waterproof socks

[dinger]

Can anyone recommend cheapish gore tex socks for a expedition I'm doing?

[Simong747]

I use SealSkinz waterproof socks really work, have never leaked and are comfortable. Not found any better and have tried a bunch

[fernman]

I wish I could say the same about SealSkinz.
Let me say first of all that I regard waterproof socks as an absolute necessity for my multiple-day walks in soggy Snowdonia (until I get some GTX boots, that is) when after just the first day my boots are absolutely sodden. Without SealSkinz the socks I wear (meraklon inner, loopstitch wool outer) are permanently wet and my feet become white and wrinkly.

My first pair of Sealskinz were bought in September 2001 and lasted 5 trips @ 1 trip a year (I only wear them for backpacking and not for day walks).
My 2nd pair were bought in August 2007, these were much better, they lasted for 11 trips (1 and 2 trips a year).
The 3rd pair were bought in April 2016 and one of them leaked on only the 2nd trip.
My current pair were bought in April 2017 and have had 1 use to date, when conditions were bone dry. Fingers crossed for the next time!

Given the cost of them, which I find is a lot on my limited income, they have a very short life, but I regard them as a necessity and I can't do without them. The life might vary with the individual and have a lot to do with the fit of your boots, your gait, the terrain and the load carried. I wear mine over a thinnish pair of synthetic material walking socks (Brasher Hillwalker).

To return to the OP's question, I don't think there are any "cheapish" waterproof socks. I've seen one or two other makes on Amazon, mostly a bit dearer than SealSkinz, but the user reviews for them are no better, otherwise I would give them a try.

[dinger]

Yes your right they are expensive for a pair of socks , I'm tempted to take small carrier bags haha with a decent sock underneath. I thought my boots would be ok but recently stared to leak in now and don't really want to purchase any just yet because of limited budget and breaking them in has I wont have time to get out in them until course starts.

[Simong747]

Hi

I don't wear any additional socks when wearing my sealskinz. They have completed two winters of being used extensively for dog walking and hiking without letting me down. They are washed with other waterproof clothing using specialist detergent which may help. They are expensive but can be found online around half the RRP. 

[fernman]

Personally I would find them a bit thin on their own, I prefer a bit more cushioning around my feet than that.

[kinkyboots]

@ dinger

Personally I've never been a big fan of waterproof socks mainly due to their apparent high failure rate which seems to be at a similar level to that of Salomon Quest boots.

Depending on the make and model of the leaking boots another option which may be worth considering is that you may get better value for your money by buying some Berghaus Yeti Attak II gaiters. If fitted correctly they should certainly cure your leaking boots as they are designed to form a watertight seal around the welt of the boot and could be used on any new boots you buy in the future.

Used Yeti Attak II gaiters can be found on eBay and military surplus stores from around £30 or less.

There's plenty of videos on YouTube showing them and how to fit them.

[NeilC]

I have sealskinz socks. I use them when my boots are soaked. But they leak after a few uses. Still better than nothing.


Dexshell do some half decent ones I hear. I have their waterproof beanie hat which is excellent but hats are easy on membranes, socks are not.

[jimbob]

 Mention of DIY waterproofing socks got me Googling. People do do it, I dread to think what the actual results will be like but here is a link.

http://http://goneoutdoors.com/make-waterproof-socks-12013972.html

My search was "DIY Waterproof socks", there are a few strange systems available.

May not be practical really, but fun on a drab day, no?