Winter Cycling - socks ... what % wool?

I went through my winter socks last night looking for a good set of sock liners and wool socks for my bicycle commuting in temps between 30 and 13 F degrees. I decided that most of my wool socks were too tight, maybe from shrinkage or because they were gifted to me and weren't the correct size to begin with, or a combination of the above. Socks that are too tight are difficult to put on; constrict blood flow and cramp my toes. I came up with an under and over pair for today but thought I would start poking around for something more suitable.

I walked to the mall at lunchtime today and wound up in the Sears & Dick's Sporting Goods sock depts. Interesting; confusing and disappointing was my reaction. I believe REI will have the best assortment in my size. 13 foot.

Anyway - jump to question: the highest wool% I could find at these two stores was 35%. The funny thing is that was a "medium" weight sock not the heavy weight sitting next to it and not even in the sock marked as "thermal". Anybody even know the wool % of your socks? I sure don't except for these I saw on the rack today.

I got my merino wool socks from Costco and I have no idea what % is actually wool. I do know that some of the heavier weight Smartwool socks are about 80% wool.

most of my wool socks were too tight, maybe from shrinkage ...

FYI, shrunken wool can often be "unshrunk" a bit by gently applying hair conditioner and carefully stretching the item. Maybe even put the "conditioned" socks on and wear them in the shower. Carfully remove and let air dry afterward.

I know this doesn't answer your question, but this may make some of them serviceable as an "inner" sock.

tjspiel - I looked at some marked Merino Wool but they had a lower wool percentage - 20% or 18% were the others I saw.

rogerstg - the under sock - or base layers I use are very thin - polypropylene ~ capelene ~ and other materials. I did put a set of outer socks over a pair of dress shoes for the evening and they were then easier to put on. I might try wetting them and trying that on another kind of shoestree or something

I usually don't like to buy big name stuff, but I spurge for Smartwool socks because they are the only ones I've found that don't shink, and are easy to get my foot into.

smartwool comes up with a high merino wool %:
70% merino wool/29% nylon/1% elastic
http://www.rei.com/product/604587

Yep. Spring for the smartwool. You wont be sorry. Also one pair should do you. If your feet still get cold add shoe covers and booties.

outlets may have lots of stuff for people size 13. i notice that at Marshalls across the street from me they have a lot of performance brand socks (including merino wool nice ones) and all are size S or XL, so you might be able to get a bargain. I have a regular 11.5 so i can't find anything and have to go to a sporting goods store.

100% wool, hand knit courtesy of my wife. Once they felt a bit they are fantastic.

88% Merino wool in mine. $10 from Basspro. Fantastic socks.

The benefit of wool is it's moisture capacity and wicking properties. Plus, wool maintains it's warmth even when it does get damp. There are actally warmer materials out there (dry), but as they become saturated they loosing their insulating properties.

I have a pair of Bridgedales that actually feel warmer than a comparable Smartwool. It had a higher Calipene content. But it wasn't nearly as comfortable to wear as the Smartwool as the Bridgedales felt clammy.

I would say stay above 50% Merino wool and you'll be ok. The more wool the better. BTW, the warmest socks I have EVER worn or Cabelas InGenius (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0033528812409a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Products&QueryText=ingenious+socks&sort=all&Go.y=0&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form23&Go.x=0&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1) socks. It has a sewn in liner. It's thinner than Bass Pro treestand socks and are significantly warmer. When space is at a premium inside cycling boots, that is a HUGE plus.

Yeah, 80/20 is about right.

I have a serious thing for wool socks!

I wear the REI merino socks (78% wool) daily under my redwing work boots. They are only like $12, hold up well, even after many, many washes. I think they have light, medium, and heavy depending on your temperature needs. Like this: http://www.rei.com/product/664969.

But the Smartwool Phd line of socks (take your pick) are pretty much man's greatest achievement. $20 is kind of steep but these are the socks I wear on the weekends. Amazing.

pyze-guy Basspro online? what's their web address?

BearSquirrel - that ingenius sock looks attractive with the liner integrated into the outer sock - I would have to use the chemical warmer in the boot intself instead of between layers but that might work. It's not very expensive either! I might even get my Dad a pair cuz he's bought me socks in the past - would be nice to turn him on to something new

I pretty much dress in 100% wool head to toe, but I will also put in a good word for the patagonia socks (no wool). Warm, good moisture handling, and very, very durable.

Look into getting Alpaca wool socks. They hold up much better than any other type of wool sock I have used. They are also warmer.

I have some cheap socks from walmart. I think they're 12% :(

I buy the SmartWool and REI merino socks from REI Outlet, (http://www.rei.com/outlet/search?cat=8001&cat=8001&cat=22000007&page_size=109&cat=22000068&hist=cat%2C22000007%3AMen%27s+Clothing^cat%2C22000068%3ASocks) typically for about 4 to 8 dollars...
the SmartWool PHD socks are $9.93

The wool content of Smartwool socks varies with the model, but I've not seen one model that goes below 50%.

If one is partial towards the Smartwool brand and is looking for a discount, try Sierra Trading Post (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Smartwool.html). No affiliation.

pyze-guy Basspro online? what's their web address?

BearSquirrel - that ingenius sock looks attractive with the liner integrated into the outer sock - I would have to use the chemical warmer in the boot intself instead of between layers but that might work. It's not very expensive either! I might even get my Dad a pair cuz he's bought me socks in the past - would be nice to turn him on to something new

Baspro socks online. (http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_34713_500008000_500000000_500008000_500-8-0)

pyze-guy Basspro online? what's their web address?

BearSquirrel - that ingenius sock looks attractive with the liner integrated into the outer sock - I would have to use the chemical warmer in the boot intself instead of between layers but that might work. It's not very expensive either! I might even get my Dad a pair cuz he's bought me socks in the past - would be nice to turn him on to something new

I found these VERY thin dress socks at Wal-Mart that I use as liners. I've found that the chemical warmers make me nauseous (as do pain patches) if I try to use them on top of such a thin layer.

pyze-guy - thanks for the link - not sure why I couldn't find it before

ScottNotBombs - was looking at winter socks at a big variety of store recently and it is amazing that some have so little wool % and some that LOOK like winter socks are actually close to 100% cotton! Whatever you do, stay away from BOB's store Natick, MA for winter socks! good grief

I went to REI and they had some slim pickings. They had a some that looked like the old fashioned Rag Wool socks. I used to love those but they wore thin quickly.

I went to Sports Authority and saw some very nice long ski and snow boarding socks but they were very thin.

Those Bass Pro socks are great, I'm wearing a pair now I picked up earlier this winter. They run cheaper in stores though ($5.99.)
I also have a low % wool sock that's mostly synthetic fibers, my feet smell really, really badly after wearing them in shoes for some reason.

I found my wool socks at wally world. 80% wool. I also have 3 pair of Omni-wool brand purchased at Sam's club. They are 75% wool.

I buy the SmartWool and REI merino socks from REI Outlet, (http://www.rei.com/outlet/search?cat=8001&cat=8001&cat=22000007&page_size=109&cat=22000068&hist=cat%2C22000007%3AMen%27s+Clothing^cat%2C22000068%3ASocks) typically for about 4 to 8 dollars...
the SmartWool PHD socks are $9.93

thanks for the information and the link! i just bought a few pair for a great price!

I'm in NY for a work assignment and I'm gonna stop by the Cabela's in East Hartford, CT on my way back tomorrow to check out those Ingenius socks which are wool and have a liner integrated into the main sock.

http://www.cabelas.com/east-hartford-connecticut-store.shtml?cm_mmc=Netcon-_-LocalGoogleMaps-_-EastHartfordCT-_-EastHartfordCT

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0033528812409a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=ingenious+sock&Ntk=Products&sort=all&Go.y=12&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=14&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1


I just happened to see a giant billboard on my way down. What does it mean when one is excited about shopping for socks? No wait, don't tell me; I don't want to know.

A nice, warm winter sock is always good to have. Lately I've been wearing the LL Bean Boot Sock. Thick and comfortable. I wear them around the house instead of slippers. They feel like little pillows on my feet. I'm going to buy another pair. But I'm always on the lookout for good wool socks. I've found that you get the best ones online. The ones in the Dept. stores don't seem to have the same quality. I did get two pair of Wigwam Merino wool hiking socks at Dicks Sporting Goods that are warm. But a good reputable Outdoor website will most likely have the best selection. I.E. check out cold weather hunting socks.

If I am going to wear 2 pair of socks... 1 wool, and one regular cotton / poly...
The cotton poly first, then the wool over it right?
Any theories? Thanks. Stay warm!

forget the cotton, it will get damp and give you cold feet. If you needed to in a tight pinch, put the cotton on the outside... but two pairs of socks can cause troubles with tightness, which again will give you cold feet.

I won't buy a wool sock that isn't 80% wool... you pay more but the money spent on a quality pair of wool socks is well worth it.

I wear a merino or polypro base sock under my heavier wool socks and with decent boots am good to -40 C...

I've always been a fan of the sock liner. Regardless of the fabric the liner goes next to your foot. Most of mine are sil; polypropelene or even a tight wool weave. Then the outer sock. I put my toe/hand warmer on top of my toes and tape it into place. This has been working very well, and I've gotton 3 solid round trips out of a single pair of warmers.

The ingenius sock doesn't have a very high wool count which concerns me, but someone said they were really warm. I might just another set of liners and a high % wool outer sock. Something tall is in order I think. I used to have very tall hiking socks, the kind you where with knickers, but I haven'et seen tme in a long time and I no longer have or wear hiking knickers. I miss Switzerland.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IdnISTfKKeQ/Rd2xTO7VqcI/AAAAAAAAAPw/owUPOCZEoTY/s400/knickers.bmp

Don't forget fleece socks. I have a pair from Cabelas. Good sock but the seam split about 4" on one of them after a week. Bummer. They were good socks and I would've given them a good review except for that. I still use them though and they work great in the cold temperatures.

OMG - stopped at Cabela's! what a candy store and sock heaven!!!! I called my Dad and we laughed; joked and discussed socks for 30 minutes. i missed my apt with the cable guy! oh and did I buy any socks? yeesh, no. my dad said he mailed me a new pair and i couldn't make up my mind which ones I liked most. I had some rag wool 90% wool! in my hands and i did see those Ingenius socks but they were very thin! Cabela's also had boot socks and wading socks! who needs leg warmers with those babies, huh? I took some pics with my sell phone - they even have a stuffed elephant! Oh I did buy 2 shoe-horns - one for home and one for work ;-)

I wear Gold Toe wool socks (http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Toe-Windsor-Dress-3-Pack/dp/B0002TV2R4) 365 days a year. OK, I lied; I don't wear them with sandals in the summer.

I think they're 85% wool, 15% nylon.

Also, the Head socks I get at Costco are good, and they're thick.

I'd sooner wear synthetic socks than cotton socks. I do not like cotton socks!

I recommend terrycloth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrycloth) merino wool. Very soft and is not itchy. Take a look at at this manufacture: http://www.woolpower.se/ (http://www.woolpower.se/en/default.asp). Nice, worm soft wool which can be washed at 60C. It is use by the army and many other cold professions. (They even make flame resistant wool!)

Another nice feature of wool over synthetic base layer clothing, is that wool does not smell so bad after use, so you can use is more than once before washing.

Although, they're not wool, I like these WrightSocks for year round wear. They have their own built in liner. They're warm in the winter & cool in the summer. The tan color works well with my casual stuff for work and they are comfy with hiking boots as well!

http://www.wrightsock.com/buy-hikingxtra.html

I've always been a fan of the sock liner. Regardless of the fabric the liner goes next to your foot. Most of mine are sil; polypropelene or even a tight wool weave. Then the outer sock. I put my toe/hand warmer on top of my toes and tape it into place. This has been working very well, and I've gotton 3 solid round trips out of a single pair of warmers.

The ingenius sock doesn't have a very high wool count which concerns me, but someone said they were really warm. I might just another set of liners and a high % wool outer sock. Something tall is in order I think. I used to have very tall hiking socks, the kind you where with knickers, but I haven'et seen tme in a long time and I no longer have or wear hiking knickers. I miss Switzerland.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IdnISTfKKeQ/Rd2xTO7VqcI/AAAAAAAAAPw/owUPOCZEoTY/s400/knickers.bmp

Careful ... I was just at Cabelas and now they have a few different varieties of the Ingenious socks. You want the Green "hunter" socks.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0033528812409a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=ingenious&Ntk=Products&QueryText=ingenious&sort=all&Go.y=0&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form23&Go.x=0