Wool socks

[Cariad]

My husband has developed a bad reaction to merino wool socks even using liner. Any suggestions on ‘what next to use instead of merino wool’. Leaving in 2 weeks to walk Camino Frances.
Thank you.

 

[trecile]

My husband has developed a bad reaction to merino wool socks even using liner. Any suggestions on ‘what next to use instead of merino wool’. Leaving in 2 weeks to walk Camino Frances.
Thank you.

I've worn Wrightsocks double layer socks on all my Caminos. They are made of synthetic materials.

 

[Cariad]

I've worn Wrightsocks double layer socks on all my Caminos. They are made of synthetic materials.

Thank you I’ll check them out.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

There are some manufacturers, like Darn Tough, Thorlo, Wigwam, and Fox River, who use Coolmax and other synthetic fabric blends to construct hiking and running socks. To help simulate the anti-friction properties of Merino, look for a slightly thicker padded sock.

Personally, I would focus on socks with a polypropylene, nylon and spandex blend. Great wicking of moisture, and the small amount of spandex helps keep the sock's shape so that it is less likely to sag and ruck which causes blistering.

 

[Giselleontour]

We both have worn Wightsocks double layer socks too- never had blisters.
Buon Camino

 

[Cariad]

We both have worn Wightsocks double layer socks too- never had blisters.
Buon Camino

Thank you!

 

[jmcarp]

There are some manufacturers, like Darn Tough, Thorlo, Wigwam, and Fox River, who use Coolmax and other synthetic fabric blends to construct hiking and running socks. To help simulate the anti-friction properties of Merino, look for a slightly thicker padded sock.

Personally, I would focus on socks with a polypropylene, nylon and spandex blend. Great wicking of moisture, and the small amount of spandex helps keep the sock's shape so that it is less likely to sag and ruck which causes blistering.

When we started our training walks for our first Camino, my wife and I both wore merino wool socks. However, she started noticing a rash around her ankles and switched to Wigwam Coolmax socks. She never experienced the rash again after that, either before, during, or after the Camino.

 

[Cariad]

When we started our training walks for our first Camino, my wife and I both wore merino wool socks. However, she started noticing a rash around her ankles and switched to Wigwam Coolmax socks. She never experienced the rash again after that, either before, during, or after the Camino.

Thank you this is all good info for us.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Use whatever socks he uses at home.
There is no reason to purchase special clothing

 

[trecile]

Use whatever socks he uses at home.
There is no reason to purchase special clothing

Except that cotton socks can be problematic since they hold in the moisture.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Except that cotton socks can be problematic since they hold in the moisture.

I've used cotton socks every time I've walked the Camino, on hot days.
::
I think it could be one of those things that is different for everyone.
I use merino wool socks much of the time, but when it's hot, I change to cotton, and it seems these folks will be walking in May, and merino breaks him out. If a person can afford to buy special equipment, cool. But if they can't, there's no reason you can't wear what you'd wear at home, imo.

 

[Cariad]

Except that cotton socks can be problematic since they hold in the moisture.

Thank you !

 

[Cariad]

There are some manufacturers, like Darn Tough, Thorlo, Wigwam, and Fox River, who use Coolmax and other synthetic fabric blends to construct hiking and running socks. To help simulate the anti-friction properties of Merino, look for a slightly thicker padded sock.

Personally, I would focus on socks with a polypropylene, nylon and spandex blend. Great wicking of moisture, and the small amount of spandex helps keep the sock's shape so that it is less likely to sag and ruck which causes blistering.

Thanks some great choices here. I’ll go looking.
Another question. Just finished a whole month of longer training getting ready for Camino. About 6 weeks ago my Keene hiking shoes which has been great up to now suddenly have been pinching in toes and my feet burn beyond. Today after 15 miles I thought I wouldn’t get home as my feet were so painfully burning. New shoes at this late hour or just revert to my faithful new balance running shoes. I have wide foot. Sorry to rattle on.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Thanks some great choices here. I’ll go looking.
Another question. Just finished a whole month of longer training getting ready for Camino. About 6 weeks ago my Keene hiking shoes which has been great up to now suddenly have been pinching in toes and my feet burn beyond. Today after 15 miles I thought I wouldn’t get home as my feet were so painfully burning. New shoes at this late hour or just revert to my faithful new balance running shoes. I have wide foot. Sorry to rattle on.

Cariad, I will be happy to try and assist you if you send my a PM (private message). If you would like to do so, just click on my avatar or name, and you will see a menu which includes an item "Start a conversation".

 

[trecile]

Thanks some great choices here. I’ll go looking.
Another question. Just finished a whole month of longer training getting ready for Camino. About 6 weeks ago my Keene hiking shoes which has been great up to now suddenly have been pinching in toes and my feet burn beyond. Today after 15 miles I thought I wouldn’t get home as my feet were so painfully burning. New shoes at this late hour or just revert to my faithful new balance running shoes. I have wide foot. Sorry to rattle on.

Bring a pair of hiking sandals for your evening after walking shoes. That way you'll have an alternative to give your feet a break.

 

[Karen Cap]

My husband has developed a bad reaction to merino wool socks even using liner. Any suggestions on ‘what next to use instead of merino wool’. Leaving in 2 weeks to walk Camino Frances.
Thank you.

I can’t wear wool at all. At REI, I found
Darn Tough CoolMax hiking socks. They were perfect for me and were most comfortable on the Camino

 

[Cariad]

I can’t wear wool at all. At REI, I found
Darn Tough CoolMax hiking socks. They were perfect for me and were most comfortable on the Camino

Interesting. I’m thinking that’s going to be case for hubby. Thank you

 

[Carmel L]

I used Wigwam Coolmax socks on the CF in Sept/Oct. Absolutely no problems with them. However they had worn out in the heel area close to the end. Just keep in mind, you might need an extra pair in case of wear and tear. Cheers CL

 

[Cariad]

I used Wigwam Coolmax socks on the CF in Sept/Oct. Absolutely no problems with them. However they had worn out in the heel area close to the end. Just keep in mind, you might need an extra pair in case of wear and tear. Cheers CL

Thank you for your input. I’ve used them in training and did like them may have to get another pair.