Socks

[Bigfiveo]

Do they really make a difference? Meaning are there some that are more comfortable than
regular sweat socks?

[Safety Steve]

Yes they do. I wear some long 5.11 socks. They stay up over the calf the entire shift. i recently bought some socks at Academy and they wick away moisture like a running sock and stay up over the calf the entire shift. IMO, the old white cotton sock gets wet and stays wet and will not stay up over the calf. you will constantly have to stop and pull them up.


Be Safe.

[G35 Mass]

A second vote for 5.11 socks.

[Bigfiveo]

Thanks guys

[Switchback]

I have some 5.11s and they are pretty good socks. Whether we are talking on or off-duty, I wear only the"high-tech" stuff, such as smart-wool and moisture wicking. I learned a long time ago to take care of my feet and doing so has never done me wrong.

[Samuel]

IME, socks Do make a difference. Also check out Wigwam...

[marinepilot]

Hmm, good replies all. I've never thought about it before, not as a LEO and not even in the military. I have always worn two pairs of socks, first pair closest to my feet has always been the standard cotton white tube sock. Over that I wear another pair of cotton socks usually in the required color for my uniform. (In the Corps I wore green socks, and now I wear black socks.) Granted my feet don't usually get wet or that cold (living in Florida after all!), but I've always found that combo to do the best.

Usually the white tube socks I get are very long, well over the calf and have no problems staying up. When they don't they become garbage 'cause I can't handle "quitter" socks!! They also seem to help hold up the cheaper colored socks (which are usually crew socks with a heel done in them). Right now, tho, 'cause I wear a uniform where the shirt is tucked in, I don't have ANY problem keeping my socks up 'cause I wear shirt-sock suspenders to keep my shirt tucked in nicely all shift.

[G35 Mass]

I too wear two pairs. Inner pair are "sock liners" by REI. They're very thin. Outer pair are the 5.11. This helps eliminate blisters, because the only friction is between the two pairs of socks.

[Switchback]

Yeah, I have worn sock liners for long marches, hikes, insertions (particularly if the boots I am wearing are not completely broken-in). Usually, these days, a single layer of good socks do the job very well. I have several brands that I get here and there, to include Wigams. Some are short, ankle-height crews and some others over the calf. I have to say, I am not a big fan of over the calf socks, though.

[G35 Mass]

I have to say, I am not a big fan of over the calf socks, though.

I can never get them to stay up. They always slide back down on me. I just end up getting the short ones that barely come up over the top of the boot.

Wigam is a good brand, especially for the cold weather stuff. I just find that they can have some uncomfortable seams at the toe whereas the 5.11 are seamless.

[McNulty]

I take it that you guys who are complaining about socks not staying up aren't wearing shirt stays?

[Switchback]

I could never do it, McNulty. First of all, I am usually in jeans and a t-shirt (or sweatshirt). More importantly, wearing those things would totally kill my affinity for women wearing garters!

[retdetsgt]

Hell, I'm happy if my socks match....

[marinepilot]

Hell, I'm happy if my socks match....

No wonder you always use that as your example of a "mistake!!"

[Safety Steve]

You just have to spend a little more time and money to get exactly what you want. I cant run more than 3 miles in cotton socks as they give me blisters. I also cant run in cheap running shorts as they chaff the inside of my legs. I believe everyone is different in what they want and need and you just have to keep looking and trying things till you find what works for you.

The other socks I wear are dry-fit by Nike and they are over the calf socks that actually stay up better than the 5.11's.



Be Safe.