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Evening all, I’ve recently started running and have really been enjoying getting out onto the trails around the Peak District.
I don’t think there’s a solution to keep my feet dry so I’m just looking for something to keep them warm and comfortable when things get wet and boggy.
My trail running shoes aren’t waterproof but I’ve got a pair of sealskinz socks. Is that as good as it’s going to get? Some people tend to rave about merino wool socks?
For trail running and fell running waterproof shoes are what you don't want since the water simply won't get out and it will just be extra weight on your feet.
At this time of year SealSkinz are probably as good as you are going to get. I've run through slush and snow with them and had comfortable feet. For warmer days I'd just use whatever socks don't rub when wet. The biggest problem isn't water but the bits of grit, etc. that it carries and that get embedded in your socks and then feet.
Merino socks are what work for me. Feet still warm after 4 hours of running through bogs and streams and the socks remain in place rather than bunching up so I don't get blisters either.
I have friends who do fell-running and they swear by Sealskinz. Advice on this forum has also suggested the cuff part of a rubber glove around the top of the Sealskinz, to try to prevent water running down the leg and inside the Sealskinz. My approach for biking was football socks over the top of the Sealskinz, for a similar (if slightly less effective) solution.
I can recommend Running Bear wool socks. Three for about £12. Shop in Alderly Edge if that's nearby. Forget about trying to keep feet dry. It's about keeping them warm which is where wool comes in.
I run around the fields by me which can get pretty water logged in winter and I find goretex running shoes get water in and won't let it out and found sealskins gave me blisters. Inov8 merino socks the best for me, warm when wet and even in the height of summer still comfy.
Kalenji thicks and my regular shoes do me. Wet and warm.
Last thing I'd want to run in would be sealskins
Gore Tex shoes never worked for me for reasons above.
I've found Sealskinz crap for winter biking (feet get very cold) but great for off-road running in winter.
EDIT: Should say I've never had issues with blisters, but my runs are generally only 40-60 min long and the socks/shoes both fit my feet well
Thanks guys. I reckon I’ll give the merino a shot. Funnily enough Alderley Edge isn’t far at all from me @mrsheen
Learn to love wet feet. Or at least not loathe it. Even with sealskinz you'll get wet eventually but your feet will be warmer.
There is no solution, all "waterproof" running shoes are sweatboxes..
Let your feet get wet, and breath, then dry them off properly after your run and use a good quality foot powder to take the moisture out.
Also not all shoes are equal when it comes to drying out after a stream crossing - the Altra Peaks I had were absolutely useless, you'd still be squelching 30 min after a crossing. By contrast the Innov8's I have now are excellent. If / when it gets snowy gaiters are great for keeping the worst out.
And as mentioned by loads of other people - forget GoreTex running shoes. Stupid idea.
Neoprene socks can be good if it is really cold and wet. Much more effective than Sealskinz in my experience.
I can recommend Running Bear wool socks. Three for about £12. Shop in Alderly Edge if that’s nearby
Are they still going? I still have about 6 pairs of running bear socks - they're the perfect liner sock if you're wearing 2 pairs to help prevent blisters; never found running socks like them anywhere else! They do shrink a bit in the wash mind...
BAM clothing . Great running socks. I'm not a sufferer of cold feet though on trail runs. I wear Walsh trainers.