Damp feet in wellington boots, what the sock can do

Short answer: Rubber boots let no moisture out, so sweat stays inside the boot. A sock that absorbs and moves moisture makes a noticeable difference on a long day in the garden, in the stable or at work.

Rubber traps the moisture

The advantage of a rubber boot is that water from outside cannot get in. The drawback is that sweat from inside cannot get out either. So the sock has to do the work, and this is where the material matters. A style from the socks for women in bamboo viscose absorbs moisture from the skin, so the foot feels drier for longer.

Why the foot gets damp so quickly

A foot sweats all day, even when you do not notice it. In an ordinary shoe, some of the moisture escapes through the material, but in a rubber boot it stays inside. After a few hours the air in the boot is saturated, and the moisture collects in the sock. The better the sock absorbs and spreads it, the longer the comfort lasts.

Choose a sock with some body

There is usually plenty of room in a rubber boot. A sock with a little more fabric absorbs more moisture and cushions the foot against the hard boot at the same time. Browse the styles in socks for men and women, and choose a length that reaches above the top of the boot, so the edge does not rub bare skin.

Change during long days

After four to five hours the sock is usually saturated, and then the material cannot help much more. A dry pair of socks for men in your bag is the simplest solution when the day is long. The change takes a minute and makes a clear difference in comfort for the rest of the day, in the garden or at work.

Two pairs can make sense

If there is plenty of room in the boot, two pairs can be an advantage. The inner pair moves moisture away from the skin, and the outer pair absorbs it and holds the warmth. Just make sure the foot is not squeezed. A foot that is pressed gets cold and tired faster, and then the benefit of the extra pair is lost.

Dry the boots between uses

A rubber boot dries slowly inside, because rubber does not breathe. Turn the boots upside down so the moisture can run out, or use a boot dryer. Take out any insoles. Do not place them next to direct heat like a radiator, as the rubber can be damaged. If the boots are dry the next morning, the foot starts the day dry too.

Wash the socks properly

Socks from rubber boots have worked hard and should be washed after every wear. Wash them at 40 degrees with ordinary detergent and no fabric softener, which coats the fibres and makes them worse at absorbing moisture. Let them air dry. That way they keep their ability to move moisture and are ready for the next day in boots.

Frequently asked questions

Does it help to wear two pairs

Yes, if there is room in the boot. The inner pair moves moisture away from the skin and the outer one absorbs it, but the foot must not be squeezed by the two layers.

How do I dry rubber boots

Turn them upside down or use a boot dryer, and take out any insoles. Do not place them next to direct heat, because the rubber can be damaged by it.

Can bamboo socks be worn all day in boots

Yes, but a change in the middle of the day makes a noticeable difference in comfort, because after a few hours the sock is saturated and cannot absorb more.