Tropical Day Hiking Socks

Hi-
My wife and I are planning to take several 5-10 mile day hikes in Costa Rica. We will be hiking at a variety of altitudes therefore a variety of temperatures ranging from about 45F to 90+F.

We've chosen light weight gore tex boots, her's are Scarpa zg64 xcr size 38.5 and mine Vasque Breeze XCR size 44.

We would appreciate recommendations for socks from anyone who has hiked the tropics.

Thanks

I've had good luck with these - while not in the "tropics" I do wear them in the heat and humidity of South Central Pennsylvania in the summer - which offers all the disadvantages of the tropics (bugs, humidity, heat) without the advantages (beautiful vistas, interesting animals)

http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/clothing/22152.html

Yes - Rivendell is a bicycle company - they're sort of a company for ludites like myself - people who don't wear lycra or colors that scream "here I am" - I'm sure you can find the same socks elsewhere - and I would have looked for you - but I'm feeling a bit lazy this AM!

Hey Steve, how do those socks fit? I've hiked in my bike socks but they fit tight and my foot suffers. They look really comfortable, though...

TheFluss, you might want to check out some light to medium weight Smartwool or Patagonia socks. I use both and have no complaints. Patagonia socks are usually 60-90% wool where Smartwool normally runs 70-90% wool. Both are very nice. You can probably find the best deals on Smartwools at Sierra Trading Post, www.sierratradingpost.com

I'm located in the "sub" tropics (Orlando, Fl area) and the Thorlo coolmax light hikers work well for me.

"The perfect socks for day hikes in warm or hot weather, Thorlo CoolMax hikers are designed to wick away moisture and keep your feet cool and dry. Lightweight padding in the heel and ball of foot help cushion and prevent irritation. Light padding at the top of foot to protect against lace pressure. Spandex and padding in the arch for a perfect fit."

Dan wrote:"Hey Steve, how do those socks fit? I've hiked in my bike socks but they fit tight and my foot suffers. They look really comfortable, though..."

I know what you mean about biking socks (and shoes) - I used to race and there were times my feet would hurt like a bugger just from swelling due to heat / effort.

These fit well - they're made to be hiking rather than biking socks. I've got a large (13.5/EE) high volume foot and (in the largest size offered) these are great.

I'd love to use synthetic socks - but man howdy - talk about getting rank after a couple days - I (and my tarp partner) don't suffer that fate when I'm wearing wool.

Yeah, Steve, Ed recommended the CoolMax socks but they make my feet smell horrible. I understand about the synthetic material creating a tough situation to bear after a long hike. Don't get me wrong, CoolMax kept my feet cool...but I didn't want to take my shoes off. I have running socks that are thick Ultimax. Is Ultimax the material or the model? Either way, I don't get foot rot with them.

LOL!

Coolmax makes your feet smell when hiking?

I even use these socks when I'm running Florida marathons and I must say, I haven't noticed any odor from my feet.

My armpits and crotch, however, are a different story after 26.2 miles.

That's hilarious! I'm glad I've been in dry climates for the last couple of years. I don't know what I'd do if I were back in humidity...