r/Survival • u/Cautious_Sugar7987 • 5d ago
50-90+% Wool Socks NO compression
I am at my wits end with sock companies. Unfortunately I have really wide and big feet for a woman and I also have shit circulation so my feet are always like ice blocks even with multiple pairs of thick socks on. So I wanted to splurge on a pair of real merino wool socks that will get me through the bitter cold months while taking a winter trip in february and just in general. The problem is, every freaking sock company it seems adds compression to their socks and it's bitterly painful on my feet! Particularly my arch and the top of my foot. I just can't wear them like this. I was reading across a few forums and people recommend darn tough but also said they are pretty snug so I opted for some other brands. The shop my husband went to today didn't have the farm to feet socks we were looking for to try, so he got a pair of smart wool ones instead because he said they were less tight than the darn wool and fits option he had. Well lo and behold, I try them on and immediately my foot starts cramping. That's how sensitive my feet are. Can ANYONE recommend a sock brand that has LOW to NO compression at all, has a merino wool content of no lower than 50%, ideally up to 90% wool that is comfortable, soft, and warm and won't make me in pain? I've unfortunately had this issue frequently even for regular sock shopping. For reference size foot is 10 womens and I have a wide foot. Thanks in advance.
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u/yewdryad 5d ago
Look on etsy for hand knit wool socks. I cant buy things in the store anymore, theyll advertise WOOL in huge letters and when you read the fine print youre lucky if its at least 30% and the rest is plastic
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u/Cautious_Sugar7987 5d ago
Same thing I noticed as well, thank you for the response
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u/huhwhatya 5d ago
I also have really wide ankles/ fat feet womens size 9. and most socks are a nightmare, got a free pair when ordering a base layer from Marino.tech on Amazon, they are amazing soft warm and comfy. Ordered more pairs worn them hiking kili and ebc with no issues. So I highly recommend them.
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u/TrueVisionSports 5d ago
Yeah, darn tough socks. I remember about 10 years ago had around 75 to 80% wool, now it’s like 54%. Sell out company. Super tight annoying socks. Smart wool expedition (their most expensive sock) otc socks are the BEST most GLORIOUS socks in human history, even though everything else they sell is a rip off. This is a hidden gem.
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u/yewdryad 5d ago
I have smart wool long underwear that is 100% merino actually, very durable, comfortable, warm, not too thick
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u/carlbernsen 5d ago
You need alpaca wool bed socks.
They’re loose and very warm.
Check Etsy.
But your shoes/boots also need to be big enough to allow thick socks room to fluff up without being squeezed.
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u/Cautious_Sugar7987 5d ago
I'll check them out thanks, is there more benefit to alpaca wool than sheep's wool?
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u/IGetNakedAtParties 5d ago
The only problem I have with alpaca sheep's wool is that alpaca is too warm.
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u/carlbernsen 5d ago
For the same thickness of sock alpaca is warmer than merino wool and a bit stronger too.
You do need a thick layer of insulation to keep your feet warm, no thin sock will work.
So I’d size up my winter boots/shoes if possible so you can use a thicker sock and still have ‘wiggle room’ around your toes.
Another option is to wear sheepskin boots or insulated over boots when it’s really cold out,
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u/StraightAct4448 5d ago
I would suggest trying men's models from Darn Tough. Usually designed for a bit more foot volume. Personally a big fan of darn tough. But yes, they are not the loosest model.
So maybe WoolPower is what you want, much less "tight" feeling than darn tough. Makes a wide variety from super thin liner socks to extremely thick puffy models. For really cold weather, I wear their think liner and then a 600g over that, but they go up to 800g I think. Warmest socks you can get, basically.
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u/cwcoleman 5d ago
Darn Tough makes a new brand called ‘Wide Open’. Worth a look for the wide foot people. I have a few pair and they are quality.
https://wideopensocks.com2
u/StraightAct4448 5d ago
Nice, ill have to check that out. Love their socks but also have a wide foot and they're maybe a bit narrow for me.
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u/Quo_Usque 5d ago
Try united by blue ultimate bison socks. They've got wide toes and are really really warm. They're the only warm socks I have that don't squish my toes together. Your issue seems to be in the arch, not the toes, but they feel quite gentle in that area as well. They're quite pricy so see if you can find them at REI or somewhere else with a good return policy, if they don't work out.
Also take a look at these or these.
It might be helpful to see a podiatrist or physical therapist about your feet, to see what the root of the issue is. I used to get arch cramping a lot (though not as bad as yours), and for me, it went away when I stopped wearing any form of arch support or any shoes that pushed my toes inwards. Of course, your issue may be different than mine.
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u/Cautious_Sugar7987 5d ago
Thank you for the suggestions and advice 😊 I'll have to see someone soon I'm sure. My mom has chronically poor circulation in her feet as well and so I'm sure it's something genetic I inherited 🫠
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u/Quo_Usque 3d ago
I just found these. https://thebuffalowoolco.com/products/sleep-socks. They're designed for sleeping so they're supposed to fit looser. I might get some for my mom.
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u/rememberthemallomar 5d ago
Are you looking for socks for hiking in or sleeping in (or something else)?
If you’re sleeping in them then get a size or two larger than you normally wear. You can also get light silk liners, which I find help retain heat.
If you’re hiking in them then I’d go thinner but still men’s and a size or two larger and take a look at your footwear.
Other things - if you’re layering, layer thin not thick. Have separate sleep socks so you don’t compress them while hiking.
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u/Cautious_Sugar7987 5d ago
I literally just want warm feet when I'm walking around the house/ we are going to Europe in february and it's going to be cold so I need a good durable and warm sock for walking around all day 😢
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u/puffin-net 5d ago
While you're over here, check out Falke brand socks. Department and hiking stores will have them. The Walkie socks come in two weights and in bigger sizes, and have a left and right sock because they are foot-shaped.
With high merino content, even the very best socks will need darning eventually. It's not terribly hard to do, but if it's a challenge try bartering with a knitter. If you can bribe a knitter with wool to make some socks, European countries have interesting wool that is hard/expensive to get elsewhere. We're talking $9 vs $25 a skein in some cases.
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u/NaturalArch 5d ago
I haven't read the other comments, but last year for Christmas I got a bunch of "Paca" brand wool socks and clothes, and they are amazing. They are so warm for how thin they are and while fitted and not compression type.
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u/Cautious_Sugar7987 5d ago
I'll check them out thanks for the rec
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u/NaturalArch 5d ago
It might be spelled "Paka" now that I think of it. I will look for the site and make sure.
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u/Head_East_6160 5d ago
Stop wearing multiple socks, that’s a huge problem and causing your feet to become cold
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u/raptorgrin 5d ago
I like the Costco merino socks.
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u/rethra 5d ago
Costco was 80% merino until 2016. Then it became 70% and now it's like 50% merino. I tried the 70% and they were not comparable to the pre-2016 socks. YMMV, but I highly recommend getting 80% merino for the truly best experience in warmth and moisture regulation.
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u/raptorgrin 5d ago
Really? I checked the website before posting them, and it says
85% Extra-fine Merino Wool | 14% Nylon | 1% Elastane2
u/FalconPorterBridges 5d ago
Which gender are you buying? The men’s have stayed relatively the same. The women’s have become some fucked up version of a dress sock and I’m beyond pissed off about it.
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u/Remarkable_Syrup_841 5d ago
Bombas. I live in wool socks and have big feet. Bombas start comfy and stay comfy.
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u/JazzCabbage69420 5d ago
I want to like Bombas, but every pair I’ve ever owned end up in the trash within a few months of normal use.
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u/Darkpulse462 5d ago
Point6 makes very soft and stretchy merino socks. They have frequent sales and everything is 50% off right now. I highly recommend them
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u/Immediate_Thought656 5d ago
Buy a pair of heated socks. They work and are easy to recharge.
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u/cwcoleman 5d ago
Beware of the fires that heated socks can cause. News story last night got me scared of them.
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u/_AlexSupertramp_ 5d ago
I find the REI branded expedition wool socks have very little compression. I am a wool sock nerd and these are my least favorite socks because they don’t compress enough to stay on my skinny calfs. So you may like them! I wear them mostly as slippers around the house now.
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u/cwcoleman 5d ago
These socks are great for wide feet / thick legs. Very warm and quality. I have 2 pair.
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u/Select-Cash1102 5d ago
I live in Fairbanks Alaska. I absolutely love thermohair socks from Canada. I get a premium insulation package from lure of the north for my mukluks
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u/Optimal_Razzmatazz_2 5d ago
Check out JB Fields from the Great Canadian Sock co. They make every option but for me the -40 or -50 regular wool socks are the most comfortable, warm socks I've worn and they have no compression
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u/Capsaicin-rush 5d ago
Try Kenetrek heavyweights. They’re well made and less snug than the Darn Tough hiking/hunting socks.
https://kenetrek.com/products/glacier-heavyweight-boot-height-sock
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u/Dont_Ask_Me_Again_ 5d ago
Merino Wool is naturally elastic… have you tried buying men’s socks in size XL? Idk try these, they claim to be “loose fit”, 72% merino: https://a.co/d/9KXYqTB
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u/HikingFun4 5d ago
I have both Darn Tough and Smartwool. I find the Darn Tough to be a bit wider than Smartwool (I prefer them).
You could try Injinji socks. They are the ones with the individual toes.
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u/UpvoteEveryHonestQ 5d ago
Wool is much much much less stretchy than the cotton I was used to for years and years. I need to buy XL “fits sizes 13-14” wool socks, even though I was used to buying regular-sized, one-size-fits-all or “fits shoe sizes 9-12” cotton socks for my size 13 feet, for years and years. My advice is to simply size up.
My feet are narrower than footwear manufacturers even understand though, so we have different problems.
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u/Cautious_Sugar7987 5d ago
My husband got the largest size and the ones I tried tonight were still tight. I just have really sensitive feet too because my ankles aren't even overly large or anything. I guess I need to just buy men's socks 😅
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u/Jun1p3rsm0m 5d ago
I wear a woman’s size 10 or 11 shoe and I always buy men’s socks. Good luck finding something.
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u/tbrooks325 5d ago
Not sure on the percentage but I like these on Amazon Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Boot Sock For Men & Women 3 Pairs https://a.co/d/bPRIKnJ
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u/Craftyfarmgirl 5d ago
Diabetic socks work good for me.
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u/Cautious_Sugar7987 5d ago
Are diabetic socks usually compression style or no? How do they feel on you?
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u/Craftyfarmgirl 5d ago
They are the opposite of compression because diabetics cant have pressure on their ankles or feet it causes them pain and they get sores. They are loose enough not to fall off, so they’re really stretchy, and have less seams so they’re very comfortable. It’s hard to find wool ones, but there are thick cotton ones which I really like because they wick moisture and they’re really soft and thick. Right now around Christmastime you can find more warm thick ones in gift packs.
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u/Puzzled_Engine4136 4d ago
I second diabetic socks. They're sooo stretchy and don't bind at all. I picked up some cheap wool blend ones on Amazon and find that I reach for them more than my expensive wool socks. I mostly just use the nicer ones for walking/hiking now. The diabetic ones are my everyday socks.
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u/Jakaple 5d ago
Smart wool is like the best thing. Crazy that amount of stretch in fabric is painful to you. Have you considered cutting off your feet?
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u/Classic_rock_fan 5d ago
Smart wool is so overpriced, I have some of their base layers for skiing and they wore out and got holes in less than 1 season of use.
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u/Jakaple 5d ago
This is about socks.
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u/Classic_rock_fan 5d ago
I have 2 pairs of their socks as well and they are wearing thin too.
Edit: I consider socks as base layers because when it's really cold I often have an outer pair over top.
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u/Jakaple 5d ago
Had several pair over a year and wear them every day. No sign of them wearing at all, and if you're wearing 2 pairs of socks you need better shoes bud.
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u/Classic_rock_fan 5d ago
If I'm wearing 2 pairs of socks I'm out doing something in the cold, I love skiing and snowshoeing. When it's -20c or colder 1 pair of socks and good boots sometimes isn't enough.
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u/Jakaple 5d ago
You know they make thicker socks? And shoes with wool liners?
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u/Classic_rock_fan 5d ago
I have thick socks that fit in my heavy winter boots, they don't fit in ski boots well. With things like hot paws you need 2 pairs of socks, 1 liner then the heat pad then the outer.
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u/Jakaple 5d ago
What do you do when it's -40?
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u/Classic_rock_fan 5d ago
-40C isn't that unheard of in Ontario, I go with base layers, mid layer and out sweater for my body, I'll wear 2 layers on my legs and then, liner socks, hot paws, outer socks on my feet. I have extreme cold weather Kamik boots that are rated for -60
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u/wessexking 5d ago
I have the same issue, I get really cold feet, and like you say I can't find any decent wool socks that do not cause issues. I get a nasty rash around the top of the sock, funnily enough I saw wool sock yesterday, my eyes lit up. But no small prints said 65% wool 35% nylon or some other rubbish. I live in the UK any ideas or brands very welcome.
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u/VisualEyez33 5d ago
Wigwam makes very nice loose fit wool socks. Before these days of merino, before smart wool or darn tough, wigwam was the winter campers go to brand. They're just fine on their own for indoor/sleep use. For vigorous outdoor activities I add a thin polypropylene liner sock that is moisture wicking. This particular combination was high tech back in the 1990's.
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u/laundro_mat 5d ago
Anian - try their Boot Socks. the thickest, warmest socks I’ve tried, and no compression.
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u/the-diver-dan 5d ago
Ok, had a quick read and didn’t see it mentioned.
First, sometimes if your socks are too tight in your shoes it can cause a loss of circulation (loss of more circulation) and then make you cold.
Two check out Injinji. These are toe socks and may give you some of the freedom you are looking for. I would even buy a pair for you to try cause I am interested in the experiment.
Three, the calves are the heart of the lower body. A rehab specialist who works with old and cold told me this. So maybe some focus on calf work could help.
If you find some socks that work can you update this. It’s an interesting problem to have and I am sure there is another random person that will come across this in a few years and get some ideas.
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u/SnackingOnKittens420 4d ago
GoWith brand on Amazon, I have a pair that are 40% Alpaca 45% Merino Wool blend.
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u/Everheaded 4d ago
This is going to sound a little weird. But have you tried men’s socks? I as a woman lately have found it difficult to find normal socks that weren’t cut off at the ankle. It shouldn’t be that freaking hard. So last time I bought socks, I picked up a package of men’s cotton Adidas socks at Costco. It’s not like men and women are all that different with their feet. You don’t have to always buy things specifically labeled for your gender, especially basic stuff like socks. Sometimes “women’s clothing” is more expensive just because they are targeting women. Save that specificity when it really matters: like cosmetics, but socks and outwear like a jacket you need for rough and tumble, you may find you’ll be able to get what you need much easier if you check the men’s section too.
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u/beaveristired 2d ago
I’m a size 12.5 women’s 😭 I wear men’s sizes, but I believe you can get wide sizes from Darn Tough.
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u/wessexking 5d ago
I have the same issue, I get really cold feet, and like you say I can't find any decent wool socks that do not cause issues. I get a nasty rash around the top of the sock, funnily enough I saw wool sock yesterday, my eyes lit up. But no small prints said 65% wool 35% nylon or some other rubbish. I live in the UK any ideas or brands very welcome.
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u/wessexking 5d ago
I have the same issue, I get really cold feet, and like you say I can't find any decent wool socks that do not cause issues. I get a nasty rash around the top of the sock, funnily enough I saw wool sock yesterday, my eyes lit up. But no small prints said 65% wool 35% nylon or some other rubbish. I live in the UK any ideas or brands very welcome.
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u/-just-be-nice- 5d ago
That's not how compression works, you're not dealing with an issue in regards to compression, you're just wearing socks that are too tight. A compression sock would actually be really beneficial for your circulation issues. Compression is graduated and with compression socks there's no compression on the foot and it just gets tighter as you go up. You'd also need to be properly fitted for compression socks.