Don’t let poor sock sock selection ruin your experience

When it comes to your training, you will more than likely be coming across all different types of conditions and terrains, and that means you will need to be prepared for all of those. From kicking down doors and experiencing some close quarters combat, to hiking through some of the roughest terrain you can imagine just to get in position for the perfect long range shot, what you put on your feet can make or break your experience whether you are out in the field or training, so you want your backpack to be filled with the proper gear. Selecting the best boot socks for your duty boots is crucial for a lot of reasons.

Let’s dive into what to look for in the best boot socks as well as the team at Core Vision Training’s top choices for them.

What to Look for in the Best Boot Socks

There are numerous things to consider when buying boot socks that can really make or break your decision, finding the best boot socks is not as simple as running to your local clothing store and grabbing the first pair you see.

Having too thin of boot socks can leave your feet blistered and in pain, or if you are in colder conditions can put you at risk of frostbite, which would require something like a medical kit. Then on the other hand, having too thick of socks can leave your feet sweaty and succumbing to different funguses, again which can cause illness and some medical problems.

Think about it, you will be wearing tons of gear whether that be plate carriers or fully loaded chest rigs, and you are moving around; you are going to be sweating. You also have to look at the conditions that you may be facing and the type of boots that you have. But, what should you look for in the best boot socks?

Cushioning and Length

When trying to find a pair of the best boot socks, cushioning is huge. Engaging in activities like kicking down doors and hiking unstable terrain involve a lot of contact on the feet, and having a little shock absorption helps to ease that.

Another thing to look for when finding the best boot socks is length. You do not want socks that are shorter than your boots, as the boots will rub against your calves and shins which can cause irritation and discomfort.

Moisture Absorption

Being in your duty boots all day is going to cause a lot of sweating. On top of that, if you are out in the field, you could be hiking through rivers, creeks, or streams, and you do not want your feet to be absolutely soaked all day. Standing in wet socks all day can put you at risk for fungal infections. That being said, the best boot socks should have some moisture absorption, but not to the point where they are absolutely disgusting by the end of the day.

Warmth

The last thing you want when you are out in the field or training all day is to get cold feet (literally). You do not want your feet to be overly warm either, but standing around with cold feet all day is brutal.

Boot Sock Materials to look for

The last thing to look for with the best boot socks are the materials that they are made of. Materials are not necessarily good or bad, but they definitely all have their positives and negatives. You will see boot socks being made of materials such as cotton, wool, polyester, and even spandex, but cotton and wool are the most popular.

Cotton Boot Socks

Cotton is soft, and thick cotton boot socks can feel like pillows when you take them out of the packaging. The downside is that they tend to wear thin after repeated use, and chances are if you are looking for the best boot socks, you will be wearing them. However, the thicker your socks are, the more cushion they will retain after they are broken in.

The one big upside to cotton boot socks is that they are comfortable and reasonably priced. They are also pretty absorbent, but tend to smell after they are filled with sweat, and they do not retain heat all too well, so they are not the best for cold climates.

Wool Boot Socks

Wool socks are advertised as some of the best boot socks for a variety of reasons. Wool socks absorb moisture, but unlike cotton socks, they retain heat even when they are wet. Depending on the type of wool that the socks are made of, they can even block odor. The one downside is that depending on the type, they can get insanely warm.

Merino wool has become the go-to material for boot socks as it is warm and does not lose warmth when wet. It also takes days of heavy use of the garment before merino wool starts to smell bad.

What are the Best Boot Socks to buy?

Well, now you are probably wondering what exactly our choices are for the best boot socks. We can break this down into three different categories, lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight.

Best Lightweight Boot Socks

The best lightweight boot socks are T3006 Over-the-Calf Lightweight Tactical Sock with Cushion from Darn Tough. These socks come with a light cushion on the bottom of the foot, as well as around the calf. Aside from that, these boot socks are equipped with a mesh panel on top of the foot. They have an elastic arch support for foot-hugging-fit, as well as reinforced toe and heel for increased durability.

Despite being lightweight, these socks are durable and designed with the consumer in mind, and easily made our list of best boot socks.

Price: $27.00

Best Midweight Boot Socks

The best midweight boot socks are T4022 Boot Midweight Tactical Sock with Full Cushion, again from Darn Tough. The T4022 socks are cushioned and appropriate for cooler climates or even hauling heavier loads. The dense, resilient terry loop cushioning surrounds leg and foot, preventing blistering or rubbing. These socks are also equipped with plastic support at arch and reinforced heel and toe for increased durability.

Price: $30.00

Best Heavyweight Boot Socks

The best heavyweight boot socks are T4050 Over-the-Calf Heavyweight Tactical Sock with Full Cushion, again from Darn Tough. The T4050 socks are the warmest and tallest sock in the line. These over-the-calf socks are designed for extreme climates on rugged terrain, making them some of the best boot socks you can find. They feature full terry loop cushioning throughout for maximum warmth, as well as elastic support at arch. Finally, they have the reinforced heel and toe for increased durability.

Price: $33..00

Wrap Up

Overall, finding the best boot socks is more important than you think when it comes to being properly equipped for whatever may be thrown at you, so add them to your shopping list. You do not want socks that are too thin, nor too heavy and warm, you want something that provides comfort and security.

Do you agree with our list of best boot socks? Be sure to follow Core Vision Training on Instagram!

Images courtesy of Darn Tough

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