I used to think that wool socks had to be bulky and uncomfortable. When I was growing up we would backpack in the Colorado Rockies every summer. We would pack in and camp, often for a week or two at a time, in lovely alpine spots by a lake or stream. These were the days of John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" and when backpacking was the new rage. The hiking stores that sold freeze-dried food packets (like the astronauts ate) and hiking boots were a new thing. They also sold thick wool socks to wear with your hiking boots. These one-size-fits-all socks were supposed to wick the moisture away from your skin and keep you from getting blisters. All the socks I had worn until then were synthetic or cotton and came from Roses discount store or Leggett department store. We put the scratchy, uncomfortable socks on under our boots and trudged around in them. The part about not getting blisters was not true.Now, I am happy to say, I have been educated. I can say that, yes, wool socks are the best winter footwear I have. If I notice on a winter day that my feet are cold, I switch to some soft, knit-to-fit wool socks and my feet are instantly toasty warm. Even on frigid, five degrees F days like today.
Even lacy socks like this are warmer than my store bought socks.
I am still building my wool sock selection, as I would like to wear them every day in the winter.
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