Sock liners?

[Camino Chrissy]

Many posts mention using sock liners, but I've never really known exactly what they are...Just a very thin sock? Are they ankle length? Are they synthetic or merino wool? Or maybe just those little nylon "footies" used when trying on shoes at a store?

I have had pretty good luck with using Wigwam socks and will take them again on my Camino next month. I hang a clean pair from my pack as needed to dry after daily washings. For those who like using liners, what is so special about them to warrant having to wash two pair of socks every day instead of just the one?

 

[Bradypus]

The liner socks I use are made of Coolmax - a lightweight synthetic material that wicks moisture away very effectively. Mine are well above ankle height. Many different brands available. Here in the UK I have bought Bridgedale (expensive but robust) and cheaper own-label versions from places like Go Outdoors and Trespass.

What makes them special for me is that since I started using them I have only once had an issue with blisters - on the day after I bought poor-quality socks part-way through the Via Francigena. That included one particular year with over 2300km of long distance walking. Very lightweight and fast drying. I've never timed how long it takes to wash two pairs rather than one but it can only be a few seconds. Well worth the minimal effort.

 

[Anniesantiago]

When I first began walking, I used sock liners, but soon tired of them.
I just wear wool socks.
If it gets REALLY hot, I buy some cotton socks at one of the China stores.

 

[SMBHNL]

Check out the Injinji toe sock liners. http://www.injinji.com/shop/liner/liner-crew.html
I think they're the holy grail of blister prevention.

 

[trecile]

I use Wrightsocks double layer socks. The inner "liner" part of the sock is Cool Mesh.
Some people just use ankle high thin nylon stockings.

 

[SYates]

I use sock liners, in my case that are just thin, ankle high socks. It works for me (reducing friction) and I wash only the liners daily and the thicker outer socks every 2-3 days, the liners also dry quicker.

Buen Camino, SY

 

[Tia Valeria]

Like others we use wicking liner socks (Rohan) which we wash daily. Our outer socks are mohair and only get washed occasionally, chiefly to ease them back to shape as they do not get smelly. Multi layers = no blisters.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Many posts mention using sock liners, but I've never really known exactly what they are...Just a very thin sock? Are they ankle length? Are they synthetic or merino wool? Or maybe just those little nylon "footies" used when trying on shoes at a store?

I have had pretty good luck with using Wigwam socks and will take them again on my Camino next month. I hang a clean pair from my pack as needed to dry after daily washings. For those who like using liners, what is so special about them to warrant having to wash two pair of socks every day instead of just the one?

Never if you want to avoid blisters

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

The three big reasons to wear liner socks are:

1. They can help wick moisture away from your feet if made from the right material
   
2. They reduce the itch of your heavier sock
3. They reduce chafing and blisters, the idea being that the socks sliding over each other reduces the friction between the foot and the boot.

Note that number 1 and number 2 aren't quite as important if your outer socks are made from merino wool.

 

[tillyjones]

Check out the Injinji toe sock liners. http://www.injinji.com/shop/liner/liner-crew.html
I think they're the holy grail of blister prevention.

Ugh. I eagerly tried to buy some. No shipping to Canada?!?! Boo.

If anyone else wants to buy some and get extra to get the free shipping and then send to me in Canada, that would be super duper.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Ugh. I eagerly tried to buy some. No shipping to Canada?!?! Boo.

If anyone else wants to buy some and get extra to get the free shipping and then send to me in Canada, that would be super duper.

MEC sells Injinjis. I just use the light weight socks, no liner. I tried liners on my first Camino and all I achieved was having them bunching up at the bottom of my feet.

 

[Ahhhs]

No liners for me. Just "Darn Tough" socks.
They come in various sizes so fit snugly.
No rubbing.

As always there are almost as many opinions as there are feet.

Trial and error to find what works for you.

 

[tillyjones]

Ugh. I eagerly tried to buy some. No shipping to Canada?!?! Boo.[/QU

MEC sells Injinjis. I just use the light weight socks, no liner. I tried liners on my first Camino and all I achieved was having them bunching up at the bottom of my feet.

They sell some of that brand but not the liners. On Amazon for $65 ea.

 

[NomadJMJ]

Injinji toe sock inners ($9 at REI) & Merlino wool outers.

 

[jburr3708]

REI have both silk and Coolmax liner socks. I always wear them with merino wool socks and have never had any sign of blisters on 4 Caminos. Smartwool socks with liners are also excellent. Avoid cotton socks as they don't wick moisture but absorb it and almost guarantee blisters.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Towards the end of the day as your feet swell and the fit in the boot gets tight you could experiment with removing either the liner sock or the outer sock.

 

[Kanga]

Ah. The joys of wearing walking sandals and no socks.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Ah. The joys of wearing walking sandals and no socks.

Well, now that you mention it, I do have a question about walking sandals too! I see people wearing Keen Whispers and various other robust type walking sandals on trails. In rain, don't they make your feet wet and muddy? And if you wear socks with them, don't they get wet and muddy, making them harder to hand wash on the Camino? What about dealing with stones and your feet being poked occassionally with sticks?..ouch!(Kanga, if you want to move this post somewhere else, please do.)

 

[Kanga]

Yes, they do make my feet wet and muddy. But it is a lot easier to wash and dry feet than shoes.

I don't wear socks normally, but if it is very cold or cold and wet then I wear Sealskinz or Dexshell waterproof, breathable, socks.

I don't find sticks or stones an issue, the odd pebble shakes out with tapping my toe on the ground. I've never stubbed my toes or turned an ankle or done any of the things people worry about.

I have broken an ankle when walking - but I was walking in a suburban street, did not see a pothole (I'm effectively blind in one eye), and was wearing normal shoes. I don't think it would have happened if I had been using my trekking sticks!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yes, they do make my feet wet and muddy. But it is a lot easier to wash and dry feet than shoes.

I don't wear socks normally, but if it is very cold or cold and wet then I wear Sealskinz or Dexshell waterproof, breathable, socks.

I don't find sticks or stones an issue, the odd pebble shakes out with tapping my toe on the ground. I've never stubbed my toes or turned an ankle or done any of the things people worry about.

I have broken an ankle when walking - but I was walking in a suburban street, did not see a pothole (I'm effectively blind in one eye), and was wearing normal shoes. I don't think it would have happened if I had been using my trekking sticks!

Thank you for answering my questions. The sandals do sound more feasible to hike in than I gave them credit for, although I do think I'd miss the cozy feeling of wearing my socks with trail runners in chilly weather.

 

[pilgr]

No liners for me. Just "Darn Tough" socks.
They come in various sizes so fit snugly.
No rubbing.

As always there are almost as many opinions as there are feet.

Trial and error to find what works for you.

I am using "Darn Tough" liners on the Camino Levante I found on Amazon. My feet have been perfect so far (knock on wood) as I go into Week 3. What I love about liners is they are thinner than regular socks, so they dry out quicker when doing your hand laundry. Plus "Darn Tough" socks are guaranteed for life! This tells you that they won't wear out after a week or two like dress socks.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am using "Darn Tough" liners on the Camino Levante I found on Amazon. My feet have been perfect so far (knock on wood) as I go into Week 3. What I love about liners is they are thinner than regular socks, so they dry out quicker when doing your hand laundry. Plus "Darn Tough" socks are guaranteed for life! This tells you that they won't wear out after a week or two like dress socks.

I never thought anyone could use liners by themselves on such a long walk. It seems like your feet would need more cushioning than liners alone would provide. I will look this brand up online. Glad you are having such good luck with them on your Camino!

 

[mgnswaus]

Towards the end of the day as your feet swell and the fit in the boot gets tight you could experiment with removing either the liner sock or the outer sock.

Try elastic shoe laces. As your foot swells, they give, so less pressure and cramping.

 

[mgnswaus]

Yes, they do make my feet wet and muddy. But it is a lot easier to wash and dry feet than shoes.

I don't wear socks normally, but if it is very cold or cold and wet then I wear Sealskinz or Dexshell waterproof, breathable, socks.

I don't find sticks or stones an issue, the odd pebble shakes out with tapping my toe on the ground. I've never stubbed my toes or turned an ankle or done any of the things people worry about.

I have broken an ankle when walking - but I was walking in a suburban street, did not see a pothole (I'm effectively blind in one eye), and was wearing normal shoes. I don't think it would have happened if I had been using my trekking sticks!

Of these two waterproof socks, which do you prefer, and where do you normally buy them, Kanga?

 

[pilgr]

I never thought anyone could use liners by themselves on such a long walk. It seems like your feet would need more cushioning than liners alone would provide. I will look this brand up online. Glad you are having such good luck with them on your Camino!

I u two liners per foot. I feel like it is plenty for cushioning for me.

 

[Kanga]

@mgnswaus I really can't tell the difference. For me the Dexshells are cheaper because they are available locally here in Australia, whereas I have to pay freight for the Sealskinz.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Towards the end of the day as your feet swell and the fit in the boot gets tight you could experiment with removing either the liner sock or the outer sock.

The '3 socks' method makes this easy too. We usually remove the middle mid weight layer if it is hot etc. That leaves us with the coolmax style liner and the outer cushion sole mohair type.

 

[SMBHNL]

Ugh. I eagerly tried to buy some. No shipping to Canada?!?! Boo.

If anyone else wants to buy some and get extra to get the free shipping and then send to me in Canada, that would be super duper.

Lots of vendors on eBay that will ship to you!

 

[Greig]

Has anyone used Armaskin liners on their Camino. So much info on the forum....may have been here that I first heard of them....or Google ?? Anyway, a recent purchase and I have only had a singe 20km trial run so far in my prep. I found them comfortable under my merino socks (they are a tight fit against your foot )... The manufacturers blurb states no blisters. ...... so do I have an each way bet and still bring my arsenel of tape/cream/blister pads/walkers wool/worry beads.
Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Bradypus]

The manufacturers blurb states no blisters. ...... so do I have an each way bet and still bring my arsenel of tape/cream/blister pads/walkers wool/worry beads.
Thanks for any feedback.

I would not gamble my feet on any manufacturer's blurb. Very little satisfaction to be had from complaining to them about exaggerated claims once you are hobbling about Take whatever you need to deal with blisters. I very rarely have blisters these days and micropore tape is pretty much all I need for the odd spot of chafing. If you have done enough walking already to be confident in your footwear and in your personal comfort zone of daily time and distance then you probably have a good sense of what is required. If you haven't then please do give everything a serious test run before you start your camino.

 

[Greig]

Thanks Bradypus....I have read a lot of blister prevention routines here on the forum. Im breaking in new shoes also. I have until lats August to fine tune.Consecutive days walking to start ....right now trails very boggy...much rain.....I know, my Camino may provide the same. I'll follow your advice.

 

[daesdaemar]

Two caminos using Injinji liners without a single blister...

 

[pilgr]

Two caminos using Injinji liners without a single blister...

Do you where shoes with those things?

 

[SMBHNL]

Do you where shoes with those things?

Only if you don't want your feet to hurt.

 

[pilgr]

Only if you don't want your feet to hurt.

The reason I ask is I have seen people run in just those toe socks. It would stand to reason you could probably hike in them too

 

[pilgr]

https://thetrek.co/gear-review-injinji-toe-socks/

Hiking the Applachin Trail in Inji toe socks!

 

[mgnswaus]

@mgnswaus I really can't tell the difference. For me the Dexshells are cheaper because they are available locally here in Australia, whereas I have to pay freight for the Sealskinz.

Many thanks.

 

[trecile]

The reason I ask is I have seen people run in just those toe socks. It would stand to reason you could probably hike in them too

Are you talking about the Vibram Five Finger shoes? I'm pretty sure that the article you linked to about the hiking the AT in toe socks was about wearing them with shoes.

 

[mferrara]

Check out the Injinji toe sock liners. http://www.injinji.com/shop/liner/liner-crew.html
I think they're the holy grail of blister prevention.

On the Camino Frances, I had blisters on almost every toe. The next year I wore Injinji toe socks and wool socks over them (and different shoes) and had no problems with blisters.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Two caminos using Injinji liners without a single blister...

I can only wear the lighter Injinjis as the heavier weight ones keep too much moisture and cause the skin where the bottom of toes join the ball of the foot to split open as my feet also do after days and day of 4 dives a day. I would recommend testing the heavier ones if they are the ones anyone is thinking of using. Taking 2 pairs of "light" Injinjis with me in 10 days!

 

[SMBHNL]

Are you talking about the Vibram Five Finger shoes? I'm pretty sure that the article you linked to about the hiking the AT in toe socks was about wearing them with shoes.
View attachment 32587

In Hawaii, we call those shoe gloves "Shoves". (Rhymes with gloves)

 

[SMBHNL]

I can only wear the lighter Injinjis as the heavier weight ones keep too much moisture and cause the skin where the bottom of toes join the ball of the foot to split open as my feet also do after days and day of 4 dives a day. I would recommend testing the heavier ones if they are the ones anyone is thinking of using. Taking 2 pairs of "light" Injinjis with me in 10 days!

I agree. I've tested both the Injinji light and midweight wool toe socks by themselves and I prefer their "crew liner" under a normal light wool sock. Like walking on a cloud!

 

[tillyjones]

Lots of vendors on eBay that will ship to you!

Yes, I ordered some on Friday! $0.65 shipping rather than $35!

 

[Letsgocamino]

Check out the Injinji toe sock liners. http://www.injinji.com/shop/liner/liner-crew.html
I think they're the holy grail of blister prevention.

Love love LOVE my injinji's. My middle name is Blisters but injinji's have saved me.

 

[trecile]

I have resisted toe socks because I thought that they would annoy me, but I bought a pair in Injinjis today, and I think I like them.
I only got one blister last year, and it was on the side of my second toe. I think that I'd wear them alone though, not as a liner. I don't like a lot of sock on my foot.

 

[CumbresTrekker]

Many posts mention using sock liners, but I've never really known exactly what they are...Just a very thin sock? Are they ankle length? Are they synthetic or merino wool? Or maybe just those little nylon "footies" used when trying on shoes at a store?

I have had pretty good luck with using Wigwam socks and will take them again on my Camino next month. I hang a clean pair from my pack as needed to dry after daily washings. For those who like using liners, what is so special about them to warrant having to wash two pair of socks every day instead of just the one?

I have had very good luck with 1000 Mile fusion models with Merino wool exteriors. This is a sock with a built-in sock liner -- they are actually sewn together and fit well. I wash them after each day's wear and they dry overnight naturally. No blisters! Since May 2015 in training for a Spring 2017 Camino Frances, I have walked a little over 8000 miles (12,875 km) with several pairs of these socks in perfect-fitting boots and have not had any blisters at all -- knock on wood! One fusion model at the following URL but there are other models and colors on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ODJGW2/?tag=casaivar02-20

Buena Suerte y Buen Camino, CT

 

[cherie]

For me personally...sock liners & socks gave me blisters. It wasn't until I ditched the liners that I had relief. But in saying that I think it also comes down to the insole in your shoes and how your socked feet sit upon it. What works for one doesn't work for all...its all trial and error

 

[Annw]

Has anyone tried Smart Wool socks alone?

 

[Marbe2]

I use sock liners, in my case that are just thin, ankle high socks. It works for me (reducing friction) and I wash only the liners daily and the thicker outer socks every 2-3 days, the liners also dry quicker.


We also use Wigwam liners and wash, our thicker socks every couple of days.