Ok, I聮ll bite聴where in the world did you come up with the wool/cotton combo? And this works? I ask because cotton socks are typically the worst thing to wear for hiking or other outdoor use; they soak up sweat and other moisture, then just rub your skin off. In any event, there are a gazillion new sock options these days, so you need to drag your feet into the 21st sock century.
Bridgedale Trekker Socks
Bridgedale Trekker SocksI will say you聮re not necessarily on the wrong track with the wool underlayer. For a number of years now, sock makers such as SmartWool (www.smartwool.com) have been making socks using Merino wool, which is very soft and also has great water-absorbent qualities. Socks made with this material wick moisture away from your skin, so SmartWool has long claimed that there聮s no need for two sock layers when using their socks. I聮ve taken them at their word, and it does seem to work in preventing blisters.
Still, I typically stick with two layers. I like to wear a thin wicking sock such as Fox River X-Static Liner Socks ($9; www.foxrivermills.com), which have a specialty material incorporated in them to reduce odors. Over those I聮ll add something like a SmartWool Hiking Sock ($17). The liner helps cut friction and keep my feet drier, while the oversock does most of the heavy lifting for cushioning, blister prevention, and climate control.
That said, there are lots of sock makers doing great things. Bridgedale, a British company, imports several excellent socks such as the Trekker ($18; www.bridgedale.com), which combines wool with polypropylene. Thorlo makes a women聮s specific sock called the Lamb聮s Wool Light Hiker for Women ($16; www.thorlo.com), which has a slightly different shape to accommodate the anatomy of a woman聮s foot. And the Teko EcoMerino Wool Ultralight Crew Hiking Socks ($16; www.tekosocks.com) are made with all-recycled or organically raised materials. So you can feel as good about them as you do about your feet!
Check out this year聮s more than 400 must-have gear items, including , in the 2006 Buyer聮s Guide.