Boot Liners Vs Waterproof Socks?

[Bishop]

In the eternal quest for warm dry feet in the soggy green land that is Wales what would members here recommend. Army surplus GoreTex boot liners or SealSkinz waterproof socks? Are they as good as each other with one simply being older technology or are there pros & cons to each system?

 

[woodsorrel]

Hi Bishop,

I use Rocky Socks, and they work. But make sure to get them a size larger than you think you need. They have GORE-TEX linings so they're not flexible. You need extra space to fit your insulating sock inside. The insulating sock also acts as a comfort and cushioning layer.

- Woodsorrel

 

[baggins]

i, on the other hand use to use the seal skins sock all the time (mainly for motorbiking). i always found them warm and comfortable and kept the water out very well. They weren't that heard wearing, but this was in the early days of sealskins, so i'm sure they have improved.

 

[MikeLA]

You have the ability to change to another pair of waterproof boot liners I always try to find the older 80's green goretex socks shorter

 

[johnnytheboy]

Decent wellies well before any of the above if you want to keep your feet dry! Neoprene lined if you want them warm!

 

[andyluffs]

I use the sealskinz ones but only once my boots are wet through. I put dry socks on then the goretex ones until my boots are reasonably dry again. I can't stand having hot feet for too long!

 

[tiger stacker]

A long time ago(15years) i purchased gator neoprene socks. Always carried worn once. dry socks beat wet socks every time.

 

[Tonyuk]

Try to find some of the surplus issued mvp socks they might be a bit cheaper. They're good for standing around if your boots are wet but i wouldn't want to do any real distance in them, they make your feet roasting.

Tonyuk

 

[Andy BB]

Feet sweat - a lot. Biological fact, that is! And socks that keep the moisture out also tend to keep moisture in. And damp feet are cold feet.

 

[scarfell]

All depends on the cause of the soggy feet, if its water getting in, then water proof boots with water proof socks or liners do a good job, (wellies work well for everything but hiking, unless i'm plqnning on going in streams or bogs i stick with leather and gortex waterproof hiking boots), remember to talc ur feet before putting them on, and take time to clean, dry and powder your feet regularly; acid can help keep fungal infections at bay, everything from vinegar to pharmacy athletes foot shoe powder

If sweat is the issue, find yourself some good waterproof but breathable boots, along with good thick 100% wool and other special "wicking" socks, and or wool/wicking liners; powdering your feet and keeping them cleaned and dry as often as possible will help avoid fungal infections

Avoid cotton and synthetic socks (except specialist wicking versions)

Even with the right gear, although they will make life more comfortable, unless you take the time to clean and dry your feet once a day (plus once at night), you'll be risking fungal infections and various other ailments

Vinegar and talc are part of my nightly foot care,regime each evening, apply vinegar to the shoes, wash feet with it, then rinse with water, then powder

I leave athletes foot powders for when i've actually got an infection (havent in years tbh since i realize its avoided with a bit of care), the fewer chems we use the better imo; but athletes foot wont go by itself, foot care is essential