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looking after what you've got

cuttin edge

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2014
Messages
2,691
Location
NB Canada
Occupation
Finish grader operator
I'm not talking machinery. I've seen discussions about workboots, but what about socks? I buy boots every 2 or 3 years. The smell is always the killer. I've tried all the regular stuff, odor eaters, powders, sprays..... I once payed $50 bucks for a pair of moisture wicking socks. they worked until you washed them. My father used to wear the old grey wool work socks with a thin sock under them. I have heard guys say two pair of socks are the way to go. Any thoughts?
 

cuttin edge

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2014
Messages
2,691
Location
NB Canada
Occupation
Finish grader operator
First thought that comes to mind is How in the wide world of sports do you get a pair of boots to last 3 years!!!!!!!

I have tried the grey wool and like em' but found you need to upsize the boot a bit.
My season only lasts from the middle of May until the end of November. Anytime after that the skidoo boots come out
 

Don.S

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2016
Messages
397
Location
Montreal Canada
I get a year out of my boots. I only use them in the winter when in the shop or driving stuff other then that its winter boots. Get a new pair in the fall and mink oil them to help with the salt and water over the winter then in the spring i oil them again to help with the cement dust. Last year i got a boot dryer for Christmas from the wife and it changed my life. Putting on dry boots every morning makes life somewhat better.
Also i boots use to stink but i tried dehydral on my feet for a while and they dont smell anymore but did nothing for the wetness.
 
Last edited:

Junkyard

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2016
Messages
3,621
Location
Claremore, OK
Occupation
Field Mechanic
Keeping them dry helps a bunch, having an extra pair to rotate between the two also seems to help. I’m close to 3 years on one pair of Thorogoods but they’re getting close to needing some stitching replaced and could use a re-sole. I keep mine oiled up and try to keep the crud off of them so the stitches don’t rot etc.

In my backpacking days we used a very light moisture wicking sock and good ole wool over them. I’ve tried many socks. The ones that lasted the longest, to the point there wasn’t any elastic left, were New Balance. Expensive but I never wore a single heel out of them. They wick moisture well. I’ve got some NB socks that are older than my boys! My second favorite are from Walmart but I don’t see them all the time. They’re a Russell brand Dri Power 360. Fit awesome, reasonable price but the heels only make it about 9-12 months.

Haven’t had much in the way of odor issues but in the summer there’s a powder I like to use to help with hot spots, maybe that’s part of it? Also I change my inserts often and give things a chance to air out as much as I can.
 

cuttin edge

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2014
Messages
2,691
Location
NB Canada
Occupation
Finish grader operator
Keeping them dry helps a bunch, having an extra pair to rotate between the two also seems to help. I’m close to 3 years on one pair of Thorogoods but they’re getting close to needing some stitching replaced and could use a re-sole. I keep mine oiled up and try to keep the crud off of them so the stitches don’t rot etc.

In my backpacking days we used a very light moisture wicking sock and good ole wool over them. I’ve tried many socks. The ones that lasted the longest, to the point there wasn’t any elastic left, were New Balance. Expensive but I never wore a single heel out of them. They wick moisture well. I’ve got some NB socks that are older than my boys! My second favorite are from Walmart but I don’t see them all the time. They’re a Russell brand Dri Power 360. Fit awesome, reasonable price but the heels only make it about 9-12 months.

Haven’t had much in the way of odor issues but in the summer there’s a powder I like to use to help with hot spots, maybe that’s part of it? Also I change my inserts often and give things a chance to air out as much as I can.
the powder does nothing for my feet, but I used to use corn starch for chaffing (not on my feet) on the real hot days. Once I switched to boxers, never had an issue. I do have a boot dryer, but never considered using it that way. Mostly used it in winter or rain days.
 

wornout wrench

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2012
Messages
740
Location
canada
I wore a pair of wigwam sock liners and a pair of good wool socks every day of the year. I got the highest wool content I could find, tried for at least 90%. They would wear out faster but were good.
Clean socks every day and the boot drier.
I wore Redwing boots and would treat with their treatment. I bought the lined with gortex. I would take the toes off if I didn't put a toe cap or something on and the best I could do was 2 years, but they got worn every work day.
 

check

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
800
Location
in the mail
I have always had stinky sweaty feet. As stated by others: WOOL. Wool socks take 3 times as long to get stinky compared to cotton/polyester. Own several pairs of boots so they have plenty of time to dry out.
 

DMiller

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
16,427
Location
Hermann, Missouri
Occupation
Cheap "old" Geezer
My feet sweat like they were meant to leak water for irrigation, boots lasted about 1-1 1/2 years at the power station, sometimes the Radiation Protection group would see the company bought me a new pair when picked up a 'Particle' too hot and too imbedded to get off them. Smell was key, they started stinking off to new and leave those for feed lot use or around the farm beaters. Also have Muck boots for wet weather or wet work, they last around three years before start to leak. Wear a sock labeled Wells Lamont, do not know where made but last good long time and can be bleached once in awhile to kill the stink microbes.
 

Fletcher

Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2018
Messages
22
Location
Ontario
I used bama’s in my boots in the winter. These were rubber chainsaw boots but they work equally well in a work boot. You need to size up accordingly. Dry them every night and was them regularly. And use clean socks every day.
 

NepeanGC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2017
Messages
203
Location
Ottawa, Ontario
Occupation
#dirtherder
I typically get a 1.5-2 years out of a set of boots. Typically I wear the soles off them before they fall apart. I switched to a Royer composite boot a year and a half ago for lightness - best decision ever. I try and clean my boots once every couple of months and hit them with the waterproofer. Seems to keep the leather from drying out.

For socks the best I found for me is actually from Costco - Merino wool blend. They seem to last and not reek. In the winter I'll use a thin synthetic liner sock under the merino for warmth.

Tip for anyone washing synthetic materials - avoid fabric softener, and use vinegar as well as your usual detergent . I use about a cup of vinegar per load of laundry, my synthetic fabrics never stink. Been doing that for about 15 years now with good results.
 

DMiller

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
16,427
Location
Hermann, Missouri
Occupation
Cheap "old" Geezer
You want Stink, we had to wear Fire Retardant Clothing for electrical work at the Nuke, still have some of them I use for Grease clothes. Whatever the hell they treat these with stinks like skunk after just a few hours of Sweating Profusely, T and button up shirts were horrible, at least the jeans would wash down some. Also NO Fabric Softeners allowed(uses mineral oils).
 

673moto

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
319
Location
NorCal
Occupation
Slacker
I’ve heard leather work boots shouldn’t be worn day after day... it’s better to have 2 pairs and rotate them.
Best I’ve managed is 2 years from Thorogood.
Looking to get a pair of whites or nicks soon... heard they are the best
 

Bluox

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2010
Messages
1,960
Location
WA state
I’ve heard leather work boots shouldn’t be worn day after day... it’s better to have 2 pairs and rotate them.
Best I’ve managed is 2 years from Thorogood.
Looking to get a pair of whites or nicks soon... heard they are the best
Been wearing Whites about 45 years and they are about like every thing else price way up a some quality issues .
My son ordered a pair 4 years ago and sent them back 2 times before they sent a new pair that were better.
I will say their customer service was second to none.
I usually kept 3 pair when I worked every day.
They have a rebuild program where they rebuild your shoes for 200 bucks and the only part kept was the uppers.
Bob
 

Tones

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2009
Messages
3,059
Location
Ubique
Occupation
Ex land clearing contractor, part-time retired
I wear a 85% wool blend socks summer and winter and my feet don't stink, keep warmer in winter cooler in summer. I get about 5 years out of them. The company that makes also makes socks with a wool, possum fur, synthetic blend Anything 100% synthetic doesn't absorb sweat which makes my feet stink and my feet cold in winter
 

stinky64

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2017
Messages
860
Location
java center ny
Occupation
big truck wrench/fixer of things
In the words of the late, great Frank Zappa "My python boot was too tight, couldn't get it off last night, a week went by, now it's July finally got it off and my girlfriend cried, she said you got STINKFOOT"......boot rotation, clean socks and the boot dryer have always helped me to avoid stinkfoot.. On another note, if your dogs hurt every morning when you crawl out of bed and you don't want to spring for expensive orthotics try the "as seen on tv"walkfit inserts, paid about $20 on amazon for a pair and they cured the plantar fascitis that had been haunting me for over a year, they take a couple of break in sessions to get used to but saved me a trip to the foot doc..I now have them in all my work boots and morning pain is gone....
 
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