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I wouldn't change what works, or has worked, for you. I have tried many socks over the years. Much of what I see here and elsewhere about the benefits of wool might just have well have been taken directly from the marketing campaigns of the Australian Wool Board and its NZ counterpart. They have been remarkably successful in differentiating wool from other sock materials, as well as wool used in other clothing items. They are not an unbiased source of information! My experience is that woollen socks and those made from other yarns are little different in practical terms in use.Would Merino wool be better than wool, synthetic or composite in this situation? What do you think? Buen Camino.
Couldn’t agree more.They are not an unbiased source of information!
But here - perhaps because there’s more than an element of truth involved? I believe if it could be easily refuted, other material producers would have long since done so.They have been remarkably successful in differentiating wool from other sock materials,
Goretex or non-goretex boots? Damp feet = soft skin = increased blister risk. Goretex = outer socks that will move moisture away - merino wool does this as do most synthetics.I have learned much from this forum, starting with my first Camino over a decade ago. A major concern of mine is blisters. So far by incorporating the many ideas on this forum, I have been blister free for all of my Caminos. In my last Camino, I used the following socks set up: Vaseline/petroleum jelly, nylon hose/sock, and Merino wool socks. I plan to use the same set up for my next Camino. I have an "academic" question. Since my feet do not touch my socks because of the nylon socks, it seems that my socks' material should not matter. Would Merino wool be better than wool, synthetic or composite in this situation? What do you think? Buen Camino.View attachment 152302
My understanding is hikers wool is removed from the treatment cycle before the lanolin has been removed, rather than having the lanolin impregnated into the wool. Any raw wool could be used if there is no foreign material in it, such as wool found caught in fences or vegetation.I guess that it also has impregnated lanolin to also aid in foot care. It seems to be quite commonly used on the Camino.
I rub/massage VERY LITTLE Vaseline, mainly around the toes and the ball of the foot. I like soft and supple skin. I believe my dry and hard skin resulted in blister-like issues when I was training for my first Camino. As I use very little Vaseline, I've not had problems with sock washing. I believe most of the Vaseline goes into the skin rather than getting onto the socks.When pilgrims use Vaseline for blister protection, are they spreading it over the entire foot, just the sole or just around the toes? Also does the use of Vaseline make the washing of socks a tricky task?
Does merino wool also wash better with less shrinkage than other wools?I can only think of one advantage Merino wool has over cheaper wool and that is that its longer, thinner finers give it a softer feel.
Hi there NZ makes a brand called CREEPERS all Marino just bought 3prsCouldn’t agree more.
But here - perhaps because there’s more than an element of truth involved? I believe if it could be easily refuted, other material producers would have long since done so.
But, like you I prefer to rely on personal experience. I’ve tried goodness knows how many different socks over the years.
I love cotton socks when I’m in the office. But walking longer than a couple of hours - nope, don’t work for me. Synthetic - over the years I’ve found a couple of half decent brands, but for other reasons I prefer to stay with natural materials - All else being relatively equal. (Cost is not a major factor- comfort and quality, yes). Haven’t tried silk….
I used a local brand wool sock in NZ, was very pleased with them. But they’re no longer available, and I now live in Germany. Tried over a dozen different socks, inc. non-merino before I settled on Darntuff (which, coincidentally, are Merino) . Super comfortable, no blisters, warm when wet, but also not overly warm in the summer. (30 degrees today.) For ME, they were/ are the best.
Good question. The socks I have are prewashed, and I only wash the majority of my clothes at 30 degrees - these are now 6 months old, no shrinkage that I've noticedDoes merino wool also wash better with less shrinkage than other wools?
As someone who regularly turns woollen garments into felt products, so far the modern woollen socks I have bought have been remarkably resilient to my special skills in this area. Some have displayed a little shrinkage, but it has been quite minimal, and not enough to make the socks unwearable. Others don't appear to have shrunk at all. Much as @Peterexpatkiwi does, I don't wash socks, or anything else, at higher wash temperatures.Does merino wool also wash better with less shrinkage than other wools?
Thank you for all your responses. I'm interested in having raw wool between my toes when they get "hot." Where do I get/buy raw wool? Thanks again for all the information.
Yes. There is little shinkage in any wool fiber. As @dougfitz mentioned, what most people say is shrinkage in wool is really felting, the bonding of fibers. Wool fibers are coated with scales and heat can cause these to open more. Agitation then causes the scales on neighboring strands to interlock. What was long strands will become shorter strands with kinks along it. The wool fibers from merino sheep are finer and the scales are thus not as likely to interlock (or be itchy).Does merino wool also wash better with less shrinkage than other wools?
I used Aquaphor, silk sock liners, and various types of wool socks, with hiking boots. No blisters. Decided to ditch the sock liners--got blisters. Of course, there were plenty of other variables, but that was my experience.I have learned much from this forum, starting with my first Camino over a decade ago. A major concern of mine is blisters. So far by incorporating the many ideas on this forum, I have been blister free for all of my Caminos. In my last Camino, I used the following socks set up: Vaseline/petroleum jelly, nylon hose/sock, and Merino wool socks. I plan to use the same set up for my next Camino. I have an "academic" question. Since my feet do not touch my socks because of the nylon socks, it seems that my socks' material should not matter. Would Merino wool be better than wool, synthetic or composite in this situation? What do you think? Buen Camino.View attachment 152302
I only wear silk these days, I find they are best for my feet. They are thin, dry very quickly, and being thin, I can double pair in extremely cold weather if I need to, without them making my shoes much tighter.Haven’t tried silk….
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