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Sock question for pilgrims with "chunky" ankles / feet

Joanne P

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances June 2018 & June 2023
I have been "blessed" (not) with "high volume" (fat lol) feet, wide feet, and chunky ankles. A such, I have a lot of trouble finding suitable socks.

I wear liner toe socks, that's fine. My problem is the second sock. Most hiking socks have an elasticised band around the middle of the sock. I understand this is to stop the socks from moving around, but if too tight, they make my feet ache. The same with the elastic around the ankle.

I found a dream pair for my last Camino however they have worn out and are no longer available.

So, has anyone with similar issues found themselves a suitable pair of socks please?
 
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Decathlon makes some socks that work for my husband. You might take a look there once you are in country.
 
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A selection of Camino Jewellery
Also be aware that you may experience an increased blessing of "cankles" which increase the girth of the calves/ankles even more after walking for a couple of weeks. Just get extra stretchy socks.
 
I always cut open the seam along the top of the socks. I try to only cut the thread sawing the socks together, but sometimes I make a hole in the fabric as well. This is maybe not beautiful, but works like a charm for the ankles.
 
Try folding the top of a crew height sock down to form a cuff with the elastic at your ankle.
 
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It became an issue for me too last year. A week into my walk and the only socks I could comfortably wear for any length of time on the trail were my Smartwool Light Cushion Low Ankle Socks.
 

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Camino Chrissy said:
You could possibly try men's socks unless you have a very short foot. They are not only longer, but also have a wider width.
Click to expand...
Great idea, thank you. I actually wear a men's wide fit trail runner, so I should have thought of that! LOL
 
Sheesh said:
It became an issue for me too last year. A week into my walk and the only socks I could comfortably wear for any length of time on the trail were my Smartwool Light Cushion Low Ankle Socks.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I will look at this option too.
 
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I walk in just one pair of socks. The Injinji liners (not the merino type) work well for me, or in the alternative on our last camino I also had a pair of "normal" merino socks from Icebreaker. These come in R and L just like the toe socks do. Most of my socks are about as thin of a walking/hiking sock as I can find.
The excess compression thing has only hit me if I tie my shoes too tight.
You could try doing a training hike with some weight and your liner type toe socks only to see if it works for you.
 
Thank you. A few test hikes was the plan, but I now have an achilles injury and on strict rest ... until goodness knows when. Not ideal, as we start walking in 7 weeks. Ah well, what will be will be.
 
Might check out socks from Darn Tough. These are fabulous socks with lifetime warranty. Can purchase through Amazon.
 
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You are likely back from your Camino now @Joanne P, or nearing it's conclusion, and I hope you found socks that worked out for you.

In my internet search today I can across these "Loose Fit Stays Up" merino-blend crew socks, described as being "looser in the foot, ankle and leg."

Though I don't think they'll be right for me (due to being loose in the foot itself, whereas my issue is the ankle), I'm posting the link here for whomever still may be seeking that elusive perfect pair.

Loose Fit Stays Up Marled Merino Wool Socks

The softest Loose Fit Stays Up Marled Merino Wool socks on the market. Merino wool is a beautiful fiber that is incredibly soft. It has the ability to keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. With natural properties to wick moisture. They are perfect for walking, hiking...
extrawidesockco.com
 
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