Cold Weather?

[A5]

Whats the deal with all of these new socks on the market for cold weather. Anyone tried the seal skin, the gore-tex, or the socks that are supposed to "wick" sweat away from your skin. My feet are always cold in my waders. Just wanted to know if any of you guys have any secrets.

[mudsucker]

I just pee in my waders to warm up

[Johnboy114]

Dont know about the seal skin socks, but the seal skin gloves, well let me put it short. SUCK. I bought a pair 2 years ago and they leaked from day one. Maybe the socks are different though

[Caller1]

what kind of boots do you wear??? Hadn't had cold feet since I was a lil guy. Wear insulated 900-1200 gram waders.

[Law Duck]

I agree with johnboy, the seal skin gloves SUCK! They leaked from the very first day, they were not warm and did not last long. As for the socks, I don't know that the waterproof part would be as important.

[CaptnT]

After much trial and error (I think any seasoned ducker should start off any advise with that line ), I have found several factors aid in keeping the feet warm. I will state the obvious as well as the not-so-obvious:

1) Wear a hat. Alot of folks don't know that one. Your head acts like a radiator and will cool you off if you don't cover up, starting with the extremities.

2) NEVER wear cotton socks, or clothes for that matter, next to your bare skin. Cotton absorbs persperation and when you become inactive will turn cold. You would be surprised how much your feet sweat, even in cold temps. Polyester, wool, polypropolyne, and other synthetics wick moisture away. Wool insulates even when wet. Your outer layer can be cotton to absorb the moisture and help insulate. I have found a pair of knit "dress socks" worn next to the skin with a couple pair of thick socks works well. I really like the old wool socks (not the new blends) found at army surplus outlets. They are getting harder to find, though.

3) Make sure whatever you wear is not too tight. Believe it or not when foot space is an issue, less can be more. If you can't wiggle your toes, your feet will not be warm.

4) Quit smoking. Proven fact smoking effects your circulation. I don't know about dipping

5) If you can find inserts for your waders, they are DEFINITELY worth the investment. I am reffering to the type found in most neoprene waders. I always keep the ones from old waders to switch out if mine get wet.

Your results may vary

[crow]

Thin pair of polypropylene sock liners, then either good quality wool, or polypropylene fleece socks. I wear all polypropylene in sock wear and have not had cold feet in years. Don't skimp on your socks! Do not wear two pairs of thick socks and crowd up your toes!

[privb9121]

I've used seal skin's and they are no better than any other neoprene sock. I've always had cold feet.....too bad I didn't get them before I got married...I'm sure that I'd be better off... HAHA. I used to have the cotton sock blues and got wise real quick. One good pair of wool socks, and or a wool blend is more than enough. You can also use a thigh high (yeah I know most of you only wear these on weekends) but they actually work as under sock treatments. So hope that I helped.

[jdbuckshot]

i have tried all this stuff, and my feet never get cold down here, but i hunt up north sometimes where its cold and the water is like FREEZING, and it just sucks the warmth out of your waders?