Mt Whitney Zone Forums Gear Heads Sweaty feet, wool v. cotton socks

Thin SmartWool socks for trail runners/light weight boots which helps with the odd shaped feet I've been left with after 35 years of abuse in the PacNW and beyond. Standard wool socks and whatever moleskin it takes in mountaineering boots. Put me in the cotton kills row (although I wouldn't worry about it on "casual" hikes in the summer, but I don't wear it). Cotton doesn't insulate when wet = cotton kills.

I've sworn off Patagonia fleece and all types of fleece. It's heartbreaking, but the microplastic ends up in the ocean. Even Patagonia admits it. Our waste water goes to Puget Sound and then to the ocean. Everybody's waste water runs down hill, ya' know?

Yes, you are completely wrong. (No offense!) In California, where I live, and where I have read and followed the studies Patagonia has done on the shedding of microfibers from its wide range of polyster-based clothing, wash gray water goes to sewage treatment plants and then is released to the sea, but the fibers are too small to be filtered out and are not destroyed in the treatment process. That's how they end up in the ocean.

If you're dealing with sweaty feet during hikes and finding wool socks less comfortable than cotton in warmer weather, you're not alone. While wool is excellent for wicking moisture and temperature regulation, it can sometimes retain too much heat in waterproof shoes, leading to discomfort and even blisters. Cotton socks may feel more breathable, but they lack the moisture-wicking properties of wool, which can cause problems in wet conditions. A solution to consider is moisture-wicking socks designed for high-performance in both warm and wet environments, like those offered by Merino Protect (https://merinoprotect.com/), which can provide better ventilation and comfort for long hikes.