Socks for boots

Short answer: The cuff must reach higher than the boot rim. That is the only requirement that really matters, and it is also the one most people overlook.

The only requirement that matters

When you choose socks for boots there is a lot to think about, but one requirement outweighs the rest. The cuff must reach higher than the boot rim. Everything else is fine tuning. Most people overlook it because they buy socks to suit their shoes rather than their boots, and then it goes wrong on the first day.

Why the height is decisive

A boot rim of leather or rubber that sits directly against the skin rubs with every step. After a day there is a red stripe, and after two there is a blister. A sock that reaches higher removes the problem entirely, because the rim now touches fabric instead of skin. It is a simple fix for a problem that can otherwise be very irritating.

How high the cuff should go

The cuff should reach at least five centimetres above the boot rim. That gives a margin so the sock does not slip below the rim when you move. Measure the height of the boot, or put on a sock with the boot over it and see where the rim lands. Then you know if the cuff is high enough. See bamboo socks for men.

Leather and rubber

Leather is stiff and rubs when it moves against the skin, and rubber grips and pulls at the skin. Both cause friction, but in different ways. Whichever the material, the solution is the same, namely a sock that reaches higher than the rim and puts a soft layer in between. Also see bamboo socks for women.

The thickness

Choose the thickness by how much room there is in the boot. A thick sock gives more warmth but also takes up more space. If there is plenty of room, you can safely choose a slightly thicker sock. If not, a thin sock is better. Try the sock and boot together before you decide, so you feel how they sit.

When the boot is narrow

If the boot is narrow, a thick sock makes it tighter and the foot colder. That sounds odd, but a narrow boot squeezes the foot, and the air that would otherwise insulate disappears. A thin sock in a narrow boot is almost always better than a thick sock that presses the foot together and takes the room.

Moisture in rubber boots

Rubber boots let no air out. The foot sweats, and the moisture has nowhere to go, so it stays in the boot and in the sock. A sock in bamboo viscose moves the moisture away from the skin so the foot does not get cold. That makes a clear difference on a long day in rubber boots. See bamboo compression stockings.

Two pairs of socks

Two pairs of socks are only a good idea if there is room. Otherwise the foot gets colder, because the layers are pressed together. If the boot has plenty of space, a thin pair underneath and a tall pair on top can work. If you are unsure, choose one pair that suits the boot rather than two that fight for room.

Letting them dry

Let the boots dry between wears, especially rubber boots. Take out the insole if there is one, so the boot can air through. The moisture from the foot otherwise stays in the boot until next time, and you start the day with a cold, damp shoe. Rotate between two pairs of boots if you wear them every day.