Seeking sock nirvana

I actually wear running socks if I'm predicting problems. The usual method I take to keep from having blister issues is to make sure to walk a bunch at home for several weeks before I go. But usually if I had a bad time on the last week I'll go get some running socks where they actually have two layers. Running shops have lots of blister-free socks.

Anyone ever try Thorlos LWXM Walking Socks or Injinji Ex-Celerator Compression Toe Socks?

My goal is to no have blisters on this trip. If you any advice, post it please.

My hubby always wears wool socks in Disney for extra cushion and wicking/breathability.
I personally try to avoid socks in general so that's about the end of my knowledge.

Bill if your getting blisters your shoes are not fitting right. We always make sure shoes are the right fit and they are broken in.

You asked for advice on socks!! As it happens, I know quite a bit about socks!! I'm not sure if you just wanted advice on those two particular socks, or if you wanted advice in general, but I thought I'd share the benefit of my four years of running store retail experience. So I present to you: Socks: A Primer (Or "How to Make you Regret Asking for Advice on Socks")

If people underestimate anything regarding foot comfort, it's socks!! There are a couple of key things to look for in a good sock. First, cotton is an absolute no-go if you're trying to avoid blisters (and neither of the ones you asked about are cotton!). Why, you ask? Well, as you walk around all day, your feet sweat. And so do your legs. And that sweat has to go somewhere, so it rolls down to your feet. Cotton absorbs the moisture, and holds it in. And then it rubs against your feet, much like a terry cloth towel absorbs water after a shower, and is still really wet when you hang it back up (or throw it on the floor like I do!). This is what causes blisters. The key to avoiding blisters is to put a barrier between your skin and the moisture. So what should you look for? If you want to go natural, wool is a good way to go. It's a wicking textile, so it will absorb the moisture and "wick" it to the outside of the sock, where it can evaporate (that's why good running shoes are made of mesh, to allow for the evaporation).

Although I haven't worn the paricular Thorlos you are asking about, Thorlos make some really good synthetic, wool, and synthetic and wool blends. We sold them in the store, and customers were very happy. I personally am in love with another one of Thorlos socks, they are a great brand. If you are not a fan of wool, a completely synthetic sock is the other way to go. Read the labels on your socks. True athletic socks will be all synthetic, NO cotton (polyester, rayon, etc) for wicking purposes. Again, this allows moisture to move from your skin, to the outside of the sock, where it can evaporate. I believe the Injinji's your asking about are also synthetic. Injinji's make some COMFY socks, let me tell you. I don't personally like them b/c of the toe separation, but the material is awesome. The one consideration with the ones you're looking at are compression. Things to consider with compression (and you may know this already) is that they are designed to improve the circulation in your legs and prevent fatigue. Awesome, awesome, awesome. However, they have to come up to right below your knee cap to fit properly. Nothing wrong with this, unless you're self-conscious about wearing shorts with knee high socks. AND in my experience, compression socks can get HOT FAST. I don't know if it's because they are so fitted to your foot and leg, but they raise my body temperature a few degrees. Compression socks are great at night though to help you recover from a long day of walking around the park. They're also very good for the flight down to Orlando, as they keep you from swelling by keeping the blood flowing while you're on the plane !

Oh, one last thought, if you are getting blisters, another idea is to try something like Body Glide, which is a light lubricant (looks like a stick of deodorant) that you apply to your feet (or anywhere else you chafe/blister) and it creates a light, greaseless barrier between your skin and the clothing. It's a runner's miracle product!

Hopefully this hasn't gone too far astray. I may need an intervention, clearly I've spent too much time sniffing the shoe boxes....

Fantastic post!

Great post JMUDukz, I learned something today!

There is one product that I carry and have used for shoe/foot friction:

Band-Aid Brand First Aid Friction Block Stick 0.34 Oz.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Band-Aid-Brand-First-Aid-Friction-Block-Stick-0.34-Oz./12167313

This product has saved my feet on several vacations.

Wow!
Thanks for the information.

Ok, JMUDukz, here's the one big question you didn't answer in your post.

What brand of socks do you wear when you are in WDW?

BBill

LOL. I'm glad all this random knowledge I have has finally served a useful purpose!! Not very many places where you get to discuss socks at length.

BuffaloBill - I usually don't wear socks at Disney, I wear Birkenstock sandals (I could walk for DAYS in those! Good arch support, soft suede, only downside is the crazy tan lines). But, my preferred socks for summer at Disney (and what I use for running in general) would be the Thorlo Experia, or the Feetures low cut with a little tab in the back. They don't slip!