What are the best combat socks that are heavy duty for extended field use? Are any waterproof enough to keep your feet dry when boots are wet, padded to reduce foot pain on extanded hikes, and breathable?
Smartwool and Fox river are the only socks I put my feet in. I believe seal skinz are waterproof…
Smartwool are my go to socks, I have not found a solid equivalent.
Boots are mission dependent either go waterproof, non-waterproof, or water boots (purpose built with drainage in mind).
Smartwood’s the way to go.
Anyone have a link for a cheap place to load up on them ? Thanks.
Darn Tough Vermont
Hiketrek boot socks.
Its what they issue at combat control school. Better than any other sock I’v tried throughout the pipeline
The Thorlo combat sock is all I use, and I’ve got a few pair that are over 8 years old. Well cushioned in all the correct places, and more comfortable than anything else I’ve ever tried. If you are wearing combat boots all day long, I would strongly suggest giving these a look. Check your local PX/ BX and feel them for yourself to see why.
http://www.thorlo.com/socks/army-socks/over-calf/181.php
Exclusive THOR•LON® construction for resilience, durability and better wicking.
Thick cushioning in the ball/heel for maximum shock, impact, shear and blister protection.
Moderate cushioning in shin and instep protects against abrasion and boot pressure.
Spandex top holds in place all day.
Will they let me buy/use these when I ship to basic next month?
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+1 on the smartwool. Used to go with the thorlo’s but since I got my smartwool’s I wear nothing else.
It’s been a couple years since I graduated BCT, but as of 2006 no, you are required to wear the issued green boot socks.
Judging by the raw material I’ve been receiving lately, it’s also possible that they’ve done away with that rule and they just let you wear whatever the hell you want.
I use Thor-lo. I bought a couple of pairs when I was still in the ARNG (so, before 1995), and they finally wore through about a year and a half ago- at least, three of them did. I paired it with another one that I had with a lost mate, and one is still going strong.
They will wear through, eventually. But they are pretty good. They dry quick. They are well padded. They last.
Hmmmmm,I can’t remember the manufacture but my Wife & I bought socks for my Daughters Boyfriend who is in the 10th Mtn Division up at FT Drum NY,and they were Goretex lined with a wool or synthetic outer. He loved them and wore them all the time when in the States but couldn’t wear anything Non-Issue when Deployed. I’ll try and see if there still in the stores,they mite be a Seasonal thing !!
Get several sets of polypro sock liners and bring plenty of foot powder.
I doubt you will get any grief in Basic for using these. They make cheap socks work much better. Use plenty of foot powder. A dry foot is a happy foot.
Smartwool Adrenalin is the best all around sock I have ever worn.
Smartwools. I keep Sealskins around for emergencies in case I have wet winter boots or for gnarly ice climbs with running water. I do have Canadian buddies who swear by NRS Wet Socks (type of neoprene) for cold.
I keep trying other sox and always come back to Smartwools
I have no real experience because i haven’t used to many other brands other than Danner.
We have a factory store here attached to the factory over by the PDX airport.
(it helps some of us if you put where your from so we can suggest local places to save on shipping or rockin deals)
I’ve used MANY of their socks and can’t say i ever had a pair let me down.
Those thick padded moisture wicking ones are great for Summer use.
Smartwool are the brand I rely on.
Bridgedale Special Operations Socks.
When my feet are in boots, the only thing I wear are issue DSCP green socks; Thorlos are too thick for me and Fox River just feels wierd; plus a daily wear hard use item like socks shouldnt cost me my annual clothing allowance every 3-4 months.