The reviews on this amazon listing for toe socks seem to indicate that the main goal of toe socks is to prevent blistering from walking a lot among people who find their toes rubbing against each other to be a serious problem.
Probably you don't have this problem, and so they seem silly to you, but can you understand why these people rate them highly? It seems to have nothing to do with fashion or anything silly, but a purely pragmatic problem.
I wear People's Socks. They're $35 on Amazon now but they're frequently are lower than that. Even so $35 means a little over $8 a pair and that's a steal for these socks honestly. I work as a trail worker in a National Park and hike anywhere from 5-15 miles a day ever summer for the past 4 years and some of my earliest pairs of these socks are STILL going strong. They're comfy, they breath and they're durable. I like them way better than Darn Tuff and they're way cheaper. I think I even found out about then on this sub so there's that too!
Where are reading testimonials about having more energy than ever at 40? Because if this coming from social media posts I'd be very wary and take it with a grain of salt.
Tiredness with aging is very natural and normal. Sounds like you're already doing a lot of selfcare. My only suggestion since you're standing so much is to invest in circulation knee high socks. Your legs will feel so much and your heart will thank you.
Edit: here are the socks I'm referring to
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZZBZRD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NAjOFbVXXV39A
I buy the brand people socks on amazon. 4 pair packs for like $28. I’ve been progressively replacing them when they wear out, and I love them. I wear them year round as well. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Y9QCCS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_r9RSAbZF9512W
I've got your inside scoop on some affordable wool-blend socks.
These were a godsend my first few years before I decided to invest in some Darn Toughs b/c of their warranty. Anyways, People Socks, available on Amazon. I bought 2 of their 4-packs (which way back in 2013 were $24) for my first season and just changed socks every other day. After a couple to three seasons (or sooner if like me you start wearing them all the time) you'll start seeing wear in the heels, but they can be re-darned if you're so inclined.
PEOPLE SOCKS Men's Women's Merino wool crew socks 4 pairs 71% premium with Arch support Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CCRK8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FFRGXFE5Q5X7RA7ZJ1DF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 these are what I recommend. I have pairs from my first year in fire 6 seasons ago that are still going strong. Doesn’t hurt the wallet as much and you won’t cry if you lose a pair or two.
Been wearing Fox River for years and they last .....for years.
They have just the right level of compression around the calf and foot that is somewhat massage-like.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5F25M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_5WSJVZM365WM52S6HE2E?psc=1
Couple Helpful Tips:
Most commercial brands aren’t all that tight, so you’re not going to be uncomfortable like a pair of medical grade socks may cause.
Wash them inside out. This prevents lint balls from forming in the corners and hurting your toes.
Amazon link for the kind I prefer.
Just to add to this - I got the dexshell socks because that's what the internet reviews told me were best. They don't work. They also don't do anything to keep your feet warm.
Also FWIW most overshoes are water resistant not waterproof. A good pair of wool socks + overshoes can keep you warmish, just not that dry.
I bought some thick wool socks from amazon, you might have some luck there.
Also, mfa often recommends these:
Have you tried Dickies Dri-tech socks? They are fantastic for the price and extremely hard to wear out.
Dickies Men's Multi-Pack Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks, Black (6 Pair), Shoe Size: 12-15 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008M5S09S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_We1bEbS49789K
Last year i bought these waterproof socks. 3' to 6' of Michigan snow and only wearing cheap tennis shoes. Some times foot warmers on the shoes, but my feet never became wet. in the long run i can buy any pair of shoes i want and not have to fork out $170 for high end waterproof shoes that might last a season.https://www.amazon.com/RANDY-SUN-Waterproof-Crosspoint-Breathable/dp/B01BZNQEXM/ref=sxin_2_ac_m_pm?ac_md=2-1-QWJvdmUgJDI1-ac_d_pm&keywords=waterproof+socks&pd_rd_i=B01BZNQEXM&pd_rd_r=748d1371-594d-4bae-9dba-2204ec3d905f&pd_rd_w=77q...
Size 15 here. I like these. Dickies Men's Multi-Pack Dri-Tech Moisture Control Crew Socks, Black 6 Pack 6 Pack, Sock Size: 13-15/Shoe Size: 12-15 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008M5S09S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_L5Qsmuebzy3HL
I bought a bunch of these before a hiking trip to NZ and have been wearing them exclusively all winter. They’re amazingly warm and have just enough cushion to make walking around fairly comfortable for long periods of time. I’ve worn them mostly in sneakers, but they’re comfortable in hiking boots and probably shoes as well, albeit they’re a bit thick and they may not fit.
I haven’t gotten (or at least haven’t noticed) them wet, so I can’t speak to that aspect. But at $15 per pair after foreign exchange and shipping, it’s not a huge sink if you’re ultimately not happy with them.
4pairs Merino Wool Socks Heather Charcoal Black Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CCRK8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bZNhBbWG05V38
Edit: I see you’re after ankle / quarters. If you search for the same brand on amazon, you’ll find shorter heights.
I've had these for 5 years and they work well with my Ariat boots with a tight fit because they suck up under the arches.
https://www.amazon.com/OMNIWOOL-Multi-Sport-Hiker-Socks-3-Pair/dp/B00D8W9K4O
I disagree I have run 4 in vibrams and loved it (but i hate wearing shoes & have really touch feet). I did wear socks because little rocks get inside and chafe (that's when I would run regularly so I wasn't risking running 12 mi with rocks rubbing on my foot). Not sure if you have any toe socks but Injinji makes the ones I wear.
Merino. Effin'. Wool.
People socks, in particular, seem to be the best deal running. I bought a bunch of 'em and they held up really nicely over a three month trip mostly spent in Keens. Wore 'em a couple days in a row, no problem, no stink.
They're absurdly comfortable, warm in the cold and reasonably cool in the heat. I can't say enough about 'em.
Also, put your dirty and clean laundry in separate bags.
Another question (sorry, this is my first time hiking for more than a day-trip.) I purchased some waterproof socks and planned on wearing these with my trail runners that I usually hike with. Do you think this will be sufficient, along with some smartwool socks if it gets cold? https://www.amazon.com/Dexshell-Hytherm-Waterproof-Socks-Small/dp/B00ISBWPSS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1481049810&sr=8-9&keywords=waterproof+socks
+1 for people socks. $26 dollars right now on amazon and I just snagged my second set.
I'm leaning towards the super breathable quick drying trail runners after doing more research but I do think it would be nice to have a pair of waterproof socks for when it rains and for after river crossings where I wouldn't wear socks and the waterproof sock would protect my wool sock from my wet shoe. These ones on amazon have pretty solid reviews: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BZNQEXM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A30P12WY6PFV27
Forget about your worries and your strifes! Been forever since I saw that... I always need socks - gotta take care of your feet or they won't take care of you.
Yeah I figured they crinkle up like that when they get old. I'd probably stick with some nice wool hiking socks to fill the empty space instead. I like these
I have been wearing these, People Socks for awhile now, and I will never go back. I love 'em. It's summer in Oklahoma and my feet are always comfy in them.
Was there last summer. My entire platoon wore coyote brown. Nothing was ever said about sock color, but that's probably because everyone wore the coyote. I would not bring the green, sorry. Eat the cost and save them for tbs.
These can arrive to your home in 2 days.
Darn Tough Vermont Men's Merino Wool Micro-Crew Light Cushion Hiking are my new favorites, but for a budget option I also like these: http://www.amazon.com/4pairs-Socks-2pairs-X1pair-Mixed/dp/B009Y9QCCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456522331&sr=8-1&keywords=people+socks
I have some darn tough's as well and they are clearly better, but the people socks aren't bad at all for how cheap they can be acquired.
If you're looking for wool socks specifically, the CostCo wool socks are recommended a lot—good quality for the price
I've been hiking in People Socks. They don't have the lifetime warranty of Darn Toughs but they do a great job, dry out quickly, no blisters, and don't cost much. They also come in 1/4 length and a 2 pack if you don't want 4.