best winter socks?

Kyle – few thoughts. First I dont think that there's a single best answer. Look for high density expedition wght wool – Smart Wool is a good place to start.

Second – warm feet depend on several things…socks are just part of the equation. Variables include:

Circulation – makes sure that your footwear can easily accomadate the insultation that you add without constricting your feet at all. Part of the solution may include sizing your shoes up

Dryness – strategies to help keep the insulation dry; 1) use anti-perspirant on your feet 2) in temps below +/- 20d use vapor barriers over a thin liner with thick socks over both (search this site for "vapor barrier" and you'll get more info than you ever wanted). 3) use gaiters religiously in snow / mud

Hydration – it's important to keep the blood moving through all those little capillaries – keeping yourself hydrated helps

Eat – frequently.

Exercise – move when cold. This means really walking – hopping from foot to foot in one place has never worked for me at least.

I just want to second Jack's thoughts and reiterate the circulation comment, a very large percentage of the time we find people complaining about cold feet there boots are too tight. I see this at the x-country ski area where I coach all winter long. Stuffing higher loft or thicker socks or combinations into your boots is not going to work.

I agree with the previous posts and add the following, still on the topic of circulation but from a different angle.

Don't forget to keep your torso warm enough. If your body thinks the torso is too cold, it will constrict the blood flow to your hands and feet to preserve warmth where the vital organs are.

No amount of insulation will add warmth to your feet; only blood flow can bring heat to your feet.

Thanks for the ideas, but is there nothing to do about just cold feet? Even right now sitting in my house my feet are freezing. I just don't get it.

> but is there nothing to do about just cold feet? Even right now sitting in my house my feet are freezing. I just don't get it.
Are you wearing shoes right now? If so, remove and substitute thick socks and see what happens.
Is the rest of your body warm enough? If not, blood will be withdrawn from your feet.
Are you wearing tight trousers? …

Do you just have poor circulation? Check with doctor.

Why are you anaemic? Vegetarian (or vegan)? If so, reconsider.

I'm not sure why I'm anemic. I'm not a vegetarian, and I'm not cold natured. The circulation thing may by my problem as I do have pretty tight fitting shoes and with the added sock girth, I think that is what is causing the problem. All that being said, is the common man okay with just wearing a liner sock and a pair of smartwool?

Yes. You should be warm enough with sock liners and smart wool hikers even in the coldest months.

Based on your comment about too tight of shoes you should rethink the way you where them. (I use to manage at an outdoor shoe retailer).

All shoes fit differently. From low cost to $300 plus shoes most manufacturers cut the toe box, heal, and widths differently. Even the hight at the heal can be different. I can't use merrel shoes even though I love them. My heal pops out. I love Keen because the Tow Box is wide my toes never kick the front. In a pair of work boots I where a size longer than normal and not and tie my laces differently to keep the feet from sliding forward.

Go to a good shoe store and find the manager. They should be able to help you try on and fit different shoes. Then try and get them cheaper some where else. Thanks.