Socks

[PabloPicasso]

Winter sailing? It's my toes that get cold.

So what's the best brand/type of sock for inside my saiing boots for both warmth and dryness?

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Knitted wool socks. I have used Harris Wool knitted socks and currently using "Nordic Socks", a brand, toasty, dry toes in wellies, motorcycle boots and my doc martins in recent cold snap. I don't like tight fitting boots or socks, so tend to wear a looser fit. In the past I have used a manmade fibre walking sock and they too worked well. I find regular toe wiggling helps keep the blood flowing, especially if sitting still.

Nordic Socks UK – Pamper your feet like the Nordics!

 

[Davy_S]

What about heated socks! lots for sale.

 

[Thistle]

Have a look in a fishing chandler or a ski shop.

 

[billyfish]

You can get them with batteries and heating elements

 

[johnalison]

We have used ski socks, but anything similar would do. The chief thing is to keep your core temperature up and then rewarming feet and hands is easier.

 

[Gsailor]

I would say two pair or wollen socks.
Perhaps a thin layer of 'modern sweaty' material socks next to skin first? Not sure that would be comfortable.
Try in the garden first?

 

[thinwater]

Winter sailing? It's my toes that get cold.

So what's the best brand/type of sock for inside my sailing boots for both warmth and dryness?

Gill waterproof boot socks. I use them with deck shoes. You can walk through calf-deep icy water and barely feel it. Waterproof all day. You can fit a second pair under them, if really cold (<0C).

Gill boot socks

I've tested a few and there are many brands. The Gill Boot Socks are the warmest ... which in the spring and fall can even be too warm. I have thinner waterproof socks for shoulder seasons.

 

[Sandy]

I suffer from Raynauds, or in other words crap circulation to the hands and feet. and have spent most of my life trying to find the best way to keep those bits warm.

After years of 'trial and improvement' I've found that mohair socks work best. They cost a bit eye wateringly more than your usual sock but wear Corrymoor Adventurer. Having given them a good test on a trip from Plymouth to Essex 7th-10th Dec. they really are warm in winter and cool in summer. I'm in the process of changing my entire sock collection to mohair. They also don't get smelly if worn on a long passage.

A good sea boot always helps.

 

[Praxinoscope]

Woollen socks seem to keep my toes/feet warm, it’s the middle finger on my right hand that really suffers, the rest of my hands are not too bad, I haven’t found a solution tho this yet.

 

[HughClayton]

Having spent a fair amount of time in cold places I’d suggest wool. At the “easy to source” end of wool then socks from “Smart wool” or “Nordic” are good. Hand knitted socks from someone who really knows how to knit are good but the warmest socks I’ve ever had were Kiwi socks knitted from Possum! Possum hair, like polar bear fur, is hollow and the socks were amazing!

 

[thinwater]

Woollen socks seem to keep my toes/feet warm, it’s the middle finger on my right hand that really suffers, the rest of my hands are not too bad, I haven’t found a solution tho this yet.

The new, redesigned Gill Helmsman gloves are an impressive combination of warmth and dexterity IMO. The only winter-weight glove I can really sail in, handling ropes and winches.

Also, try diposable glove wamers. Inside a waterproof glove they last ~ 8 hours. Just let it rest in the palm, it will warm the whole hand. They don't really work in gloves that are not completely wind-proof (heat blows away, don't last as long).

 

[Daydream believer]

For normal warm wear then industrail thick woollen sock.
But if there is a bit of spray or rain likely to soak my ankles Iwear sealskin socks under my Dubarry shoes. They are warm & dry very quickly. They are also quite long.

 

[WoodyP]

I bought some neoprene boots which are toasty warm without extra socks

 

[Gsailor]

Gill waterproof boot socks. I use them with deck shoes. You can walk through calf-deep icy water and barely feel it. Waterproof all day. You can fit a second pair under them, if really cold (<0C).

Gill boot socks

I've tested a few and there are many brands. The Gill Boot Socks are the warmest ... which in the spring and fall can even be too warm. I have thinner waterproof socks for shoulder seasons.

Did you test Sealskinz socks by any chance?

I think they offer a lifetime guarantee, Goretex etc

Socks

 

[Gsailor]

I bought some neoprene boots which are toasty warm without extra socks

Do they sweat a lot?

 

[WoodyP]

Do they sweat a lot?

They don't have sweat glands. I don't sweat when it's cold.

 

[Gsailor]

They don't have sweat glands. I don't sweat when it's cold.

? Good one.

I must be more careful.

Do the boots make your feet sweat I should have said?

They help your feet become toasty, so do they not sweat at that point?

I have not used my neoprene boots for many years, but being 'wet suit boots' are they not supposed to work like a wet suit; the water is trapped inside, heats up from body and insulates body from the cold?

Now I am thinking why use neoprene boots instead of rubber sailing boots?

I moved to leather to stop my feet sweating or feeling clammy... you know what I mean.

 

[Beelzebub]

Merino wool socks for me

 

[Gsailor]

Woollen socks seem to keep my toes/feet warm, it’s the middle finger on my right hand that really suffers, the rest of my hands are not too bad, I haven’t found a solution tho this yet.

Do you 'give the finger' to troublesome types on the water a lot? If so, let them get on with it and keep the middle finger closed.?

Have you tried goretex mittens?

Bit of a pain for doing intricate work but ic just helming, other fingers may share the heat within the mitten.