Double layer socks ?

[Hallu]

I've seen quite a few topics on socks, and apparently the double sock combination is pretty widespread : a thin inner sock, and a thick wool outer one. But I can't find anything about bi-layer socks. I've been using the same brand for a couple of years now, Rywan, and they make good socks. One thin layer, one thick outer layer, all in one sock : http://www.rywan.com/chaussettes_randonnee_rywan.php , and they have an extensive range of products. The inner layer really cling to your foot, and slides against the outer one to prevent blister. I couldn't find an English webpage though.

But their socks aren't tough/thick enough for rocky terrain like the Grampians, so I'm looking for other companies. I've tried some HOLEPROOF EXPLORER double-layer, but the inner one doesn't cling on my feet, so they're pretty much useless, it's like having one layer. Have you guys tested any other brands that do good double-layer socks ? Apparently there's Wrightsock who seems to make decent socks, any reviews ? Thanks.

[Strider]

I've tried some HOLEPROOF EXPLORER double-layer, but the inner one doesn't cling on my feet, so they're pretty much useless, it's like having one layer.

Explorers don't have two separate layers. They are a synthetic outer shell with a wool inner woven into it.

[Hallu]

Then why do they say "Featuring a double layer sock to help reduce the friction that causes blisters." in their product description right here : http://www.zodee.com.au/p34781-holeproo ... IXrN4ZOfTo ? I think you're confusing this one : http://www.holeproofexplorer.com.au/sho ... s1138.html which has two layers that aren't separated, and this one (which I have) : http://www.holeproofexplorer.com.au/sho ... zsd1w.html which is supposed to have two independent layers.

Last edited by Hallu on Tue 23 Oct, 2012 10:59 am, edited 1 time in total.

[wayno]

"liner socks" are the inner thin socks, look for something described as that...

[gayet]

Then why do they say "Featuring a double layer sock to help reduce the friction that causes blisters." in their product description right here : http://www.zodee.com.au/p34781-holeproo ... IXrN4ZOfTo ? I think you're confusing this one : http://www.holeproofexplorer.com.au/sho ... s1138.html which has two layers that aren't separated, and this one (which I have) : http://www.holeproofexplorer.com.au/sho ... zsd1w.html which is supposed to have two independent layers.

Looking at the description of the Blister Defence version (which you have):
Blister DefenceSZSD1W

Cotton blend
Dual layer sock helps reduce friction that causes blisters
Cushioned for comfort
Inner sock with copper in sole to help reduce odour
Anti-bacterial and anti-odour


The phrase Dual layer sock suggests it isn't 2 separate socks but a complex construction of 2 layers, forming a single entity. Could be misleading.
Most people wear 2 pairs of socks, one thin inner, one thick outer. Solves the problem.

[Hallu]

In case there's a misunderstanding : I'm talking about socks that are 2 socks sewn together only at the ends, like Rywan or Wrightsock and they're great, you don't have to buy 2 pairs of socks. But the Blister Defence are indeed 2 separate socks, I'm looking at them right now, and there definitely are 2 entities. It's just that they don't work as good as the Rywan, because the inner sock isn't clingy enough.

[tasadam]

I have used two pairs of Explorer socks inside my Scarpa SL boots.

[Strider]

I have used two pairs of Explorer socks inside my Scarpa SL boots.

Your boots must be HUGE

[Hallu]

I can't even use one pair of Explorer without feeling tight in my boots.

[Strider]

In case there's a misunderstanding : I'm talking about socks that are 2 socks sewn together only at the ends, like Rywan or Wrightsock and they're great, you don't have to buy 2 pairs of socks. But the Blister Defence are indeed 2 separate socks, I'm looking at them right now, and there definitely are 2 entities. It's just that they don't work as good as the Rywan, because the inner sock isn't clingy enough.

Thats my biggest issue with Explorers (normal ones) - they aren't fitted enough and end up bunched up behind my heel. My heel then works against the scrunched up material and gives me blisters. I now only wear thinner merino socks.

I can't even use one pair of Explorer without feeling tight in my boots.

+1

[tasadam]

Very rare do I blister, usually if I am going to, you can feel it working on you (only happened a few times). so you stop, take boot off, apply elastoplast to heel, socks & boot back on and away you go again.
I've tried other socks but it just doesn't feel right.
I say I have used two pairs... These days it's usually 1 pair, but used to use 2 pairs all the time, a long pair & a normal length pair.
Anyhow, this doesn't address the question of double layer socks (as 1 item) (I mean 2 items) (I mean 1 pair) so I will butt out...

[Hallu]

I have blisters all the time, as a teenager it prevented me from hiking frequently actually. I don't feel where the friction/blister starts, so when it hurts, it's already too late. Before the use of double socks, even a perfectly fitted shoe wouldn't work, and I had big blisters everywhere : heel, toes, you name it. Now it's not perfect, but I can do hikes several days in a row, which I couldn't before, thanks to double socks.

[nq111]

How about just getting the outer sock and liner sock you like, and have them stitched together? That way you could buy any (and likely better) designs, rather than the one or two brands out of hundreds that actually sell them like this?

[Hallu]

Why would they be better designs compared to a sock whose purpose is precisely to be used as a double-sock ? Besides it's cheaper and more practical to buy a single pair of double socks than two pairs of single ones.

[slparker]

Does the inner wear out independently of the outer?

[nq111]

Economics - there is a far bigger market and more competition for standard socks so you can expect the range to be larger and prices more competitive (for like quality and features).

The double sock concept is already used by a large proportion, if not the majority, of walkers. The companies that have stitched them together as one would not bother unless they thought they could get a premium for the extra step.

[Strider]

Why would they be better designs compared to a sock whose purpose is precisely to be used as a double-sock ? Besides it's cheaper and more practical to buy a single pair of double socks than two pairs of single ones.

To the first point - so you can customise to your needs.

To the second point - liners keep your outer socks clean. So you only need to change liners each day (they dry very quickly after washing too) and get 2-3 days from your outer sock.

[Hallu]

Unless you're walking in the heat in shorts and then the outer socks get dirty too =)

[Strider]

Unless you're walking in the heat in shorts and then the outer socks get dirty too =)

Isn't that what gaiters are for?

By dirty I meant sweaty and smelly. Anyone scared of actual dirt shouldn't be bushwalking!

[tasadam]

Crikey, I don't change my socks, even on a 2 week walk. I guess I'm lucky, they don't stink. I do have a spare pair, for night.

[norts]

Same here Tas, one pair for walking and one pair for sleeping. They get a rinse if the weather is good. Must admit they walk by themselves by the end of a long walk. Darn Tough Socks - cant beat em.

Roger

[Kinsayder]

I haven't used double layer socks before but I did notice that Mund appear to make a pair. http://www.bogong.com.au/clothing/socks ... est-1.html Generally I wear their other socks for hikes and they're great (I like to wear new socks when I can on hikes), so I'd assume that the Everests would be quite good too. I'll probably get a couple of pairs when I'm next at Bogong and I'll try to post my thoughts here if anybody is interested (and if I remember).

[kyubi]

I got blisters every time I hiked. Now wearing wygwam merino socks and liner socks, they have helped so much. Highly recommend them

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[Hallu]

Just tried Wrightsock, and they're definitely not as good as Rywan. The outer layer is way too thin, for the hiking pair they use a merino outer layer, but it's too thin, so not as effective a Rywan. I tried the Coolmesh ones, and they're EXTREMELY thin, it's no use at all, you get some friction and the beginning of a blister after walking for about 15 min, this is a disaster...

I also tried on a 20 km hike a combination of Injinji socks and and outer thick hiking sock from IceBreaker, and it was a disaster as well, mainly because of the Injinji socks. They're supposed to reduce the friction between toes, except that I had a blister every two toes (so 10 total...), not to mention between the toes (huge one next to my left big toe), on the heel etc... Worse hike ever, I never had so many blisters. So Injinji : never again.

So far Rywan is still the best, their combination of a thin inner sock and a thick but not too thick outer sock is the best balance for me. I still get blisters, but mainly small manageable ones that I can treat at the end of the day, and walk on the next day.

[nq111]

If it works for you I would stick with it. Interesting experience.