Top XC socks for chronic cold feet?

ufitzi · 01-01-2018, 02:48 PM

Hey all, looking to purchase my Mom some new XC socks. Her feet are notoriously cold. I've been using Darn Tough myself and love them but seeing a lot on Smartwool as well. What's everyone's recommendations?

Terasec · 01-01-2018, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ufitzi

Hey all, looking to purchase my Mom some new XC socks. Her feet are notoriously cold. I've been using Darn Tough myself and love them but seeing a lot on Smartwool as well. What's everyone's recommendations?

Does she already have xski boots?
Sizing is important
Regardless of brand of socks
Thick winter wool socks require extra space in the boots
If too tight will be cold

ufitzi · 01-01-2018, 03:40 PM

Thanks for the reply, yes, she has boots, and a few good pairs of socks. I was just wondering if there were any recent thoughts on preferred options. I was researching and saw some new compression socks that are supposed to improve circulation, anyone tried these?

tgoodwin · 01-01-2018, 06:18 PM

In this cold, Toe-Heaters may be the only solution for someone with chronically cold feet. That said, in my experience the Smart Wool socks are marginally better than Darn Tough. Don't know of any other brands to try.

montcalm · 01-01-2018, 06:30 PM

Boots make a big difference. My Alpina Alaska are by far warmer than my other boots.

Sometimes cold can be caused by moisture. I have sweaty feet that turn to cold feet if I stop moving. I use a wicking liner and thin socks. All my boots have a waterproof/breathable liner of some sort (Goretex, Alpintex, etc...) so I try to get as much moisture as I can to the membrane. Also all my boots are real leather. Some of the pleather boots cause my feet to swamp up and turn to ice.

I've also had cold feet in plastic shell boots even with thick liners. The issue there is lack of motion and circulation or blood constriction, I believe.

MaximusFunk24 · 01-01-2018, 07:22 PM

I ordered a pair of "Heat Holders" socks (I think it was the work version with reinforced heels and toes) that I find to be the warmer than any other sock I've owned. But, I second what Montcalm said. I got a pair of Alpina Alaska boots for christmas and they make a tremendous difference - much more than any sock would. might not be the most cost effective solution though. I didnt know I had especially sweaty feet until I tried the alaskas and had dry socks when I got home.

01-01-2018, 02:48 PM	#1
ufitzi Ben Hamelin Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: BLOOMINGDALE Posts: 76	Top XC socks for chronic cold feet? Hey all, looking to purchase my Mom some new XC socks. Her feet are notoriously cold. I've been using Darn Tough myself and love them but seeing a lot on Smartwool as well. What's everyone's recommendations? __________________ peace

01-01-2018, 03:40 PM	#3
ufitzi Ben Hamelin Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: BLOOMINGDALE Posts: 76	Thanks for the reply, yes, she has boots, and a few good pairs of socks. I was just wondering if there were any recent thoughts on preferred options. I was researching and saw some new compression socks that are supposed to improve circulation, anyone tried these? __________________ peace

01-01-2018, 06:18 PM	#4
tgoodwin Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Keene, New York Posts: 281	In this cold, Toe-Heaters may be the only solution for someone with chronically cold feet. That said, in my experience the Smart Wool socks are marginally better than Darn Tough. Don't know of any other brands to try. __________________ Every time that wheel turns round, bound to measure just a little more ground.

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01-01-2018, 06:30 PM	#5
montcalm Mobster Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 969	Boots make a big difference. My Alpina Alaska are by far warmer than my other boots. Sometimes cold can be caused by moisture. I have sweaty feet that turn to cold feet if I stop moving. I use a wicking liner and thin socks. All my boots have a waterproof/breathable liner of some sort (Goretex, Alpintex, etc...) so I try to get as much moisture as I can to the membrane. Also all my boots are real leather. Some of the pleather boots cause my feet to swamp up and turn to ice. I've also had cold feet in plastic shell boots even with thick liners. The issue there is lack of motion and circulation or blood constriction, I believe.

01-01-2018, 07:22 PM	#6
MaximusFunk24 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Saranac Lake Posts: 124	I ordered a pair of "Heat Holders" socks (I think it was the work version with reinforced heels and toes) that I find to be the warmer than any other sock I've owned. But, I second what Montcalm said. I got a pair of Alpina Alaska boots for christmas and they make a tremendous difference - much more than any sock would. might not be the most cost effective solution though. I didnt know I had especially sweaty feet until I tried the alaskas and had dry socks when I got home.

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