Hiking Socks

[davidanthonyporter]

I need some advice on hiking socks. When I started hiking I noticed somewhere that Al_hikesAz was happy with Bridgedale socks. I bought three pair and have been very happy. Lately, however, I have noticed a rash on both legs after each hike, right above the boot and extending up about 4 inches. Rather ugly and bad rash! I suspect that perhaps the socks have a chemical to aid in wicking moisture that my skin doesn't like. It also seems to be only prevalent in warmer weather. I wasn't having this problem a few months ago.

We have a few "other" pair that I have been experimenting with but they do not do a good job keeping the moisture off my feet when hiking in the desert. The last few hikes I have noticed significantly more moisture on my feet from these "other" socks.

Any suggestions? What socks do you use? Do they keep your feet dry during hot Arizona hiking? I have never had a blister from hiking, but this last hike, with all the moisture on my feet, it seemed as though I wasn't far from developing a blister.

If any of you veterans have sage advice in this area, I am all ears. :thanx:

[joebartels]

You might try a liner sock under your normal sock. The setup is popular with backpackers. The thin liner sock sticks to your foot and shifts inside the outer sock reducing friction.

I've used the setup on longer trips and it does work wonders for preventing blisters. However, I can't remember the last time I wore boots. I generally wear Salomon trail runners or Teva sandals.

You might be allergic to some of the wildflowers

Googling around it sounds like you have a heat rash where you're bleeding just under the skin. The liner thing isn't going to help, probably just make it hotter. One dermatologist recommended trying 10 mg of Claritin before hiking. However, nobody followed up on that thought. All recommended seeing a doctor/dermatologist.

The Teva sandals might be your ticket. However, whereas I find them comfortable most do not and complain of blistering. Though a light liner sock should ease the breaking in phase.

It may also be a matter of not only letting your feet breath more but getting the sun off your legs. In which case a pair of super-light-weight tan hiking pants might help.

Jesus wore sandals and most desert dwellers keep the skin covered

Sorry to hear of your condition, hope you find a remedy that works.

[joebartels]

Also just realized I ofter wear "WrightSock" "Coolmesh" (bootie sock) with my trail runners and sandals on occasion. It's a dual layer sock, basically a built in liner, yet still very thin.

Although all the outdoor stores have rows of thick socks and polycarbonate water bottles, I've never found the need for either

[hikeaz]

Smartwool socks - 2 pairs alternated about every hour, with the 'non-worn' pair left to dry on the outside of your pack.

If you want to try the "Wright Socks", look on REI-OUTLET.

[davidanthonyporter]

I wrote Bridgedale about my problem and here is there response:

Dear David

Rashes caused by socks (not just Bridgedale) are not uncommon, and I do
receive up to half a dozen enquiries per year about this effect (though
none in 2007!). There is no single cause, but a combination of heat and
sweat seems to be the common link.

We do not use any chemical additives in our manufacturing process but we
do steam wash them before packing, which removes any yarn contamination
picked up before or during manufacture.

Here are some of my findings based on previous e-mails:

1. Rashes are more common in summer than in winter (warmer conditions)
2. Older people suffer more than younger people
3. Some people have an allergy to one specific fibre (usually wool or
polyester).
4. It is important to thoroughly rinse socks after washing in order to
remove all traces of detergent or soap.
5. Never use chlorine compounds in the wash.
6. If you have poor circulation or commonly suffer from cold feet,
choose a style with a low tension around the leg.
7. People who suffer other skin allergies are more prone to hiking
rashes.
8. Seeds can cause irritation.
9. Some types of abrasive dust can cause irritation.

Each individual is different and therefore I recommend that you
experiment with socks and footwear to obtain the best combination. Here
are some ideas:

1. Try using Bridgedale Coolmax Liners under your Trailheads. These
have no natural fibre content and are made on a super-fine gauge
knitting machine. They have an EXTREMELY soft hand.
2. Take two pairs per day. Change your socks at the half way point.
3. If your foot is high volume and your shoe size is at the top end of
the Bridgedale size range, try using the next size up. Socks are
stretchy, so this will loosen the fit on your foot whilst not becoming
too large.
Medium US 7 to 9.5, Large US 10 to 12.5, XL US 13+.
4. Make sure you have maximum breathability in your boot/shoe as well
as in the socks.

I trust this is helpful and that you will find a suitable remedy.

Please let me know how you get on!

George Crawford-Smith.
Bridgedale Outdoor Ltd.
PO Box 7
Kiltonga Industrial Estate
Newtownards
BT23 4YL
Northern Ireland.

[davidanthonyporter]

I received yet another response from Bridgedale Socks in regard to my rash:

Dear David

Since penning my reply to you I had a quick spin round the internet and
found one knowledgeable and informative site that said:

- "very common" rather than my words "not uncommon".
- warm or hot weather rather than cold weather
- age over 50
- rash is not 'itchy'
- rash disappears with rest or cold
- there was no mention of sweat or yarn allergies

The rash is apparently caused by surface blood vessels swelling in order
to try to cool the leg. This may well extend beyond the contact area
but is most pronounced under the area insulated by the sock.

Even lighter socks may be the answer.

In addition to the above common condition, some walkers may also have
dermatological responses to other aggravations e.g. yarns, seeds,
abrasion, etc..

Good luck.

George

I have to admit, I am very impressed with their desire to make me a happy client.

[joebartels]

Good to know,

Might try sticking to sunrise/sunset hikes in the summer too.

Look forward to hearing what works for you!

[PaleoRob]

Smartwool socks

I second this. I love my Smartwool pairs. They make many different thicknesses from thin summer hikers to thick, high winter snowshoeing socks. Great stuff!

[davidanthonyporter]

I wore the socks in question for the last three hikes. No rash. After reading their e-mails (no chemicals used) and no rash in recent hikes, I am beginning to think that perhaps I came in contact with something in the environment that my skin didn't like.

I certainly have become a fan of Bridgedale. They went out of their way and I am happy to see that it wasn't their socks giving me the rash. I will have to give the smartwool socks a try as well.

[nodin]

I've been wearing Smartwool for years (for everything from Mt. Biking,casual,to work) and recently I've bought some Patagonia ones which I like a lot.

[azbackpackr]

Thorlo and Smartwool.

[azdesertfather]

wow, i'm amazed some of you have found the benefit of choosing such specific things. I've been using my same Rugged Outback hiking boots for years, complete with two cheapo boot socks per foot, and never get a rash or a blister on even my long hikes.

[joebartels]

I can hike in pretty much anything right down to flip flops. On the other hand, hearing the stories over the years I know footwear/socks is a real struggle for some. If the experience isn't enjoyable it throws people out of the game. I used to think it was only beginners with the issues but have found some real die hards practically struggle to death.

[chulavista]

Has anyone ever tried Ecosox? My MIL is trying to do me a favor, and she bought me two pair of these. They are supposed to be "eco friendly, made of bamboo and other materials, light weight, fitted arch and ankle so they won't slip, resists heating," etc. I'm wondering how they will do in the water.

Kate

[SuperstitionGuy]

Wear them on a day hike through Araviapa and if you don't return we will just assume the bamboo sprouted and your still there planted in the stream.

Seriously though let us know how well they work for you as my wife has a difficult time finding footwear that works for her. :thanx:

[outdoor_lover]

Wear them on a day hike through Araviapa and if you don't return we will just assume the bamboo sprouted and your still there planted in the stream.

[chulavista]

Wear them on a day hike through Araviapa and if you don't return we will just assume the bamboo sprouted and your still there planted in the stream.

Seriously though let us know how well they work for you as my wife has a difficult time finding footwear that works for her. :thanx:

You got it!

[chulavista]

Has anyone ever tried Ecosox? My MIL is trying to do me a favor, and she bought me two pair of these. They are supposed to be "eco friendly, made of bamboo and other materials, light weight, fitted arch and ankle so they won't slip, resists heating," etc. I'm wondering how they will do in the water.

Kate

OK!! I wore the Ecosox on my Aravaipa outing, this past weekend. First, let me tell you - the biggest problem I ever have when being on my feet for any extended period of time is fatigue in my feet directly. Well, we left the trailhead at 7:40 - ish, took an hour break at 11:40 to 12:40 - sort of, don't remember exactly, then walked back to the trailhead. It took us until 3:40 to get back to the trailhead. Long story short - I was standing - on my feet from 7:40 to 3:40, with a one hour break in between. I sat down during that break, but no other time. I was also walking in water, sand, etc the whole time. My hubby cleaned his shoes out three times during that time. I decided once during that time that maybe I should clean out my shoes?? When I took of my shoes, I found more sand in my shoes than I was aware of.

My feet were not tired, I didn't feel the sand - I felt one or two pebbles, not the sand. My feet today are not sore, as I expected them to be. These Ecosox to me were a really good investment. You must know however, I have nothing but conventional socks to compare them to. But I'd buy them again. They conformed to my feet, they didn't move, no rolling up on my toes, no rolling on my heels, and they kept the sand and debris from irritating my feet. I'll always keep a pair onhand for wet hikes.