they also have 1000 mile socks too if you wanted to try them.

I went the Bridgedale coolmax liners, have some Macpac light hikers (57% merino), and some Bridgedale merino fusion trail (53% coolmax, 19% merino) but am also interested in the Snowgum cotton/coolmax combo

Good luck, I think they are probably all good, just a personal preference

 

[viajero]

I have always used Smartwool brand socks...a hiking sock. I did not use sock liners. These worked well for me.

 

[vagabondette]

If/when I use liners, I use women's knee-highs. If I'm hiking when it's cold I use wool, otherwise my feet get too hot. I bought a bunch of trail running socks at REI and they're working great.

 

[Aussieaussie2]

Thankyou so much guys.. You have all very helpful.
I have gone with a sock liner and a medium wool outer layer.
I'll do some test walks and hopefully all goes well.

 

[SCL]

I discovered Wright Coolmesh II double layer socks that I love. A little less bulky than two individual pair of socks. Soft, comfy, and dries quickly.

 

[WendyL]

I just completed the Camino and used Wrightsocks in Patagonia hiking shoes and put vaseline on my feet every day. I didn't have any problems. Good luck and Buen Camino