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Posted on the Ultralist:

—– Original Message —–
From: “Steve Tanio”
To:
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 7:08 PM
Subject: waterproof socks

I usually wear Injinji socks when running, and have had much success with no
blisters and comfort….does anyone who runs trails where water is
encountered wear a waterproof sock, similar to what duck hunters wear. If
so, would you wear these over your normal socks…or until Injinji makes a
waterproof crew sock….

Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 08:51:40 -0800
From: SteveLoitz
Subject: Re: waterproof socks

Steve,

I’ve used three differen socks claimed to be “waterproof” — neoprene, Seal
Skinz & GoreTex — and I’ve used all three both in running shoes and
mountaineering boots in cold conditions. I usually wear the neoprene socks
with no liners, the Seal Skinz with or w/o liners and the GT with liners.
All three have worked well, although the GT and Seal Skinz are not really
“waterproof” by my definition of the word. The neoprene socks work much
more like vapor barrier, so I’d recommend heavily smearing your feet with
anti-perspirant before use. There’s some exchange of water from the outside
in the GT and Seal Skinz, but they both help keep my footies warm.

I suggest that you experiment with them. Except for a tight-fitted neopreme
sock, expect waterproof socks to take up more volume than your regular
running socks.

Steve Loitz
Seattle

Dot Helm Wrote:

My experience is similar to Steve Loitz’s, but I’ve only tested neoprene
socks and Sealskinz (an early version from about 5 yr ago, they’ve made
changes) to any extent. (I’ve had goretex and stormproof, if I remember the
name correctly, but the models I had were too tight across instep of my
high volume foot.)

I used a liner sock under neoprene socks in the cold (0F), windy (30-70mph,
depending on the day), but dry, weather we had about a month ago. That
worked reasonably well for me for 1 hr runs - much better than my heavy
smartwools with liners and took up less space in my shoe, so I could still
wiggle my toes (circulation is always good), although toes were a little
longer.

I’ve also used them and sealskinz in warm spring snows successfully. Since
the sealskinz are thinner, I’ll wear a light weight sock (somewhere between
liner weight and my lightest normal sock) under them for some cushioning. I
tried the sealskinz in some wet, warm weather in prep for a race, and I had
problems with sweaty feet within 1 hr, so wasn’t a viable solution for a 4+
hr summer race for me.

I can’t remember for sure under what conditions, but I have had both of
them either wet through or be sweaty from within if out for enough hours in
wet enough conditions. But they do delay the inevitable, it seems, and it
won’t be as wet as without them.