Sweaty feet - cotton or wool

[Boddie]

I have tried numerous boots but always seem to end up with sweaty feet , even with insoles. I am looking for some guidance on socks. Are cotton or woolen socks better employed to eliminate sweat or in essence to absorb it. I guess sweat is natural but I am told that wool has a 'wicking' effect. I don't particularly suffer from hot feet but its the state that it leaves the boots or trainers in that worries me as the bacteria can cause an adverse effect to their struture.

Does anyone have any advice?

Cheers

Boddie

[Rich_]

I have heard that you are better wearing man made fibres next to your skin as it doesn't hold moisture, like say cotton.
The inside of a waterproof jacket stops condensation building up inside by allowing sweat and condensation to evaporate through the inner layer, and they are usually manmade fibre . whether this would work with socks i'm not sure.

[Helen]

For me, there is nothing better than "natural" fibres. How come, in the tropics etc, cotton is a very popular material?

When I lived in Swaziland, people wore cotton, cotton socks/shorts/shirts etc.

Cotton and wool are the best, IMHO. As for socks, go for cotton! Not "cotton rich"

[nightshade]

I have used cotton and silk inner socks with wool outer,as you say the inner has a wicking effect the wool allows air to circulate result dryer feet
Having said that my dear old mother always buys me thermal indestructable
socks which do a reasonable job in the winter
hello Rich, welcome put your slippers on

[Pat]

You know what, I've never worn socks I've always thought that they restrict the circulation, even in the freezing cold. My late husband told me once he had a friend when he was in the army who refused to wear socks and he was the only soldier he knew that never suffered with blisters or cold feet and that was wearing army boots!

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Pat

You know what, I've never worn socks I've always thought that they restrict the circulation, even in the freezing cold. My late husband told me once he had a friend when he was in the army who refused to wear socks and he was the only soldier he knew that never suffered with blisters or cold feet and that was wearing army boots!

He must have been ard as nails - takes me back to my RAF beasting days. My feet used to suffer incredibly, even surpassing the pain of my hernia.