Socks do more damage to a day than most people credit. Boots that fit perfectly still blister in the wrong sock, and cold feet in a high seat end the sit early.
Weight for the job
A midweight merino sock — Harkila's All Season Wool II, the Meindl MT merino or the Trapper Master midweight — covers most of the stalking year. Static work asks for more: Deerhunter's Rusky thermo socks come in 25cm and 45cm lengths, and the longer version earns its keep when you are sitting with the wind on your shins. Harkila's Expedition sock, in standard and long, is the heavyweight option.
Liners, waterproof socks and fit
A Coolmax liner worn under a wool sock cuts the friction that actually causes blisters. Waterproof socks are for wet ground in a non-waterproof boot, or for a boot whose membrane has given up. Whichever you choose, try it with the boots you actually wear — a thick sock in a boot fitted around a thin one will cost you more than a cold foot ever did.
Breeks and garters
Long shooting socks worn with breeks need garters to stay up; Bisley sell them in sets of four. Jack Pyke's Harlequin sock comes with a garter included.
See also Harkila socks, base layers and footwear and accessories.
