I have worked in Afghanistan and now I'm in Iraq. The temp gets to about 140 degrees F. I bought a pair of Asolo FSN 95 GTX boots and now I'm looking for socks. Can anyone please recommend a sock for this extreme temp??

I salute you my man for helping those countries out!

“The temp gets to about 140 degrees F. I bought a pair of Asolo FSN 95 GTX boots and now I'm looking for socks. Can anyone please recommend a sock for this extreme temp?”

Not cotton. They get sweaty wet and stay wet. And then the fungus grows and stays.
I would suggest thin coolmax socks. There are several brands that use this material. It will probably only last a year, but at least the feet perform better.
I use black socks from JCPenney. In bulk, I pay about $2/pair. I can’t find a web example but they’re similar to this but black:
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=53006&CatID=53071&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=18cbadf&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=53006%7c53015%7c53068&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=11&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=53006|53015|53068|53071
(ouch, long link).

However, GTX boots and 140F do not get along at all. I’m suffocating just thinking about it. There’s a reason a lot of the locals wear sandals around there.

Personally, I would wear sandals w/ socks. The socks wick the sweat quickly away (especially the underside) and minimizes sand burns.

Good luck on your feet endeavor,
-Barry

stay away from goretex, it doesn't breathe much. Sandals or mesh running shoes are the way to go.

The reason I bought the Asolo boots is that I read a recommendation at another forum and they were listed just after the Marines boot. But, I didn't want a high ankle boot. I can't wear sandals, because I use these boots for work. I've researched Lorpen & Patagonia socks, but I figured I'd ask folks who've got more experience than me.

Cheers.

You could try deFeet Aireators. These are widely available (in the U.S. that is), including REI and many cycling shops.

Coolmax with an open weave on top of the foot. Not much padding though. Very durable, too.

I mostly use mine for cycling, but would use them for hiking if it was as hot as where you are! Also, I think this is what Andrew Skurka uses and his feet must take a beating, so there's a kind of endorsement.

I would also trade out the GTX boots if possible. Your feet will breathe better with a leather boot w/o GTX (if you need a stout boot) or better still in a fabric/leather combo.

Edited by saparisor on 04/25/2010 12:42:55 MDT.

I have the wright coolmax socks, I just don't know if they have boot sized socks. I know REI has a bunch of different kinds of coolmax. BTW, that tank monstrosity behind you is SICK looking. Be safe out there. Thank you!!!!!!!

DeFeet Wool-E-Ators. These are similar to the ones mentioned above, but are merino wool instead of synthetic. Result: they don't smell!
They are about as thin as it's possible to make merino durably and actually include "mesh" sections of very, very thin merino with a few thicker threads every so often to hold it together (a bit like ripstop).
I wore them when cycling through Italy in July and August last year. Really freaking hot out, but my feet stayed cool, comfy and didn't smell! They're a touch more expensive than synthetic socks but very worth it.

I wouldn't have gotten the GTX Boots, unless there is a reason besides hiking.

I live in the desert where temps often go above 120F. When I used to wear leather boots, a silk liner sock under a light merino wool sock worked best for me.