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February 21, 2012

What are the best socks for the Oxfam Trailwalker?

For those who don't know the Oxfam Trailwalker sees teams of four pit themselves against 100km of Australian bush, aiming to complete the distance within 48 hours, all with the goal of raising funds to help overcome poverty and injustice around the world. Now there is no denying that 100 km is a hell of a long way and will punish the feet, so what are the best socks to do the Oxfam in.  

Okay first things first, socks from K-mart are not going to cut the mustard - period! Unless you want red and blistered feet, experience blister pain like you've never experienced before and perhaps even a few weeks of work then do yourself a favour  and remember you only get what you pay for.  

Here are our thoughts choosing the best socks for the Oxfam Trailwalker.

Tip One:

We recommend you choose a sock containing medium to maximum cushioning, simply because 100 km is a long way and having that amount of cushioning will aide in minimise the impact underfoot and soreness you may feel when walking on bush trails.

Tip Two:

Choose a sock that contains a quality wicking fibre such as Coolmax or Thor-lon, as these wicking fibres help move moisture away from your skin and in doing so prevent blisters from occurring.  

Tip Three:

Give some thought to what your goal's are for the Oxfam. For example if you are a hard-core racer and plan on running vast sections like the infamous British Gurkhas then choose a running sock, however if you're planning on walking it choose a hiking sock.  

Best socks for Oxfam the Oxfam Trailwalker?

 

Thorlo Light Hiking Sock

Upsides:

  • Contains coolmax (will wick moisture away from your feet)
  • Medium cushioning
  • Crew length
  • Good protection and support for the ankle

Downsides:

  • Not as thick as the Thorlo Hiking sock 

Thorlo Hiking Sock with Thor-lon

Upsides:

  • Good wicking properties 
  • Maximum cushioning
  • Crew length
  • Good protection and support for the ankle

Downsides:

  • May be too thick if you don't have much room in your shoe

Smartwool Medium Hiking Sock

  

Upsides:

  • Rugged sock
  • Traditional heavy duty sock  
  • Very good cushioning
  • Crew length
  • Made from NZ Merino wool 
  • Choice of colours

Downsides:

  • May be too thick 
  • No technical wicking fibres

Smartwool PHD Outdoor Sock

  

Upsides:

  • Good moisture management system 
  • Very comfortable   
  • Great fitting  
  • Good ankle / foot support
  • Crew length
  • Made from NZ Merino wool 

Downsides:

  • Only moderate thickness  

Rohner Hiking Sock

  

Upsides:

  • Swiss made
  • Good price point 
  • Good moisture management     
  • Good ankle / foot support 

Downsides:

  • Moisture management good, not great
  • Medium cushioning isn't as thick as the others

  

Wrap Up

All the aforementioned socks are good socks in their own right, but it's important to work out what is important to you. Perhaps the best bit of advice we can give you is buy the socks well before the big day and try them with the shoes you intend to wear. As always if you have any other questions, need some help we are always here to chat.

 

Filed in: Oxfam, Oxfam Trailwalker, Socks for Oxfam
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Comments

Mana - April 5, 2015

Maybe someday she’ll say it. As long as it’s not ovlrey immportant to you then it’s a great marriage. You’re actually a lucky guy. Count your blessings. Thanks. Keep Blogging. Keep Writing.

Kleea - April 4, 2015

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Gus Abou-Issa - January 15, 2015

I am participating the Oxfam in April, can you please tell me where do you find the thorough running and hiking socks.
Many thanks in advance.

Tania Joyce - April 5, 2012

I use the Thorlo thin cushioning walking sock & even after 50km training walks, am blister free!! I love these socks & this site!!
It is also worth looking at the Injinji toe socks as they are great to keep the toes separated with another thinner pair of socks over the top.

Thanks, Tania

admin - April 5, 2012

Hi Tania,

Thanks for your comments. Happy Easter.

Best Regards,

Greg
socksforliving.com team

admin - February 28, 2012

Hi there,

Great question. The biggest difference between the pair, aside from one has Coolmax and the other Thor-lon, is the cushioning. The Thorlo with Thor-Lon is thicker and has the maximum cushioning available and so will provide more comfort underfoot.

The Thorlo with Thor-Lon would be my choice. It is better value for money too.

If you’re walking in a hot climate go the Thorlo Coolmax otherwise stick with the Thor-Lon.

Hope this helps.

All the best.

Josh
Customer Service
socksforliving.com

Anthony - March 20, 2012

I’m doing the Oxfam Trailwalker 100km in April and Tough Mudda in March. I started out using cheap socks when I started training for these events. These were okay when I was only running 5km but once I started to extend to 10+ km run/walks I started to get blisters every time. Using tape on my toes and feet didn’t really work out too well. Once I got a pair of the Thorlo running and hiking socks then I haven’t had any problems since. I don’t need tape now. I just did a 50km training walk on the weekend and despite very sore feet and legs (!) I had no blisters. I’m getting the rest of my team on board! Success in these events depends on how you look after your feet. I can definately recommend these socks for anyone doing these type of events.

admin - March 20, 2012

Hi Anthony,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your new Thorlos. We’re glad they’ve put those nasty blisters behind you! Good luck for your up and coming events.

Best Regards,

Greg
Customer Service Team
www.socksforliving.com

Katherine strover - February 28, 2012

Which do you recommend between the thorlo with coolmax and the thorlo with thorlon?

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