Hell is Wet Socks
February 5, 2016 2:36 PM Subscribe
I need footwear for the out-of-doors across that's appropriate for at least three seasons, if not four. While my feet are snowflakes, I don't think I have to worry about stepping in snow … do I? What about rainy puddles or streams?
We're headed to a bunch of National Parks in the second half of September (we fly back to DC on October 1). Parks include the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Great Basin (where we'll do a cave tour). The general rule for Yellowstone is that you should pack for all four seasons, and while it's unlikely there will be significant snow on the ground when we're there, it's not impossible. The north rim of the Grand Canyon will also be cool, if not downright cold, and Bryce is at similar altitude.
Meanwhile, I have feet that literally never stop sweating, and I hate the feeling of wet socks. I have also somewhat recently learned that heavy soles with reinforced heel cups (think: boots, but also: even light or street hikers) interfere with my gait enough to exacerbate a knee injury. And I have never liked padded socks, but it wasn't until I figured out the heavy shoe thing while in physical therapy for the knee injury that I realized how much I need to feel the ground for my gait to work naturally (in hindsight, my hatred for sock liners is probably related).
What all of those things have combined to mean is that I really like the Merrell Trail Glove 3 shoes I bought a couple months ago, in advance of this trip. If I wear breathable enough shoes and light SmartWool™ socks my feet don't get (or stay) so sweaty that it's an issue, and my gait is much more natural.
Assuming that temperatures in a couple of those parks could get down around freezing temperature while we're there, do I need to worry about getting something waterproof, or should I just carry a spare pair of socks in case I step in a puddle? If I need waterproof shoes, what's like the Trail Gloves (zero drop, minimal padding, no big, rigid heel cup) but waterproof? Are there socks like SmartWool™ that aren't $15/pair, especially non-padded ones?
Extra extra snowflake details: NB Minimus shoes don't work for me at all because of the really tight heel stitching — I almost got blisters just from walking around the REI shoe department. At the same time I bought the Merrells I also bought some Vivobarefoot Trail Freaks. I don't like them as much as the Merrells, but if I really need something waterproof I might not hate the waterproof version of the Trail Freaks. And I bought and returned a waterproof pair of Columbia trail runners because they ran too narrow for even my B-width feet. I'd like to keep the total stack height low and the soles as flexible as possible.
We're headed to a bunch of National Parks in the second half of September (we fly back to DC on October 1). Parks include the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Great Basin (where we'll do a cave tour). The general rule for Yellowstone is that you should pack for all four seasons, and while it's unlikely there will be significant snow on the ground when we're there, it's not impossible. The north rim of the Grand Canyon will also be cool, if not downright cold, and Bryce is at similar altitude.
Meanwhile, I have feet that literally never stop sweating, and I hate the feeling of wet socks. I have also somewhat recently learned that heavy soles with reinforced heel cups (think: boots, but also: even light or street hikers) interfere with my gait enough to exacerbate a knee injury. And I have never liked padded socks, but it wasn't until I figured out the heavy shoe thing while in physical therapy for the knee injury that I realized how much I need to feel the ground for my gait to work naturally (in hindsight, my hatred for sock liners is probably related).
What all of those things have combined to mean is that I really like the Merrell Trail Glove 3 shoes I bought a couple months ago, in advance of this trip. If I wear breathable enough shoes and light SmartWool™ socks my feet don't get (or stay) so sweaty that it's an issue, and my gait is much more natural.
Assuming that temperatures in a couple of those parks could get down around freezing temperature while we're there, do I need to worry about getting something waterproof, or should I just carry a spare pair of socks in case I step in a puddle? If I need waterproof shoes, what's like the Trail Gloves (zero drop, minimal padding, no big, rigid heel cup) but waterproof? Are there socks like SmartWool™ that aren't $15/pair, especially non-padded ones?
Extra extra snowflake details: NB Minimus shoes don't work for me at all because of the really tight heel stitching — I almost got blisters just from walking around the REI shoe department. At the same time I bought the Merrells I also bought some Vivobarefoot Trail Freaks. I don't like them as much as the Merrells, but if I really need something waterproof I might not hate the waterproof version of the Trail Freaks. And I bought and returned a waterproof pair of Columbia trail runners because they ran too narrow for even my B-width feet. I'd like to keep the total stack height low and the soles as flexible as possible.
Best answer: 1) Not only are these my stomping grounds (aside from the GC), that is my favorite time of year to stomp them. And like you, I love my Merrells for the same reasons (knee and hip probs). I've also found there are very few types of terrain that I can't wear them in. (I hardly ever wear boots any more, and have completed 50+ mile hikes multi-day hikes in my beloved Merrells.)
At that time of year, I don't think twice about bringing my Merrells to those areas. The weather will be highly variable, but if you get snow, it will most likely be a wet snow instead of drifts. If you're planning on mixing up hiking/backpacking with doing a lot of just hop out of the car stuff, some cheap rubber boots might do you to keep your feet dry for the quick moments, and you save your shoes for the extra stuff.
Honestly, after trying out water proofing (even that 3M magic stuff), wax, gaiters, and even sewing with velcro some homemade gaiter like tops a la Rough Country Gaiters, I've come to the conclusion the best defense is just to bring another pair of shoes, switching them out and letting them dry as needed, with lots of extra socks. (They do dry much more easily than conventional shoes.) I'm not as bothered by wet feet like you, however, but I find with the right socks (like Smartwools) than I don't really notice unless my feet get cold. (My feet get cold pretty easily, but switching socks, even with wet shoes, helps a lot.) If you want a designated pair just for wet days, you might try some wax or other water proofing, but that might play hell with letting your feet have any influx of air for the sweat. (If I'm going through a lot of wet brush I might bring gaiters, but I'm going to assume with a trip that covers that much distance in that amount of time you're not going to do a lot of off-trail stuff.)
Also, it might look terrible. . . but I also really like bringing a pair of the old-school, flexible sole Tevas (which they're making again, oh joy!) and wearing them with socks or just barefoot if I'm not doing a lot of serious hiking (watch your toes, though!). They dry super fast, too.
REI has some wool/nylon socks that are slightly cheaper than SmartWools, but I find they're just not as great. Icebreaker, Darn Tough, and Filson have decent wool socks, and I've heard good things about Bridgedale thin socks, though I've yet to try them myself.
I will warn you though - you may have less problems with wet feet than you will dirt. That mesh allows a lot of fines and sands to get in; my feet and socks are always filthy. Particularly in the more sandy areas as you go south, you may want a pair of gaiters just to stop dirt from getting into the tops - the grit against sweaty feet is a good way to get blisters, even if your shoes are worn in, and the grit makes it hard sometimes to discover where your blisters are beginning.
Oh - even if the weather is beautiful, it will be very dewy. So I'm very fond of either keeping my long underwear on for awhile (if I'm camping) under shorts and then taking them off later, or wearing long, knee high socks and rolling my pant cuffs up pretty high until the dew dries out. My shoes dry out faster if I don't have soggy cuffs hanging over them. Also, I know some people like to layer a very thin nylon sock over their wool sock when it's wet, but that's too much for me, personally, and might be for you with the breathability.
2) This spring I'm getting a pair of zero drop boots to try out by Lems. If they work, I'll send you a MeMail if you're interested.
Good luck! I'm hoping there's some other bright ideas in here.
posted by barchan at 3:49 PM on February 5, 2016 [4 favorites]
At that time of year, I don't think twice about bringing my Merrells to those areas. The weather will be highly variable, but if you get snow, it will most likely be a wet snow instead of drifts. If you're planning on mixing up hiking/backpacking with doing a lot of just hop out of the car stuff, some cheap rubber boots might do you to keep your feet dry for the quick moments, and you save your shoes for the extra stuff.
Honestly, after trying out water proofing (even that 3M magic stuff), wax, gaiters, and even sewing with velcro some homemade gaiter like tops a la Rough Country Gaiters, I've come to the conclusion the best defense is just to bring another pair of shoes, switching them out and letting them dry as needed, with lots of extra socks. (They do dry much more easily than conventional shoes.) I'm not as bothered by wet feet like you, however, but I find with the right socks (like Smartwools) than I don't really notice unless my feet get cold. (My feet get cold pretty easily, but switching socks, even with wet shoes, helps a lot.) If you want a designated pair just for wet days, you might try some wax or other water proofing, but that might play hell with letting your feet have any influx of air for the sweat. (If I'm going through a lot of wet brush I might bring gaiters, but I'm going to assume with a trip that covers that much distance in that amount of time you're not going to do a lot of off-trail stuff.)
Also, it might look terrible. . . but I also really like bringing a pair of the old-school, flexible sole Tevas (which they're making again, oh joy!) and wearing them with socks or just barefoot if I'm not doing a lot of serious hiking (watch your toes, though!). They dry super fast, too.
REI has some wool/nylon socks that are slightly cheaper than SmartWools, but I find they're just not as great. Icebreaker, Darn Tough, and Filson have decent wool socks, and I've heard good things about Bridgedale thin socks, though I've yet to try them myself.
I will warn you though - you may have less problems with wet feet than you will dirt. That mesh allows a lot of fines and sands to get in; my feet and socks are always filthy. Particularly in the more sandy areas as you go south, you may want a pair of gaiters just to stop dirt from getting into the tops - the grit against sweaty feet is a good way to get blisters, even if your shoes are worn in, and the grit makes it hard sometimes to discover where your blisters are beginning.
Oh - even if the weather is beautiful, it will be very dewy. So I'm very fond of either keeping my long underwear on for awhile (if I'm camping) under shorts and then taking them off later, or wearing long, knee high socks and rolling my pant cuffs up pretty high until the dew dries out. My shoes dry out faster if I don't have soggy cuffs hanging over them. Also, I know some people like to layer a very thin nylon sock over their wool sock when it's wet, but that's too much for me, personally, and might be for you with the breathability.
2) This spring I'm getting a pair of zero drop boots to try out by Lems. If they work, I'll send you a MeMail if you're interested.
Good luck! I'm hoping there's some other bright ideas in here.
posted by barchan at 3:49 PM on February 5, 2016 [4 favorites]
Best answer: I used to sell highly technical footwear for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts/professional hikers.
I wouldn't worry too much about the cold weather, especially if you have Smartwool socks. Bringing extra socks is always a good idea regardless. On preview, barchan is right though, the sand is definitely going to be a bigger problem than the cold/water.
Those Merrells are probably just fine. I've set up a lot of folks in Merrells (although not that specific model, but whatever). If you were in my old shop, even though you don't like structured fits, I'd have you try on these Asolos (or even these maybe), just to see how you like them. If you're worried about water and breathability, GoreTex is your friend.
But truth is, light hiking, just wear what's comfortable for you. What did you wear during the snow a couple weeks ago? If that was fine, you'll be totally fine.
posted by General Malaise at 3:53 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
I wouldn't worry too much about the cold weather, especially if you have Smartwool socks. Bringing extra socks is always a good idea regardless. On preview, barchan is right though, the sand is definitely going to be a bigger problem than the cold/water.
Those Merrells are probably just fine. I've set up a lot of folks in Merrells (although not that specific model, but whatever). If you were in my old shop, even though you don't like structured fits, I'd have you try on these Asolos (or even these maybe), just to see how you like them. If you're worried about water and breathability, GoreTex is your friend.
But truth is, light hiking, just wear what's comfortable for you. What did you wear during the snow a couple weeks ago? If that was fine, you'll be totally fine.
posted by General Malaise at 3:53 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
The waterproof socks by Showers Pass (not on Amazon) have been highly reviewed by people in my weirdo all-weather cycling club. I haven't picked any up yet, but supposedly they are a lot better than the other ones out there.
posted by bradbane at 5:28 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by bradbane at 5:28 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
Thin merino wool socks inside goretex socks.
posted by parki at 6:23 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by parki at 6:23 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
COSTCO's wool hiking socks, four pack, $11. It doesn't matter if they are wet or dry, they feel great and have good, soft insides. I wear these from October, through April around here. With Keen hiking sandals, boots, snow packs, or city slip ons, and around the house. They have enough spandex to cling around the arch and stay in shape. I own about 8 pairs of these. They are not the tube sock type hiking socks, but fit nicely at the ankles too. They wash in the washer, and dry in the dryer. If they get wet, they are still warm. They are like an insurance policy for warmth and comfort.
posted by Oyéah at 9:49 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Oyéah at 9:49 PM on February 5, 2016 [1 favorite]
Best answer: You should always have multiple pairs of socks, regardless, when hiking. Moisture is how blisters get started. Enjoy your hikes!
posted by jbenben at 6:24 AM on February 6, 2016
posted by jbenben at 6:24 AM on February 6, 2016
Oh god you are me, down to the 'real shoes mangle my knees.' I wear mostly Trail Gloves and a discontinued Vivobarefoot style (I liked them so much I bought two pair). I also have an older style of Vivobarefoot waterproof shoes, not the Trail Freak but probably its predecessor, and they give me YOOOGE blisters on my heels. If you try on the waterproof Trail Freak, pay attention to the fit at the heels.
I haven't found an answer I love yet. Last year I was bumping around TJ Maxx and found a pair of low-end Merrell hiking boots. They're lightweight (for what they are), have minimal cushioning and nearly no arch support. They claim they're waterproof but the right one leaks a bit. They are what I wear when it is just too yucky out to wear Trail Gloves.
posted by workerant at 10:46 AM on February 6, 2016
I haven't found an answer I love yet. Last year I was bumping around TJ Maxx and found a pair of low-end Merrell hiking boots. They're lightweight (for what they are), have minimal cushioning and nearly no arch support. They claim they're waterproof but the right one leaks a bit. They are what I wear when it is just too yucky out to wear Trail Gloves.
posted by workerant at 10:46 AM on February 6, 2016
I have sweaty foot issues. Darn Tough socks are wonderful. Not cheap, but the warranty helps make up for that. Would definitely take spares when hiking. Maybe even spare spares; they're light.
I've also come to swear by Sno Seal. It's intended for leather shoes, but also seems to work well on tightly-woven fabric. Probably won't do the trick with mesh, but it means you can pretty much pick your shoe and then make it waterproof. Also, way cheaper than GoreTex.
posted by sibilatorix at 8:26 PM on February 6, 2016
I've also come to swear by Sno Seal. It's intended for leather shoes, but also seems to work well on tightly-woven fabric. Probably won't do the trick with mesh, but it means you can pretty much pick your shoe and then make it waterproof. Also, way cheaper than GoreTex.
posted by sibilatorix at 8:26 PM on February 6, 2016
I got these "Puddleton's Packable Rainboots" mostly because I hate both wet feet and carrying around heavy boots that I might not even need. But another unexpected pro is that in addition to being pretty cheap and quite light, they are also almost perfectly minimalist. They are not that warm (which makes them good for summer) but I think with a pair of good socks they are fine for colder weather. You can definitely feel the terrain beneath your feet. I can see how the sweating could be a concern.
I also have these (the non leather hightop version) Vivobarefoot hiking shoes, which say they are "hydrophobic," whatever that means, and are super comfortable and minimalist, which may be better for hiking, and are definitely multi season.
posted by Salamandrous at 10:25 AM on February 7, 2016
I also have these (the non leather hightop version) Vivobarefoot hiking shoes, which say they are "hydrophobic," whatever that means, and are super comfortable and minimalist, which may be better for hiking, and are definitely multi season.
posted by Salamandrous at 10:25 AM on February 7, 2016
Response by poster: Sadly our Costco didn't have hiking socks. I will look into the other brands, though. And those Showers Pass socks are, um, wow. (Of course, they're also almost three times as expensive as Smartwool socks, so I won't exactly be stocking up on them. I might buy one pair though).
Since Teva sandals were mentioned: instead of those I've got some Keen Clearwater CNX sandals (their minimal line) because I am clumsy and need toe guards. I hiked a few miles in them on a poorly-planned trip to Shenandoah National Park last year, and aside from having to stop a few times to dislodge pebbles, they actually worked out pretty well (worn with socks, and with the webbing pulled snug).
What I wore during all the snow in DC was … no shoes, because I could work from home and didn't have to leave the house. I put on some waterproof Keen shoes to shovel the walk, but other than those those few trips outside I just stayed inside where my feet were well and truly dry. But once I did go into the office I wore the Trail Gloves. While I noticed they were a wee bit cold when I had to step through piles of snow at curb cuts, mostly they were fine.
Thanks for the replies so far!
posted by fedward at 6:07 PM on February 9, 2016
Since Teva sandals were mentioned: instead of those I've got some Keen Clearwater CNX sandals (their minimal line) because I am clumsy and need toe guards. I hiked a few miles in them on a poorly-planned trip to Shenandoah National Park last year, and aside from having to stop a few times to dislodge pebbles, they actually worked out pretty well (worn with socks, and with the webbing pulled snug).
What I wore during all the snow in DC was … no shoes, because I could work from home and didn't have to leave the house. I put on some waterproof Keen shoes to shovel the walk, but other than those those few trips outside I just stayed inside where my feet were well and truly dry. But once I did go into the office I wore the Trail Gloves. While I noticed they were a wee bit cold when I had to step through piles of snow at curb cuts, mostly they were fine.
Thanks for the replies so far!
posted by fedward at 6:07 PM on February 9, 2016
Response by poster: Belated followup: I wore the Trail Gloves basically every day (I've got two pair and I alternated), except for the rainy days we were in Zion, when I wore my Keens. I had no sock issues and no blisters, but man did they fill with sand at the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. Periodically I'd stop and shake at least a quarter cup of fine sand out of each shoe.
A couple weeks ago, though, I learned the lower limit of the Trail Gloves when I ran out of the house to get to the Hirshhorn on the last day of the Ragnar Kjartansson exhibit. I think it was 18° that day? That was too cold for Trail Gloves.
posted by fedward at 7:53 PM on January 23, 2017
A couple weeks ago, though, I learned the lower limit of the Trail Gloves when I ran out of the house to get to the Hirshhorn on the last day of the Ragnar Kjartansson exhibit. I think it was 18° that day? That was too cold for Trail Gloves.
posted by fedward at 7:53 PM on January 23, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by friendlyjuan at 3:38 PM on February 5, 2016